A thermosetting composition which comprises (A) an epoxy group-containing modified polyester polymer comprising a structural moiety of (a) a carboxyl group-containing polyester resin having a number average molecular weight of 1,500 to 50,000 and a resin acid value of 2 to 30 mgKOH/g and a structural moiety of a polymer of (b) an epoxy group-containing vinyl monomer, the carboxyl groups and a part of the epoxy groups being bonded in an equivalent ratio of the carboxyl groups in the component (a) to the epoxy groups in the polymer of the component (b) of 0.1 or less, and having an epoxy equivalent weight of 200 to 2,000 g/mol, and (B) a compound having two or more functional groups which are blocked by a vinyl ether, vinyl thioether or heterocyclic group carrying oxygen or sulfur as the heteroatom and having a double bond of the vinyl type. The composition can give cured articles excellent in hardness, chemical resistance, stain resistance, processability, impact resistance, elasticity and weathering resistance and has a good storage stability.

It is generally known that thermosetting compositions are prepared from compounds having carboxyl groups and compounds having reactive functional groups which can form chemical bonds with the carboxyl groups by heating, such as epoxy group, oxazoline group, silanol group, alkoxy silane group, amino group, imino group, isocyanate group, blocked isocyanate group, cyclocarobonate group, vinyl ether group, vinyl thioether group, aminomethylol group, alkylated aminomethylol group, acetal group and ketal group.
As the thermosetting compositions described above, for example, compositions comprising combination of carboxyl groups and epoxy groups have been disclosed in Laid Open Japanese Patent Application Showa 51-114429, Laid Open European Patent Application 29595 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,371,667, 4,650,718, 4,681,811, 4,703,101 and 4,764,430.
The compositions comprising combination of carboxyl groups and oxazoline groups have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,505,297 and Laid Open Japanese Patent Applications Showa 60-88038 and Heisei 2-115238.
The thermosetting compositions give cured products having excellent chemical properties, physical properties and weathering resistance and are widely utilized in the field of coatings, ink, adhesives and molded articles.
However, the reactivity between the carboxyl group and the reactive functional groups is high so that compositions in which compounds having carboxyl groups and compounds having the reactive functional groups exist together have problems that the compositions are gelled during storage and the period suitable for pot life is short.
The compounds comprising carboxyl groups conventionally utilized for thermosetting compositions described above have problems that solubility to generally used organic solvents is low and that compatibility to the compounds having reactive groups, which react with the carboxyl group, is inferior because of the property of the carboxyl group capable of forming strong hydrogen bonds. When the thermosetting compositions are utilized as top coating compositions, there are naturally have problems that preparation of coating composition of high solid content is difficult and that appearance of the finished coat is inferior.
For the purpose of solving these problems, it was proposed that carboxyl group was blocked by converting it to tertiary-butyl ester and the ester was decomposed by heating, and the free carboxyl group was regenerated by elimination of isobutene (Laid Open Japanese Patent Application Heisei 1-104646).
However, there were problems that this method required a high temperature, such as 170-200.degree. C., for the heat decomposition of the tertiary-butyl ester and that pock marks which were made by foaming and degassing of isobutene formed by the decomposition remained on the cured surface of the coating. Thus, this method is not sufficiently satisfactory.
The inventors have already suggested a thermosetting composition comprising a compound having functional groups in which carboxyl groups are blocked with vinyl ethers, and a compound having reactive functional groups which react the functional groups (Laid Open European Patent Application 643112) in order to solve the problems described above. But, a thermosetting composition which gives more excellent paint film having impact resistance, processability and elasticity is needed in some uses.
On the other hand, a polymer of a vinyl monomer such as a (meth) acrylic ester polymer and a styrene polymer, and a polyester resin are nowadays mainly utilized as a polymer of a main material in the thermosetting composition utilized in the field of coatings.
The polymer of the vinyl monomer is generally excellent in hardness, chemical resistance such as alkali resistance and acid resistance, stain resistance to carbon powder, transparency and gloss. Therefore, the polymer of the vinyl monomer is broadly used as polymers for main materials of coating compositions. But, the polymer has defects of brittleness, poor processability and weak impact strength though the polymer has high hardness.
The polyester resin is widely used as polymers for main materials of coating compositions because the polyester resin generally has elasticity and is excellent in processability and transparency. But, the polyester resin has defects that chemical resistance such as acid resistance and stain resistance to various stain substances such as carbon powder, oil ink, rain and foods are inferior.
As the means for overcoming the both defects and making use of both characteristics, it is thought to blend the polymer of vinyl monomer and the polyester resin. But, they have defects that phase separation is caused and that required hardness, chemical resistance and processability are not obtained and simultaneously transparency of the composition is impaired, because the polymer of vinyl monomer and the polyester resin having high molecular weight are poor in compatibility each other.
The present invention has an object to solve the defects relating to storage stability, appearance during coating and preparation of high solid content coating composition, which exist in the conventional thermosetting composition comprising the conventional carboxyl group-containing compound and the compound having reactive functional group which can form chemical bonds with the carboxyl group. The present invention also has an object to provide thermosetting compositions which can give cured products having excellent hardness, chemical resistance and stain resistance originated from the polymer of vinyl monomer, and processability and impact resistance originated from the polyester resin, and further excellent elasticity and can be preferably utilized in the field of, for example, coatings, ink, adhesives and molded articles. Other objects of the invention are to provide methods of coating which use the thermosetting compositions as top coating compositions and can give a paint film having film properties described above and excellent appearance to the finished articles, and to provide coated articles.
Extensive investigations were undertaken by the present inventors in order to develop the thermosetting compositions having the preferable properties described above lead to discoveries that it is preferable to utilize (A) an epoxy group-containing modified polyester polymer produced by a specific process for preparation as the main material and the objects can be achieved by a composition comprising, essentially the polymer (A) and (B) a compound having in the molecule two or more carboxyl groups which are blocked by a specific vinyl ether group, vinyl thioether group or heterocyclic group having vinyl type double bond and oxygen or sulfur as the hetero atom component, and optionally (C) a thermal latent acid catalyst and/or (D) a dispersing component of at least one inorganic oxide sol selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide sol, silica sol, zirconium oxide sol and antimony oxide sol. The present invention was completed on the basis of the discoveries described above.

Thermosetting compositions, methods of coating and coated articles


A needle cap and shield. An needle cap is provided with a continuous expandable shield. The shield is collapsible and thus it is capable of being easily packed and shipped. When released by the user, the shield expands into a fully protective needle shield which provides protection to the user from needle sticks. The shield does not have any voids or open areas, and is thus fully protective to the user. Also, in one embodiment, a flat edge segment is furnished; this flat edge enables the cap and shield, or a recapped syringe with cap and shield, to be securely positioned on a flat surface without danger of rolling away.

A continuing demand exists for a simple, fully protective, and inexpensive cap and shield which can be used to reduce or eliminate needle sticks to medical personnel. Presently, medical personnel are at risk during the re-capping of a needle during use or prior to disposal. The need to reduce this risk is particularly great at this time due to the increasing threat to medical personnel of the fatal blood born disease, the AIDS or HIV virus. In addition, well known diseases such as hepatitis B or non-A non-B hepatitis continue to be a major source of occupational disease amongst medical personnel. Therefore, the need exists to provide better protection to those exposed to such risks than may be provided by devices currently available.
More specifically, an urgent need exists to produce an inexpensive, easily stored protective device which enables a needle to be recapped with minimal risk to medical personnel.
Many caps, shields, or other protective devices of the character described above which provide the general capabilities desired have heretofore been proposed. Those of which we are aware are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,972,991, issued Feb. 28, 1961 to Burke for DISPOSABLE SYRINGE; 3,021,942 issued Feb. 20, 1962 to Hamilton for NEEDLE PACKAGE; 4,559,042 issued Dec. 7, 1985 to Votel for SAFETY ENCLOSURE FOR DISPOSABLE HYPODERMIC SYRINGE NEEDLE; 4,573,975 issued Mar. 4, 1986 to Frist et al. for PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR NEEDLE RECEIVER; 4,623,336 issued Nov. 18 1986 to Pedicano et al. for DISPOSABLE SAFETY NEEDLE SHEATH; 4,740,204 issued Apr. 26, 1988 to Masters et al. for SAFETY NEEDLE CAP; 4,767,412 issued Aug. 30, 1988 to Hymanson for FINGER GUARDS; 4,781,697 issued Nov. 1, 1988 to Slaughter for REMOVABLE PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR NEEDLE SHEATH; and 4,799,927, issued Jan. 24, 1989 to Davis et al. for NEEDLE GUIDE AND PUNCTURE PROTECTOR. More generally, an article entitled "Needle Guard Reduces Needlesticks" by Charles J. Murray in Design News, Oct. 23, 1989 provides background on the basis for concern regarding effective shielding needle sticks. Also, an article entitled "High Prices may hinder widespread use of needles with new safety features" by Mary Wagner in Modern Healthcare, Jun 11, 1990, provides further background regarding safety devices currently available.
For the most part, the documents identified in the preceding paragraphs disclose devices which have one or more of the following shortcomings: (a) they are difficult to package, (b) they are unstable or metastable on flat surfaces, and (c) they are relatively expensive to manufacture.
One of the most common deficiencies of the heretofore available needle shield devices of which we are aware is the lack of packing efficiency, due the the rigid type of structure most commonly found. Even those devices which have attempted to provide some packing efficiency, particularly the Frist et al. protective shield, have resulted in undesirable voids or gaps in the protective shield, thus continuing to pose a danger to medical personnel. Thus, the advantages of the compact, collapsible, continuous (voidless), and easily manufactured design of our novel needle cap and shield are important and self-evident.


