A system for transferring electrical energy from a charging station to an electrical consumer including a charging plug connected to the charging station by a charging cable and a charging socket corresponding to the charging plug of the electrical consumer designed as a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle is designed to receive a battery voltage at the charging socket and relay it, unchanged, to a vehicle battery, wherein the charging station is configured to receive a network voltage from a power grid and to relay it via a charging cable to the charging plug, and the charging plug is configured to convert the network voltage into the battery voltage by means of power electronics.

A charging plug for a charging station for transferring electric energy from the charging station to an electrical consumer, in particular an electrically operated vehicle, is known from the prior art. In this case, the charging plug comprises at least one contact element for the electrical and reversibly detachable coupling of the charging plug to a corresponding charging socket of the electrical consumer and a connecting element for charging cable of the charging station. When electrical energy is transferred, in particular at high charging currents, heat to be dissipated can arise, for example, at at least one contact element. To dissipate heat, for example, a cooling unit having a cooling element can be used, wherein the cooling element forms a part of a wall of a housing of the charging plug.
In this context, DE 10 2016 211 464 A1 describes a charging plug which comprises at least one power contact, wherein the at least one power contact is actively cooled by means of a Peltier element. Furthermore, the Peltier element can be sandwiched between the at least one power contact and a cooling element, preferably comprising a cooling fin. The cooling element preferably comprises a cooling fluid duct arranged inside the cooling element and can have a cooling fluid, such as water, ketones, nitrogen, or pressurized breathing air, flow through it.
DE 10 2016 204 894 A1 discloses a charging plug having at least one power contact arranged in a charging plug housing, which is connected in a formfitting manner by means of a cooling unit comprising a dielectric material.
Furthermore, DE 10 2015 101 140 A1 describes a charging station having a charging plug coupled to the charging station by means of a supply cable and a cooling unit, by means of which a charging plug located in a parking position can be cooled. The cooling unit is preferably designed as a blower unit, by means of which a gaseous cooling fluid flow can be generated, in particular from ambient air.
The object of the present invention is to refine a charging plug and a charging system to implement a charging procedure, which is particularly flexible, is implementable with little circuit complexity, and is protected from overheating, for transferring electric energy from a charging station to an electrical consumer.
A charging plug for a charging station for transferring electric energy from the charging station to a corresponding charging socket of an electrical consumer, in particular an electrically driven motor vehicle, is provided by the invention. The charging plug is, for example, a charging plug of a combined charging system (Combined Charging System or Combo 2 or CCS) for AC and DC charging based on IEC 62196. As already stated above, in this case the charging plug comprises at least one contact element for electrical coupling to the charging socket of the consumer, an at least mechanically connecting connecting element for a charging cable of the charging station, and a cooling unit for dissipating heat. Furthermore, the charging plug comprises at least one semiconductor element, wherein the at least one semiconductor element is arranged on at least one cooling element of the cooling unit. The cooling element forms part of a wall of a housing of the charging plug here. For example, the at least one cooling element is a heat sink, which enlarges a heat-emitting surface of the at least one semiconductor element to prevent damage due to overheating.
According to the invention, the charging plug comprises integrated power electronics, wherein a control unit of the power electronics is configured to actuate the at least one semiconductor element as a part of the integrated power electronics for switching and/or converting electric energy. In other words, the integrated power electronics are installed in the charging plug and the power electronics comprise the at least one semiconductor element, for example, a power converter based on power semiconductors and/or a switch (for example, at least one transistor, such as a MOSFET or CMOS transistor). By means of the power converter, for example, a network voltage (for example, an AC voltage) received from a power grid can be converted into a battery voltage (i.e., in particular a DC voltage) required for a battery of the electrical consumer. Furthermore, a frequency of the electric voltage required for the electrical consumer can be set for the transport of the energy. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical consumer can be switched on and off as required, for example, by means of the switch. The power electronics required for this are part of the charging plug here. The advantage thus results that installing the power electronics in the electrical consumer and/or in the charging station can be omitted.
The charging plug can thus be flexibly used in a multifunctional manner as a mechanical connecting element to the charging socket, as a handling element for a user, and as an electrical control element. Furthermore, the power electronics in the charging plug are easily accessible for maintenance and/or repair of the at least one semiconductor element.
