According to a remote operation support system, a physician present in a remote place can view endoscopic images displayed in an operating room over a communication line, and change an image area or a viewing direction represented by endoscopic images in a desired manner by performing manipulations. The physician present in the remote place can thus support an operator present in the operating room. An endoscope system installed in the operating room and a remote control system installed in a control room located in the remote place are linked using a public communication line. The endoscope system has a signal transmission apparatus installed in the operating room. The signal transmission apparatus in the operating room converts a video signal and a control signal or patient data, which are produced by a CCU and a system controller respectively, and outputs resultant signals over the public line. The remote control system has a signal transmission apparatus installed in the control room. The signal transmission apparatus in the control room is connected on the public line and converts the transmitted signals into the original signals. A second monitor and a remote controller are connected to the transmission apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a remote operation support system and method permitting an operator in an operating room to perform an operation with the help of instructions given by a supporter present in a remote place.
2. Description of the Related Art
Endoscopes are today widely adopted in the fields of medicine and industries. Endoscope systems in which endoscopic images produced by an endoscope with an external TV camera or an electronic endoscope are displayed on a monitor and viewed for observing or treating a lesion have been widely used in recent years. The endoscope with an external TV camera has a TV camera with a built-in imaging means mounted on an eyepiece unit of an optical endoscope. The electronic endoscope has an imaging means incorporated in the distal part thereof.
As one of the endoscope systems, an endoscope system making it possible to perform a treatment or an operation under endoscopic observation using, in addition to a light source apparatus, a camera control unit, and a TV monitor, a plurality of peripheral instruments, for example, a pneumoperitoneum unit and a high-frequency cautery has been constructed and put to practical use. The light source apparatus supplies illumination light to an endoscope. The camera control unit (also referred to as a video processor) has an image signal processing circuit that enables display of endoscopic images. Endoscopic images are displayed on the TV monitor.
In the above endoscope system, the plurality of peripheral instruments is normally connected to a system controller and controlled on a centralized basis.
In the case of trans-endoscopic surgery, even a physician having little experience can achieve surgery with the help of instructions given by an well-experienced physician who views endoscopic images displayed on the monitor. Therefore, the endoscopic images displayed on the monitor are very important. If the endoscopic images should represent an area different from an operative area desired by the well-experienced physician, the well-experienced physician would give oral or direct instructions. Thus, the physician teams up with the well-experienced physician so as to achieve surgery smoothly.
The well-experienced physician giving instructions may be present in, for example, a remote place. In this case, a hospital or the like in the remote place for which a physician serving as a supporter works and an operating room in which a physician in charge of a surgical procedure are linked using a public line. This results in a system for supporting the physician in the operating room so that the physician can properly perform an operation on a patient while receiving instructions from the physician present in the remote plate.
By the way, in the trans-endoscopic surgery in which an endoscope is used during surgery, endoscopic images displayed on a view screen of a monitor and representing an operative area are very important. If the endoscopic images should represent an area other than a desired region, an examination or treatment cannot be achieved properly.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-149879 has proposed an endoscope system capable of visualizing a treatment instrument such as forceps and its surroundings using a view screen and preventing the view screen from becoming hard to see. The conventional endoscope system includes an XY stage control unit for giving control so that a reference circle will be positioned in a field of view offered by an endoscopic and magnified by a magnification optical system. The reference circle has a radius r and has a center thereof aligned with the center P of a rectangular TM area within an image range whose image is magnified by the magnification optical system and displayed on a TV monitor. As another related art, an endoscope system making it possible to move or change a field of view using a switch included in an endoscope has been proposed.
However, in the endoscope system described in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-149879 or the endoscope system having the endoscope whose field of view can be moved, if the field of view is moved to a desired position at a too high speed, the field of view may pass through the desired position. In these conventional endoscope systems, a manipulation-related instruction must be repeatedly entered in order to move the field of view to a desired position. It therefore takes much time to move the field of view to a desired position.
In contrast, the field of view may be moved at a lower speed so that the field of view can be moved to a desired position with the first move. The field of view can be moved to the desired position reliably. However, since the moving speed is low, it takes much time. to move the field of view to the desired position. While manipulations are performed in order to move the field of view, a treatment using a treatment instrument cannot be carried out. This becomes a factor in retarding the progress of surgery.
An object of the present invention is to provide a remote operation support system and method permitting a physician in a remote place to properly support a physician in an operating room. Specifically, the physician in the remote place can view endoscopic images by way of a communication line. Besides, the physician in the remote place can change an image area or a viewing direction, which is represented by endoscopic images displayed on a monitor, in a desired manner by performing manipulations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote operation support system and method making it possible to move a field of view to a desired position quickly, easily, and reliably.
According to the present invention, there is provided a remote operation support system in which an operating room and a control room located away from the operating room are linked using a communication line so that an operator in the operating room can perform an operation while being supported by a supporter in the control room.
An endoscopic imaging system, an image processing unit, a first display unit, a field-of-view change control unit, and a first signal transmission apparatus are installed in the operating room. The endoscopic imaging system includes an image formation optical system and an imaging device. The image processing unit converts an image signal produced by the endoscopic imaging system into a video signal. The first display unit displays endoscopic images expressed by the video signal sent from the image processing unit. The field-of-view change control unit changes an image area or a viewing direction offered by the endoscopic imaging system. The first signal transmission apparatus transmits a signal processed by the image processing unit over the communication line or receives an input signal over the communication line.
A second signal transmission apparatus, a second display unit, a control unit, and an input unit are installed in the control room. The second signal transmission apparatus receives a signal from the first signal transmission apparatus over the communication line or transmits a signal from the control room. The second display unit displays images according to an endoscopic video signal received by the second signal transmission apparatus. The control unit produces an instruction signal used to change the image area or viewing direction represented by endoscopic images displayed on the second display unit. The control unit also controls the field-of-view change control unit in the operating room by way of the second signal transmission apparatus and transmission line.
According to the present invention, there is provided a remote operation support method in which an operating room and a control room located away from the operating room are linked using a communication line so that an operator in the operating room can perform an operation while being supported by a supporter in the control room.
The remote operation support method consists mainly of an imaging step, a converting step, a video signal transmitting step, a video signal receiving step, a displaying step, an outputting step, an instruction signal transmitting step, an instruction signal receiving step, and a changing step. At the imaging step, an intracavitary region of an object lying in the operating room is imaged. At the converting step, a signal expressing endoscopic images projected at the imaging step is processed and converted into a video signal. At the video signal transmitting step, the video signal is transmitted to the control room. At the video signal receiving step, the video signal transmitted from the operating room is received. At the displaying step, endoscopic images are displayed according to the received video signal. At the outputting step, an instruction signal is produced and output for use in changing an image area or a viewing direction represented by the endoscopic images displayed at the displaying step. At the instruction signal transmitting step, the instruction signal produced and output at the outputting step is transmitted to the operating room. At the instruction signal receiving step, the instruction signal transmitted at the instruction signal transmitting step is received in the operating room. At the changing step, the image area or viewing direction in an intracavitary region of an object is changed based on the received instruction signal.
Other features of the present invention and advantages thereof will be fully apparent from the description below.