A rack for storing a wheeled vehicle include a base, a raised portion and a finger. The rack also includes a socket into which a wheel of the vehicle may be inserted. The rack may be mounted to either a vertical or a horizontal surface.

1. Technical Field
This invention generally relates to a rack for storing a wheeled vehicle. Specifically, the rack includes a channel into which a wheel of a scooter may be inserted. The rack can be mounted either vertically or horizontally.
2. State of the Art
A need has arisen from the extensive use of human propelled scooters. People, and in particular children need a convenient and secure mechanism for storing their scooters. Otherwise, the tendency is to leave the scooters in the driveway, garage, or in another cluttering or dangerous location. There is often no good place to store the scooters. Because the scooters have wheels, they are not so easily supported in an upright position without inadvertent rolling away. Furthermore, the person storing the scooters often settles for leaning the handles against a wall, which is not very orderly or attractive.


The present disclosure relates to a machine tool, such as a grinding machine, and to a method for measuring a workpiece in a machine tool. The machine tool may comprise a workpiece mount (14), a tool unit (28), a measuring device (48) and a control device (56) that is connectable to the measuring device (48) and the tool unit (28), wherein the measuring device (48) is received at the tool unit (28) and comprises at least one toggle measurement head (66; 68), wherein the at least one toggle measurement head (66; 68) is received at a support piece (80) that provides a plurality of defined predetermined locations for the at least one toggle measurement head (66; 68), and wherein the control device (56) is arranged to detect signals that are triggered by the at least one toggle measurement head (66; 68) when touching a workpiece (96), and to determine on the basis of an actual location of the tool unit (28) an actual position of the at least one toggle measurement head (66; 68).

The present disclosure relates to a machine tool, particularly a grinding machine, comprising a workpiece mount, a tool unit, a measuring device and a control device which is connectable to the measuring device and the tool unit. The present disclosure further relates to a method for measuring a workpiece in a machine tool, particularly a grinding machine. The present disclosure further relates to a computer readable non-transitory storage medium.
Machine tools, particularly grinding machines, are known in the art. By way of example, cylindrical grinding machines may comprise rotationally symmetric tools, particularly grinding wheels, which may cooperate in a suitable fashion with a workpiece for material removal. By way of example, cylindrical grinding machines may be arranged for external cylindrical grinding, internal cylindrical grinding or for infeed grinding and angular infeed grinding, respectively. Besides grinding wheels generally also abrasive belts may be utilized for cylindrical grinding. Besides rotationally symmetric surfaces, also eccentrically shaped workpiece surfaces may be machined when the workpiece mount and the tool unit are appropriately drivable and movable with respect to each other. In this way, for instance, camshafts, crankshafts or similar workpieces comprising eccentric geometries may be machined and/or grinded.
A to-be-machined workpiece may be received between two centers of a workpiece mount, for instance, or may be one-sidedly received at a workpiece mount. Besides, so-called centerless grinding is known which involves that the workpiece is not received between centers of the grinding machine, but rather received and guided via receiving bars, regulating wheels, guiding rollers and the like for instance.
A grinding machine is known from DE 10 2009 042 252 A1 which grinding machine comprises a measurement apparatus that is arranged for in-process measuring test pieces in the course of a machining process. To this end, the measurement apparatus comprises a measurement head which is pivotably connected with a base body of the measurement apparatus via a linkage. The measurement head comprises a deflectable measuring probe which is coupled to a measuring prism, and which is provided for determining the diameter or the roundness of the test piece. The linkage shall be arranged to track movements of the test piece, at least in a defined region, for instance a rotation of a crank pin of a crankshaft about the rotation axis of the crankshaft.
In this way, also with grinding machining processes of eccentrically arranged cylinder surfaces basically an in-process measurement may be effected, at least sectionally. This may take place simultaneously to the grinding machining. However, the measurement apparatus comprises a complex structure. The linkage is arranged in a complex fashion and needs to be controlled in an elaborate fashion when in operation.
The so-called in-process measurement, i.e. a measurement in the course of a machining operation, may enable high precision machining operations, and may contribute to an increased manufacturing quality and process reliability. To this end, it is however regularly required to provide a measurement head which is accurately adapted to the expected measure for each to-be-measured workpiece dimension, i.e. for each diameter, for instance. This may involve a single purpose measurement head, or a measurement head at which for instance two measuring probes are received in an adjustable fashion and that comprise a distance to one another which corresponds to the expected distance. The measuring probes have to be adjusted in a high precision fashion and respectively oriented with respect to the respected to-be-inspected measure.
Such an in-process measurement head is shown for instance in DE 196 16 353 A1. In this respect, effortful setting, adjusting and/or calibrating processes which may be required to adapt the measurement head to the respective intended purpose may be disadvantageous. Particularly, with single-piece machining, small batch series and medium batch series, for instance setting the measurement head may cause a time consumption which is not negligible.
In this context, it is worth mentioning that the measurement apparatus which is known from DE 10 2009 042 252 A1, in some circumstances, may not correspond to the measurement accuracy which is necessary for in-process measurements. The associated measurement head comprises a measuring probe and a measuring prism which are coupled via a plurality of linkage elements of the linkage with an absolute measurement reference. Any deviations of single elements of the kinematic chain of the linkage may be reflected in the location of the of the measurement head with respect to the test piece. This may be particularly disadvantageous when measuring eccentrically shaped workpieces in a section-by-section fashion. The location of the measurement head with respect to the test piece, for instance with respect to its angular position, may be error prone.
In view of this, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a machine tool, particularly a grinding machine, which enables a high-precision measuring of workpieces with little efforts, particularly for measuring workpiece diameters.
It is a further object to provide a machine tool, particularly a grinding machine, which enables a highly flexible measuring of workpieces with little efforts.
It is a further object to provide a corresponding method for measuring a workpiece, particularly for measuring workpiece diameters.
It is still a further object to provide a corresponding machine tool control program disposed on a computer readable non-transitory storage medium.

Machine tool and method for measuring a workpiece


A decompression panel for use in an aircraft assembly includes a body portion including a top end and a bottom end, and an array of openings formed in the body portion. The openings in the array progressively decrease in size along a height of the body portion from the bottom end towards the top end.

The field of the present disclosure relates generally to aircraft assemblies and, more specifically, to decompression panels for use in aircraft assemblies.
At least some known aircraft include several openings defined between a passenger compartment and adjacent compartments of an aircraft cabin. Such known openings serve a dual purpose. During normal operation, the openings define an air flow path that enables conditioned air to be circulated through the aircraft cabin. During a decompression event, the openings allow large quantities of air to flow therethrough to facilitate equalizing the pressure within the aircraft cabin.
In at least some known aircraft, the openings are covered with a panel including a grille and/or louvers, and a baffle is positioned behind the panel to facilitate reducing noise caused by the air flowing therethrough. The grille and/or louvers are generally designed to allow the passage of air through the openings while restricting the passage of debris and other foreign material therethrough. However, a grille and/or louvers assembly is generally fabricated from materials that facilitate increasing the weight of the aircraft, is difficult to clean, and has a configuration that facilitates limiting the size of noise-reducing baffles that may be installed behind the panel. Moreover, a grille and/or louvers assembly may be aesthetically unpleasant to passengers seated in the aircraft cabin.

Decompression panel for use in an aircraft assembly


A portable toothbrush having an internal water source that allows a user to brush his or her teeth while away from a bathroom or other external water source. The portable toothbrush has an internal water source for dispensing water into a user's mouth and a storage receptable for suctioning waste or rinse water from the user's mouth back into the storage receptacle for disposal after use. The toothbrush may have the toothpaste impregnated on the toothbrush head or the toothpaste may be contained in refillable receptacle as a part of the toothbrush head. The toothbrush of the present invention can be automatic (electric motor or pump) or manual. The toothbrush can be a one-time use toothbrush or multiple-use.