The invention is based on the finding that charging plugs will in future require integration of the power electronics comprising the at least one semiconductor element into the charging plug or into the housing of the charging plug. As a result, active cooling of the at least one semiconductor element through the watertight and/or dust-proof housing is required to dissipate heat or avoid overheating.
The invention also includes embodiments which result in additional advantages.
One embodiment provides that the cooling unit comprises a cooling assembly arranged on the housing for generating a cooling air flow in the direction of an outwardly oriented surface of the at least one cooling element. In other words, the cooling air flow generated by means of the cooling assembly flows along an outer side of the at least one cooling element to guide the sufficiently large cooling air flow along the at least one cooling element. An outward freestanding surface of the at least one cooling element is thus cooled by the cooling air flow flowing past it. For example, the cooling air flow can be generated by means of a turbomachine in that it emits flow energy to the ambient air, and the cooling air flow is guided by means of baffle plates in the direction of the at least one cooling element. The advantage thus results that cooling ducts inside the at least one cooling element can be omitted and thus complex maintenance and/or sealing is dispensed with. Furthermore, the robustly designed at least one cooling element and the separate cooling assembly, which is thus not integrated into the at least one cooling element, permit particularly simple operation of the cooling unit.
A further embodiment provides that the cooling assembly is designed as a fan for generating forced convection of the cooling air flow. In other words, by means of mechanical action of the fan, i.e., a blower, pressure differences are generated which induce flowing of the cooling air flow, i.e., air circulation for dissipating heat. The fan is, for example, an axial fan, a radial fan, or a tangential fan. It is advantageous that the fan as a cooling assembly is a flexible component having low acquisition costs and/or low operating costs.
A further embodiment of this provides that the cooling assembly is arranged in a portion of the charging plug adjoining a handle bracket and/or on the wall of the housing arranged on the connecting element. In other words, the cooling assembly is arranged between the handle bracket and a recessed grip of a handle of the charging plug. If the cooling assembly is arranged in the region adjoining the handle bracket, the cooling assembly can also be used to cool or blow on the handle. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling assembly is arranged on the wall of the housing associated with the connecting element and in particular in parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of a charging cable in the region associated with the connecting element. If the cooling assembly is arranged on the outer side of the connecting element, the advantage results that a user grasping the handle is outside an area of effect of the cooling assembly and cannot be irritated, i.e., surprised, by the dissipation of the heat. In general, the advantage also results that the cooling assembly is easily accessible from the outside and/or is easily replaceable if needed, for example, if requirements change for a performance of the cooling assembly.
A further embodiment provides that the at least one cooling element and the at least one semiconductor element arranged thereon is arranged in a recessed grip of a handle of the charging plug and/or the wall of the housing opposite to the handle. In other words, the at least one cooling element is arranged in parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the handle in the recessed grip on the outer side of the housing of the charging plug. If the cooling unit is arranged in the recessed grip, the at least one heat-generating semiconductor element can also be used for heating the handle if required. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one cooling element can be arranged on the wall of the housing opposite to the handle, for example, arranged in parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the at least one contact element on the outer side of the housing. This has the advantage that when the charging plug is handled as intended, that is to say when the charging plug is only grasped by the handle, a user is located outside a heat zone of the at least one semiconductor element and/or the cooling element arranged thereon and unintentional touching of the heat zone by the user is prevented.
A further embodiment provides that the control unit is configured to actuate the cooling unit in dependence on a temperature, detected by means of a sensor unit of the charging plug, of the surroundings of the charging plug and/or the at least one semiconductor element of the power electronics. In other words, a signal is generated as a measure of the temperature by means of the sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit is designed, for example, as a power semiconductor. For example, actuation of the cooling unit by means of the control unit can take place if the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. The temperature of the surroundings of the charging plug can be ascertained in this case so that an influence of the temperature of the surroundings on the power electronics can be taken into consideration promptly. For example, it can be necessary to activate the cooling unit early due to intensive sunlight. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the temperature of the at least one semiconductor element of the power electronics is ascertained to metrologically detect a heat loss generated during operation of the at least one semiconductor of the power electronics. As a result, the power electronics and in particular the at least one semiconductor element can be protected from overheating. The advantage thus results that the cooling unit can be activated automatically in dependence on the detected temperature and manual activation can be omitted.
