The invention provides an ink set having at least an ink composition and a maintenance liquid. The ink composition comprises a pigment (i). The maintenance liquid comprises one or more solvents (ii) having a solubility parameter value of 27.5 or less. The content of the one or more solvents (ii) is 50 weight % or more with respect to a total solvent content of the maintenance liquid. The invention further provides a method of forming an image using the ink set including at least applying, with a liquid applying device, the ink composition to a recording medium, and applying a maintenance liquid to the liquid applying device.

1. Field of Invention
The invention relates to an ink set and an image forming method.
2. Description of the Related Art
An inkjet recording method has become widely used from the viewpoints that recording can be carried out on various recording materials, the hardware (device) is relatively inexpensive and compact and is superior in quietness. With recent development of in inkjet recording, so-called "photo-like" high quality images have become possible by using the inkjet recording method.


A time-keeping section is programmed in such a manner that a predetermined number of virtual particles are caused to reciprocatively move between two virtual space regions successively, and the time-keeping section can sequentially keep time with accuracy using, as a basic time unit, a time required for the predetermined number of virtual particles to make a single travel from one of the space regions to the other space region. With the time values yielded by the time-keeping section, it is allowed to accurately accumulate the basic time unit over a preset time period (e.g., time data for 1,000 years). By incorporating such a time measuring device in each selected computer, accurate common time can be set for shared use among computers connected in a network and also with a computer loaded in an artificial satellite operating far from the earth. In addition, communication among the computers and remote control of any of the computers can be performed very smoothly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a software-driven time measuring device which is especially well suited for use in computer-containing control equipments involving accurate timing control, and in computer networks to manage operation timing among the computers, to set proper access time of the computers and to also permit shared use of the thus-set access time among the computers as needed.
2. Description of the Related Art
An atomic clock (cesium clock) is known at present as the most accurate time measuring device, which is accurate to one part in 10.sup.8 sec. Specifically, such an atomic clock defines, as one second, the duration of the natural resonance frequency of the cesium atom (9,192,631,770), and International Atomic Time is determined by the Bureau International de l'Heure (on the premises of the Paris Astronomical Observatory) by averaging the measured values of atomic clocks located throughout the world. The value of the second is thus managed today in accordance with the internationally determined atomic time, whereas the length of the day is managed in accordance with Universal Time. According to Universal Time, the hours of the day are numbered from 0 to 24, using as 0:00 p.m. (noon) a time point (southing time) when the sun crosses the Prime Meridian of longitude passing through the old Greenwich Observatory, England and using as 0:00 a.m. (midnight) a time point 12 hours before and after the southing time. The local standard time in each individual country of the world is set on the basis of a predetermined longitude passing through the country, and it is determined how many hours the local standard time is ahead or behind Universal time (Greenwich Mean Time). Specifically, Japan standard time is set, using as 0:00 p.m. a time point when the sun crosses Akashi Observatory (the 135th degree of east longitude). Further, in a large majority of the countries of the world, the Gregorian calendar is still used, in accordance with which each common year is set to have 365 days while every fourth year is set as a leap year having a total of 366 days. The Gregorian calendar was introduced on the basis of the fact that one revolution period of the earth relative to the sun (one solar year) is 365.2422 days, and it defines one year using its approximate value of 365.2425 days as one solar year.
However, the setting of the year and day based on the astronomical periods (such as the periods of the earth's revolution around the sun and rotation on its own axis) is not satisfactory, because the length of the day is somewhat changing due to the fact that the speed of the earth's rotation on its axis is not always constant by being influenced by fluctuations of the earth's axis and seasonal variations. In addition, because the speed of the earth's rotation on its axis has a tendency to slow down little by little, a slight difference arises between International Atomic Time constantly measured by the atomic clocks and Universal Time measured on the basis of the movements of heavenly bodies. This difference between the two times is currently compensated for by adding or removing one second (leap second) to or from the last minute on June 30 or December 31 in the year when it has exceeded 0.9 second.
The time management on the earth today is based on such Universal time and International Atomic Time, and various equipments existing on the earth, such as computer-containing control equipments involving accurate timing control, contain a time-keeping circuit (such as a quartz oscillator circuit), to which the current time (Universal Time) is input so as to perform timewise drive control of the equipments on the basis of time indicated by the time-keeping circuit.
In recent years, it has become necessary to remotely operate various control equipments loaded in a spacecraft operating off the earth's time space (such as a weather satellite moving around the earth and an interplanetary probe satellite), and to connect, in a network, computers located in various countries of the world so as to allow the computers to access information at predetermined timing. If, in such applications, time to be shared among the computers is set on the basis of Universal Time or the standard time of a specific country, a leap second occurring once in some years must be considered and proper access may not be guaranteed because it is unclear whether there exists a common time standard with another party's computer (e.g., whether a specific party's computer indicates the same time as the other party's computer). In view of this inconvenience, a variety of approaches have been proposed (e.g., in Japanese Patent Laid-open publication No. HEI 4-337943) to smooth the necessary time management, but they could not provide a satisfactory solution to the problem. Further, in the case of a spacecraft flying away from the earth to a far remote planet (such as the "Voyager" rocket searching Saturn), variations in gravitational field would cause "slowing of clocks" as referred to in Einstein's general theory of relativity even though a high-accuracy atomic clock is loaded in the spacecraft's computer. Namely, in a gravitational field far from the earth, electrons move more slowly and hence the frequency of radiated light becomes lower, so that the atomic clock measuring the frequency of light radiated from an atom (cesium atom) is unable to measure time accurately.

27-102 Fujinokidai Danchi 3-1 Sugasenya Tama-ku, Kanagawa Pref.


A static air freshener has a frame formed of or with plastic beads impregnated with a scent or aroma. The rate of release of the scent is controlled by the area of the frame to define the useful life of the air freshener. An insert may be place in a void defined by the frame. The insert has a thematic image that may be correlated to a thematic image on the header card of a bag or sack sized to contain the air freshener for positioning at or on the point of sale device.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air freshener for use in a closed vehicle and more particularly to an air freshener with no moving parts and with a selected design theme.
2. Related Art
Air fresheners for use in vehicles are known. They are constructed to release a selected smell, odor or scent into the interior of a closed space (e.g., the passenger compartment of a vehicle) over a particular time or useful life. A wide variety of air fresheners are available which allow the user to select a particular scent and shape.
Typical air fresheners have a scent-containing portion which is inserted into a frame. U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,432 (Hogan) discloses an air freshener in the shape of selected articles of clothing for visual display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,672 (Lorman, et al) shows an air freshener that has a fan for stimulating air circulation. The fan is activated when the driver steps on the brakes and is deactivated upon release or removal of the foot from the brake pedal.
Other air fresheners for use in homes of all sizes and shapes are also known. U.S. Pat. Des. No. 461,885 (Jordi) discloses a wall plug air freshener. U.S. Pat. Des. No. 432,023 (Fox) shows a clock air freshener.
Some air fresheners that are static (no moving parts) have a frame and an insert which is made of an absorbing material which is typically a non woven material. That is, the inserts may be made of a porous fiber board which does not accept printed images very well. On porous fiber board, the ink runs so that images are typically blurry. Upon placement of the air freshener in a desired location, the scent, aroma or smell impregnated into the absorbing material migrates into the air so the user may enjoy the scent, aroma or smell. Because such air fresheners cannot accept ink, they in turn are not good substrates for printing images thereon. Further, such air fresheners have a limited life because the amount of scent, aroma or smell that can be impregnated is limited by the thickness and absorption characteristics of the insert.


To respond to internal threats to the aircraft, an incapacitating aerosol can be released into the cabin of the aircraft. The incapacitating aerosol prevents the hijackers or terrorists from accomplishing their goals. While the hijackers or terrorists are incapacitated, the pilot can land the aircraft at the first opportunity and let trained security forces, such as the police, board the aircraft and deal with the hijackers/terrorists.