The present invention is directed to a portable, self-contained, toothbrush with internal water supply. The toothbrush of the present invention allows a user to brush their teeth on-the-go, even when there is no available external water source or receptacle to expel the spent water and toothpaste when the user is finished brushing.
Brushing one's teeth is needed for three main reasons: 1) to maintain healthy teeth and gums; 2) to eliminate food particles that may be visible to others; and 3) to maintain fresh breath. Toothbrushing is easier when at home or at the office as there is access to a toothbrush, toothpaste, water and a sink. When away from home or the office, users currently have to make do with other, suboptimal options.
A complete toothbrushing experience includes all the following steps:                Application of toothpaste on a toothbrush;        Wetting of toothbrush;        Mechanics of brushing;        Rinsing out toothpaste with water; and        Expelling rinse water and excess toothpaste.
Currently there is no single, self-contained apparatus that enables all of the above steps for full toothbrushing. The complete toothbrushing experience of the present invention provides a portable solution to enable users to perform all the tasks necessary to create, not just replicate, full brushing of teeth.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Portable, self-contained, toothbrush with internal water, waste reservoir and toothpaste supply


Chemical vapor deposition method for producing a diamond film substantially free of thermal stress-induced cracks in which diamond growth occurs on both sides of a thin substrate so that two diamond coatings with identical opposing tensile forces are formed on each side of the substrate at a thickness greater than the thickness of the thin substrate.

The diamond form of carbon possesses many desirable physical properties such as hardness, chemical inertness, infrared transparency, and excellent heat conductivity coupled with very high electrical resistivity. Consequently, diamond is a material with many important technological applications such as in optical devices, semiconductors, heat sinks, abrasives, tool coating, etc. It can also be used as a high-grade, radiation-resistant, high-temperature semiconductor with obvious applications in many technologies. Thus, there is considerable incentive to find practical ways to synthesize diamond, especially in film form, for these many and varied applications.
Various methods are known for the synthetic production of diamond, including diamond in film form. In particular, the deposition of diamond coatings on substrates to provide films is known.
One class of the methods developed for synthetic diamond deposition is the low pressure growth of diamond called the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Three predominant CVD techniques have found favor in the literature.
One of these techniques involves the use of a dilute mixture of hydrocarbon gas (typically methane) and hydrogen, wherein the hydrocarbon content usually is varied from about 0.1% to 2.5% of the total volumetric flow. The gas is introduced via a quartz tube located just above a hot tungsten filament which is electrically heated to a temperature ranging from between about 1750.degree. C. to 2400.degree. C. The gas mixture disassociates at the filament surface, and diamonds are condensed onto a heated substrate placed just below the hot tungsten filament. The substrate is heated to a temperature in the region of about 500.degree. C. to 1100.degree. C.
The second technique involves the imposition of a plasma discharge to the foregoing filament process. The plasma discharge serves to increase the nucleation density and growth rate, and it is believed to enhance formation of diamond films as opposed to discrete diamond particles. Of the plasma systems that have been utilized in this area, there are three basic systems: One is a microwave plasma system, the second is an RF (inductively or capacitively coupled) plasma system, and the third is a d.c. plasma system. The RF and microwave plasma systems utilize relatively complex and expensive equipment which usually requires complex tuning or matching networks to electrically couple electrical energy to the generated plasma. Additionally, the diamond growth rate offered by these two systems can be quite modest.
A third method in use is direct deposit from acetylene as a hydrocarbon-rich oxyacetylene flame. In this technique, conducted at atmospheric pressure, a specific part of the flame is played on a substrate on which diamond grows at rates as high as 100 microns/hour or more. See Y. Matsui et al., Japan Journal of Applied Physics, 101, 28, p. 178 (1989).
In general, processes for the chemical vapor deposition of diamond involve selection of operating parameters such as the selection of a precursor gas and diluent gases, the mixture proportions of the gases, gas temperature and pressure, the substrate temperature, and means of gas activation. These parameters are adjusted to provide diamond nucleation and growth on a substrate. Mixture proportions and conditions must provide atomic hydrogen to stabilize the surface of the diamond film and preferably minimize the deposition of graphite. Codeposition of graphite is more evident if the hydrocarbon (methane) concentration is increased above about 3%.
The CVD techniques provide diamond films grown in tension. The tensile stress can cause the film to crack or peel from the substrate during growth because of the thermal gradient through the substrate or during cool-down, as a result of differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the diamond and the substrate material. Thus, for example, where molybdenum substrates are often used, the thermal gradient through the substrate can cause the substrate to bow due to the thermal expansion difference between the hot and cold sides. In addition, the coefficients of thermal expansion of diamond and molybdenum are so different that compressive stress is induced in the diamond coating as the coated molybdenum is cooled from the temperature at which diamond deposition takes place.
The diamond film grows in tension due to defects, and the inherent tensile stress/intrinsic strain is proportional to the film thickness and the rate of diamond deposition. This compressive stress and the inherent tensile stress in diamond is at first accommodated by elastic strain in the diamond. This elastic strain energy is released when the diamond is separated from the substrate. If the stored elastic strain energy is much greater than the interface surface energy, the separation will start simultaneously at many places on the diamond substrate interface, and a large number of small pieces of diamond will be obtained in the catastrophic separation. Thin diamond coatings can usually withstand such stress, but thick coatings may cause partial separation of the diamond layer from the molybdenum substrate and/or catastrophic failure of the diamond layer in the form of severe cracking and fragmentation.
It is well known that CVD diamond tends to nucleate on certain substrate materials more readily than others and that good bonding to the substrate is necessary during the growth period, particularly when growing thick films, to avoid catastrophic release of the film as a result of the intrinsic strain therein. However, the diamond film can be so strongly attached to the substrate that at the end of the growth period, where there is a significant differential in thermal expansion between the diamond and the substrate, the diamond film may crack during cool down. The use of release agents will promote the eventual removal of the film from the substrate but may cause the diamond to be so poorly bonded during growth that it causes a catastrophic release thereof from the substrate.
It is desirable to produce thick CVD diamond films which are easily removed from a substrate, do not release prematurely during deposition, and do not crack upon cool down.

Method for producing CVD diamond film substantially free of thermal stress-induced cracks


A method of wire electric discharge machining (wEDM) a feature in a part includes using wEDM, cutting and detaching a slug from a portion of the part that is to be detached from the part to define the feature, and thereby defining a validation cut-out in the portion, and using wEDM, cutting and detaching the portion having the validation cut-out from the part and thereby defining the feature.

Prior art methods of wire electric discharge machining (wEDM) cut-outs in parts are known and suitable for their intended purposes. In some applications, such as aerospace applications, in which wEDM may be used usually involve machining relatively expensive parts and labour. Hence, improvements to existing wEDM methods are desirable, especially in the aerospace industry, as even seemingly small improvements may provide for material advantages such as materials, cost and time savings for example.

Methods and systems for wire electric discharge machining and validation of parts


A miter saw is disclosed having a base, a blade supported by the base, a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the blade, and a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of the dangerous condition. The blade is rotatable, and moves into a cutting zone to cut a workpiece. The predetermined action may be to stop the blade from rotating.

Miter saws are a type of woodworking machinery used to cut workpieces of wood, plastic and other materials. Miter saws include a base upon which workpieces are placed, and a circular saw blade is mounted on a swing arm above the base. A person uses a miter saw by placing workpiece on the base beneath the blade and then bringing the blade down via the swing arm to cut the workpiece. Miter saws present a risk of injury to users because the spinning blade is often exposed when in use. Furthermore, persons often use their hands to position and support workpieces beneath the blade, which increases the chance that an injury will occur.
The present invention provides a miter saw with an improved safety system that is adapted to detect the occurrence of one or more dangerous, or triggering, conditions during use of the miter saw, such as when a user's body contacts the spinning saw blade. When such a condition occurs, the safety system is actuated to limit or even prevent serious injury to the user.


Apparatus for separation, washing and mixing of magnetic particles in at least one reaction cup, adapted to be used in an immunoanalyzer system, said at least one reaction cup containing nanometric magnetic particles (beads) binding immuno-complex antibody, antigen molecules, and liquid, comprising:                a supporting dial mechanism (11) in the form of a rotating carousel , comprising an upper side with a number of holes adapted to host a corresponding number of said at least one reaction cup (1) in substantially vertical positions, and a lower side comprising a number of guide grooves (2) radially behind corresponding holes of the upper side,        a number of magnet mechanisms (30) adapted to be inserted in corresponding ones of said guide grooves (2) and to slide therein, so as to radially approach to or depart from the side external surface of corresponding ones of said at least one reaction cup (1);        at least one washing mechanism (40) firmly installed around said supporting dial mechanism (11), and comprising a washing needle (44) able to move vertically in and out said at least one reagent cup for charging or extracting said liquid;        at least one mixing mechanism (70) firmly installed behind and aside said supporting dial mechanism (11), adapted to shake (stir) at least one reaction cup so as to mix the content of the reaction cup.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for separation, washing and mixing of magnetic particles in a reaction cup, adapted to be used in an immunoanalyzer system.
Within the framework of the development of magnetic separation technology, immunoanalyzer technology is getting more and more widely used in medical industry. The automatic immunoanalyzer, during testing, needs to use nanometric magnetic beads to let immuno-complex antibody, antigen molecules binding by means of a chemical agent. After binding of nanometer magnetic beads with antibody and antigen, the residual liquid in the reaction cup is needed to be cleaned. At present, the known magnetic separation mechanisms are linearly distributed among the automatic immunoanalyzers with various units for achieving synchronous treating various samples or reducing waiting time of single sample separation and washing.
The known magnetic separation mechanisms are complex in structure, large in size, causing inconvenience for installation and maintenance.
In addition a magnetic particle mixing mechanism is also necessary, but in the known immunoanalyzers it is equipped outside the magnetic separation device. This worsen the complexity of the overall structure.