A further embodiment provides that the at least one cooling element comprises a heat sink having at least one cooling fin for dissipating the heat. In other words, the heat sink and in particular the at least one cooling fin increases a heat-emitting surface of the at least one heat-producing semiconductor element. The heat sink and/or the at least one cooling fin can in particular comprise thermally-conductive materials, such as metals and/or ceramics. The advantage those results that waste heat of the at least one semiconductor element can be emitted particularly efficiently by means of thermal radiation and/or convection into the surroundings.
A further embodiment provides that the at least one semiconductor element is arranged in an electrically isolated manner on the at least one cooling element by means of a thermally-conductive adhesive and/or a thermally-conductive pad and/or a thermally-conductive paste. In other words, a thermally-conductive medium, i.e., the thermally-conductive adhesive, the thermally-conductive pad, and/or the thermally-conductive paste, is sandwiched between the at least one semiconductor element and the at least one cooling element in an electrically insulating manner. The at least one semiconductor element can press directly against the at least one cooling element in this case. In order to increase the thermal conductivity, for example, a two-component adhesive, in particular based on epoxy or silicone, can be used as the thermally-conductive adhesive, and a mica disk or a ceramic disk can be used as the thermal pad. The thermally-conductive paste can be produced, for example, based on silicone oil or zinc oxide. The advantage thus results that the thermally-conductive medium improves a heat transfer, i.e., a thermal coupling between the at least one semiconductor element and the at least one cooling element, whereby the dissipation of the heat can be efficiently implemented.
A further embodiment provides that the power electronics include a rectifier, in particular a rectifier having an active harmonic filter, and/or a DC chopper, in particular an electrically isolated DC chopper, and/or a semiconductor switch, in particular a semiconductor relay, for switching and/or converting the electric energy. In other words, the power electronics comprise at least one electrical component, in particular the at least one semiconductor element, by means of which an AC voltage is converted into a DC voltage and/or a supplied DC voltage level is converted into another DC voltage level and/or an electrically conductive connection is established or interrupted. The rectifier can in particular comprise the active harmonic filter, i.e., an active power factor correction filter (PFC), to suppress undesired harmonics by means of a step-up converter connected directly downstream of the rectifier. Alternatively or additionally, the DC chopper or DC-DC converter can be designed in particular as an electrically isolated DC chopper in order to provide a required electrical insulation between an input voltage and an output voltage. Alternatively or additionally, the semiconductor switch, a so-called electronic switch, can be a semiconductor relay (Solid State Relay or SSR) for implementing an on and off switching effect. The advantage thus results that the power electronics can be implemented particularly simply and flexibly by means of the at least one electrical component.
A charging system for transferring electric energy from a charging station to an electrical consumer is provided by the invention. The charging system comprises a charging plug connected by means of a charging cable to the charging station and a charging socket corresponding to the charging plug of the electrical consumer designed as a motor vehicle. In this case, the motor vehicle is designed to receive a battery voltage at the charging socket and to relay it, unconverted, i.e., unchanged, to a vehicle battery of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as an automobile, in particular as a passenger vehicle or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle. Furthermore, the charging station is configured to receive a network voltage from a power grid and to relay it via a charging cable to the charging plug. Furthermore, the charging plug is configured to convert the network voltage into the battery voltage by means of power electronics. In other words, a conversion of the network voltage into the battery voltage is carried out by means of the power electronics integrated into the charging plug. The advantage thus results that due to the integrated power electronics of the charging plug, an integration of the power electronics in the electrical consumer, i.e., the motor vehicle, and/or into the charging station can be omitted. A charging process can thus be implemented flexibly and efficiently for the motor vehicle.
The invention also includes refinements of the charging system according to the invention, which comprise features as have already been described in conjunction with the refinements of the charging plug according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding refinements of the charging system according to the invention are not even described here.
The invention also comprises the combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