Remote operation support system and method


A position coordinates signal detecting circuit of a sensor panel is provided. The position coordinates signal detecting circuit of the sensor panel according to the present invention includes first through fourth resistors each of which has one end connected to one of the left upper-most edge, the left lower-most edge, the right upper-most edge, and the right lower-most edge of the sensor panel. First through fourth driving signal generators are respectively connected to the other side of the first through fourth resistors for generating a driving signal so as to drive the sensor panel. Analog switches receive first through fourth pairs of voltages respectively generated at both ends of the first through fourth resistors. The first through fourth pairs of voltage are multiplexed in response to first through fourth selecting signals to provide a multiplexed signal, and a differential amplifier for amplifies the multiplexed signal. The position coordinates detecting circuit of the sensor panel according to the present invention makes it possible to amplify the voltage difference between both end of the variable resistors. Thus, the characteristics mismatching between different amplifiers is reduced, and the position coordinates are detected accurately.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data input apparatus, and more particularly, to a position coordinates signal detecting circuit of a sensor panel for sensing position coordinates at which contacts occur.
2. Description of the Related Art
As information terminals become smaller in size and larger in functional complexity, the types of input devices for providing data And information to the information terminals become more varied. For example, one input apparatus that is widely used for providing input commands or characters is a sensor panel coated with a resistance component. In such a device, characters and information are entered by pressing on the sensor panel at particular predefined locations. By detecting the position at which a contact is made on the panel, the system can determine the desired input. To that end, sensor panels typically include detection circuitry for detecting the locations of contacts.
In one example of such a position coordinates signal detecting circuit of a sensor panel, the position at which a contact occurs is detected by detecting the pairs of voltages at both ends of series resistances connected to the four edges of the sensor panel. The sensor panel resistances are driven by applying a driving signal of the same level through the connected resistors. Since the pairs of voltages on both sides of the contact point change according to the position of the contact point, it is possible to display the position of the point at which the contact occurred as coordinates by detecting the pairs of voltages at both ends of the resistors.
In conventional technology, four differential amplifiers are used for a position coordinates signal detecting circuit in order to separately amplify the pairs of voltages at the ends of the resistors connected to the respective edges. Also, variable resistors are generally used for the resistors connected to the respective edges of the sensor panel in order to correct internal impedance mismatching at the respective corners of the sensor panel.
In the position coordinates signal detecting circuit using four differential amplifiers, it is desirable that the characteristics of the differential amplifiers connected to the respective edges be identical to provide accurate position detection in the sensor panel of the location at which a contact occurred. That is, the respective differential amplifiers should generate the same level of output signals in a common mode and the amplification of the respective differential amplifiers should be the same. However, it is difficult to make the characteristics of the differential amplifiers identical, due to manufacturing processes. Accordingly, position coordinates of the point at which contacts occur may not be precisely detected due to the difference between the characteristics of the differential amplifiers.
FIG. 1 contains two waveforms labelled (a) and (b) which illustrate a signal output by differential amplifiers when there is no contact in the sensor panel i.e., in the common mode, under two conditions. For these waveforms, it is assumed that the impedances at the respective edges of the sensor panel are the same. Waveform (a) is an output waveform showing output characteristics of the four differential amplifiers in the common mode when the amplifier characteristics are different. Waveform (b) is an output waveform showing the output characteristics of the four differential amplifiers in the common mode when the amplifier characteristics are identical.
In a conventional position coordinates detecting circuit of a general sensor panel using four differential amplifiers, the output signals of the four differential amplifiers are multiplexed so that the output signal of the differential amplifier corresponding to a selecting signal is generated. For example, in one general conventional sensor panel, the output signals of the differential amplifiers connected to the left upper edge, the left lower edge, the right upper edge, and the right lower edge of the sensor panel are output from sections T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively, in response to a selecting signal. When the output characteristics of the four differential amplifiers are identical in the common mode, signals having the same levels are output from the sections T1 through T4, in which the output signals of the respective differential amplifiers are selectively output as shown in waveform (b) of FIG. 1.
In actuality, because of fabrication process deviations, it is very difficult to achieve the desired result that the output characteristics of the differential amplifiers are identical in the common mode. Accordingly, the levels of the output signals of the four differential amplifiers selectively output from the sections T1 through T4 are different from each other as shown in waveform (a) of FIG. 1. Therefore, in a conventional position coordinates signal detecting circuit, it is difficult to precisely detect position coordinates of the point on the sensor panel at which contacts occur.
Also, in a conventional position coordinates signal detecting circuit, not only the output characteristics in the common mode, but also the amplifying degrees of the differential amplifiers may be different from each other due to the process deviation. In this case, since the signals output from the respective edges of the sensor panel are amplified to different amplifications, the position at which the contact actually occurred cannot be precisely detected.
To solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a position coordinates signal detecting circuit of a sensor panel having a simplified structure and correctly sensing coordinates using only one differential amplifier.
Accordingly, to achieve the above and other objects, there is provided a position coordinates signal detecting circuit of a sensor panel for detecting a position coordinates signal of a contact point in a sensor panel coated with a resistance component. The circuit includes a plurality of e.g., first through fourth, resistors one end of each of which is connected to an edge of the sensor panel, e.g., the left upper-most edge, the left lower-most edge, the right upper-most edge, and the right lower-most edge of the sensor panel, respectively. The circuit also includes a plurality, e.g., first through fourth, driving signal generators respectively connected to the other side of the resistors for generating a driving signal so as to drive the sensor panel. The circuit also includes an analog switching means for receiving a plurality, e.g., first through fourth pairs of voltages respectively generated at both ends of the resistors, multiplexing the pairs of voltage in response to a plurality of e.g., first through fourth, selecting signals and providing a multiplexed signal. The circuit also includes a differential amplifier for inputting and amplifying the multiplexed signal.
The position coordinates detecting circuit of the sensor panel according to the present invention makes it possible to amplify the voltage difference between both ends of the variable resistor. Thus, the characteristics mismatching between amplifiers is reduced, and the position coordinates are detected accurately.

Sensor panel position coordinates signal detecting circuit


Ambient noise attenuating headphones are disclosed that may be used when a user is laying down on their side. The headphones include an ergonomic support structure, a noise attenuating structure housed within the ergonomic support structure having a circumferential end configured to surround an ear of the user, wherein the noise attenuating structure comprises a first and second elastic portion, and wherein the second elastic portion has the circumferential end having a material density less than the first elastic portion, and a speaker coupled to the noise attenuating structure.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
There are many types of headphones intended to maximize comfort and even a few intended for use when sleeping. The existing known headphones, however, have some limitations. These known headphones still include some level of discomfort when pressure is applied to the ear, which can be exacerbated when used for extended time periods such as occurs before or during sleep.
Some known over-the-ear headphones do a good job of blocking external noise while delivering high quality, stereo sound into the ears. They can be designed to be comfortable when worn upright. One can even wear them to bed while laying on one's back. However, most people can lay on their back for a limited amount of time. After a while, most people choose to turn on their side and that's when over the ear headphones have to come off. These known headphones are simply painful or highly uncomfortable while laying on your side.
There are also some known pillows with embedded speakers. These pillow speakers are disadvantaged, however, in that they are flat and do not do a good job of blocking environmental noises or delivering high quality stereo sound into the ears, as only one ear can hear sound at a time, while the other ear is exposed to environmental noise. If the person is laying on their back over that kind of pillow, both ears could hear sound but both ears are also exposed to environmental noises.
Hence, a need exists for comfortable, noise attenuating headphones that can deliver high quality stereo sound into each ear while mitigating environmental noise into each ear.


A safety interlock apparatus for an electrical device includes a DC power supply, a ballast power supply including a ballast control circuit that controls a ballast power circuit, and a lamp. A relatively low voltage electrical connection is present between the DC power supply and the ballast control circuit. A relatively high voltage electrical connection is present between the lamp and the ballast power circuit. A safety interlock switch is positioned on the relatively low voltage electrical connection, the switch having a closed state wherein the relatively low voltage is supplied to the ballast control circuit and an open disconnected state wherein the relatively low voltage electrical connection is disconnected. A panel is fixable to the electrical device frame, and is selectively movable to expose the lamp for removal. The panel has a switch actuator positioned thereon operable to actuate the interlock switch to the open disconnected state when the panel is removed from the device, thereby disconnecting power to the ballast control circuit, which in turn immediately disables the ballast power circuit, rendering the lamp safe for removal.