Apparatus for separation, washing and mixing of magnetic particles in a reaction cup, adapted to be used in an immunoanalyzer system


A main controller calculates permissible driving forces of individual wheels from a road-surface friction coefficient, ground loads of the individual wheels, and lateral forces of the individual wheels. The main controller then calculates a permissible engine torque on the basis of the calculated permissible driving forces so as to limit engine output. In addition, based on the calculated permissible driving forces, the main controller calculates a transfer-clutch torque for front-rear driving-force distribution control, a rear-wheel torque shift amount for left-right driving-force distribution control, and a steering-angle correction amount for steering-angle control.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vehicle control devices that perform vehicle-behavior control, such as front-rear driving-force distribution control and left-right driving-force distribution control, while realizing maximum traction performance.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, vehicles are equipped with various traction control devices that control engine output in accordance with a driving condition.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-59366 discloses a technology in which a road-surface friction coefficient generated on vehicle wheels and lateral forces generated on the wheels are estimated so as to calculate maximum front-rear forces of the wheels on the basis of these estimated road-surface friction coefficient and lateral forces. Based on the calculated maximum front-rear forces, driving forces or braking forces applied to the wheels are controlled.
When a vehicle equipped with a driving-force control function as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-59366 has a front-rear driving-force distribution control function and a left-right driving-force distribution control function, a permissible engine output value is unfavorably determined by a drive shaft whose front-rear driving force distribution is excessive with respect to dynamic ground-load distribution or a grip limit of inside turning wheels. Therefore, such a vehicle is problematic in that it cannot realize maximum traction performance where each wheel is utilized at full.


Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for identifying potential threats on a network based on anomalous behavior in communication between endpoints are provided. Traffic data for a network is accumulated over some period of time. The traffic data is grouped by one or more keys, such as source IP address, and sets of metric values are calculated for the keys. A mixture distribution, such as a negative binomial mixture distribution, is fitted to each set of metric values, and outlying metric values are determined based on the mixture distribution(s). A list of outliers is then generated comprising key values having outlying metric values in one or more of the sets of metric values.

This disclosure relates generally to the field of network management and threat management systems. More specifically, the disclosure provided herein relates to strategies for identifying potential threats based on anomalous behaviors of endpoints.
Computers or other endpoints connected to a network, such as a local-area network ("LAN"), a wide-area network ("WAN"), or the Internet, may execute botnets or other malware programs that subject the network to malicious activity, such as sending spam messages, performing denial-of-service attacks, and the like. The botnets or other malware programs may be controlled by one or more centralized server endpoints also attached to the network. Traditional network administration systems may seek to identify and neutralize these threats on the network. For example, a threat management system ("TMS") may be able to identify communication between one or more client endpoints on the network and a known, bad server endpoint, and flag these endpoints for investigation. In another example, the TMS may detect a recognized pattern of communication between endpoints corresponding to a known threat, and flag the endpoints accordingly.
However, these solutions require knowledge of known, bad endpoints and/or command and control structures of potential threats. Because more and more botnets and other malware are introduced to these networks over time, many bad server endpoints may not be known and the command and control structures may be constantly evolving.

Modeling and outlier detection in threat management system data


To discriminate a disk in a short time, a calculating part 16 measures an amplitude of one of a focus error signal and a tracking error signal, which are output from a differential signal generating part 15, several times, and outputs the measured amplitudes to a controller 20. The controller 20 compares the input amplitudes with threshold values stored in a memory 21, respectively, and determines whether or not an amplification gain of one of the focus error signal and the tracking error signal is changed. If it is determined that the amplification gain of one of the focus error signal and the tracking error signal is changed, the controller 20 changes the amplification gain of one of the focus error signal and the tracking error signal to an amplification gain represented by one of the threshold values and discriminates the kind of an optical disk based on the changed amplification gain.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a disk discriminating method and a disk discriminating apparatus, which are capable of discriminating the kind of an optical disk.
2. Description of the Related Art
A process of discriminating the kind of an optical disk in a conventional optical disk reproducing apparatus will be described with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 9. First, the conventional optical disk reproducing apparatus initializes a gain set value temporarily stored in a work area, such as a memory, and a CD-RW decision counter (Step 81). Next, the optical disk reproducing apparatus once moves a pickup to the innermost circle of the optical disk using a tracking actuator and detects arrival of the pickup to the innermost circle, and then again moves the pickup to a signal recording part of the disk, which is near the innermost circle (Step 82). Thereafter, the optical disk reproducing apparatus irradiates the optical disk with a laser beam emitted from a laser emitting device provided in the pickup (Step 83). Next, the optical disk reproducing apparatus outputs a focus signal for disturbance, which is used to move the optical disk vertically, to a focus actuator, and generates a focus error signal, which indicates an out-of-focus, from reflected light obtained by light receiving elements of the pickup.
The conventional optical disk reproducing apparatus monitors the generated focus error signal and measures its amplitude from its maximum and minimum values (Step 84), and then compares a threshold value for the focus error signal with the amplitude to determine whether or not a focus gain is required to be changed (Step 85). If it is determined that the focus gain is required to be changed (YES in Step 85), the optical disk reproducing apparatus changes the focus gain (Step 86) and performs Step 87. On the other hand, if it is determined that the focus gain is not required to be changed (NO in Step 85), the optical disk reproducing apparatus set a tracking gain temporarily (Step 87). Thereafter, the optical disk reproducing apparatus switches on a focus servo (Step 88), accelerates rotation of the optical disk (Step 89), and sets a spindle servo to an ON state when acceleration time elapses sufficiently (Step 90).
After setting the spindle servo to the ON state, the conventional optical disk reproducing apparatus outputs a tracking signal for disturbance, which is used to move the optical disk in a radial direction, to a tracking actuator. Thereafter, the optical disk reproducing apparatus generates a tracking error signal from the reflected light obtained by the light receiving elements of the pickup, monitors the generated tracking error signal, and measures its amplitude from its maximum and minimum values (Step 91). Next, the optical disk reproducing apparatus compares a threshold value for the tracking error signal with the measured amplitude to determine whether or not a tracking gain is required to be changed (Step 92). If it is determined that the tracking gain is required to be changed (YES in Step 92), the optical disk reproducing apparatus changes the tracking gain (Step 93) and performs Step 94. On the other hand, if it is determined that the tracking gain is not required to be changed (NO in Step 92), the optical disk reproducing apparatus determines whether the optical disk is a CD-DA or a CD-RW, from set values of the focus gain and the tracking gain (Step 94).
If it is determined that the optical disk is the CD-RW (CD-RW in Step 94), the conventional optical disk reproducing apparatus adds 1 to a counter value N, and then determines whether or not the counter value N is less than a counter threshold value (3) (Step 95). If it is determined that the counter value N is less than the counter threshold value (3) (YES in Step 95), the optical disk reproducing apparatus performs Step 82 to continue the above-described processes. On the other hand, if it is determined that the counter value N is more than the counter threshold value (3) (NO in Step 95), the optical disk reproducing apparatus performs Step 96. If it is determined at Step 94 that the optical disk is the CD-DA (CD-DA in Step 94), the optical disk reproducing apparatus sets a tracking servo to an ON state (Step 96), and then performs a normal reproduction process and terminates the above-described disk discrimination process.
In brief, in the conventional disk discrimination method, when the CD-RW disk is reproduced, the processes of Step 82 to Step 95 are performed by the number of times of counter threshold values in order to increase decision precision by preventing decision miss due to low local reflection locations of the disk.
As described above, in the conventional optical disk reproducing apparatus, since a series of operations is required in order to set the gain of the focus error signal and the gain of the tracking error signal for the optical disk discrimination process performed when information recorded on the optical disk is read, it takes a long time to discriminate the kind of the optical disk. As a result, sound output from a CD player may be started late.

Disk discriminating method and disk discriminating apparatus


An apparatus is disclosed for automatically affixing notes to a moving printed web which has a plurality of repeat lengths, each of the notes being automatically applied at the same relative location in each of a plurality of repeat lengths of the printed web. The apparatus includes a note feed device adapted to receive a note web consisting of a carrier web and a plurality of removable notes disposed on the carrier web. The apparatus also includes a note handler operatively coupled to separate the notes from the carrier web and cause them to be applied to the printed web and a controller adapted to control the note feed device so as to cause each of the notes to be applied to the printed web in a predetermined position in each of the repeat lengths of the printed web.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for automatically affixing pre-printed removable notes to a moving printed paper web in synchronism with the moving web so that each of the notes is affixed to the moving web at a predetermined position in a repeat length of the moving web.
An apparatus for affixing cards to a moving web of the type relating to the invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,517 to Neal, et al. That apparatus has a rotating feed roll 30 that receives a strip or web 12 of pre-printed cards and feeds the web of cards to an applicator drum 80 that periodically causes one of the pre-printed cards to be separated from the card web 12 and applied to a moving web 108 having a number of pre-printed pages.
A prior art apparatus of the type described in the Neal et al. patent and marketed by Hurletron Incorporated, which was used to affix pre-printed cards having registration holes formed therein to a moving printed web using a card feed device with registration pins as described above, was provided with a controller to synchronize the movement of the web of pre-printed cards, which was moving at a first relatively low speed, to the movement of a printed web onto which the cards were to be affixed, which printed web was moving at a second, relatively fast speed. The controller was identical to the controller shown in FIG. 9 of this patent, and the controller included a computer program substantially identical to the one that is illustrated by the flowchart shown in FIGS. 10A-10C of this patent.