1. Field
This invention pertains to airplane passenger transportation, and more particularly to providing a way to respond to internal threats to aircraft.
2. BACKGROUND
The events of Sep. 11, 2001, will forever be ingrained in the collective memory of the world. Once thought to be relegated to less politically stable parts of the world, terrorism has been brought, in a dramatic manner, to the United States. Persons in the developed world can no longer ignore the possibility of terrorism striking them personally.
The possibility of an xe2x80x9cairplane missilexe2x80x9d was known to U.S. intelligence agencies long before Sep. 11, 2001, but was largely considered to be an unlikely possibility. The actions of the Al Qaeda terrorist network have shown that that possibility is no longer remote.
The primary response to the attacks of Sep. 11, 2001, has been to improve airport-security, in an attempt to prevent terrorists from boarding the aircraft in the first place. Stringent security guidelines now mostly prevent passengers (and terrorists) from bringing obvious weapons (such as guns and knives) on board aircraft. Anyone who looks like they might be a threat to an aircraft is singled out for closer scrutiny. And at least one airline captain has encouraged passengers to rise up against potential hijackers (http://www.snopes.com/rumors/pilot.htm). (This latter response parallels the efforts of the passengers of United Airlines flight 93, who realized that their aircraft was destined to be another terrorist xe2x80x9cairplane missilexe2x80x9d and overpowered their hijackers, at the cost of their own lives.)But even the most strict security guidelines are unlikely to prevent all future hijacking or terrorist incidents. Witness the events surrounding American Airlines flight AA63. Despite the increased security response to the events of Sep. 11, 2001, Richard Reid was able to bring aboard an explosive device inside his shoe, which he tried to detonate in midair. An alert crew and responsive passengers subdued Mr. Reid, preventing him from fulfilling his intentions. Nevertheless, the mere fact that he came as close as he did to completing his goals shows that increased security is, at best, only part of an overall approach to securing transportation lines.
And exhorting passengers, as the above-referenced United Airlines captain did, has other weaknesses. Depending on unarmed passengers to help police aircraft assumes that passengers are capable or willing to overcome hijackers or terrorists. Such might not always be the case. In addition, if the hijackers or terrorists are able to smuggle a weapon on board, passengers might lose their lives in a futile attempt to overpower the hijackers or terrorists. Finally, hijackers or terrorists can bring aboard the aircraft objects that, while not weapons in the traditional sense, are useable in that way, giving the hijackers or terrorists an advantage over other passengers.
Other proposed security measures are less likely to be successful. One suggestion was to store a weapon (such as a gun) in the cockpit of the aircraft. The theory is that by arming the cockpit crew of the aircraft, the cockpit crew would be able to overcome the hijackers or terrorists through superior weaponry. But this theory overlooks the fact that the hijacker or terrorist need only take a hostage and demand the weapon in exchange for the hostage""s life. It is difficult to imagine that an ordinary citizen, not trained in responding to hostage/terrorist situations, would fail to hand over a gun to prevent the execution of a passenger (especially where the citizen is charged with the safety of the passenger). Arming the cockpit crew simply provides the hijackers/terrorists with a better weapon, and one that they (theoretically) cannot bring aboard themselves.
There may be no solution to terrorists who simply want to kill or destroy, like the terrorists who bombed Pan American Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland on Dec. 21, 1988. All the terrorists need to do is place a bomb on the aircraft and wait for it to explode. But where a more xe2x80x9csurgicalxe2x80x9d effort is desired, direct involvement by terrorists is needed. Factor in that most terrorists, as much as anyone else, want to live one more day, and often the mere destruction of the aircraft is no longer certain.
Accordingly, a need remains for a way prevent hijackers and terrorists from commandeering aircraft and other transportation means for their own purposes, without risking loss of life to either the persons on board the aircraft or transportation means or on the ground, to address these and other problems associated with the prior art.
The invention is an improvement to aircraft and other transportation means, and a method for using the improved aircraft or transportation means. The aircraft or other transportation means is modified to provide a way to release an incapacitating aerosol into the ventilation system of the aircraft or other transportation means. At the first sign of an internal threat to the aircraft or other transportation means, the pilot or controller of the aircraft or transportation means releases the incapacitating aerosol into the ventilation system. Once the threat to the aircraft is temporarily neutralized by the incapacitating aerosol, the pilot or controller of the aircraft or transportation means guides the aircraft or transportation means to a secure location, where security forces (such as the police) can board the aircraft or transportation means and permanently neutralize the threat.
The foregoing and other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.


A turbojet has a low-pressure compressor and two fans at the front of an intermediate casing which fans are driven by two independent shafts. The compressor is disposed under the rear fan and has a downstream ring of rotor blades connecting the rear fan to the drive shaft of the rear fan, an upstream rotor blade ring that is connected to the drive shaft of the front fan and at least one ring of stator blades that is disposed between the rings of rotor blades and inside an outer stator that is supported by a second intermediate casing. Bearings are interposed respectively between the two intermediate casings and the two shafts.

In a modern, high-power turbojet with a high by-pass ratio, the fan has a large diameter, and the peripheral speed at the tips of the blades is proportional both to this diameter and to the speed of rotation of the fan. In order to obtain good efficiency, the peripheral speed must be lower than the speed of sound. In a conventional turbojet having a single fan, this is made possible by interposing reduction gearing between the drive shaft and the fan. Nevertheless, gearing increases the weight of the engine considerably and also reduces efficiency. Another technique consists in equipping the turbojet with two fans, a front fan and a rear fan, said fans being assembled at the front of the intermediate casing, and each fan being driven by a respective low speed drive shaft, without any interposed reduction gearing. Each fan supplies the air flowing in the by-pass air channel with substantially half the propulsion power of the by-pass air.
In turbojets that have two fans at the front of the intermediate casing, said fans being supported by said intermediate casing, the front fan is at a considerable overhang, particularly since there needs to be sufficient distance between the blades of the two fans in order to avoid excessive noise.
The state of the art is illustrated, in particular, by U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,861,139 and 4,860,537, which describe turbojets of the type mentioned in the introduction each having two counter-rotatable fans, which fans are connected to a low-pressure compressor also having counter-rotatable rotors, the inner rotor being driven by the drive shaft for the front fan and the outer rotor being driven by the drive shaft for the rear fan.