Charging plug for a charging station for transferring electric energy and a charging system therefor


A vehicle, a vehicle system and a method for allowing a host vehicle to autonomously avoid road irregularities are provided. The system communicates vehicle sensor data relating to detected road irregularities and host vehicle position information with an external database. A processor is arranged to determine a trajectory for the host vehicle for which all wheels of the host vehicle are laterally displaced from one or more road irregularities ahead of the host vehicle, and to autonomously steer the host vehicle along the determined trajectory. The system is also arranged to evaluate whether all wheels of the host vehicle were laterally displaced from all detected road irregularities and to send the result of the evaluation to the external database.

Driving comfort depends on a multitude of factors, such as vehicle suspension, tire properties, road conditions etc. A relevant factor is whether the vehicle is driven along a smooth road surface or into potholes and across bumps. With potholes is here understood disruptions in the road surface where a portion of the road material has broken away, leaving a hole. With bumps is here understood disruptions in the road surface where a portion of the road is raised, forming an upwardly extending protrusion. If contact with bumps and potholes can be avoided, a perceived driving comfort may be increased.
It is known to control steering of a vehicle based on input from sensors detecting a vehicle surrounding. In U.S.2012035788A1 is described a navigation and control system for autonomous vehicles. The system includes a sensor for locating objects in a predetermined field of view from a vehicle. A processor can correlate GPS-position, LIDAR-measurements and deflection angle data to produce a map of obstacles in a path of the vehicle. The map is used such that the detected obstacles can be mapped relative to the path of the vehicle, and steering and speed control directions are provided to the vehicle in order to avoid the obstacle. The system can take into consideration the destination of the vehicle, and thereby provide steering and speed control directions to the vehicle in order to avoid the obstacle and to return on course to the destination.
U.S.2010121577A1 relates to autonomous driving of vehicles. In U.S.2010121577A1 is described a method for detecting a clear path of travel for a vehicle and for generating a data stream corresponding to a three-dimensional scan of a target area surrounding the vehicle from a vehicle LIDAR system. The vehicle can identify road conditions via a camera, a radar imaging system, GPS-information, or from other vehicles in communication with the vehicle.
U.S.2012323474A1 relates to a system and a method for conveying data between vehicles. The system includes means to obtain or generate information about conditions around a first vehicle, which information can be sent to other vehicles via a communication system or internet. A position and a movement of the first vehicle and a second vehicle are determined and transmitted via internet to the second vehicle. The positions and movements of the first and second vehicles are analyzed at the second vehicle, and the second vehicle is directed to take action based on analysis of the relative positions and movements of the first and second vehicles. An intended travel path of the second vehicle may be altered for collision avoidance purposes and the information obtained or generated at the first vehicle may be stored in a database. A maintenance state of the roadway can be automatically monitored and relevant information can be transmitted automatically over internet, to a central control station, along with appropriate pictures if available.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,089B1, a vehicle navigation system is presented. The system includes a map database and at least one inertial sensor. When a vehicle encounters a problem road condition, such as a pothole, the problem road condition induces acceleration in the inertial sensor. The navigation system identifies the occurrence of a problem road condition by monitoring the signals generated by the inertial sensor. The navigation system then stores the occurrence and location of the problem road condition. This data can be used later to identify, locate and repair problem road conditions.
The systems referred to may increase perceived vehicle operator comfort in some situations, but improvements in the field of autonomous road irregularity avoidance are still desirable.

Vehicle system, a vehicle and a method for autonomous road irregularity avoidance


A method is described for the operation of a transmission device (3) with several shift elements (5, 6) actuated hydraulically by a pressure source (4) for engaging and disengaging various transmission ratios and with several electric actors (7, 8) of a hydraulic system of the transmission device (3) for the adjustment of actuating pressures for the shift elements (5, 6). When an engine start-stop function calls for a combustion engine (2) of a drivetrain comprising the transmission device (3) to be switched off, the energizing current of the actors (7, 8) is adjusted from an operating level (I_B) in which the respective actors (7, 8) are energized with a current appropriate for producing an operating-situation-dependent actuation pressure in the shift elements (5, 6), to a standby level (I_S). When the engine start-stop function calls for the combustion engine (3) to be switched on, the energizing current of the actors (7, 8) is adjusted from the standby level (I_S) to the operating level (I_B). The energizing currents of the actors (7, 8) are changed from the standby level (I_S) to the operating level (I_B) in a defined time sequence.