Apparatus for affixing removable notes to a moving web


Systems and methods for extending the memory resources of a user device to storage resources and/or network resources associated with the user device. The cache and system memory of the user device may be utilized as a cache memory and the storage resources and/or network resources of the user device may be utilized as a storage memory.

In certain computing devices, such as mobile devices, due to size, cost and thermal constraints, there may be limitations in the size of cache and system memory available. Users of these computing devices may wish to use a variety of applications and files at the same time and these applications and files may require memory resources that may exceed the size of the cache and system memory available on the computing device. Therefore, the computing device may shut down or otherwise not execute one or more applications and/or files requested by the user on the computing device. This may cause dissatisfaction for the user with his or her interaction with the computing device.

Systems and methods for memory management


A method for measuring the diameter of coins in coin validators, comprising the steps below:    The coins traverse an electromagnetic field which is formed such as to partially hide the field, at least also by their upper area.    The field is generated between at least one transmitter coil and a receiver coil.            The transmitter coil is periodically acted on by a short transmission pulse the duration of which is small as compared to the time of coin passage.        The maximal attenuation values are determined for different times of the transmission pulse.        The attenuation values measured are extrapolated into time 0.        The measured value determined by extrapolation is compared to a predetermined acceptance band or a predetermined characteristic line for coin diameters for comparison to a stored setting.

If coins are tested in coin validators the inserted coins are tested for various properties to ensure a reliable discrimination of spurious coins. The properties determined for the coins also include their diameters. It is known to measure the diameter of coins by means of two photoelectric light barriers. The diameter thereof is calculated by means of the time the light barriers are covered and the time differential between the light barriers while the coins are passing. This way of size measurement has a measuring tolerance of about ±0.5 mm. However, sets or coins are known in which the individual coins do not differ by more than ±0.5 mm in diameter. There-fore, the known method to exactly identify counterfeit coins is inadequate.
It is further known to conclude on the diameter from the hiding times of inductive coin sensors. This method is not particularly precise either.
DE 197 26 449 has made known a method for testing coins by means of an inductively operating sensor assembly in which the primary coil of the coil assembly is fed by a periodic transmission signal containing harmonics. In the known method, a number of switching steps is associated with the transmission signal. Envelope curves are formed from the value of the reception signal during the respective switching steps repeating at the frequency of the transmission signal. An evaluation device forms at least one criterium from the number of the isochronously produced envelope curves to produce the acceptance or rejection signal. Envelope curves are characteristic of the nature of a coin and can be evaluated in an appropriate manner. Thus, for example, the relationship of the amplitudes of the envelope curves is a characteristic measure.
It is the object of the invention to describe a method for measuring the diameter of coins which makes possible a particularly precise determination.

Method and apparatus for measuring the diameter of coins


A system and method for controlling multiple model vehicles while using only a single remote control transmitter. A remote control signal transmitter is provided for transmitting control signals. The transmitted control signals are received by a single master model vehicle. The master model vehicle contains a remote control signal receiver and various motors that enable the master model vehicle to move along a first pathway in response to the control signals that are received. At least one slave model vehicle is provided that is coupled to the master model vehicle. The slave model vehicle(s) contain no motors but are rather propelled by the master model vehicle. Each slave model vehicle does not travel along the same pathway as the master model vehicle, but rather travels in formation in pathways that are adjacent to the pathway of the master model vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
In general, the present invention relates to remote control systems for model cars, airplanes and boats. More specifically, the present invention relates to remote control systems where multiple model vehicles are simultaneously controlled by a single user using a single remote control signal transmitter and receiver.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many model vehicles that can be controlled by remote control signals. In most any toy store or model shop, a person can find model cars, trucks, airplanes, boats and mobile robots that can be controlled by a remote control signal transmitter. However, in most all cases, each model vehicle comes with a single dedicated remote control transmitter. As such, there is a one-to-one ratio between the number of remote control vehicles and the number of remote control signal transmitters.
In the prior art, there have been remote control vehicle systems developed that enable a single person to operate different vehicles. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,483 to Yavetz, entitled Multiple-Vehicle Interactive Toy, a system is disclosed where a user can control different vehicles using a single remote control signal transmitter. However, each of the multiple vehicles contains a remote control signal receiver. The sole signal transmitter can be selectively cycled between the different vehicles. As such, the operator can only control one vehicle at a time, but the operator can change which vehicle is being controlled by the touch of a button.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,566 to Peters, entitled Sets Of Toy Robots Adapted To Act In Concert, Software And Methods Of Playing With The Same, shows a system where general commands are given to a computer by an operator. The computer generates multiple signals to different vehicles so that the vehicles act in unison. Again, each of the vehicles contains a remote control signal receiver.
With all of the prior art vehicle remote control systems, each vehicle that is to be controlled must contain its own remote control signal receiver and operational motors that can control the movement of the vehicle in accordance with the remote control signals that are received. Remote control signal receivers and steering mechanisms are complex assemblies that are expensive to manufacture. As such, a remote controlled vehicle tends to be much more expensive than an identical vehicle that does not contain any remotely controlled components.
A need therefore exists for a system and method where an operator can control the movement of multiple vehicles without having to provide each of the vehicles with expensive remotely controlled components. This need is met by the system and method of the present invention as described and claimed below.

System and method for controlling multiple model vehicles


Embodiments provide a method of producing micro-sized Si—C composites or doped Si—C and Si alloy-C with interconnected nanoscle Si and C building blocks through converting commercially available SiOx (0<x<2) to a silicon framework by calcination, followed by etching and then by carbon filling by thermal deposition of gas containing organic molecules that have carbon atoms.

The emerging markets of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) generate a tremendous demand for low-cost lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy and power densities, and long cycling life. Anode materials in commercial LIBs are primarily synthetic graphite-based materials with a capacity of ˜370 mAh/g. Improvements in anode performance, particularly in anode capacity, are desirable to achieving higher energy densities in LIBs for the EV and PHEV applications.
Silicon has been pursued as a promising anode material for high-energy-density LIBs because of its high specific capacity (>3500 mAh/g) and abundance. Despite its high capacity, silicon ("Si") suffers from the fast capacity fading caused by large volume change (>300%) and the resultant loss of electric contact and disintegration (cracking and crumbling) of the anode structure during lithiation and delithiation.
The development of silicon-carbon ("Si—C") nanocomposites, composed of -silicon nanostructures (e.g., nanowires, nanotubes, nanoparticles) intimately contacted with carbon, has been widely studied. These nanocomposites proved as an effective solution to improve capacity cycling stability as nano-sized silicon can alleviate physical strains and mechanical fracture generated during volume changes to prevent the fast disintegration. Intimated contact between silicon and carbon can maintain anode structure integration.
The use of nano-sized silicon materials presents difficulties in practical application as electrode materials for LIBs. First, nano-sized materials may pose health risks to humans and harmful effects to the environment. They may have other safety issues, which may hamper their application to a great extent. Second, a high tap density is an important factor, especially for fabrication of high-energy LIBs for EVs and HEVs because it offers low reactivity and a high volumetric energy density. Unfortunately, tap density of nano-sized materials is generally low, which in turn holds down their specific volumetric capacity. Furthermore, preparation for the nano-sized silicon either requires chemical/physical vapor deposition or involves complicated processes, which has drawbacks of high cost and low yield, and is difficult to scale up. To date, the advantage of abundance of silicon has not been fully embodied due to lack of low-cost strategy for large-scale synthesis of silicon anode materials with superior performance.
Micro-sized materials are favorable for practical battery application since they assure higher tap density than nano-sized materials and, as a result, are expected to offer higher volumetric capacity. However, the limitations of micro-sized silicon materials are clear. The solid micro-sized silicon materials are more likely to undergo mechanical disintegration upon volume change during lithiation and delithiation compared with nano-sized materials, resulting in severe capacity fading. The micro-sized materials also have long ion and electron transportation paths, which adversely affect high rate capability. From this point of view, it is desirable to develop new materials that combine the advantages of both micro-sized and nano-sized silicon materials to improve cycling performance and energy density of silicon anodes.
Two models of micro-sized silicon anode materials with nanostructured building blocks have been proposed. One model is a porous silicon material in which the volume change of the silicon can be accommodated by pores to improve cycling stability. Cho et. al. report a porous silicon composed of a nanocrystalline silicon framework created by a templated approach converting silicon gel to porous silicon. The porous silicon shows a superior performance with high capacity and good cycling stability. The synthesis involves complicated synthesis of silicon gel obtained from reduction of SiCl4. This leads to low yield and high cost of the silicon anode.
A low cost approach to produce porous micro-sized silicon has been reported by catalytically etching surface layers of micro-sized bulk silicon, and the obtained porous micro-sized silicon powder shows good cycling stability within only limited cycles (not more than 70 cycles). Another example is micro-sized C—Si nanocomposite spherical granules prepared by physically depositing silicon nanoparticles into porous micro-sized carbon granules, which exhibited a good capacity retention of about 1500 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 1 C, a tap density of 0.49 g/cm3 and a volumetric capacity of approximately 1270 mAh/cm3 at C/20. Solid micro-sized composites consisting of interwoven nano-components is the other model that successfully shows superior cycling performance and high energy density. The volume change of active materials is buffered by the surrounding integrated components. For example, carbon-coated micro-sized silicon-based multicomponent anodes consisting of Si/SiO cores and crystalline SiO2 shells show a high reversible capacity of 1280 mAh/g after 200 cycles and a volumetric energy density of 1160 mAh/cm3.
In spite of microscale sizes as a whole, such micro-sized Si—C nanocomposite materials not only fully utilize the advantages of their nano-sized silicon building blocks but also integrate them to micro-size bulk form to reach a high volumetric energy density. However, reports on synthesis of micro-sized Si—C nanocomposite anode with good cycling performances are still limited.