Turbojet architecture with two fans at the front


An image forming apparatus includes a first registration mark detection unit, second registration mark detection unit, CPU, and first registration mark time difference storage. If the width (tp) of the first registration mark signal detected by the second registration mark detection unit is equal to or smaller than a set value, the CPU directly uses, as an enable signal for controlling paper conveyance, the first registration mark detection signal detected by the first registration mark detection unit. If the width (tp′) of the first registration mark signal detected by the second registration mark detection unit is equal to or larger than a set value, the CPU controls a paper conveyer by setting, as a correct first registration mark position, a position shifted by tE measured from an error signal, from the first registration mark detection signal detected by the first registration mark detection unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which forms an image by electrostatic printing, electrophotographic printing, or the like and, more particularly, to an image forming apparatus having an intermediate transfer member and a control method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some conventional image forming apparatuses such as a laser beam printer and digital copying machine form a full-color image by developing electrostatic latent images formed on image carriers (photosensitive drums serving as photosensitive members) with developers (toners) and superposing the developed images (toner images) on an intermediate transfer member or paper, like a full-color image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus of this type suffers color misregistration. The color misregistration is an image error caused by the geometrical characteristics (e.g., differences in the slope of the scan line in the main scanning direction and the curvature of the scan line) of beams scanned by a plurality of optical scanning mechanisms.
To solve this problem, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus having an adjustment unit which controls to make the geometrical characteristics of scan beams coincide with each other (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-271275).
If a scratch or the like exists on an intermediate transfer member (intermediate transfer belt serving as an intermediate transfer member) which receives a toner image formed on the image carrier of the image forming apparatus, a registration mark for checking the amount of color misregistration may not be accurately read when transferred as a toner image. In this case, an amount of color misregistration different from an actual one is detected. As a result, color misregistration cannot be corrected at high precision and may worsen. To solve this problem, there has been proposed a technique of detecting a noise component generated by a scratch or the like on the intermediate transfer belt of an image forming apparatus, and forming a registration mark at a portion other than the noise-generated portion (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-137367).
Another technique has also been proposed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-325608). In this proposal, a plurality of registration marks are formed on the intermediate transfer belt of an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus comprises an abnormality determination unit which determines a registration mark detection abnormality. Color misregistration is corrected on based on detection signals except for a registration mark detection signal determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination unit.
An image forming apparatus having an intermediate transfer belt or photosensitive belt transfers an image at a predetermined position on paper in the following manner. That is, the timing when the paper conveyance roller conveys paper to a transfer position is determined based on the timing when the optical scanning mechanism starts exposure based on an image signal. Based on the determined timing, an image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt or photosensitive belt to a predetermined position on paper.
However, this transfer method causes image misregistration until the toner image is transferred onto paper from a position where a toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt or a position where the photosensitive belt is exposed. The image misregistration occurs owing to variations in belt speed, or a slip between the belt and the belt driving roller.
To solve this problem, the following technique has been proposed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-184348). In this proposal, a registration mark indicating an image position is formed on the photosensitive belt of an image forming apparatus. A detection means for detecting a registration mark is arranged upstream of the transfer position. A paper detection sensor for detecting the leading end of paper is also arranged. By comparing detection timings, misregistration of an image transferred onto paper is detected.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of the main part of a conventional image forming apparatus.
In FIG. 14, an image signal output unit 1001 corresponds to an image reading apparatus such as a scanner or an external terminal such as a personal computer. The image signal output unit 1001 outputs an image signal. A mark signal output unit 1002 outputs a mark signal upon reading a registration mark formed on a photosensitive belt 1005 of the image forming apparatus. A sync signal generation unit 1013 outputs an exposure sync signal to the image signal output unit 1001 and mark signal output unit 1002 in synchronism with the image forming timing. Upon receiving the exposure sync signal, the image signal output unit 1001 and mark signal output unit 1002 respectively output an image signal and mark signal to a synthesis unit 1003.
The synthesis unit 1003 synthesizes the received image signal and mark signal, and outputs the synthesized signal to an exposure unit 1004. The exposure unit 1004 modulates the receive signal into a laser driving signal, and irradiates the photosensitive belt 1005 with a laser beam. A mark detection sensor 1008 and paper detection sensor 1009 are arranged near the transfer position of paper P. An image misregistration prediction unit 1012 compares a signal obtained by reading, by the mark detection sensor 1008, the registration mark formed on the photosensitive belt 1005 with a signal obtained by reading the leading end of the paper P by the paper detection sensor 1009. Based on the detection by the sensors 1008 and 1009, the image misregistration prediction unit 1012 can detect an error caused by rotational variations of a photosensitive belt driving roller 1006 or the like.
The following problem arises in the technique of positioning and transferring an image onto paper in the conventional image forming apparatus. A toner image forms a registration mark for detecting the amount of misregistration (so-called color misregistration) between images formed by a plurality of image forming units, similar to a registration mark for determining an image transfer position on paper.
However, the registration mark formed on the photosensitive belt or intermediate transfer belt of the image forming apparatus may not be accurately detected owing to a scratch or the like present on the belt. If the registration mark overlaps the scratch on the belt, the registration mark detection time becomes longer. This results in a failure in accurately detecting a registration mark at the leading end (uppermost-stream registration mark among registration marks formed on the belt in the conveyance direction). When paper conveyance is controlled based on detection of the registration mark at the leading end, the distance from the leading end of paper to the leading end of an image formed on paper varies. In an arrangement in which a detection means is provided upstream of the transfer position to detect a registration mark serving as a reference for controlling paper conveyance, like Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-184348, if the photosensitive belt or intermediate transfer belt is scratched, the detection error increases.
A plurality of registration marks can also be formed on the photosensitive belt or intermediate transfer belt of the image forming apparatus in order to detect the amount of color misregistration. In this case, the registration marks are formed at intact portions on the belt. Alternatively, if the error detection unit detects an error in registration mark detection, the registration mark may not be employed as color misregistration information.
A formed registration mark is paired with an image to determine an image transfer position on paper. The image forming apparatus forms images at predetermined intervals. It is, therefore, very difficult to form a plurality of registration marks for detecting the amount of color misregistration as described above. In addition, the image transfer position may greatly change when the image transfer position on paper is determined directly using a registration mark detection signal.

Image forming apparatus and control method for registration mark detection


A tire manufacturing method enabling a tire to maintain a high quality and a tire manufacturing machine of a simple construction and low cost by which improvement of productivity, saving of energy and reduction of maintenance man-hour are possible is provided. A tire green-case is manufactured on a drum by the steps of winding a ply round the drum; expanding the drum to enlarge its diameter; positioning annular beads held by an inner base holder and an outer bead holder at respective predetermined positions on both sides of the drum; advancing each of the inner and outer bead holders toward the drum with thrust controlled by a control means to drive the beads; retreating the inner and outer bead holders; expanding bladders positioned on both sides of the ply; advancing again each of the inner and outer bead holders toward the drum with thrust controlled by the control means to press the expanded bladder laterally, thereby both sides of the ply being folded back so as to wrap the beads; and pressing the both sides of the ply folded back against a main part of the ply.

The present invention relates to a tire manufacturing method and a machine, and particularly to method and a machine for forming a green-case by a first forming machine.
In the first forming machine, beads are driven on portions near both ends of a ply applied on a drum and the both ends are folded back about the beads by means of bladders to form a green-case. The bead setter is required to be driven with a thrust higher than 4 tons to drive the beads and fold back the ply, and therefore in conventional bead setters, hydraulic cylinders have been used.
For example, a hydraulic pump is operated by a large capacity electric motor of 15 Kw or more and the hydraulic cylinder is driven by oil pressure caused by the hydraulic pump to move a bead holder.
The oil pressure of the hydraulic cylinder can be changed barely in two steps of high and low, and it is impossible to set thrust and moving speed separately. Therefore moving speed is sacrificed to obtain a necessary thrust and the production efficiency is low. Since thrust can not be adjusted step by step, it is impossible to correspond with various tire sizes.
In the case where the hydraulic cylinder is operated with high oil pressure, the thrust is too large for some tire sizes and the beads are apt to slip off when the beads are driven or the ply is folded back, therefore there is a problem that quality of the tire deteriorates owing to the slipping off of the beads.
On the other hand, in the case that the hydraulic cylinder is operated with low oil pressure, there is a fear that the thrust for driving the beads or folding back the ply is insufficient and it is impossible to cope with various tire sizes.
Since the hydraulic pump is driven by the electric motor of large capacity, electric power consumption is large. It is necessary to inspect the hydraulic pump periodically to confirm the oil amount, therefore many man-hours are required for maintenance and the work is troublesome. The mechanism becomes complicated because a hydraulic circuit must be constituted, and sometimes an additional cooling fan is required to avoid increase of oil temperature resulting in high cost.


A fire control system for use at a well site for sensing the presence of a fire and for automatically placing into operation apparatus for mixing the fluid produced by the well with a fire control agent to extinguish the fire. Much of the fire control system can be located underground to protect it from a fire.