There are previously known safety interlocking systems for protecting electrical equipment users and technicians against hazards, such as electrical shock, burns, radiation, and improper operating modes.
For example, it is well known to enclose a hazardous apparatus in a protective cage having an access door or panel, the removal of which actuates a safety interlock switch. Such a safety interlock switch typically removes primary power from the electrical equipment and must, therefore, be rated to carry primary currents and voltages.
In another example, some electrical equipment include a module that is removable for servicing or replacement. Often the removable module is secured behind or attached to an access panel. Typically, such removable modules are secured within the electrical equipment by mechanical fasteners and have separate electrical interconnections, safety interlock switches, and related wiring harnesses.
Portable image projectors present an interesting mix of requirements and hazards. Many such projectors employ a metal-halide or mercury vapor arc lamp that operates at a very high temperature, requires a high voltage pulse to ignite the are, must be readily replaceable, must be compact and lightweight, and must be packaged to protect users and the projector from heat, high voltage, and improper operating modes, such as operation of equipment at excessive temperatures, and high-voltage pulse generation during arc lamp replacement.
Portable image projectors are generally referred to as being "ultra-portable" if they are small enough and light enough to be carried by one hand. However, in order to safely manage the above-described arc lamp hazards, prior art safety interlock apparatus have generally been relatively heavy and bulky, rendering them undesirable for use in ultra-portable projectors.
One such conventional prior art safety interlock design is shown in FIG. 1. As indicated, a DC power supply 1A receives high voltage alternating current ("AC") line power from an electrical outlet along line 2A and provides positive direct current ("DC") voltage to a lamp ballast power supply 3A, which generates a ballasted voltage for lamp 5A. A safety interlock switch 7A is placed along AC line 2A upstream of the DC power supply. To shut down the projector for lamp removal or the like, switch 7A is automatically actuated by opening a lamp access panel to interrupt the high voltage line current along line 2A. Interruption of the line power eliminates power to the DC power supply 1A, ballast power supply 3A, and lamp 5A, thereby rendering the projector safe for lamp removal. While this prior art approach is effective, interruption of the relatively high voltage AC line power requires a relatively large, expensive safety interlock switch 7A. Such high voltage switch needs to be well insulated and have substantial contact spacing requirements (e.g., 3 mm) in order to prevent electrical arcing, both of which tend to increase the size, weight and cost of the switch 7A.
What is needed, therefore, is a compact, lightweight, inexpensive and safe safety interlock system that is suitable for use in portable and ultra-portable image projectors.


A method is provided for testing a computer system, which system includes an interface supporting connection to one or more hardware devices. The method comprises initially performing a plurality of discrete software test processes in a first order of performance. For each test process, by reference to the said interface, the hardware device interactions occasioned by each said test process are recorded. Subsequently the said test processes are run in a second order of performance, which second order is derived from the record of hardware device interactions. A computer system configured to implement the method is also provided.

As will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, software in current computer systems is an integral feature and ensuring that it functions correctly is an essential step in the bringing to market of such systems. There are many and varied technologies and schemes for the testing and development of software, and those relating to interaction of such systems with associated hardware are of particular consideration here.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,181,382B2 (Shier et al) describes a system for the testing and modelling of hardware as part of a software test function. A device simulation framework bridges user address space and kernel space. In kernel space, the simulation framework links to both actual hardware device drivers and device simulator drivers whereby testing may be carried out by reference to both actual and simulated hardware interactions. In user address space the device simulation framework links to a test application specifying the hardware tests to be carried out. In short, the device simulation framework provides a two way communications link between the user address and kernel spaces and enables the test application to log the outcome of each hardware test operation, for example by recording and time-stamping. A further example of a software test system supporting interaction between a test application and a software simulation of hardware is described in United States patent application 2004/0088150 (Gay).
One consideration in any software testing methodology is the efficiency of the test, and one aspect of this to ensure that the so-called structural coverage of the software under test is complete, that is to say to ensure that all branches and conditional features of the software are tested. Example systems for optimising test coverage are described in IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin Vol. 39 No. 8 Aug. 1996 at pp. 223-225 and in United States patent application 2007/0239959 (Papineau).
A further consideration is the efficiency of operation in relation to desired outcome. A software test application may comprise a suite containing hundreds or even thousands of individual test processes developed to ensure full structural coverage. Requiring the full suite to be run repeatedly, for example after each bug-fix, is expensive both in processing resources and in development time for the system as a whole.
As will be readily understood from the foregoing, a need exists for methods and computer systems that improve the efficiency of testing of software applications.

International Business Machines Corporation


An IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor system is provided with an IPM motor provided with a stator having slots and a rotor having poles, and a control unit which controls the rotor to the stator. An estimation precision of an initial angle position of the rotor to the stator is selected such that it is substantially the same as an angle unit precision of stable positions of the rotor to the stator which is based on a combination of the number of poles and the number of slots. In this way, the cheap IPM motor system with a high drive efficiency and a control method of the IPM motor system are provided.

An electric driving system of a hydraulic pressure pump and a wheel driver is developed, and AC motors are extensively used to accomplish higher efficiency than a DC motor. Of the AC motors, especially, an IPM motor has a high drive efficiency and also is excellent in responsibility. For this reason, the IPM motor has been extensively used in recent years. For control of the IPM motor, correct position data of a rotor is necessary, unlike the conventional DC motor and AC motor (induction motor).
The following position detecting devices are known as the conventional technique to obtain the position data of a rotor in a motor.
(a) Resolver and Encoder
The resolver to obtain position data and the encoder having a Z phase are expensive, and a kind of it is limited, and there is no fitting one depending on an axis diameter.
(b) Hall Element+Encoder Pulse to Obtain Position Data
Two sensing sections are necessary and input points for the Hall element increase.
(c) Low Resolution Pulse Encoder+Speed Estimation
Algorithm for estimating speed is incorporated to compensate the low resolution of the low resolution pulse encoder. Therefore, a calculation amount increases and practical use is difficult.
(d) Sensorless Control
A calculation amount is more, and practical use is difficult in point of responsibility and reliability.
A rotor position detection error by the position detecting device causes a torque error in the motor. As factors due to which the rotor position detection error is caused, there are:
(1) estimation error of a rotor initial position,
(2) lack of a pulse resolution,
(3) delay of detection in hardware and delay of speed calculation in software,
and so on.
In a conventional induction motor, an encoder and a bearing sensor were mainly used to acquire speed data. On the other hand, in the IPM motor, a resolver is mainly used to acquire correct position data but the resolver is expensive.
Therefore, it is demanded to realize AC motors such as the IPM motor in which the position control of the rotor can be carried out in a high precision while using a cheaper position detecting device, in order to realize an electric driving system of a hydraulic pressure pump and a wheel driver cheaply in high efficiency.
In conjunction with the above description, "Speed Control Device of Motor" is disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei 5-146188). In the first conventional speed control device of a motor, a speed detector sends out the detected speed of the motor as a pulse output. A speed estimation observer converts a load torque estimation observer of minimum dimension into a discrete model in a speed control period and a speed detection period and estimates speed in an interval between pulses outputted from the speed detector. Especially, in the speed estimation observer, a first calculating section calculates a model output estimation value by integrating a difference between a torque command and a load torque estimation value with respect to an observer model mechanical time constant. A second calculating section calculates an average of the model output estimation values outputted from the first calculating section in a pulse interval. A first difference section calculates deference between the output of the second calculating section and an average speed from a speed detector which is determined in case of the pulse change. An observer gain section calculates a load torque estimation value by multiplying the difference obtained by the first difference section by an observer gain. A second difference section calculates a difference between the model output estimation value from the first calculating section and the difference from the first difference section. A third difference section calculates a difference between the speed estimation value from the second difference section and a speed setting value. The difference calculated by the third difference section is supplied to a speed amplifier, and an adding section adds the output of the speed amplifier and the load torque estimation value of the observer gain section to acquire a torque command. In the speed control apparatus for a motor, a predicted velocity calculating section calculates a prediction speed for every speed control period until an output pulse is supplied from the speed detector. A comparator is supplied with the prediction speed calculated by the calculating section and the speed estimation value calculated by the second difference section. When the speed estimation value outputted from the second difference section is larger than the predicted speed, an ON output is sent out and when the predicted speed is equal to or larger than the speed estimation value, an OFF output is sent out. When the comparator outputs the ON output, a switch supplies the predicted speed to the third difference section, and when the comparator sends out the OFF output, the switch supplies the speed estimation value to the third difference section.
Also, "Rotation Position Detecting Apparatus of Rotation Machinery" is disclosed in the Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-A-Heisei 8-54205). In the rotation position detecting apparatus of the rotation machine of this conventional example, a circular board is formed so as to repeat in a circumferential direction, one state for 180° and another state different from one state in electric angle alternately. The circular board is fixed to a rotation axis of the rotation machine. Three sensors are respectively arranged in positions which are distanced by 120° from each other in the mechanical angle in the circumferential direction. Thus, the one state and the other state are detected in accompany with the rotation of the circular board and a binary signal corresponding to the detected state is outputted from each of the sensors. The rotary encoder has the circular board coupled to this rotation axis to generate pulses for a number corresponding to the rotation angle when an interval between absolute positions is subdivided, and data indicative of a rotation direction of the rotation axis, and the sensor arranged closely to the circular board. The calculating section detects an absolute position of the rotation axis in units of 60° in the electric angle by a combination of the binary signals from the three sensors. Then, the calculating section processes the signal indicating this absolute position and the signal indicating a relative position between adjacent absolute positions which is an output signal of the sensor of the rotary encoder and calculates the rotation position of the rotation axis.
Also, "Rotation Detection Mechanism of Motor" is disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent application (JP-P2002-44910A). In this conventional example, the rotation detection mechanism is provided with a bearing sensor in which a sensor section for detecting the number of rotations of a motor and a bearing section for supporting a motor axis are integrated. The bearing sensor is mounted in the end cover of the motor with a plate member. The bearing section is engaged to a first concave section formed in the end cover of the motor and protrudes from the end cover inside. A second concave section is formed to be engaged with the angle of the bearing section which is prominent.
Also, "Electric Angle Detecting Apparatus and Driving Apparatus of Synchronous Motor" is disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent application (JP-A-Heisei 9-238495). In this conventional example, the electric angle detecting apparatus for the synchronous motor, multi-phase current flows through windings and a rotor is rotated through interaction of the magnetic field by the windings and magnetic field of permanent magnets. A storage section previously stores a relation between the electric angle and current flowing through each of the multi-phase windings in accordance with a voltage when the voltage is applied for a combination of currents flowing through the multi-phase windings. A voltage applying section applies the voltage for the combination, and a detecting section detects each of the currents flowing through the multi-phase windings when the voltage is applied by the voltage applying section. An electric angle calculating section refers to the relation stored in the storage section based on the currents of the windings detected by the detecting section to determine an electric angle of the motor between 0° to 2π.
Also, "Lift Height Detecting Apparatus and Lift Track With the Same" is disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-P2004-018190A). In the lift height detecting apparatus of this conventional example, a rotation detecting section detects the number of rotations of rotatable up-and-down guidance roller provided for an up-and-down body. A movement quantity calculating section an up-and-down movement quantity of the up-and-down body through calculation based on the number of rotations of the up-and-down guidance roller. A lift height calculating section calculates a current height of the up-and-down body by summing the up-and-down movement quantity.