Synthesis of micro-sized interconnected Si-C composites


Disclosed herein is a semiconductor electrode with improved power conversion efficiency through inhibition of recombination reactions of electrons. The semiconductor electrode comprises a transparent electrode consisting of a substrate and a conductive material coated on the substrate, and a metal oxide layer formed on the transparent electrode wherein the metal oxide layer contains a phosphate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor electrode containing a phosphate and a solar cell employing the semiconductor electrode. More particularly, the present invention relates to a semiconductor electrode with improved power conversion efficiency through inhibition of recombination reactions of electrons, and a solar cell employing the semiconductor electrode.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, numerous studies have focused on various alternative energy sources for conventional fossil fuels to solve urgent energy consumption problems. In particular, extensive research into effective utilization of natural energy resources, including wind power, atomic energy and solar energy, has been conducted to replace petroleum resources that may be used up within the next several decades. Solar cells take advantage of inexhaustible solar energy, unlike other energy sources, and are environmentally friendly. Since the first selenium (Se) solar cell was developed in 1983, silicon (Si) solar cells have drawn a great deal of attention and interest.
However, since silicon solar cells can incur considerable fabrication costs, there are some limitations in the practical application and improvement in the efficiency of the cells. To overcome these limitations, the development of dye-sensitized polar cells that can be fabricated at reduced costs is actively under consideration.
Unlike silicon solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells are photoelectrochemical solar cells that consist essentially of photosensitive dye molecules capable of absorbing visible rays to form electron-hole pairs and a transition metal oxide for transferring the generated electrons. Various dye-sensitized solar cells have been developed. Of these, a representative dye-sensitized solar cell was reported by Gratzel et al. in Switzerland in 1991 (B. O'Regan, M. Gratzel, Nature 1991, vol. 353, p. 737). The solar cell developed by Gratzel et al. comprises a semiconductor electrode composed of titanium dioxide nanoparticles covered with dye molecules, a counter electrode (e.g., a platinum electrode), and an electrolyte filled between the electrodes. Such solar cells, which can be fabricated at low costs per electric power generated when compared to conventional silicon cells, are desirable as replacements for conventional solar cells.
The structure of a conventional dye-sensitized solar cell is shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the dye-sensitized solar cell comprises a semiconductor electrode 10, a counter electrode 14, and an electrolyte layer 13 disposed between the semiconductor electrode 10 and the counter electrode 14, wherein the semiconductor electrode includes a transparent conductive electrode 11 and a light-absorbing layer 12 disposed between the transparent conductive electrode 11 and the electrolyte layer 13.
The light-absorbing layer 12 generally contains a metal oxide 12a and a dye 12b. The dye 12b may be in a neutral state (S), a transition state (S*) or an ionic state (S+). When sunlight is incident on the dye, the dye molecules undergo electronic transitions from the ground state (S/S+) to the excited state (S*/S+) to form electron-hole pairs, and the electrons (e−) in an excited state are injected into a conduction band (CB) of the metal oxide 12a to generate an electromotive force.
However, since the electrons (e−) in an excited state are injected from the dye molecules into the conduction band of the metal oxide 12a at a much higher speed than the electrons can migrate from the conduction band to the transparent conductive electrode 11, some of the electrons accumulate on the surface and the inside of the conduction band, where they recombine with the dye molecules or cause recombination reactions, e.g., bonding with redox couples present within the electrolyte, resulting in a decrease in power conversion efficiency. This decrease results in reduction of electromotive power. In particular, when the metal oxide layer is formed of nanoparticles, aggregation of the nanoparticles takes place, and interfaces formed between the nanoparticles act as resistors, resulting in a further decrease in electrical conductivity and power conversion efficiency.
Thus, inhibition of such accumulation and recombination reactions of electrons is considered significant in improving the electrical conductivity of electrodes to increase the power conversion efficiency of solar cells.

Semiconductor electrode containing phosphate and solar cell using the same

Abstract: Further disclosed is a solar cell employing the semiconductor electrode.


A valve actuator comprising a screw member coupled to a valve stem and a sleeve such that rotation of the sleeve causes translation of the valve stem. The sleeve has a first end that is rotatably coupled to a housing that is fixably coupled to a valve body and a second end that projects out of the housing. The valve stem is partially disposed within the sleeve and extends into the valve body. A transmission is coupled to the housing and engaged with the sleeve. A motor is coupled to the transmission so that operation of the motor causes rotation of the sleeve.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the following statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
The present invention relates generally to valve actuators. More specifically, the present invention, in accordance with certain embodiments, relates to actuators for subsea or surface high-pressure, large diameter gate valves. As one example, the present invention relates to a combination of a rotary actuator and a high-efficiency mechanical device that converts the rotary motion to linear motion so as to actuate a gate valve.
Increasing performance demands for subsea hydrocarbon production systems have led to a demand for high-performance control systems to operate subsea pressure control equipment, such as valves and chokes. Traditionally, pressure control equipment rely on hydraulic actuators for operation. Hydraulic actuators receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from a direct hydraulic control system or an electrohydraulic control system, for example. Direct hydraulic control systems provide pressurized hydraulic fluid directly from the control panel to the subsea valve actuators. Electrohydraulic control systems utilize electrical signals transmitted to an electrically actuated valve manifold that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuators of the pressure control equipment.
The performance of both direct hydraulic and electrohydraulic control systems is affected by a number of factors, including the water depth in which the components operate, the distance from the facility controlling the operation, and a variety of other constraints. Thus, as water depth and field size increases, the limits of hydraulic control systems, whether hydraulic or electrohydraulic, become an increasing issue. Further, even when the use of a hydraulic control system is technically feasible, the cost of the system may preclude its use in a smaller or marginal field.
In order to provide an alternative to hydraulic control systems, full electrical control systems, including fully electric actuators, have been developed. Instead of relying on pressurized hydraulic fluid to actuate the pressure control components, electrical actuators are supplied with an electric current. The reliance on electric current can allow for improved response times, especially over long distances and/or in deep water.
Thus, there remains a need to develop methods and apparatus for allowing operation of subsea actuators that overcome some of the foregoing difficulties while providing more advantageous overall results.


A lens barrel includes a first lens set configured to move manually along an optical axis, a second lens set configured to move electrically along the optical axis, a first holding member configured to hold the first lens set, a second holding member configured to hold the second lens set, a driving member configured to move the second holding member along the optical axis, a transmitting member configured to transmit a driving force of the driving member to the second holding member, and an urging member configured to relatively urge the transmitting member and the second holding member along the optical axis. The first lens set is movable within a range of motion of the second lens set. The urging member is displaced when the second holding member interferes with the first holding member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lens barrel for use in, for example, a digital still camera, a video camera, and an interchangeable lens, and in particular, to a lens barrel that manually performs a zooming operation.
2. Description of the Related Art
There exist rear-focusing lens barrels that include a focus lens disposed at an image-plane side to a zoom lens and configured to correct image-plane variations occurring with motion of the zoom lens and to perform a focusing operation.
One example of such lens barrels is a lens barrel that performs zooming by a manual operation (manual zoom operation) and focusing by an electric operation (automatic focus operation) to improve a shooting operation.
One such example is a lens barrel disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 03514245, which includes peripheral members disposed in a range of motion of a focus moving frame. In this lens barrel, a zoom moving frame is subjected to a zooming operation performed manually at high speed.
During this operation, an urging member is configured to absorb interference occurring between the focus moving frame and other peripheral members. The focus moving frame is coupled via a cam to a zoom driving member for moving the zoom moving frame along the optical axis. The zoom driving member is rotated, thereby moving the focus moving frame along the optical axis.
A focusing operation is carried out by movement of a holding member that holds the focus lens along the optical axis using a focus driving member attached on the focus moving frame. Accordingly, the focusing operation is independent of the operation of the zoom driving member.
The urging member urges the focus-lens holding member and the zoom driving member along the optical axis in a direction that separates both members away from each other while being positioned between both members. The urging direction is a direction that reduces rattling of a screw mechanism that screws the focus-lens holding member along the optical axis.
However, for the lens barrel disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, because the focus-lens holding member and the zoom driving member are urged in a direction that separates both members away from each other, the focus driving member undergoes resistance of the urging member, in addition to resistance of the focus lens itself.
Therefore, it is necessary for the focus driving member to normally have a driving force that overcomes the total of the resistance of the focus lens itself and the resistance of the urging member.
Additionally, the coupling structure between the focus moving frame and the zoom driving member via a cam results in an increases in the size of the lens barrel caused by an increase in the size of the cam ring, mounting of a component required for the cam coupling, and a complicated structure of components.