An oil well or a gas well produces a hydrocarbon product that burns when ignited. That is why hydrocarbon fuels are widely used in business, homes, vehicles and machines to power the same and produce heat and work. The hydrocarbon fuels can also inadvertently burn at the well site during drilling of the wells as well as production at the well site. It is not infrequent that a well will catch on, fire due to ignition of some of the hydrocarbon fuel that has escaped from the well equipment. The ignition of oil and gas at the well site can be caused by a spark generated by mechanical means or by static means, a flame, by lightning, or by persons intending to cause a fire or explosion. Often, well fires can be catastrophic and destroy not only the well itself but also surrounding wells and other structures. Hydrocarbon wells can be located close to communities and thus the safety of a well is of great concern to the community residents. A well fire can represent a loss that ranges in the millions of dollars in time, equipment, and structures, but also a substantial loss in the hydrocarbon resource itself.
At the present time there are different approaches in extinguishing hydrocarbon fires at gas or oil well sites. As can be appreciated, a gas well or an oil well can often be located at a remote area that is difficult to reach for firemen and fire fighting equipment. Various fire fighting vehicles or fixed fire fighting installations can be called upon to extinguish well fires, but often such techniques do not optimally handle well fires or well blowouts. While one group of machines can remove elements from the vicinity of the fire, another group can spray water to cool down the working area. Other examples well fire fighting techniques include employing explosives to cause a detonation in the immediate area of the fire in order to deplete it of oxygen and extinguish it, or plug the pipeline in an attempt to contain the fire. Other attempts include methods of capping the oil well while it is still under fire. Yet other attempts include spraying various chemicals or dry chemical powders on top or from the side of the fire at the well head, either from mobile platforms or fixed installations.
Another attempt for controlling blowouts at well sites has been the use of blowout preventers which are stacked above the well casing to, smash, pinch and scissor the drill pipe and close off the flow of the hydrocarbon fuel through the pipe. Also used is "Hydril" apparatus that is designed to close off the area around the drill pipe to prevent loss of the flow of the hydrocarbon product.
Further, an oil well fire requires many persons to be mobilized, making coordination of the individuals a difficult task that often results in slow and costly extinguishing and recovery operations that can further cause loss of life of those involved in working on or near the oil or gas well as well as the fire fighting equipment itself.
Hence, many of these well fire fighting techniques have been moderately successful, inefficient, costly, and often dangerous.
It can be seen that a need exists for a fire extinguishing system that overcomes the deficiencies and drawbacks of current oil/gas well fire extinguishing systems and methods. More particularly, what is needed is a system and method that can effectively prevent and/or immediately extinguish a potential oil well blowout or pressure fire before or after it reaches the surface. Yet another need exists for a fire control system that is located at the well site and can sense a situation where there is a fire, and immediately place the system into operation without the supervision of personnel. In addition, what is needed is a system that can be controlled either automatically or manually, can operate independently of or integrated with other fire extinguishing systems, and is cost effective and safe to install and, operate.

In-line fire control system for a hydrocarbon fluid stream


An image sensing device that provides image data to an external device adjusts the resolution at which the image is sensed in accordance with format requirements of the external device. The format requirements of the external device can be automatically detected, or entered by a user. The operating parameters of a line sensor, to scan the image in a subscanning direction, are varied in accordance with the format requirements. These operating parameters can be the integration cycle of the sensor, and/or the speed at which the image is optically scanned past the sensor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to an image input device such as an electronic still camera or image reader, in which image data obtained by sensing an image is provided to an external device by means of an output interface.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of image input devices have been conventionally used to receive an image of an object or text and to convert it into image data. For example, in order to sense the still image of a person or scenery, electronic still cameras having built-in CCD sensors are used. An electronic still camera outputs, or downloads, image data obtained through image sensing to a TV monitor, personal computer, etc., such that the sensed image may be displayed on the screen or printed. Image readers are used to sense the image of text. An image reader outputs image data obtained through image sensing to an image processing device such as a high precision color printer or workstation, such that the sensed image may be printed or stored in a memory device.
In a conventional image input device as described above, the conditions used for image sensing are fixed. For example, in an electronic still camera, the resolution is determined by the number of the pixels of the CCD sensor and image sensing is performed using that resolution, i.e., the maximum resolution.
However, external devices that are connected to an image input device vary in resolution. For example, a high precision color printer has 5,000.times.8,000 pixels, while a standard color printer has 2,000.times.3,000 pixels and a TV monitor has 500.times.800 pixels. In this way, the resolution varies from one external device to another.
An image input device needs to output image data that has a resolution matching the resolution of the external device connected to it. If an external device is connected that has a resolution different from that of the image data obtained through image sensing, a process to convert the resolution must take place inside the image input device. Because such a conversion process requires time, the overall processing speed decreases to the same extent. Furthermore, where the resolution is to be increased, for example, the image data needs to be increased using approximation, which gives rise to the problem that errors are included in the image data.
The present invention addresses these problems. Its object is to provide an image input device in which conversion of resolution is not necessary or is made as simple as possible when image data is output to an external device.

Image input device in which the image sensing conditions are changed depending on a data format required by an external device


A converting circuit and a communication device are provided. The converting circuit includes: a sample hold circuit for receiving an analog signal; a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC); a comparator being connected with an output end of the sample hold circuit and an output end of the DAC; and a control circuit being connected with an output end of the comparator, wherein when the sample hold circuit receives an analog signal, the control circuit controls the sample hold circuit and the comparator to work, controls an output of the DAC based on an output of the comparator, and outputs a corresponding digital signal; and when the control circuit detects a digital signal is input, the control circuit controls the DAC to convert the digital signal into an corresponding analog signal and output the corresponding analog signal. The converting circuit can reduce chip area and chip cost.

In most communication systems, an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is usually provided in a downlink. The ADC can convert analog signals into digital signals which are suitable for computer processing. Correspondingly, a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) is provided in an uplink of the communication system. The DAC can in turn convert digital signals into analog signals.
Successive Approximation type Analog to Digital Converter (SAR ADC) is a widely used converter. The SAR ADC includes a DAC and a control circuit, where the DAC built in the SAR ADC can calibrate an output of the SAR ADC under control of the control circuit. Therefore, in an application of the SAR ADC, two DACs are configured in both of the uplink and the downlink of the communication system, which increases chip area of the converting circuit and chip cost.

Converting circuit with control circuit to detect signals input into the converting circuit, and communication device

SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.


An ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording apparatus includes a head for discharging an ink composition for an ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording, an ink flow path supplying the ink composition for the ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording to the head, and a gear pump for circulating the ink composition for the ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording to the ink flow path, in which the ink composition for the ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording contains a hindered amine compound.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording apparatus and an ink jet recording method using the same.
2. Related Art
In the related art, as a fluid flow apparatus, a gear pump is known. In the gear pump used in an ink jet recording apparatus, by rotating one pair of gears housed in a pump chamber (fluid chamber) in an engaged state, ink sucked from a suction opening is discharged from a discharge opening, thereby making the ink flow. In such a gear pump, if the ink enters a place with a high resistance with respect to a fluid, for example, a gap between an axis (rotating body) and a bearing (support portion), there is a concern that the ink is cured and thus rotation of the axis is hindered. Therefore, it is conceivable to increase a fluidity of the ink entering the gap by increasing the gap between the axis and the bearing. However, since a center of the axis is not stable in the case where the gap is increased, there is a problem in which the axis is difficult to smoothly rotate (shaky).
Accordingly, JP-A-2012-20559 discloses a fluid flow apparatus which can suppress shakiness against a support portion of a rotating body which rotates to make a fluid, which is subject to a polymerization reaction, flow and excellently rotates the rotating body, and is provided with the fluid chamber for making a fluid having a polymerization inhibition property due to oxygen while being cured by polymerization reaction flow, the rotating body which is rotatably supported around the axis of a support portion provided in the fluid chamber, and a driving means for rotationally driving the rotating body, in which the support portion is configured with a material having gas permeability, and is designed to separate the inside and the outside of the fluid chamber. According to this configuration, since the support portion which separates the inside and the outside of the fluid chamber is configured with a material having gas permeability, in the case where the gas which penetrates the support portion from the outside of the fluid chamber includes oxygen, the curing of the fluid in the fluid chamber can be suppressed by the oxygen.
However, in the case where an ink composition for the ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording is transported using the gear pump, since even if oxygen flows into the gear pump, the oxygen flowed into is consumed by the influence of the material of the gear pump and heat generated, and thus, polymerization of the ink composition is not inhibited, and there is a case where the rotating body and the support portion in the gear pump are fixed by the polymerization product. When such fixation occurs, there is a problem in which durability of the gear pump is deteriorated.
In contrast, it is also conceivable that the ink composition for the ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording is transported using a tube pump or a diaphragm pump. In such a method, the ink composition is unlikely to be fixed. However, there is a problem in the durability in which the tube pump or the tube is likely to be damaged. In addition, since it is difficult for the diaphragm pump to transport a fluid at a constant flow rate, there is a problem in discharging amount stability.

Ultraviolet ray curable ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording method


A method using computer software for automatic audio visual dubbing (5) using an efficient computerized automatic method for audio visual dubbing of movies by computerized image copying of the characteristic features of the lip movements of the dubber onto the mouth area of the original speaker. The invention uses a method of vicinity-searching, three-dimensional head modeling of the original speaker (3), and texture mapping (10) technique to produce new images which correspond to the dubbed sound track: The invention thus overcomes the well known disadvantage of the correlation problems between lip movement in an original movie and the sound track of the dubbed movie.