IPM motor system and control method thereof


A closure (20, 20A, 20B) for a container (22) with an outwardly projecting flange (25). The closure including a skirt (50, 50A, 50B) for attaching the closure (20, 20A, 20B) to the container (22). The skirt (50, 50A, 50B) has an annular, flexible retention member (66, 66A) extending laterally inwardly from a lower end portion (54, 54A, 54B) of the skirt (50, 50A, 50B) to define a connection (62, 62A, 62B) therebetween. In one form, the flexible retention member (58, 58A, 58B) has (a) an initial, undeflected configuration, (b) a deflected configuration rotated away therefrom about the connection (62, 62A, 62B), and (c) a proximal end surface (126, 126A) located at the connection (62, 62A, 62B) defining a shoulder when the flexible retention member (58, 58A, 58B) is in the undeflected configuration. In another form, the flexible retention member (58, 58A, 58B) is movable into the deflected configuration when subjected to an axial force of between about 100 Newtons and about 150 Newtons.

There are a variety of types of conventional closures for containers. One type of closure includes a body for being attached to the top of a container. The closure, container, and product within the container are referred to as a "package". Such a closure can be molded or otherwise manufactured from a suitable material (e.g., a thermoplastic material). Such a closure typically has a hollow body (which may be alternatively described as the closure base or base portion) that, when installed on the open end of a container, defines an opening to the container interior. Such a closure typically also includes a closing element or a lid (which may or may not be hingedly mounted on the closure base) which can be lifted up to expose the container mouth (i.e., the opening defined by the open end of the container). With some such closures, a liner in the form of a removable membrane is disposed across a lower portion of the closure or across the container to initially seal the contents (i.e., a product) from the ambient environment.
For some types of products, it can be desirable to provide a closure that has a base with a relatively large access passage (e.g., opening) which is normally covered with a hinged lid that can prevent access to the product (such as fluent products, as well as non-fluent products), and that, when opened, can accommodate the insertion of a utensil (e.g., scoop, spoon, fork, ladle, etc.) through the opened closure to permit the product to be stirred and/or scooped out of the container with the utensil.
Some containers, especially some types of wide mouth metal and composite containers, have significant manufacturing tolerances with respect to the design dimensions of the container open end, or seam diameter, that defines the container mouth.
Some such containers, especially some types of metal containers, have a open end that may also have some other type of irregularity that is unintentionally created during manufacturing and/or during subsequent processing (e.g., labeling, storage, shipping, etc.) prior to the closure being installed on the container. For example, during shipping of empty metal containers, one or more of the containers could be subjected to an accidental impact that could create a small irregularity (e.g., a deformation or "dent") in a portion of the container end around the mouth of the container.
The inventors of the present invention have determined that a container which has an open end with significant manufacturing tolerances and/or deformations or other irregularities can pose problems with respect to proper installation of a closure, securement of the closure, and/or sealing sealing of the closure. The inventors have found that some prior art closures require relatively large forces to effect installation of the closure upon the container, and that some of the closures of the prior art may be difficult to center or orient on containers, and such closures may require more complex or sophisticated installation machinery and/or may reduce efficiency in assembly of the closure with the container.
The inventors of the present invention have determined that in some applications, the use of a non-removable closure is preferred so as to increase the consumer confidence in the integrity of the package (e.g., by showing evidence of tampering) and to inhibit counterfeiting of the package filled with a substandard product.
The inventors of the present invention have determined that it would be desirable to provide an improved closure that can address one or more of the above-discussed shortcomings of the prior art.
The inventors of the present invention have invented a novel structure for a closure for use with a container wherein the closure includes various advantageous features not heretofore taught or contemplated by the prior art.

Closure for a container with flexible features


To secure a highly accurate measurement value of biological information with minimized variation by positioning a target part of a living body with good reproducibility and by positioning the target part of the living body easily with high reproducibility without pressing blood vessels in the living body. The concentration of a particular component in the living body is measured by the use of a transmitted or reflected spectrum obtained by projecting light onto the target part of the living body. A biological information measuring template 2 includes a shape memory medium 6 having a contact surface which, when the target part is pressed to the contact surface, undergoes change according to the shape of the target part, to thereby store the shape. The target part 1 of the living body is arranged at a store portion of the shape memory medium and is illuminated by light. The spectrum of light transmitted through or reflected from the target part 1 is arithmetically processed in an arithmetic control means 4 to calculate the concentration of the particular component in the living body, a result of calculation being outputted to an output unit 5.

In carrying out this kind of measurement, in order to attain consistent conditions for measurement of the spectrum of light transmitted through or reflected from the target part of the living body, it is generally necessary to perform measurement by positioning the target part of the living body at a predetermined position relative to a light projecting member and/or a light receiving element for receiving the transmitted or reflected light.
Hitherto, for biological information measurement, the use has been made of a clip-type probe for biological information measurement of a biological information measuring probe secured to the target part of the living body by the use of a double-adhesive tape (such as disclosed in, for example, the Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 6-14906). During the biological information measurement using the clip-type biological information measuring probe, the target part of the living body is sandwiched by a spring mechanism between one clip member embedded with a light emitting element, and another clip member embedded with a light receiving element, such that light emitted from the light emitting element and transmitted through the target part of the living body is received by the light receiving element to accomplish biological information measurement. On the other hand, during the biological information measurement using the double-sided adhesive tape, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are secured in position by the use of the double-sided adhesive tape so as to confront with each other with the target part of the living body intervening therebetween so that, as is the case with the clip-type system, light emitted from the light emitting element and transmitted through the target part of the living body can be received by the light receiving element to accomplish the biological information measurement.

Method of and device for positioning a living body for biological measurement and apparatus for measurement of biological information


A circuit for driving an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in a thinfilm transistor electroluminescent (TFT-EL) display at least includes the first and the second transistors. Wherein, a data line and a capacitor are respectively connected to the source and drain electrodes of the first transistor. The capacitor is charged from the data line by turning on the first transistor. And, the capacitor and an OLED are respectively connected to the source and drain electrodes of the second transistor. The capacitor is discharged by turning on the second transistor, and results in light emitting of the OLED.