Lens barrel and imaging apparatus including the same


A system and a method for updating an electronic paper display are disclosed. A memory includes a waveform table and a transition matrix including multiple pixels, each representing a pixel of the electronic paper display. A page transition display system is coupled to the memory and identifies waveforms from the waveform table associated with multiple transition matrix pixels by processing multiple transition matrix pixels in parallel. For example, the page transition display system loads multiple transition matrix pixels into a register and accesses the waveform table using the contents of the register. Using the identified waveforms, the page transition display system generates control signals used to modify the electronic paper device.

1. Field of Art
The disclosure generally relates to the field of electronic paper displays, and more specifically relates to displaying a page transition on electronic paper displays.
2. Description of the Related Art
Several technologies have been introduced recently that provide some of the properties of paper in a display that can be updated electronically. Some of the desirable properties of paper that this type of display tries to achieve include: low power consumption, flexibility, wide viewing angle, low cost, light weight, high resolution, high contrast and readability indoors and outdoors. Because these types of displays attempt to mimic the characteristics of paper, they are referred to as electronic paper displays (EPDs) in this application. Other names for this type of display include: paper-like displays, zero power displays, e-paper and bi-stable displays.
A comparison of EPDs to Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) displays or Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) reveal that in general, EPDs require less power and have higher spatial resolution; however, many EPDs have lower update rates, less accurate color control and lower color resolution than LCDs or CRTs.
In a conventional LCD, the luminance, or color, of a pixel depends on the voltage applied to the pixel, with a given voltage corresponding to a specific luminance. In contrast, the luminance or color of a pixel in an EPD typically changes as voltage is applied to the pixel. For example, in some EPDs, applying a negative voltage to a pixel makes the pixel lighter (i.e., makes the pixel have a higher luminance) and applying a positive voltage makes the pixel darker. The higher the voltage and the longer or more frequently that voltage is applied, the larger the change in luminance. Hence, electronic paper displays are typically controlled by applying a sequence of voltages to a pixel instead of applying a single voltage to a pixel, like a typical LCD. Often, a sequence of voltages applied to an EPD pixel is referred to as a "waveform."
Additionally, control signals driving a pixel of an EPD also depend on the optical state to which the pixel is being driven and on the optical state from which the pixel is being driven. Other factors, such as temperature of the EPD, optical state of the pixel prior to the current optical state and the time since the pixel was last driven, are also taken into consideration when identifying a waveform to drive a pixel of an EPD.
Accordingly, conventional controllers for driving an EPD are often configured like an indexed color-mapped display. For example, a frame buffer of an electronic paper display includes indices to a waveform used to update an image rather than the waveform itself. When the optical state of a pixel is to be changed, the index of the appropriate waveform is chosen based on one or more factors, such as current pixel state and/or destination pixel state and the pixel's location in the frame buffer is set to the index corresponding to the chosen waveform.
It generally takes longer to apply a waveform to modify a pixel of an EPD than it does to modify a pixel of a conventional CRT or LCD display. This can lead to noticeable latency between when an application requests display of a new image on an EPD and when the EPD displays the new image. For example, an EPD using a conventional display controller may take 0.5 seconds to update a 1200×825 display. The latency can be reduced by simplifying the waveform calculation, for example by ignoring secondary factors such as dwell time and pixel history (prior displayed colors for the pixel) prior to the current optical state. However, but such simplifications to waveform calculation can result in remnants of prior displayed images remaining visible, a problem commonly referred to as "ghosting," when the EPD is modified.
While current update times are generally sufficient for the page turning needed by electronic books, they are problematic for interactive applications seeking to emulate page transitions or page flipping at higher speeds. A user may tolerate waiting for a second or two for transitioning between two pages when the user spends a few minutes reading each page. However, if a user wants to flip through numerous pages successively without spending more than a few seconds on each page, the increased latency of EPD modification becomes unacceptable.

Driver for page transitions in an electronic paper device


A system and method of using a combination strapping machine including a wire tying system and a plastic tying system is provided. Embodiments of the strapping machine include a common frame coupled to a wire strapping system, a single wire track, a plastic strapping system, and a single plastic track. In some embodiments, the combination strapping machine includes a strapping machine frame having a common track perimeter and a top side. Further, the strapping machine includes a plastic tying system configured to apply a plastic strap to a baled material, and a wire tying system configured to apply a wire strap to the baled material, wherein the track for the wire tying medium is adjacent the track for the plastic tying medium. In some embodiments, the combination strapping machine is controlled by a common interface that coordinates both plastic and wire strapping.

Traditional bulk-material baling machines incorporate a tying system for wrapping and/or securing the baled material, such as a wire tying system. In forming bales of compressible materials, it is important to surround the baled material with a tying medium having sufficient strength to maintain the form of the compressed bale for shipping and/or storage. At the same time, the tying medium used to secure a bale must be adequately tensioned by the tying system, as well as securely knotted and/or tied around the bale. As the characteristics of each type of tying medium are unique, a single baling machine typically uses a single tying medium with a single tying system coupled to the machine. As such, a baling machine is not able to vary the types of tying media applied to different portions of a single bale.
Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention introduce technology for resolving the above-mentioned issues conventionally experienced when varying the tying medium used for bulk-material baling systems.
In one embodiment of the invention, a combination strapping machine for use on a baler is provided. The strapping machine includes a strapping machine frame having a common track perimeter and a top side; a plastic tying system coupled to the top side of the strapping machine frame, the plastic tying system having a plastic track, wherein the plastic tying system is configured to apply a plastic strap to a baled material; and a wire tying system coupled to the top side of the strapping machine frame, the wire tying system having a wire track, wherein the wire tying system is configured to apply a wire strap to the baled material, wherein the wire track is adjacent the plastic track.
In another illustrative aspect, a combination strapping machine for dynamic strapping of a first tying medium and a second tying medium on a baler includes: a strapping machine frame having a common track perimeter; a first tying system for the first tying medium, the first tying system coupled to a first portion of the strapping machine; and a second tying system for the second tying medium, the second tying system coupled to a second portion of the strapping machine, wherein the first tying system and the second tying system are configured to alternately apply straps to a baled material secured by the combination strapping machine.
According to a third illustrative aspect, embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for strapping a baled material, the method comprising: receiving, by a strapping machine, a material for baling; applying at least one strap of a first tying medium using a first tying assembly coupled to the strapping machine; and applying at least one strap of a second tying medium using a second tying assembly coupled to the strapping machine.
Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Combination wire and plastic strapping device


A tool handle self-contained a set of head tips comprises a handle main body, a set of head tips, a fixing seat and a stop member. The handle main body has on its bottom a fixing hole, and has a receiving groove on a lateral side thereof. The head-tip set includes a base, a protruding column raised from the base and some holding areas on the base; the protruding column has on its upper end a stepped portion; the holding areas each holds and fixes a head tip; when the head-tip set assembled with the receiving groove, the bottom of the base is flush with a lateral side of the handle main body, and the top surface of the protruding column forms at a hole of the receiving groove a pressing area for pressing to push out the head-tip set. A head tip can be fixed on the bottom of handle main body for use as a screwdriver. The fixing seat is fixed in the engaging socket on the bottom of the handle main body; the stop member can be extended through the slot to make firm of the connecting of the fixing seat with the handle main body and a head tip with the fixing hole.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tool handle self-contained a set of head tips, and more particularly to a handle with a set of head tips self-contained inside, of which the appearance is continuous and smooth and the dropping of the set of head tips does not occur. By pressing the pressing area of the set of head tips, the set can be easily retracted from the handle main body, a head tip can be firmly fixed at the bottom of the handle to form a screwdriver. The present invention is applicable to use as a handle of any of various hand tools.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many chances to use handles of various hand tools, such as iron hammers, screwdrivers etc. for repairing failed articles, particularly a user can enjoy the fun of DIY in using a hand tool, and further can save fees for repairing.
Kinds of handles of hand tools are numerous, what people use most often are screwdrivers, they can be used to screw on or off screws; things as small as a watch or a cell phone and as large as a building of steel may use screwdrivers to screw on or off screws, different screwdrivers are required for different head tips; for instance, common Phillips screws are screwed off with Phillips head tips, screw heads with hexagonal recesses are screwed off with hexagonal head tips etc., particularly when depths of the recesses on different screw heads are not same, a good work needs a good instrument, a suitable head tip can make propitious of using a screwdriver; thereby, there have been various screwdrivers in the industry for choice of users.
By the fact that screwdrivers are widely used, nearly all kinds of engineering need them, hence in the conventional techniques, screwdrivers are designed to connect the head tips directly on the bottom of handles of hand tools; such structures can have an added value of having two functions, but are respectively of a single specification, the scope of utility of them is limited.
In view of this, the inventor provides a handle of a hand tool capable of using as a screwdriver that can self-contain various head tips well, and the abovementioned problem can thus be solved.