In order to reduce the fuel consumption and the output of pollutant emissions of vehicles built with combustion engines and familiar from general practice, it has become common to switch off the combustion engines of vehicles under appropriate operating conditions of the vehicle with the help of various vehicle concepts. Such functions are known among other things as engine stop-start functions, which are activated or deactivated depending on the operating conditions of the most varied vehicle components, and trigger the switching off of the combustion engine even when the vehicle is briefly at rest.
So that conventional driving operation is not compromised by an engine start-stop function, if a driver wishes to drive on so that the vehicle's combustion engine has to be started, particularly when entering a congested street with a right of way, it is necessary to have a quick engine starting process and an immediate build-up of the force flow in a transmission device of the vehicle. In conventionally made automatic transmissions or automated shift transmissions constructed with shift elements made as wet-running disk clutches for engagement and disengagement of various transmission ratio steps of the transmission device, the shift elements are essentially supplied with the required control pressure from a transmission pump only when the combustion engine is running. In this, the control pressure or an actuating pressure of a shift element is in each case adjusted by way of at least one electric actor.
For the build-up of the force flow in the transmission, an air gap of a shift element to be actuated first has to be closed and then the shift element to be actuated is fully engaged by increasing the actuating pressure in accordance with predetermined engagement characteristics. Closing the air cap in a shift element and then engaging it in the force flow of a transmission are both carried out by passing a certain hydraulic fluid volume flow into a piston space of the hydraulically controlled clutch to be engaged, and this has to be supplied by the transmission pump driven by the started combustion engine.
If, before the vehicle is re-started, several shift elements of a transmission are open because the combustion engine is switched off and these have to be closed for the vehicle to re-start, the time between the beginning of the combustion engine's starting process and the time when the force flow in the transmission has been fully established is prolonged sometimes to such an extent that a vehicle made with an engine start-stop function cannot be operated as effectively as desired.
For vehicles with conventional transmissions having an implemented engine start-stop function to be able, despite this, to be operated in the desired manner, in some vehicles known as such, besides the main transmission pump a further hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor is provided, whose delivery volume is independent of the speed of the combustion engine and which, if insufficient pressure is supplied by the main transmission pump of the transmission unit, produces a pressure in the hydraulic system, in collaboration with the electric actors of the transmission unit, for the shift elements to be actuated at least sufficient to close the respective air gaps in the shift elements to be engaged in order to establish the force flow in the transmission unit.
Unfortunately, compared with transmission devices having no additional pump, the above-described design of a transmission with a main transmission pump driven by the Combustion engine and an additional pump driven by an electric motor reduces the efficiency of the transmission and increase its manufacturing costs.
Measures which improve the transmission efficiency only slightly and increase manufacturing costs only by a small amount, in order to be able to operate a vehicle that works with an engine start-stop function with the desired spontaneity, are known from DE 10 2006 014 756.1. For the sufficient supply of a transmission device when a combustion engine is to be switched on, a device for storing hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system of a transmission device and a method for the operation of such a device are proposed, the device or hydraulic storage unit being made as a spring-loaded oil volume store with an electro-mechanical detent system.
While the combustion engine is switched on, the hydraulic storage device is filled by a hydraulic pressure produced by a main transmission pump so that as the hydraulic storage device fills up a piston, of the hydraulic storage device, is moved to a position in which it can be arrested and held by a holding device When the combustion engine is switched off so that the drive power to the main transmission pump is zero, the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic system of the transmission device falls essentially to zero. If an engine start-stop function then calls for the combustion engine to be switched on, then the production of the force flow in the transmission unit is supported in a simple manner by expelling the volume of hydraulic fluid stored in the hydraulic storage device during a starting process of the combustion engine.
Furthermore, when the unpressurized condition in the hydraulic system of the transmission device brought about by switching off the combustion engine has been reached, the electric actors are energized to a so-termed standby level in which only so-termed diagnosis functions can be carried out by the actors in the transmission device and in which the electric power uptake of the transmission is minimized, so that the vehicle's electric power supply system is relieved to a not inconsiderable extent. Moreover, when the engine start-stop function calls for the combustion engine to be switched on or when it is recognized that the combustion engine has been started up from the standby level to an operating level in which the actors are respectively energized with a current corresponding to a required operating condition such as the engagement of a gear, a neutral operating condition, or a parking operation, the energizing current of the actors is changed. By changing the energizing current of the actors from the standby level to the operating level, the shift elements to be engaged, in order to produce the desired operating condition of the transmission unit, are at the same time acted upon and filled with hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system of the transmission unit.
The sequence in which the respective shift elements reach their transmission capacity required for producing the operating condition of the transmission device called for, depends essentially on the filling flow resistance in the lines of the hydraulic system and on the clutch volumes to be filled. During a starting process of a combustion engine, these dependencies sometimes result in undesired operating condition variations within the transmission unit, in which rotating masses inside the transmission are first accelerated and then synchronized and undesirably braked by the shift element when it eventually reaches its intended transmission capacity. This results in undefined rotation speed conditions in the transmission, with the consequence of non-reproducible behavior and which sometimes causes a jerk in the drive train that reduces driving comfort.
Accordingly, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a transmission device, which avoids compromising the driving comfort of a vehicle.