Portions of this application are contained on compact disc(s) the contents of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference. The compact discs are labeled as Copy 1, and Copy 2, respectively. The compact discs are identical and each includes the following ASCII files:
The present invention relates to a method for automatic audio visual dubbing. More specifically the said invention relates to an efficient computerized automatic method for audio visual dubbing of movies by computerized image copying of the characteristic features of the lips movements of the dubber onto the mouth area of the original speaker. The present invention uses a method of vicinity-searching, three-dimensional head modeling of the original speaker, and texture mapping techniques in order to produce the new images which correspond to the dubbed sound track.
The invention overcomes the well known disadvantage of the correlation problems between lips movement in the original movie and the sound track of the dubbed movie.
First are provided some definitions of important key words employed in this specification.
Actor (the original actor)xe2x80x94an actor, speaker, singer, animated character, animal, an object in a movie, or a subject in a still photograph.
Audio visual Dubbingxe2x80x94Manipulating, in one or more frames, the mouth area of the actor so that its status will be similar as much as possible to that of the dubber in the reference frame.
Correlation Functionxe2x80x94A function describing the similarity of two image regions. The higher the correlation, the better is the match.
Dubberxe2x80x94The person or persons, who speak/narrate/sing/interpret the target text. The dubber can be the same as the actor.
Dubbingxe2x80x94Replacing part or all of one or more of the original sound tracks of a movie, with its original text or sounds (including the case of the silent track of a still photograph), by another sound track containing the target text and/or sound.
Edge Detectorxe2x80x94A known image processing technique used to extract boundaries between image regions which differ in intensity and/or color.
Face Parametrizationxe2x80x94A method that numerically describes the structure, location, and expression of the face.
Head Modelxe2x80x94A three-dimensional wire frame model of the face that is controlled by numerous parameters that describe the exact expression produced by the model (i.e. smile, mouth width, jaw opening, etc.).
Movie (the original movie)xe2x80x94Any motion picture (e.g. cinematic feature film, advertisement, video, animated cartoon, still video picture, etc.). A sequence of consecutive pictures (also called frames) photographed in succession by a camera or created by an animator. In the case of the movie being a still photograph, all of the consecutive pictures are identical to each other. When shown in rapid succession an illusion of natural motion is obtained, except for the case of still pictures. A sound-track is associated with most movies, which contains speech, music, and/or sounds, and which is synchronized with the pictures, and in particular where the speech is synchronized with the lip movements of the actors in the pictures. Movies are realized in several techniques. Common methods are: (a) recording on film, (b) recording in analog electronic form (xe2x80x9cvideoxe2x80x9d), (c) recording in digital electronic form, (d) recording on chips, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, or optical disks, and (e) read/write by magnetic and/or optical laser devices. Finally, in our context, an xe2x80x9coriginal moviexe2x80x9d is also an audio-visual movie altered by the present invention, which serves as a base for further alterations.
Original Textxe2x80x94A text spoken or sung by the actor when the movie is being made, and which is recorded on its sound track. The text may be narrated in the background without showing the speaker, or by showing a still photograph of the speaker.
Pixelxe2x80x94Picture element. A digital picture is composed of an array of points, called pixels. Each pixel encodes the numerical values of the intensity and of the color at the corresponding picture point.
Reference Similarity Framexe2x80x94A picture (being a frame in the original movie, a frame in any other movie, or a still photograph) in which the original actor has the desired features of the mouth-shape and head posture suitable for the audio visually dubbed movie.
Target Textxe2x80x94A new vocal text, to replace the original vocal text of the actor. The target text may also be that which is to be assigned to an actor who was silent in the original movie. The new text can be in another language, to which one refers as DUBBING. However, this invention relates also to replacement of text without changing the language, with the original actor or with a dubber in that same language. The target text may have the same meaning as the original text, but may have also a modified, opposite, or completely different meaning. According to one of many applications of the present invention, the latter is employed for creation of new movies with the same actor, without his/her/its active participation. Also included is new vocal text used to replace the null vocal text attached to one or more still photographs.
Texture Mappingxe2x80x94A well known technique in computer graphics which maps texture onto a three-dimensional wire frame model.
Two-Dimensional Projectionxe2x80x94The result of the rendering of the three-dimensional face model onto a two-dimensional device like a monitor, a screen, or photographic film.
Movies are often played to an audience that is not familiar with the original language, and thus cannot understand the sound track of such movies. Two well known common approaches exist to solve this problem. In one approach sub-titles in typed text of the desired language are added to the pictures, and the viewers are expected to hear the text in a foreign language and simultaneously to read its translation on the picture itself. Such reading distracts the viewers from the pictures and from the movie in general. Another approach is dubbing, where the original sound-track with the original text is being replaced by another sound-track with the desired language. In this case there is a disturbing mis-match between the sound-track and the movements of the mouth.
There have been some earlier attempts to overcome these disadvantages, none of which have been commercialized because of inherent principal difficulties which made the practical execution unrealistic. Thus, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,281 a method is described which performs the measurements of the shape of the mouth manually by a ruler or with a cursor, and corrects the mouth shape by moving pixels within each frame. As will be seen in the description of the invention, the method according to the present invention is inherently different and much superior in the following points: In the present invention the tracking of the shape of the mouth is done automatically and not manually. In the present invention changing the shape of the mouth is done by using a three-dimensional head model, for example like those described by P. Ekman and W. V. Friesen, (Manual for the Facial Action Unit system, consulting Psychologist Press, Palo Alto 1977). In the present invention the mouth area of the actor is replaced using the mouth area of a reference similarity frame. In the present invention mouth status parameters of the dubber are substituted for mouth status parameters of the actor.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,229 relates to a method of graphically creating lip images. This U.S. patent is totally different from the present invention: In the U.S. patent, speech sounds are analyzed and digitally encoded. In the present invention no sound analysis is done; nor is any required at all.
To make for better viewing of the audio visually dubbed movie, the present invention provides a computerized method wherein, in addition to replacing the sound track to the target text, the mouth movements of the actor are being automatically changed to match the target text. The new mouth movements are linguistly accurate and visually natural looking according to all of the observable parameters of the actor""s face.
The present invention provides a method for automated computerized audio visual dubbing of movies, comprising of the following steps (see FIG. 1):
(a) selecting from the movie a frame having a picture, preferably frontal, of the actor""s head and, if available, a frame with its side profile;
(b) marking on the face several significant feature points and measuring their locations in the frame;
(c) fitting a generic three-dimensional head model to the actor""s two-dimensional head picture by adapting the data of the significant feature points, as measured in stage (b), to their location in the model;
(d) tracking of the said fitted three-dimensional head model parameters throughout the movie, from one frame to its successor, iteratively in an automated computerized way and creating a library of reference similarity frames.
(e) taking a movie of a dubber wherein the dubber speaks the target text;
(f) repeating stages (a), (b), (c), and (d) with the dubber;
(g) normalizing the dubber""s minimum and maximum values of each parameter to the actor""s minimum and maximum values of the same parameters;
(h) mapping, on a frame to frame basis, the two-dimensional actors face onto its three-dimensional head model by using a texture mapping technique, making use of reference similarity frames;
(i) changing the texture mapped three-dimensional model obtained in stage (h) by replacing, on a frame to frame basis, the original mouth parameters with the mouth parameters as computed in stage (d) for the dubber and obtaining the parametric description for the new picture, with identical values to the original, except that the actor""s mouth status resembles the mouth status of the dubber;
(j) texture mapping the lips area of the same actor from a frame in the movie, with identical or very similar mouth status to the desired new mouth status, onto the lips area of the actor""s head model for the current frame and then projecting the lips area from the actor""s head model onto the current new frame. (This stage is optional, depending on the application.)
By using the three dimensional head model one can control the audio visual dubbing process even if the actor is moving his head. In most applications about 15 significant feature points on the face are used in the tracking stage, such as eye corners, mouth corners, and the nostrills. Only those feature points which are visible to the viewer (using the information available to the model) are tracked.
In the present invention, audio visual dubbing is normally used in conjunction with the use of audio dubbing; but one may also use it in conjunction with an audio track where no equivalent track exists in the original movie.
The method according to the present invention is useful for the audio visual dubbing of motion pictures such as cinematic feature films, advertisements, video, and animated cartoon. Also the audio visual dubbing of still photographs, wherein all of the frames of the movie are the same, is made possible by the present invention. For instance, still photographs are used for this type of movie in T.V. news programs where the reporter""s voice is heard while a still photograph of him/her is shown.
Thus, according to the present invention even speachless actors, infants, animals, and inanimate objects can be audio visually dubbed to speak in any language.
According to our invention, the animation process saves much of the labor associated with the animation of the mouth area.
The present invention further provides a computer program (see Appendix 1) for operating the computerized audio visual dubbing.
The present invention further relates to the library of reference similarity frames as created in Step d (above).