The present invention relates to a driving circuit of thin-film transistor electroluminescent (TFT-EL) display and the operation method thereof, and more particularly to a driving circuit for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) in TFT-EL display and its operation method.
Rapid advances in flat-panel display (FPD) technologies have made high quality large-area, full-color, high-resolution displays possible. These displays have enabled novel applications in electronic products such as lap top computers and pocket-TVs. Liquid crystal display (LCD) is the fastest one of developing these FPD technologies.
These LCD panels use thin-film-transistors (TFT) as an active-addressing scheme, which relaxes the limitations in direct addressing. The success of LCD technology is in large part due to the rapid progress in the fabrication of large-area TFT substrate. The almost ideal match between TFT switching characteristics and other LCD display elements also plays a key role.
A major drawback of TFT-LCD panels is that they require bright backlighting. This is because the transmittance of the TFT-LCD is poor, particularly for colored panels. Power consumption for backlighted TFT-LCD panels is considerable, and this adversely affects portable display applications.
Moreover, backlighting also increases the entire thickness of the flat panel, for example, using a typical fluorescent tube lamp, the additional thickness is about xc2xe to 1 inch. Backlight also adds extra weight to the FPD.
An ideal solution to the foregoing limitation would be a low power emissive display that eliminates the need for backlighting. A particularly attractive candidate is the thin-film-transistor-electroluminescent (TFT-EL) display. In the TFT-EL display, the individual pixels can be addressed to emit light and auxiliary backlighting is not required.
Referring to FIG. 1, a circuit for driving an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in a TFT-EL display is shown. In the circuit, the OLED is controlled with two thin-film transistors and one capacitor. When the scan line is driven, the transistor T1 is switched on and the signal from the data line is input into a capacitor C. After the capacitor C is charged, a current source Vsupply supplies a current to drive an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) D according to the I-V characteristic of transistor T2 and the voltage level of the capacitor C. However, even with the same data signal, due to the variance of the I-V characteristic between the individual transistors in the actual manufacturing process, it is hard to control the luminescence uniformity of individual pixels.
The present invention provides a circuit for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) in a thin-film transistor electroluminescent (TFT-EL) display and the operation method thereof. The circuit including two transistors is used to control the luminescent intensity of the LED. A scan line and a discharge line are used to respectively control the transistors, and such transistors determine charge/discharge of both the capacitor and the LED. Additionally, the LED emits by means of a current through the channel of the transistor when the capacitor is discharged.
The present invention provides a circuit for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) in a thin-film transistor electroluminescent (TFT-EL) display which comprises a data line, a scan line, a discharge line, a capacitor, a lightemitting diode, a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor is composed of a first gate electrode, a first source electrode, and a first drain electrode, wherein the first gate electrode is connected to the scan line, the first source electrode is connected to the data line, and the first drain electrode is connected to the capacitor. The second transistor consists of a second gate electrode, a second source electrode, and a second drain electrode, wherein the second gate electrode is connected to the discharge line, the second source electrode is connected to the capacitor and the second drain is connected to the light-emitting diode.
The present invention also provides a method for driving an LED in a TFT-EL display. The method comprises the following steps. A scan signal switches on a first transistor. A charging step is performed thereafter to charge a capacitor from a data line through said first transistor. A discharge signal switches on a second transistor. And, a discharging step is performed thereafter to drive said LED by discharging said capacitor through said second transistor.

Driving circuit of thin-film transistor electroluminescent display and the operation method thereof


A semiconductor circuit includes a drive component that includes first switching elements connected to discharge switching elements and resistive elements; and a drawing component. The first switching elements interconnect, in accordance with a drive time of the discharge switching elements, drive current sources that supply charge to control signal lines and the control signal lines. The drawing component draws charge with draw current sources in accordance with a draw time in which the drawing component draws the charge supplied from the drive component.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor circuit, a battery monitoring system, and a control method. The present invention specifically relates to a semiconductor circuit for monitoring battery voltages, a battery monitoring system, and a control method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, batteries (specific examples include lithium-ion batteries) in which plural batteries (battery cells) are connected in series are used as large-capacity, high-output batteries used for driving motors in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.
In this kind of battery, there are cases where a difference occurs in the battery voltages between the batteries due to variations in the characteristics of the batteries, for example, such as in a case where the battery is repeatedly charged and discharged. Overcharge and overdischarge occur when the battery is used in a state in which a difference has occurred in the battery voltages, and there are cases where problems such as the life of the battery overall becoming shorter occur. For this reason, the battery voltages in the batteries are monitored with a battery monitoring system, and the battery voltages of the batteries are equalized by discharging any battery whose battery voltage is greater than the others.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2009-213196 discloses a capacity regulating device (a battery monitoring system) that is equipped with a capacity adjusting circuit formed by capacity adjusting resistors connected in parallel to batteries and switching circuit elements connected in series to the capacity adjusting resistors. Thermistor elements are disposed between drive terminals of the switching circuit elements and one terminal each of the switching circuit elements connected to negative electrodes of the batteries. This technology discharges the batteries by switching on the switching circuit elements.
However, in the aforementioned technology, there are cases where variations occur in the battery voltages despite the discharge for equalizing the battery voltages of the batteries.
FIG. 13 illustrates a related art battery monitoring system 100. The related art battery monitoring system 100 is configured to include a battery cell group 112, a discharge circuit 113, and an equalization switching element drive circuit 121 that supplies charge to control terminals of equalization switching elements SW of the discharge circuit 113.
In the discharge circuit 113, the equalization switching elements SW and resistive elements Rbal, which are for limiting the discharge quantity and are connected in series between high potential sides and low potential sides of battery cells C, and resistive elements Rcb, which are pull-down resistors, are disposed for each battery.
In the battery monitoring system 100, in the case of performing discharge of the battery cells C, charge is supplied from the equalization switching element drive circuit 121 to gates of the equalization switching elements SW disposed for those battery cells C to thereby switch on the gates, whereby those battery cells C are short-circuited and discharged.
FIG. 13 illustrates a state in which the battery cell Cn is discharged. In the case of discharging the battery cell Cn, charge is supplied from the equalization switching element drive circuit 121 via a terminal CBn to the gate of the equalization switch element SWn (see the bold, solid arrow in FIG. 13). When the equalization switching element SWn is switched on, the high potential side and the low potential side of the battery cell Cn are short-circuited so that the battery cell Cn is discharged.
At this time, the charge supplied from the equalization switching element drive circuit 121 ends up being supplied via the resistive element Rcbn to the high potential side of the battery cell Cn−1 placed on the low potential side (see the bold, dashed arrow in FIG. 13). For this reason, the battery cell Cn−1 ends up being charged by the charge.
When the battery cell Cn−1 ends up being charged in this way, there are cases where the problem that the battery voltages of the battery cells end up varying occurs.

Semiconductor circuit, battery monitoring system, and control method


A process for producing a molding having an embedded member which comprises: a first step in which a mold (1) having pins (3) which extend from the outside to the inside of the mold and can be withdrawn outward is heated to a given temperature; a second step in which a member (2) to be embedded is held in a given position within the mold by supporting the member, including an upper part thereof, with the pins (3); a third step in which a thermoplastic resin is packed through a gate (1d) first into that part of the cavity of the mold (1) which is located under the member to be embedded to thereby cause the thermoplastic resin to press the member against the pin (3) located in an upper part of the mold; a fourth step in which the thermoplastic resin is packed into the remaining part of the cavity of the mold (1); and a fifth step in which the pins (3) are withdrawn successively from the lower side of the mold before cooling to a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin solidifies and loses its flowability.

A prior-art process for producing a molded object with an embedded member is such that a wound coil being a member to-be-embedded is located within a mold, and that the coil is supported by filling up the interspace between the inner surface of the mold and the coil, with a reinforcement mat. In addition, a reaction solution for performing reaction injection molding is supplied, and it is subjected to a polymerization reaction within the mold (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1: JP-A-10-315267 (page 3, FIG. 2)

Process for producing molded object with embedded member


A quick-return active material actuator adapted for more rapidly returning a load, so as to reduce the de-actuation time of a system, includes in a first aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to the load, an active material de-actuation element drivenly coupled to the load non-antagonistic to the actuation element, and a reconfigurable mechanism interconnecting the elements and load, wherein the de-actuation element and mechanism are cooperatively configured to return the load while the actuation element is still activated, and, in a second aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to a biased load and operable to autonomously release, so that the load is caused to be returned while the actuation element is still activated, and subsequently re-engage the load.