Method for the operation of a transmission device with several hydraulically actuated shift elements


An adjustable lumbar support mechanism located in a seat back of a vehicle seat for supporting the lower back of a seat occupant. The lumbar support mechanism generally includes a lumbar support member supported on a frame within the seat back. The support member includes a sheet or panel formed of a resilient material. The panel including a plurality of openings located therein. A rib extending on the rear surface of the panel helps to control and provide rigidity to the support member. A seat occupant utilizes an actuator, coupled by an adjustment cable to the support member, to adjust the curvature and thereby vary support provided by the lumbar support mechanism.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a lumbar support for use with a seat; more particularly, to an adjustable lumbar support used in a vehicle seat.
2. Description of Related Art
Automobile manufacturers, in a continued attempt to provide comfort to vehicle occupants, now provide adjustable vehicle seats that enable an operator or seat occupant to increase comfort and accessibility to vehicle controls by varying the seat position. One of the many features now included in an automotive seat is an adjustable lumbar support located in the seat back. The lumbar support supports the lumbar region of a seat occupant's back.
The design of lumbar support mechanisms installed in vehicles seats has changed over time. Many of these mechanisms are complex and require a multitude of components. Such mechanisms often include a flexible support member formed of a plurality of resilient axial members with a multitude of transverse members connected thereto. The flexible support member is mounted in the seat back. An actuator mounted in the vehicle such that it is accessible to the seat occupant is connected to the flexible support member and operates to flex or bend the flexible support member to adjust its shape or curvature. Accordingly, the seat occupant adjusts the shape or curvature of the flexible support member to achieve the desired level of lumbar support.
As with many mechanical devices, more parts typically results in a more complex device that usually costs more to manufacture and is often more difficult to assemble and install. In addition, as the number of parts or complexity of a device increases the possibility that the device may ultimately break or fail usually increases. Increased occurrences of failure results not only in consumer dissatisfaction, they also increase overall costs resulting from repair or warranty concerns.
Accordingly, it is desirable to have a cost-efficient, simple and durable lumbar support mechanism that is easily installed in a vehicle seat utilizing an actuator assembly that easily adjust the position of the lumbar support member to provide support to the lumbar region of a seat occupants back.

Adjustable lumbar support for vehicle seat


A developing device includes a developing roller, a developer supply path, a developer conveyance path, a supply-side conveying member and an agitating-side conveying member. The developing roller is rotatably supported in the housing. The developer supply path is arranged along the developing roller. The developer conveyance path is arranged along the developer supply path. The supply-side conveying member is a conveying member arranged in the developer supply path and includes a first receiving portion arranged to face the communication path at an upstream side in the first direction and configured to receive the developer from the developer conveyance path, and has a hollow spiral shape at a side downstream of the first receiving portion. The agitating-side conveying member is a conveying member arranged in the developer conveyance path and includes a first transferring portion arranged to face the first receiving portion at a downstream side in the second direction.