Tool handle self-contained a set of head tips


An integrated circuit includes a phase step generator and a clock circuit. The phase step generator generates an input clock signal based on a reference clock and the clock circuit generates an output clock signal based on the input clock signal. Additionally, the clock circuit generates a feedback clock signal based on the output clock signal and locks a phase of the feedback clock signal with a phase of the input clock signal. In response to an assertion of a trigger signal, the phase step generator extends a phase of the input clock signal by inserting a phase step into the reference clock signal. A bandwidth of the clock circuit is determined based on the output clock signal after assertion of the trigger signal.

Many integrated circuits include a clock circuit for generating a clock signal. In some integrated circuits, the clock circuit includes a phase-lock loop for generating the clock signal based on a reference clock signal. In operation, the phase-lock loop generates a feedback clock signal by dividing a frequency of the clock signal and locks a phase and frequency of the feedback clock signal to a phase and frequency of the reference clock signal. Typically, operation of the phase-lock loop is tested along with the integrated circuit during manufacture of the integrated circuit. One type of test performed on the phase-lock loop determines whether the phase-lock loop operates properly over a specified bandwidth of the clock circuit including the phase-lock loop.
In one technique for testing a bandwidth of a clock circuit including a phase-lock loop, a programmable tester generates a test pattern for generating a reference clock signal at a specified frequency and determines whether the clock signal generated by the phase-lock loop is locked to the reference clock signal. If the clock signal generated by the phase-lock loop is locked to the reference clock signal, the tester generates additional test patterns for changing the phase of the reference clock signal and determines the bandwidth of the phase-lock loop based on phase differences between the output clock signal and the reference clock signal.
Although the technique of generating test patterns to change the phase of the reference clock signal has been successfully employed to measure bandwidths of clocks circuits, some integrated circuit manufacturers do not have access to a tester that is programmable to generate the test patterns required in this technique. In light of the above, a need exists for an improved method of testing a bandwidth of clock circuit. A further need exists for testing a bandwidth of a clock circuit including a phase-lock loop.


The present invention is directed to an architecture 200 for setting up a communication between first and second communication devices 216 and 220, the first communication device 216 corresponding to a first directing server 224 and first communication manager 204 separate from the first directing server 224, comprising a contact servicing agent 244 operable to (a) receive a call set up message at least one of addressed to and originated by the first communication device 216; (b) determine that the first communication device 216 has a corresponding first communication manager 204; (c) forward the call set up message to the first communication manager 204 and request the first communication manager 204 to perform at least one of call originating and terminating processing; and (d) rout the call set up message to a destination referenced in the call set up message.

Packet-switched voice communications are rapidly displacing conventional circuit-switched voice communications as the preferred mode of communicating in real time between individuals. As a result, various telecommunications protocols, such as the Session Initiation Protocol or SIP and H.323, have been developed to provide computer telephony applications with the features normally present in circuit-switched telephony, such as call forwarding, callee and caller number delivery, personal mobility, terminal-type negotiation and selection, terminal capability negotiation, caller and callee authentication, blind and supervised call transfer, and conferencing.
To converge circuit-switched and packet-switched communications into a single architecture, many manufacturers are using standalone server architectures, also called decomposed server architectures. An example of a decomposed server architecture in an enterprise network is presented in FIG. 1. The architecture 100 includes the enterprise network 102, home proxy servers 104 and 108 in communication with corresponding packet switched communication devices 112 and 116, respectively, and communication managers 120 and 124 serving the communication devices 112 and 116, respectively. An edge proxy server 136 interfaces the enterprise network with an external data network (not shown), such as the Internet. As will be appreciated, the proxy servers effect call directing and session management, redirect functions, directing to media gateways, and user authentication, maintain a map of what IP address a given user has at a selected time, and maintain user profiles and provide subscriber registration; and the communication manager provides, inter alia, call origination and termination services. Each communication device has an extension administered on its corresponding communication manager and a user administered on its corresponding home proxy server.
The decomposed server architecture 100 can fail to provide call origination services in many applications. By way of example, if the communication device 112 makes a call to the communication device 116 using a SIP INVITE message, the message is received by the home proxy server 104 and is forwarded to the edge proxy server 136 and then to the home proxy server 108 of the called communication device 116 due to the use of destination directing. The communication manager 120 of the calling communication device 112 and the communication manager 124 of the called communication device 116 do not receive the INVITE message and therefore are unaware that the call has been made/received. Thus, call origination features will not be activated; that is, call appearances and bridged call appearances will not be illuminated, and class of service and class of restrictions will not be applied. The same problem exists when the communication device 112 calls a device outside of the domain of the home proxy server 104, when digit-dialed calls are directed to a communication manager user within the enterprise network domain but not within the domain of the same communication manager, and communication devices with a contact on a communication manager other than the originator's communication manager.

Originator based directing and origination call processing features for external devices


A combination of a shallow-reading and a deep-reading, azimuthally sensitive, multiple propagation devices is used for providing depth images the earth formation with different depth of investigation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to obtaining measurements of properties of a formation surrounding a wellbore using a propagation resistivity tool conveyed on a measurement-while-drilling device. In particular, the present disclosure discusses obtaining azimuthal measurements at different depths of investigation using a propagation resistivity tool.
2. Description of the Related Art
This disclosure relates to the measurement of geophysical parameters of earth formations penetrated by a borehole and more particularly to propagation resistivity measurements at multiple transmitter frequencies and multiple transmitter receiver spacing. Measurements are typically made using an array of four transmitters and two receivers. Elements of the transmitter receiver array are longitudinally and symmetrically spaced along an elongated borehole instrument. Each transmitter induces an alternating voltage into the borehole and the earth formation in the vicinity of the borehole. The amplitudes and phase shifts of the signals produced by these induced alternating electromagnetic fields are measured by the receivers. These signals are affected by numerous formation, near borehole and borehole parameters. The measurements are combined to yield resistivity of the formation, parameters relating to the invasion of drilling fluids into the formation in the near borehole region, and physical characteristics of the borehole itself. The disclosure is directed toward, but not limited to, measurement while drilling (MWD) applications.
A complete description of an exemplary multiple propagation resistivity (MPR) tool is given, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,968 to Brooks et al., having the same assignee as the present disclosure and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,361 to Meyer Jr. et al, having the same assignee as the present disclosure and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a propagation resistivity measurement-while-drilling device used to measure borehole environmental parameters along with electromagnetic properties of the formation. Multiple transmitter-receiver pairs operating at one or more transmitter frequencies are used to obtain a set of amplitude and phase measurements. A model of the response of the borehole instrument in varying formation and borehole conditions is also utilized. Formation and borehole parameters of interest are selected by the analyst. The measured amplitude and phase data set is then combined with the model of the tool response to obtain the selected parameters of interest.
In one method of operation disclosed in Brooks, each transmitter is sequentially activated while the other transmitter is decoupled to eliminate mutual coupling, and the recorded signals processed to take advantage of reciprocity relations. In another method of operation, both transmitters are operated simultaneously with one relative polarity and then with another relative polarity, to eliminate the effects of mutual coupling and to take advantage of reciprocity relations. The process of compensation and use of the reciprocity relations reduces the redundancy that is inherent in the data.
A drawback of the prior art methods is the lack of azimuthal resolution of the acquired data. Azimuthal imaging of the earth formation and determination of distances to formation interfaces is an important part of drilling. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/489,875 of Wang et al., having the same assignee as the present disclosure and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses producing a pseudo-image by combining deep-reading azimuthally sensitive resistivity measurements with azimuthally insensitive resistivity measurements made by a multiple propagation resistivity tool. This image is useful in reservoir navigation. The azimuthally sensitive measurements are obtained by using a device with an axially oriented transmitter and transverse receiver. As would be known to those versed in the art, precise orientation of the transverse antenna is required. U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,708 to Chemali discloses an arrangement in which transmitters and receivers are mounted on stabilizers. Such an arrangement may be limiting in terms of the power that can be transmitted into the formation as well as in terms of the depth of investigation. The present disclosure deals with a multiple propagation resistivity (MPR) device for resistivity imaging that does not have a transverse antenna.

Apparatus and method for azimuthal MWD resistivity imaging at multiple depths of investigation