1. Technical Field
This disclosure generally relates to active material actuators, and more particularly, to a quick-return active material actuator adapted for more rapidly returning a load, so as to decrease the de-actuation time of a system.
2. Background Art
Thermally activated active material actuators have been developed to more efficiently drive a load within a system, such as, for example, to drive the arm of a linkage system. In many applications, a reversible, or cyclic characteristic is often desirous and/or beneficial, wherein the load is caused to return to the original position as rapidly as possible. In these actuators, the oscillatory cycle produced is limited by the cooling period necessary to deactivate the actuator; wherein the cooling period is based, for example, on the cross-sectional area of the active material, and the heat transfer rate between the active material and its environment. Once the thermally activated actuator cools and deactivates, return elements such as antagonistically paired actuators, or biasing/energy storage elements (e.g., springs, etc.) are often used to return the load and reset the system. It is appreciated that where the actuator is caused to return prior to sufficiently cooling and deactivating, damage to the active material may result when threshold stresses are exceeded.
To reduce cooling period, and therefore, the de-actuation time of these systems, accelerated cooling measures have been developed, which include, for example, using forced air convection, and multiple actuators having smaller cross-sectional areas. However, these measures generally present various concerns in the art. For example, the addition of an ancillary cooling sub-system typically increases the complexity of the overall system, the packaging space required, and the operational/maintenance costs associated therewith. As such, there is a long felt need in the art for a thermally activated active material actuator that more efficiently reduces de-actuation time, thereby more rapidly effecting the return of a load.


A cosmetic device of longitudinal axis X including a bottle of product including a top free edge defining an opening, a detachable cap including a handle arranged at a first end of a stem, a second end of the stem being fastened to an application member, the stem includes a first relief able to be removably engaged in a second complementary relief arranged on the bottle.

Sealing caps for cosmetic devices, which are composed of a tubular cap body, are widely used in the cosmetics industry. As a rule, when the sealing cap is completely closed, it is pressed against the bottle neck or against the rim of the stripper protruding from this neck, in order to reliably seal the cosmetic receptacle.
In order to be able to exert the sealing pressure required for this as conveniently as possible, the cap body is provided, usually on its inner circumferential surface, with a thread profile that protrudes relatively far in the radial direction into the open space encompassed by the cap body.
It has, however, long been known that the thread stands in the way of a truly efficient manufacture of the sealing cap. To remove the completed injection molded sealing cap from the mold, the two mold halves are pulled apart from each other in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing cap. However, the sealing cap is not completely free and can remain attached to the mold half.
A similar problem can arise in the manufacture of a sealing cap that does not in fact have a thread profile, but instead has a bayonet closure. Such a closure likewise functions with a holding projection that protrudes from the cap relatively far in the radial direction into the open space encompassed by the cap body.
US2011222955 discloses an injection-molded plastic process for manufacturing a sealing cap connected to the receptacle by means of a click-and-close closure or bayonet. The injection mold is designed specifically so that for the removal procedure, the at least two parts of the mold can be moved away from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the device. To fit the mold, one part of the click-and-close closure or bayonet protrudes from the handle and the other one, from the bottle. Nevertheless, the diameters of the stem and the cap are quite large.
For some make-up products, it would be desirable to diminish the diameter of the stem. This would be particularly interesting for a product aiming to a precise and fine make-up.
In light of this, an object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic device of the type described above that can be even more efficiently manufactured, comprises a thin and long stem, comprises a thin cap, is light, and is ergonomic.

Stem with bayonet closure and device equipped therewith


A manufacturing method of a liquid discharge head having therein liquid discharge ports and liquid flow passageways communicated with the discharge ports, includes: providing, by depositing, on a substrate, lamination of first and second material layers containing first and second positive type photosensitive resins, respectively, first material layer containing a light absorber absorbing a light in a specific wavelength range to which first positive type photosensitive resin is photosensitive, second positive type photosensitive resin able to be photosensitive to the light in specific wavelength range; exposing second material layer to light in specific wavelength range thereby forming a pattern made of material of second material layer; exposing first material layer to light in specific wavelength range thereby forming a pattern made of first material layer; forming a coating layer covering obtained patterns formed on substrate; forming discharge ports in coating layer; and removing patterns to eventually obtain flow passageways.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head for discharging liquids and more particularly, to a method for forming minute flow passageways at a high efficiency, which are provided in a liquid discharge head employed for an inkjet recording system.
2. Description of the Related Art
An example system that employs a liquid discharge head is an inkjet recording system that discharges ink to recording media to perform recording.
An inkjet recording head, adapted for use in an inkjet recording system, is generally provided with ink discharge ports and ink flow passageways, and energy generating elements, positioned along the ink flow passageways to generate energy necessary for discharging ink through the ink discharge ports, via the ink flow passageways. The ink flow passageways of the inkjet recording head conventionally are formed by using the well known manufacturing methods as set forth below.
According to the manufacturing method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,606, first, a pattern that serves as an ink flow passageway forming die is provided, using a soluble resin, on a substrate whereon energy generating elements have been formed, and then, a coating resin layer, which is used to form the ink flow passageway walls, is deposited on the ink flow passageway die-pattern. Subsequently, photolithography is used to form orifices in the energy generating elements, and then, the ink flow passageway forming-die pattern is melted, to cure the coating resin layer used to define the ink flow passageway walls.
A high processing speed and image quality are demanded for a recent inkjet printer, and accordingly, micromachining is employed for formation of ink flow passageways in an inkjet recording head.
According to the method for forming ink flow passageways using die-patterns, as described in the specification of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US-2004-0131957, the three-dimensional shape of the minute structure used for ink flow passageways is optimized to increase the ink refilling speed. According to this method, first, a first positive type photosensitive material layer, which is to be exposed to light in a first wavelength range in a bridged state, is deposited on a substrate on which energy generating elements have been formed. Then, the first positive type photosensitive material layer is heated to obtain a bridged positive type photosensitive layer (a lower layer). Following this, an upper layer, composed of a second positive type photosensitive material, which is to be exposed to light in a second wavelength range different from that used for the first wavelength range, is deposited on the lower layer, and as a result, a two-layer structure is obtained. Thereafter, a predetermined portion of the upper layer of the two-layer structure is subjected to radiation of light in the second wavelength range for achieving a developing process. Thus, only the irradiated portion of the upper layer is removed, and a predetermined pattern is formed on the upper layer. Further, a predetermined area of the lower layer, exposed during the pattern formation process employed for the upper layer, is irradiated with light in the first wavelength range to conduct the developing process. In this manner, a predetermined pattern is formed on the lower layer. Through the above-described processing, a pattern can be formed, which can serve as a flow passageway forming die having the optimized three-dimensional shape.
However, when the inkjet recording head manufacturing method described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US-2004-0131957 is used, two different wavelengths must be employed for the exposure steps and therefore, the number of processing steps will probably be increased.

Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head


A disposable oil filter wrench includes an adhesive layer for adhering the wrench to an oil filter.

The present invention relates to oil filter wrenches. Oil filter wrenches are used to remove an oil filter from an engine, typically in instances where the oil filter is too tight to be removed by hand. The wrench is secured to the oil filter in some manner, and the wrench is then used to unscrew the oil filter from the engine. There are currently many different kinds of oil filter wrenches available. However, many of these wrenches require significant clearance around the oil filter for the wrench to be installed. In addition, many wrenches require a screwdriver or other tool to install the wrench onto the filter. Further still, since oil filters come in a wide range of sizes, many wrenches are only useable with a particular filter or a limited range of filter diameters. Thus, a typical do-it-yourselfer may have to keep a different wrench for each vehicle for which he is changing the oil.


There is provided a screen device having a pair of slide guide frames and a slide bar expanding and storing the slide guide frames so that screens can be set up and stored by the movement of the slide bar, wherein a roller pipe having a coil spring mechanism for providing a resilient force integrated therein is arranged between the slide guide frames, pivotally supporting bodies are disposed at both ends of the roller pipe so as to be capable of sliding but not to be capable of rotating with respect to the slide guide frames, one end of two screens are fixed to the roller pipe, and the roller pipe rotates and slides in association with expansion of the slide guide frames or storage thereof into the slide bar in association with the movement of the slide bar to which the other end of one of the screens is fixed, whereby setting up of the screen by withdrawal of the same from the roller pipe and storage of the screen into the roller pipe by winding of the same on the roller pipe are enabled.