The present disclosure relates to a developing device in which developer is conveyed and an image forming apparatus provided with the same.
Conventionally, a developing device is known in which developer is conveyed in a circulating manner between a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path arranged in a developer housing. The developer is conveyed in opposite directions in the first and second conveyance paths by agitating screws arranged in the respective first and second conveyance paths. The agitating screw of the developing device is composed of a shaft portion and a spiral piece arranged around the shaft portion. In the developer housing, the developer is conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction by driving and rotating the agitating screws.
If an adhesion force of the developer increases as the developer is deteriorated, the developer may adhere to the shaft portion. If the developer adheres to the shaft portion, virtual shaft thickening of the agitating screw occurs to reduce the conveying performance of the agitating screw. An agitating screw including no shaft part, i.e. having a hollow shape in an axial central part thereof to solve the shaft thickening of the agitating screw described above is known.
With the agitating screw above described, developer conveying performance in an axial direction tends to be lower as compared with an agitating screw including a shaft portion extending in the axial direction. Thus, the transfer of the developer has not been preferably realized in communicating parts of the first and second conveyance paths at axial end parts of the agitating screws in some cases.
The present invention was developed in view of the above problem and an object thereof is to promote the transfer of developer in communicating portions in a developing device including developer conveying members having a hollow shape.

Developing device comprising a conveying member having a hollow spiral shape and image forming apparatus provided with the same


A protection device for a wide-angle transmission joint includes a first casing with a proximal end fixed to a ring sliding into a groove in a disc and a distal end bearing an extension inwardly folded. The casing has a first part covering the intermediate means as well as the zone which connects the latter with the yoke and a second part covering the yoke as well as the end of the transmission shaft. The connection between the two parts is realized by a section which is deformable under the action of the transmission shaft inclining when the joint is bent up to 80.degree..

The prior art comprises:
i) a so-called "non integral protection", or open protection, in which a single casing body protects the perimeter of the joint, but leaves an opening through which a foreign body may reach rotating parts (see for example the European Patent n.degree. 0 154 216 held by the same applicant). If one considers that the foreign body might be a person's hand, it is clear why such a protection is dangerous. This form of protection is fitted into a perimetral groove of the disc between the two yokes of the coupling where it is held in position by chainlets, and is a conical piece with the greater aperture facing the transmission shaft so that there are no problems when the shaft inclines, for example when the tractor goes round a bend.
ii) a so-called "semi-closed petal protection" comprising a main casing that covers the whole joint around the perimeter and an auxiliary casing that covers the end of the transmission shaft that connects to the joint. The space between the two casings, set at a certain distance from one another, allows relative movements between the same casings when the transmission shaft inclines and is closed by a series of plastic "petals" that have their external margins fastened within the main casing and their internal margins loose, but touching the auxiliary casing. This solution offers a certain amount of protection and the possibility of high inclinations of the transmission shaft, but has its main drawback in the fact that, because the "petals" are elastic, they may bend even under a weak pressure allowing a foreign body to reach the rotating parts of the transmission means.

Device for the protection of a transmission joint in agricultural vehicles


The invention relates to a method for cleaning plant components of a power station, wherein a medium is continuously passed through one or more plant components for cleaning a closed circuit and a check of the medium for degree of purity is carried out in at least one operating plant component.