Method for the automatic computerized audio visual dubbing of movies

Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem


An information processing apparatus includes: a first input unit that allows a user to input a biometric data of the user; a storage that stores a setting data corresponding to the biometric data; a setting unit that sets the setting data corresponding to the biometric data as a setting condition when the biometric data is inputted by the first input unit; a processing unit that performs a processing in accordance with the setting condition; a transmission unit that transmits the biometric data to an external device.

In recent years, with increasing interest in security, it has been proposed to provide a biometrics function in various apparatuses.
For example, JP-A-2005-6259 discloses a multifunction apparatus including a fingerprint sensor arranged in a telephone directory key, a start key, etc., of an operation panel. The multifunction apparatus identifies a user on the basis of the inputted fingerprint and perform a processing in accordance with a setting condition dedicated for the user.
Nevertheless, in the configuration described in the JP-A-2005-6259, the fingerprint read by the multifunction apparatus is merely used within the multifunction apparatus. That is, its utilization in another apparatus is not taken into consideration at all.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a configuration that in an information processing apparatus to which a biometric data is inputted, the inputted biometric data is configure to be utilized not only in the information processing apparatus but also in another application.

Information processing apparatus that receives biometric data for controlling access


An aircraft includes a fuselage having a cabin. The aircraft also includes a cabin pressure sensor configured to detect cabin pressure level of the cabin. The aircraft further includes a controller configured to determine a pressure threshold as a function of a pressure altitude of a destination airport of the aircraft. The controller is also configured to activate a flight safety system based on the cabin pressure level satisfying the pressure threshold.

Atmospheric pressure is related to the weight of an air column above a pressure measurement location. Ignoring other considerations, as altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. This decrease in atmospheric pressure results in a corresponding decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen. That is, although the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere at a higher elevation may be the same as the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere in at a lower elevation, since there is less air mass per unit volume at the higher elevation, there is less oxygen in a unit of volume at the higher elevation.
Above particular elevations, the partial pressure of oxygen available in the atmosphere can be too low for safe and healthy human functioning. Many commercial aircraft regularly operate at elevations above 30,000 feet, which is well above the elevation at which hypoxia becomes a concern. Such aircraft include a pressurized cabin area to maintain passenger safety and comfort. While on the ground with the doors open, the aircraft cabin pressure is equalized with the ambient conditions at the departure airport. After takeoff, the cabin pressure is controlled to maintain a pressure altitude, or a pressure level corresponding to a given altitude, that is comfortable for the passengers (e.g., a pressure corresponding to an altitude that is less than about 8,000 feet). During landing, the cabin pressure is gradually changed to equalize the cabin pressure with the ambient pressure at the destination airport.
Such aircraft also include backup safety features, such as oxygen masks that deploy to each passenger seat if the pressure altitude in the cabin is too high. For example, a typical aircraft may be configured to deploy oxygen masks to passengers if the pressure altitude in the cabin is greater than about 14,700 feet, since a pressure altitude greater than 14,700 feet represents a relatively lower pressure level compared to the pressure levels at altitudes less than about 8,000 feet.
While a pressure altitude of 14,700 feet is considered a safe oxygen deployment threshold, it is not suitable in some circumstances. For example, some airports are situated at elevations greater than 14,700 feet above mean sea level. An oxygen deployment threshold of 14,700 feet cannot be used for aircraft landing at such high-elevation airports.

Aircraft altitude warning and oxygen presentation


A gear-driven clutching and resetting device of a door lock comprising a clutch 1, a rotary ring 2, a reset block 3, a reset spring 4, a reset block 5, and a locating pin 6. The clutch 1 is assembled inside the rotary ring 2, both of them rotate around the same center shaft. The reset spring 4 is fitted inside the reset block 5 which is in turn fitted inside the reset block 3, all three rotating around the same center shaft. A projection 61 of the locating pin 6 is fitted inside the groove 51 of the reset block 5, and has a limiting role on the reset block 5 when rotating. The gear 31 of the reset block 3 engages with the gear 11 of the clutch 1, thus realizing the transmission function between the reset block 3 and the clutch 1.

The utility practical model is related to a gear-driven clutching and resetting device on a door lock, especially an all-gear-driven clutching and resetting device.
At present, there are a variety of clutching and resetting devices in the market.
The purpose of the utility practical model is to provide an all-gear-driven device that realizes clutching and resetting operations ingenious with mechanicals and geometric principles.
To achieve the above purpose, the technical scheme for the utility practical model is as follows:
A clutching and resetting device of a door lock that comprises a clutch, a rotary ring, a first reset block, a reset spring, a second reset block and a locating pin. The clutch is assembled inside the rotary ring, both of which rotate around the same center shaft. The reset spring is inside the second reset block, whereas the second reset block is inside the first reset block, with all three of them rotating around the same center shaft. The projection of the locating pin is fitted inside a groove in the reset block, so that the projection has a limiting role on the second reset block when the second reset block is rotating. The gear of the first reset block connects with the gear of the clutch, thus realizing the transmission function between the first reset block and the clutch.
The clutching and resetting device using the above gear has a simple structure, with a more flexible transmission function and enhanced reliability.

Gear-driven clutching and resetting device of door lock


Undetected emissions may damage devices at a work site and pose a safety hazard to the surrounding environment. A method of control based on predictive emissions detection is disclosed. The method uses sensors coupled to work site equipment to identify devices and regions of a work site that may be affected by adverse conditions. Detection of such emissions may allow the system or operator to shut down or otherwise act on equipment before any harm is done to the device or personnel in the area.

In various operations, certain types of equipment may be exposed to emissions or generate emissions, such as hazardous gases. When exposed to emissions, such equipment may experience or be placed in an abnormal, adverse, or undesirable operation mode that may cause damage to the equipment. For example, an engine may experience a run-away mode or overspeed mode causing damage to the engine. Additionally, such emissions may cause harm to the environment or operators. Traditionally, various detection systems have been used to detect the presence of combustible gases and initiate a response (for example, shutting down equipment, sending alerts, etc.) when concentration levels reach a critical level. However, in the event of sudden changes in a concentration level of one or more emissions, the concentration level may reach critical levels before the detection system can respond. Generally, predefined set points to trigger a specific response are utilized, which result in frequent false alarms or shutdowns reducing the effectiveness of the detection system.


A frequency discriminator is provided which comprises a phase shifter for shifting a phase of an IF signal, a multiplier for analogically multiplying the IF signal and an output signal of the phase shifter and outputting the resultant signal thus obtained as a differential current, a circuit for forming a differential current of a differential output current of the multiplier, an inverter circuit to be driven by the differential current thus formed, and a low-pass filter for integrating an output signal of the inverter circuit. As the circuit for forming the differential current thereof, a current mirror circuit is preferably used. Thus, a quadrature-type frequency discriminator can be realized on a C-MOS integrated circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a frequency discriminator and more particularly, to a frequency discriminator which is adapted to be formed on a C-MOS integrated circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
A quadrature-type frequency discriminator uses an analog multiplier and is conventionally formed on a bipolar integrated circuit in general. This means that such a quadrature-type frequency discriminator that is to be formed on a C-MOS integrated circuit is not known previously. On the other band, a conventional frequency discriminator that is to be formed on a C-MOS integrated circuit uses a pulse count or phase-locked loop (PLL) type one which is formed of a digital circuit.
Recently, a quadrature-type frequency discriminator to be formed on a C-MOS integrated circuit has been largely demanded to be developed in order to make the best use of advantages of a C-MOS integrated circuit. This invention was made to meet such demand as above, an object of this invention is to provide a frequency discriminator capable of being formed on a C-MOS integrated circuit without arising any disadvantageous problem.