In the related art, various screen devices are used for shielding, sun-shading, or insect-proofing of openings, such as windows, or entrances in buildings, such as houses, office buildings and so on.
As typical examples of the screen device as described above, there is a roll screen device in which a screen can be wound around a roller pipe for storage and withdrawn for setting up, and a roll screen device provided with a coil spring mechanism for accumulating a resilient force generated by rotation of a roller pipe to be used for winding the screen for storage is also well known.
The coil spring mechanism facilitates opening and closing, that is, operation of setting up and storage. Therefore, taking advantage of this characteristic, there is proposed a screen device in which a roller pipe can be moved without pivotally supporting the same in order to facilitate assembly and mounting of the device in a compact part configuration.
FIG. 8 shows an example, in which a screen 5 which can be withdrawn from a roller pipe 2, wound around the same for storage, and in association with the parallel movement of the slide bar 1 can be set up and opened freely between fixed frames 3, 4. The roller pipe 2 is slidable along a guide rail 10 by a runner 7 provided at the upper end. The roller pipe 2 is provided with a coil spring restoration mechanism 8 for providing a resilient force in the opposite direction of the rotation of the withdrawal of the screen 5, that is, for in the direction of winding of the screen 5. The screen device shown in FIG. 8 includes a runner 6 for a slide bar 1, a cover member 11, a lower rail 12, a locking member 13 as lock mechanism, an engaging member 14 and an unlocking member 15.
FIG. 9 shows another example. This example is a screen device which is openable and closable in the vertical direction, and includes two roller pipes 2A, 2B. The roller pipes 2A, 2B each are also provided with the coil spring restoration mechanism 8 and the screen 5 is mounted thereto. In association with movement of the slide bar 1, the screen 5 can be set up or wound for storage. In order to open and close in the vertical direction, the roller pipes 2A, 2B can be moved by being guided by both end guides 9 along the guide rails 16.
However, the screen devices described above, which are easy to wind the screen for storage has considerable disadvantages.
In the screen device shown in FIG. 8 in which the slide bar 1 moves parallel in the lateral direction, the upper end of the roller pipe 2 is slidable along the guide rail 10 by the runner 7. However, since the lower end is simply adjacent to the lower rail 12 in a free state, in the rotation in association with winding of the screen 5, i.e., the reverse rotation of the screen 5 in the direction of winding caused by the resilient force, a tensile force in the lateral direction which is applied to the roller pipe 2 tends to be unevenly distributed in the direction of the height of the roller pipe 2, and hence the roller pipe 2 is inclined to interfere with the smooth storage and withdrawal of the screen 5, which may result in difficulty of smooth and stable opening and closing operation.
In order to overcome this disadvantage, it has been considered to provide a runner which comes into abutment with the lower rail 12 at the lower end of the roller pipe 2. However, it is not easy to provide well-balanced stable slidability equivalent to the runner 7 at the upper end to the runner at the lower end due to the self-weight or deformation of the roller pipe 2, the screen 5, and the slide bar 1.
In addition, in the screen device shown in FIG. 8, since the lower end of the lower pipe 2 is free, there are inevitable problems such that the screen is deformed and flapped by wind or by contact with human body, and hence difficulty in setting up or storage is encountered, and passage of insects or dust cannot be prevented.
In the screen device shown in FIG. 9, it is very difficult to keep the end guides 9 of the roller pipes 2A, 2B balanced in the horizontal direction during the opening and closing operation, and in fact, in the event that the roller pipes 2A, 2B are inclined, disabling the opening and closing operation cannot be avoided. This problem is also caused by uneven tensile force generated at the roller pipes 2A, 2B upon rotation in the normal and reverse directions.
In the screen device shown in FIG. 9, the influence due to the deformation of the screen 5 caused by wind or contact with human body also cannot be avoided.
Even though the runner is attached to the guides 9, it is extremely difficult to maintain the sliding balance between the right and left sides.


A hermetically sealed electronic closure device, or button, includes a self-renewing power source, a sensor for measuring a metric, a memory storing information, a data processing circuit for controlling operations of the device, and a transceiver for sending and receiving information. The device is a standard part of a clothing item that is inconspicuous to a wearer of the clothing item.

Currently, biosensors are used to measure various characteristics of a living being. For example, some sensors measure heart rate or temperature. The sensors wirelessly relay data to a data recording device to monitor the health of the being. The sensor is typically attached to the being by an adhesive bandage. Because the sensor bandage is not physically connected to the data recording device, the sensor uses a battery for power.


A check valve includes a housing formed with a valve hole through which fluid flows, a valve seat formed on the peripheral wall of the valve hole, a valve element disposed in the valve hole to be movable between a valve closed position where the valve element makes close contact with the valve seat to close the valve hole and a valve open position where the valve element moves away from the valve seat in the downstream direction to open the valve hole, a coil spring for biasing the valve element toward the valve closed position wherein the coil spring is larger in outer diameter than valve element, and a pressure acting portion provided to the coil spring so as to undergo the pressure of fluid.

The present invention relates to a check valve interposed, for example, in a discharge passage of a fuel pump to be opened and closed by the hydraulic pressure of fluid.
In motor vehicles, the check valve is interposed in a fuel passage for feeding fuel from the fuel pump to an internal combustion engine, and is in an open position during operation of the engine by the hydraulic pressure of fuel and in a closed position after engine stop due to no hydraulic pressure. By interposing the check valve in the fuel passage, the hydraulic pressure in the fuel passage is maintained at a predetermined value even after engine stop to allow immediate supply of fuel to the engine at engine restart.
A typical check valve is discloses in Japanese document JP-B2 2775797. This check valve is formed with a valve hole through which fuel or fluid flows, and comprises a housing formed on the outer peripheral surface of the valve hole and having a valve seat, a valve element disposed in the valve hole to be movable between a valve closed position where the valve element makes close contact with the valve seat to close the valve hole and a valve open position where the valve element moves away from the valve seat in the downstream direction to open the valve hole, a coil spring having one end engaged with the valve element and for biasing the valve element toward the valve closed position, and a valve holder for movably holding the valve element in the valve hole and with which another end of the coil spring is engaged.
The valve element comprises a semispherical valve head and a rod supported in a slide hole of the valve holder. The valve head has a surface covered with a seal member and an outer periphery integrated with a flange.
With the above structure, when a fuel pump starts to discharge fuel, the hydraulic pressure of fuel operates on the valve head of the valve element, with which the valve element is urged to move in the valve open position against a biasing force of the coil spring. At the instant that the valve element opens the valve hole, the lift is small, providing higher flow velocity of fuel flowing through a clearance between the valve element and the surface of the valve hole. Then, a hydraulic-pressure reduction occurs once at the surroundings of the valve element. With the valve element lifted even slightly, the hydraulic pressure operates also on the flange of the valve element. Therefore, the valve element undergoes a great pressing force resulting from the hydraulic pressure, surely moving to the valve open position against a biasing force of the coil spring.
Specifically, if the area of the valve element on which the hydraulic pressure acts is small, the valve element cannot completely move to the valve open position, causing occurrence of its vibration or oscillation and reduction in the pump efficiency due to pressure loss of fuel. In order to prevent such inconveniences, Japanese document JP-B2 2775797 proposes to arrange a flange with the valve element to increase the area on which the hydraulic pressure acts, thus surely moving the valve element to the valve open position.


An exercise machine has a pair of exercise mechanisms pivotally coupled to the frame of the machine for use by an operator in performing a biceps curl exercise. Each such mechanism includes an exercise arm coupled to the frame for rotation about two spaced-apart, generally horizontal axes. One axis is fixed with respect to the frame, while the second axis is rotates about the first axis. A linkage member pivotally coupled to both the frame and the exercise arm connects the two axes of rotation. An additional linkage member is connected between the exercise arm and the frame. Exercise resistance is provided by weights, although other sources of exercise resistance may be used. As the operator applies an exercise force to the exercise arms, the arms rotate about both the first and second axes, the relative movement about the two axes being coordinated by the linkage members. This method can also be applied to many other types of exercise machines involving a non-linear motion path, including, for example, machines for performing triceps, leg curl, and leg extension exercises.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of exercise equipment, and particularly to an apparatus for exercising the biceps and/or triceps muscles.
2. PRIOR ART
Weightlifting machines for exercising various muscle groups of the body are well-known. Such machines, particularly those intended for use by serious body builders, have become highly specialized. Some machines are designed to isolate a single muscle for exercise. For example, individual exercise machines are available for exercising only the biceps or triceps muscles of the arm. Prior exercise machines for exercising a single muscle typically have an exercise member that rotates about a single pivot.
Certain muscles of the human body are involved when limbs are moved at more than a single joint. For example, the biceps and triceps muscles are located between the elbow and shoulder joints. Typical prior art exercises for these muscle groups restrict movement of the arm to the elbow joint only. While movement at the elbow joint causes the greatest contraction of these muscles, the biceps muscle can also be exercised by locking the elbow joint and lifting the arm against resistance by rotation solely at the shoulder joint. Likewise, the triceps muscle can be exercised by locking the elbow joint and pushing down against resistance with rotation solely at the shoulder joint. However, the biceps and triceps muscles can be more completely and effectively exercised when both the elbow and shoulder joints are rotated with a large degree of rotation at the elbow joint and a proportionately smaller amount of rotation at the shoulder joint.


There is disclosed a process for separating and recovering nickel and copper values from a nickel-copper matte which may contain iron and arsenic. Finely divided nickel-copper matte undergoes one or more steps of sulphuric acid leaching at atmospheric pressure to produce a nickel sulphate solution and an iron and/or arsenic containing copper-rich sulphide residue. The copper-rich sulphide residue is repulped in sulphuric acid solution to selectively redissolve most of the iron and arsenic and the iron and arsenic containing solution is separated from the copper-rich residue. The iron and arsenic are largely precipitated from the leach solution in a pressure hydrolysis step and the iron and arsenic containing precipitate is separated and discarded. The iron and arsenic-depleted solution is recombined with the copper-rich sulphide residue from the acid repulp step and the resulting slurry is treated in a non-oxidizing pressure leach in which nickel arsenic and iron are extracted. The process produces a nickel sulphate solution containing low levels of copper, iron and arsenic and a copper sulphide product containing low levels of nickel, iron, arsenic and other impurities.

(i) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an improved hydrometallurgical process for treating nickel-copper mattes for the recovery of copper and nickel values. More particularly, the invention involves a process for treating iron and arsenic containing nickel-copper matte to thereby produce an essentially copper-free solution of nickel sulphate, from which metallic nickel can be recovered by processes such as electrowinning, and a copper sulphide concentrate containing low levels of iron, arsenic and nickel, from which copper can be recovered by a variety of conventional processes.
(ii) Description of the Related Art
Copper is recovered from copper sulphide concentrates by a variety of industrial processes including smelting and electrorefining, and roasting, leaching and electrowinning. In all cases it is desirable to ensure that nickel and arsenic, when present in the ore or concentrate, are separated from the copper prior to the electrolytic process step, in which they dissolve and accumulate in the electrolyte, with deleterious effect on cathode product quality and process economics. In the roast-leach-electrowinning process it is also desirable to minimize the level of iron in the copper sulphide concentrate to prevent the formation of acid-insoluble copper ferrites in the roasting step, which can significantly reduce the copper recovery attainable by this process route.
Copper frequently occurs in combination with nickel in sulphide ores, with the most common minerals being chalcopyrite, CuFeS.sub.2, and pentlandite, NiFeS.sub.2, in which the copper and nickel occur in combination with iron and sulphur. Arsenic is frequently present in low concentrations in nickel-copper sulphide ores. The conventional method for recovering nickel and copper from these ores is by flotation and smelting to produce a nickel-copper matte, typically containing 70 to 94% Ni+Cu, 5 to 22% S, and 0.2 to 5% Fe. Such mattes may also contain up to 5% arsenic, with lesser amounts of antimony and bismuth.
One well established industrial process for the recovery of nickel from nickel-copper mattes utilizes oxidative sulphuric acid leaching at atmospheric pressure to selectively leach nickel to form a relatively pure nickel sulphate solution, which after final purification, forms the feed to a nickel electrowinning process. In this process the copper is recovered as copper sulphide in the leach residue, but this residue also contains substantial amounts of nickel and significant amounts of iron, and in some cases, arsenic. Such a residue typically contains 45 to 55% Cu, 10 to 20% Ni, and up to 5% Fe and As. Before this copper sulphide residue can be processed by the conventional processes to copper metal, the levels of nickel, iron and arsenic must be reduced to less than about 1%.
A number of processes have been proposed to remove nickel, or nickel and arsenic, or nickel and iron from such copper sulphide containing leach residues, but none has yet succeeded in providing a process to remove all three of the metal contaminants. Prior art leach processes illustrative of the art are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,479 granted Sep. 6, 1994 to Sherritt Gordon Limited. PCT published application No. PCT/FI96/00432 filed Aug. 6, 1996, the assignees being Outokumpu Engineering Oy and U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,817 granted May 13, 1997 to Outokumpu Engineering Oy. Also of note, is U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,331 granted Oct. 26, 1971 to the International Nickel Company Inc. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,541 granted Apr. 6, 1982 to Outokumpu Engineering Oy.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,479 issued to Kerfoot et al. there is disclosed a process for leaching a finely divided nickel-copper matte in acid solution under oxidizing conditions in an atmospheric leach step to produce a nickel sulphate solution and a copper-rich sulphide residue. The copper-rich sulphide residue is separated from the nickel sulphate solution and pressure leached under a non-oxidizing atmosphere in a sulphuric acid solution to produce a nickel sulphate solution containing iron and arsenic and a low-nickel copper sulphide product essentially free of iron and arsenic. The nickel sulphate solution is then treated in an iron-arsenic precipitation step in which the iron and arsenic are precipitated as ferric arsenate. The ferric arsenate precipitate is separated from the nickel sulphate solution and discarded. The nickel sulphate solution is recycled into the atmospheric leach step.
PCT application No. PCT/FI96/00432 discloses a modified process for recovering nickel and copper and separating iron from two pyrometallurgically produced nickel mattes containing different amounts of iron. The matte containing the lower amount of iron is leached in acid solution under oxidizing conditions at atmospheric pressure to selectively leach nickel from the matte to produce a nickel sulphate solution and a copper-rich sulphide residue. The copper-rich sulphide residue is separated from the nickel sulphate solution and pressure leached under a mildly oxidizing atmosphere in an acid solution to produce a low nickel copper sulphide product. The matte containing the higher amount of iron is treated in the solution from the pressure leach step in a combined oxidative atmospheric leach and iron hydrolysis step in which the solution pH is adjusted to at least 1.0 or higher. The nickel content of the high-iron matte is leached quantitatively, and iron is precipitated as a jarosite or goethite. The low-iron nickel sulphate solution is recycled back into the atmospheric leaching step.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,817 discloses a process for leaching nickel and copper from a high-sulphur low-iron nickel-copper matte by means of a multi-stage process. The nickel copper matte is leached in two atmospheric pressure leaching steps in the presence of oxygen using neutral or acidic leaching solutions containing copper sulphate, to produce a nickel sulphate solution and a precipitate of nickel and copper sulphides. The nickel is recovered from the nickel sulphate solution by electrowinning. The nickel and copper sulphide precipitate is then pressure leached in a substantially neutral copper sulphate solution, to produce a solution of nickel sulphate and a copper-rich precipitate. The iron in the nickel sulphate leach solution is then precipitated in an iron removal step and the residue proceeds to an oxidative pressure leach step in which the copper sulphide is quantitatively dissolved. The iron-free nickel sulphate solution from the iron removal step is recycled to the atmospheric leach circuits.
The commonality between these prior art processes resides in the fact that the iron and arsenic removal step is conducted following the non-oxidizing or mildly oxidizing pressure leach.

Process for upgrading copper sulphide residues containing nickel and iron


A multipurpose camping hook for mounting any available support surface includes a plurality of functional surfaces and contours for hanging equipment, clothing and associated articles, as well as providing tools for supplemental tasks. In combination with like articles, the hangers may be used for stringing lines and rods for additional organizational capabilities.

Outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and the like generally require the transport of diverse equipment and clothing. When a destination is reached, food, equipment and clothing must be stored for organization, storing, and drying, preferably above ground to avoid moisture, contamination and pests. Rarely does the location provide satisfactory available sites.
The present invention provides a multipurpose camping hook that may be secured to virtually any available support surface. The hook includes a plurality of functional surfaces and contours for hanging equipment, clothing and associated articles, as well as providing tools for supplemental tasks. In combination with like articles, the hangers may be used for stringing lines and rods for additional organizational capabilities.