Described herein are methods and systems for administering a life insurance policy that provide an alternative to the traditional approach by querying a client for a set of coverage objectives and using a set of algorithms to automatically adjust billed premiums on an ongoing basis to maintain the client-specified coverage objectives—a methodology referred to herein as “dynamic billing.” Dynamic billing enables clients to take corrective action sooner than it would otherwise be taken and/or provides an automated mechanism or prompt for clients to take such action on an ongoing basis. For example, in certain embodiments, the disclosed technology computes adjusted premiums and allows the policy owner to be billed the amount required to keep his/her policy on track with his/her current insurance policy objectives.

Life insurance policies are designed to pay a death benefit upon the death of the insured. There are generally two types of life insurance policies—term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance provides death benefit protection for a specific period of time. Permanent life insurance offers lifetime death benefit protection with a cash value component. Examples of permanent life insurance include traditional universal life insurance, indexed universal life insurance, and variable universal life insurance.
Traditional universal life insurance is permanent insurance that provides lifetime death benefit protection and cash value accumulation potential. Such policies may allow the amount and frequency of premium payments to be adjusted within certain limits. The policy account value grows based on a credited interest rate that can change. Money may be accessed from the policy via withdrawals and loans; however, this decreases the cash value and/or death benefit unless repaid. There may be certain tax advantages provided by these policies.
Indexed universal life is a type of permanent life insurance that offers the same features as traditional universal life but with an opportunity to earn interest linked to the performance of an indexed account, such as the S&P 500, for example, while protecting the policy's cash value from market risk. Premium allocation options may be flexible, allowing the policy holder to switch between various allocation options over the lifetime of the policy. Indexed universal life policies generally have more cash value accumulation potential than other universal life policies.
Variable universal life insurance is permanent insurance that provides lifetime death benefit protection, flexible premium payments, and the ability to build cash value. For example, the policy holder may accumulate cash value by choosing from a variety of investment options across a range of risk categories. The policy account value varies depending on the performance of the investment options selected. Funds may be transferred among different investment options over the lifetime of the policy.

Methods and systems for implementing dynamic billing

John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.)


A method and apparatus are provided for prompting an agent of an automatic contact distributor during a customer service contact with a client. The method includes the steps of detecting a state of the customer service contact with the client via operation of a terminal of the agent; selecting a set of possible responses for use by the agent from a plurality of sets of possible responses that are appropriate to the detected state of the customer service contact and visually prompting the agent with the selected set of possible responses.

Automatic call distributors (ACDs) are known. Such systems are typically used by organizations to serve large numbers of callers through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Typically, inbound calls are directed to a common telephone number of the organization and distributed to agents based upon some criteria (e.g., agent idle time).
In addition to handling inbound calls, ACDs may also process outbound calls. Typically, a controller monitors a workload of its agents. Where a workload of received calls falls below some threshold value, the controller may begin to initiate outbound calls.
In addition to placing and distributing calls, an ACD may also identify and display documents on agent terminals as an aid to processing the calls. In the case of incoming calls, the calls may be received along with dialed number identification service (DNIS) and/or automatic number identification (ANI) information. ANI may be used to identify a caller at the same instant as the call is delivered to the ACD. The controller of the ACD may use the ANI information to retrieve and display customer records on a terminal of the agent selected to handle the call at the same instant that the call is delivered to the agent.
In addition, prepared sales presentations may be displayed on a terminal of the agent that guides the agent through a sales presentation. DNIS information may be used to identify an intended call target and to select an appropriate sales presentation for use by the agent based upon the intended call target.
While prepared sales presentations work relatively well, they are generally only useful in a selling environment. In other situations, such as for customer service, a sales presentation is not appropriate. In these situations, a written format is not helpful because resolution of customer problems do not typically follow predictable paths. Because of the importance of customer service, a need exists for a method of handling customer service calls that is adaptable to the uncertainty of the customer interaction.


A pixel-array substrate includes a semiconductor substrate and a passivation layer. The semiconductor substrate includes a pixel array surrounded by a periphery region. A back surface of the semiconductor substrate forms, in the periphery region, a plurality of first peripheral-trenches extending into the semiconductor substrate. The passivation layer is on the back surface and lines each of the plurality of first peripheral-trenches.

Camera modules in commercial products such as stand-alone digital cameras, mobile devices, automotive components, and medical devices include an image sensor. The image sensor includes a pixel array and, in a periphery region surrounding the pixel array, analog devices. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate and a passivation layer on the substrate's back surface. The passivation layer is prone to developing bubble defects particularly around large surface area due to material-induced stress. The bubble defects often become cracked regions or peeling regions of the passivation layer, which increases noise in the periphery analog devices, and hence degrades the quality of images captured by the image sensor.

Pixel-array substrate and defect prevention method


A jig used for heat treatment made from an SiC-coated silicon carbide material, wherein the SiC film is coated by the CVD method on a silicon carbide matrix in which silicon has been impregnated and wherein there are no pores with a diameter of 2 .mu.m or larger in the outer layer of the matrix within 200 .mu.m from the interface of the SiC film and the silicon carbide matrix when observed by a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of 400 times. The jig is manufactured by producing an SiC film on the surface of a silicon carbide matrix in which silicon has been impregnated by introducing a raw material compound for producing the SiC film and forming the SiC film at a temperature from 1000.degree. C. to 1290.degree. C. under a pressure from 500 to 760 Torr in a non-oxidative atmosphere. The jig exhibits superior resistance to high temperature heating cycles and excellent high thermal shock resistance required for heat treatment in semiconductor manufacturing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a jig made from a material having high purity, superior resistance to high temperature heating cycles, and superb high thermal shock resistance, and thus is suitable for use as a jig for heat treatment used in the manufacture of semiconductors.
2. Description of the Background Art
A jig used for heat treatment of liner tubes, process tubes, wafer boats, and the like which are used in diffusion furnace in the manufacture of semiconductors must not only have a superior resistance to high temperature heating cycles (such as rapid heating and quenching), excellent high thermal shock resistance, and superb mechanical strength, it also must exhibit sufficient resistance to contamination to protect high-purity silicon wafers from being contaminated.
High-purity quartz has conventionally been used as a material in the jig used for such a heat treatment. The resistance of the high-purity quartz to a high temperature treatment, however, has become insufficient with the increases in the temperatures used for such a heat treatment. A silicon carbide material with silicon impregnated therein has been developed as a material to substitute for the high-purity quartz (U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,587). Impurities contained in this silicon carbide material, however, diffuse and come out on the surface, making the impurity level of this material higher than that of the high-purity quartz.
A silicon carbide sintered material prepared by providing a film of a ultrahigh purity silicon carbide by a CVD method (chemical vapor deposition method) on a silicon carbide matrix in which silicon has been impregnated has been proposed for use as a part in the manufacture of semiconductors to overcome this problem (Japanese patent No. 1682754). As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,157,541, formation of SiC films by the CVD method is carried out by either the pyrolysis of an organic silicon-containing compound, such as methyltrichlorosilane (CH.sub.3 SiCl.sub.3) or methyldichlorosilane (CH.sub.3 SiHCl.sub.2), or by the reaction of a silicon compound such as SiCl.sub.4 and a carbon compound such as CH.sub.4 to cause SiC to deposit with heating.
The formation of a SiC film is very effective for preventing the vaporization of impurities. However, when the SiC film is formed by the CVD method on the silicon carbide substrate in which silicon has been impregnated, resistance to high temperature heating cycles and high thermal shock resistance delicately change according to the conditions of the interface between the matrix and the SiC coating layer. This can cause cracks in or peeling of the SiC film, when the product is used as a semiconductor part which may suffer from a severe heat history.
In addition, part of the silicon impregnated in the silicon carbide matrix may easily vaporize and produce pores close to the surface of the substrate, resulting in impaired adhesion of the SiC film to the silicon carbide substrate. This will cause peeling of the SiC film from heat shock or high temperature heat cycles. Furthermore, if pinholes are produced due to impaired adhesion of the SiC film, part of the impregnated silicon may erode and dissolve out, thereby producing pores. Such pores permit impurities to accumulate and can be a source of such impurities.
A method for improving adhesion of the SiC film by causing SiC crystals to grow in the same orientation has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 210276/1988). Because the SiC film is formed at a temperature higher than the melting point of silicon in this method, a great number of pores are produced in the silicon carbide substrate, resulting in a decrease in the strength of the substrate.
Some inventors belonging to the inventive entity of the present invention have previously proposed a process for forming a SiC film on silicon-impregnated silicon carbide ceramics without producing pores. The process comprises heating a silicon carbide ceramic material in which silicon has been impregnated at a temperature of 850.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. under a reduced pressure, introducing a reaction gas for forming SiC, thereby producing a SiC film while raising the temperature from 1200.degree. C. to 1400.degree. C. without cooling the product (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 65374/1992). In this process, formation of the SiC film is initiated at a temperature below 1000.degree. C. at which the rate of vaporization of silicon is small, then the temperature is raised to 1000.degree. C. or higher. The film which has been formed at lower temperatures controls the vaporization of the silicon, even though the temperature is raised to 1000.degree. C. or higher, whereby the number of pores which are formed can be reduced.
To resolve the above-mentioned problems existing in the conventional process for producing an SiC film by chemical vapor deposition on the silicon-impregnated silicon carbide substrate used as semiconductor manufacturing parts, the present inventors have conducted extensive studies on the relationship between the properties at the interface of the substrate and the SiC coating layer and heat resistance characteristics of the resulting silicon carbide substrate, the factors for the formation of pores in the course of the SiC film production, and the like, on the basis of the above-mentioned process for forming a SiC film wherein the film formation is initiated in a temperature range of 850.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C.

Jig for heat treatment and process for fabricating the jig


The invention relates to a shaft and hub connection (20) for transmitting torque, a common longitudinal axis (X-X) comprising the following components: a shaft (22) which rotates about the longitudinal axis (X-X) and comprises an entraining longitudinal section having an untrue outer contour (26), and a hub (24) that is coaxial to the shaft (22) and encloses the shaft (22) with its internal contour (28) at least in the area of the entraining longitudinal section. The invention is characterized in that the outer contour (26) of the entraining longitudinal section of the shaft (22) and the inner contour (28) of the hub (24) have the shape of a perfect cone to such a degree that, when the shaft (22) and the hub (24) are assembled, they automatically self-lock, thereby holding the shaft and hub connection (20) together. The connection also comprises connecting means which prestress the shaft (22) and the hub (24), when assembled, in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X-X).

In machine construction, such shaft/hub connections are used in many ways for transmitting torques between the shaft and the hub. In addition to many requirements, the basic task of such types of connections is usually the transmission of high torques. The connections should thereby be as compact and light as possible and they should be mountable without extensive installation and adjustment work. On principle, all of the embodiments have in common that the torque transmission loads the shaft/hub connection. Dynamic loads are thereby usually higher than static loads.
Due to the fact that, for the most part, a conventional shaft/hub connection is not an interference fit, only a certain portion of the contact surfaces truly participates in torque transmission. This causes high stresses in the components, which must be compensated for or reduced by an appropriately long connection. However, the connection's enlarged length again causes larger radial run-out and reinforces a relative motion between shaft and hub, during which no transmission of torque occurs (the so-called play). The enlargement of radial run-out also leads to undesired noises and vibrations. A longer connection moreover facilitates sliding of the surfaces upon each other, which again promotes the formation of fretting corrosion. Finally, these effects lead to a reduction in the lifetime of the shaft/hub connection and consequently that of the entire system.
DE 198 36 259 A1 shows a tight shaft/hub connection in which, to reduce or prevent the undesired play, a radial pressing device presses the hub toward the rotational axis in such a manner, that the inner contour of the hub engages the shaft free of play. The disadvantage of this embodiment is the need for additional components, which is associated with higher space requirements and costs.
Clamping set connections, in which a clamping set is disposed between the shaft and the hub, are known for reducing or preventing the undesired play. Such a clamping set encompasses at least one element, by means of which the annular cross-section of the clamping set can be enlarged and the clamping set is thus, on the one hand, pressed against the jacket surface of the shaft and, on the other hand, against the inner surface of the hub bore and a connection, which is free of play, is created. DE 36 36 393 A1 describes such clamping sets, where the positive fit is achieved in that the shaft as well as the hub are provided with a longitudinal toothing and in that the clamping set encompasses, on the inside as well as on the outside, a longitudinal toothing, which in each case corresponds thereto. Due to the additional components, this embodiment is also associated with correspondingly higher costs having a relatively high space requirement. An additional time-intensive and thus cost-intensive operating step is required for the assembly of the clamping set.
EP 1 225 356 B1 describes a shaft/hub connection, where at least one of the components encompasses, in the area of the untrue entraining longitudinal section, at least two holding sections, which are angularly displaced to each other around the longitudinal axis. This can be achieved by means of torsion, for example, which runs across the entire length of the entraining longitudinal section but also by means of two non-twisted longitudinal sections, which are connected with each other via a connecting section and which are offset against each other. A plurality of connecting sections, each of which offsets longitudinal sections in stages or continually against each other, can also be used. It is disadvantageous that the production of the components is possible only with special and very expensive machines. The creation of a twisted inner contour, in particular, is difficult. The assembling or joining of such connections is only possibly with the application of a high axial force, because the sections deform in response to being joined to each other. A joining by hand is thus not possible.
The use of wedge-shaped elements, which are inserted between shaft and hub, is also well known. However, these lead to an eccentricity of the shaft and therefore to point contacts or relatively small contact surfaces between shaft and hub. However, this is oftentimes accepted because, as already described above, an increase or an even distribution of the contact surfaces within the entraining longitudinal section only seems to be possible with additional components and with considerably effort.
It is the objective of the present invention to create a shaft/hub connection with high functionality and lifetime. In response to a simple construction, the best possible transmission of the torque is to be achieved. The production of the components is to be simple and cost-efficient and the connection is to furthermore be capable of being assembled with little effort.

Prestressed shaft and hub connection having a perfect cone shape


A serviceable ABS wheel speed sensor uses the permanent magnet both to provide an efficient magnetic circuit and to provide part of the retention force that retains a stator subassembly and a sensor subassembly together. The stator subassembly is a plastic end cap that seals one end of the wheel bearing, and has an annular steel web molded into it. A permanent magnet is located behind the web. The sensor subassembly is a plastic plug that fits into the end cap, and has a sensor coil with a steel plate in front abuttable with the stator subassembly web. When the two are assembled, the web and plate are pulled and retained together by the magnet. The coil and magnet are also thereby located proximate to spinning exciter teeth on one of the bearing races to provide an efficient magnetic circuit and strong signal.

Vehicle wheel speed sensor assemblies used in conjunction with a vehicle anti-lock braking system often protect the sensor coil and magnet from the elements by enclosing them within a bearing seal or end cap. Occasionally, however, the sensor needs to be removed and serviced, which necessitates removing the seal and exposing the interior of the bearing. Therefore, a new type of sensor assembly has been proposed in which the sensor can be removed for service without breaking the bearing seal. As disclosed in coassigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,220 to Christiansen et al, the sensor (48) consists of a coil and magnet that are protected by being molded together into a water tight ring shaped housing (54), which in turn press fits removably over a seal casing. Specifically, the housing (54) press fits over a rubber sleeve (42) molded over the outside of seal casing (28). The same rubber sleeve (42) that retains the sensor (48) also covers slots (38) that are cut into the steel seal casing (28). Therefore, removal of the sensor (48) does not break the bearing seal.
The only drawback of the serviceable design described above is that the same rubber sleeve and plastic housing that provide protection and removability also serve to magnetically insulate the exciter ring from the magnet and coil. This can reduce the strength and efficiency of the system, just as insulation would in an electrical circuit or a heat conduction path. A stronger magnet would have to be used to overcome the resistance. Also, the sleeve (42) has a lip (44) which, while it retains the sensor (48) securely, could potentially be damaged during its removal.

Serviceable wheel speed sensor with magnet assisted retention