The purity of the steam in the operation a power plant has to satisfy stringent requirements. In particular, it is important to avoid the situation where particulate solids are entrained in the steam. Such solid particles may lead to damage to the plant parts, such as, for example, the turbine. Damage in this case occurs particularly on the blading and the labyrinth seals of the turbine.
To protect the turbine and other plant parts against relatively large solid particles, steam screens are installed upstream of quick-closing interception valves or between quick-closing interception valves and the regulating valves in the steam lines. By contrast, solid particles of smaller diameter pass through the screens. They can therefore enter the turbine. These cause what is known as solid state erosion of the blading. This leads to material stripping and blade toughening and consequently to the impairment of turbine efficiency. In so far as the solid particles are braked by the turbine and they remain in the turbine, there is the risk that they lead to roughenings on the blading and possibly form deposits in the labyrinth seals.
These deposits may damage or destroy sealing elements or other components.
In boilers, steam lines or other steam-carrying components which lie upstream of the turbine in the steam flow direction, solid particles arise, in particular during the new installation of power stations. Solid particles occur even during plant inspections or component exchange. These solid particles are, in particular, rolling skin, scale, iron oxides and corrosion products and oxidation layers caused by the heat treatment of the plant components. Even with the greatest care during installation work, the situation cannot be certainly be avoided where dust, sand, installation objects and installation waste are left behind in steam-carrying components or plant parts of the plant. The impurities are sometimes present loosely. Sometimes, they adhere to the inner walls of the plant parts.
In general, therefore, as steam-carrying components, the boiler region, steam lines between the boiler and steam turbine or between the boiler and condenser, and also valves, have to be blown out or flushed out before every first steam pulse of a steam turbine and thereby freed of particles, in particular of solid particles, for example rolling skin, scale or iron oxides.
A scavenging method is employed for cleaning the power plant. After the scavenging or pickling of the plant has taken place, the steam-carrying systems are cleaned by means of steam. This is generated by the evaporation of water of highest purity (demineralized water) in the boiler. In this case, the water of highest purity is supplied to the power plant, led through the corresponding components and extracted again. Thus, for example, before every first steam pulse of a steam turbine, the steam-carrying boiler regions and the steamlines are freed of particles which may lead to damage and/or to an impairment of efficiency. This cleaning process is subject to various parameters, such as, for example, demineralized water generation capacity, demineralized water storage capacity and rapid demineralized water afterfeed, sound protection measures, resulting operational restrictions, evidence of freedom of the steam from particles, removal of temporary facilities, subsequent dependent commissioning steps.
In the cleaning of the current parts, temporary cleaning facilities connectable to the power plant are provided, which supply the scavenging medium to the power plant and extract again at least part of the scavenging medium after it has flowed through the components.
In conventional methods, the cleaning of the steam-carrying plant parts takes place by means of chemical cleaning (such as, for example, pickling) or by burning out with steam or by a combination of the methods.
In pickling, the cleaning waters are laden with a pickling agent, for example inhibited acid, complex formers, for example ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid, and therefore cannot be discharged into the environment. Considerable outlays are required for the disposal of the waste water laden with chemicals.
Superheaters, reheaters and associated steamlines are usually blown out with steam. In this case, it is appropriate to adhere to conditions which ensure that solid particles which have remained in the plant parts despite the blowing out with steam are not entrained by the operational steam flow during the operation of the plant.
Blowing out is therefore effective only at higher flow velocities than are to be expected when the plant is operating under full loading. According to experience, the dynamic pressure in blowing out amounts to 1.2 to 1.7 times the value of the dynamic pressure during operation at the maximum continuous output of the plant.
This blow-out condition can be fulfilled both in the case of continuous blowing out at relatively low pressure and in the case of discontinuous blowing out at relatively high pressure.
Both methods—pulse-like or continuous steam blow-out—are based on the fact that the steam discharged into the atmosphere has to be replaced by the afterfeed of fully deionized water (=dimineralized water). The steam cleaning duration is therefore always dependent on the demineralized water generation capacity or demineralized water storage capacity. Furthermore, complicated blow-out facilities are necessary in order to ensure a rapid afterfeed of demineralized water into the condensate system and in order to limit the sound emissions occurring during atmospheric steam blow-out to the required sound levels. For example, for this purpose, silencers are used, or water injection into the steam takes place and therefore leads to an additional water demand. Also, the conventional circulatory cleanings cannot be carried out uninterruptedly, since the assessment of the freedom of the steam from particles is not possible online in high temperature and pressure ranges.

Method and apparatus for the cleaning of components of a power plant by the injection of a medium and measuring device for measuring the degree of purity of the medium


A proprietary portable audio player system for protecting digital content copyrights, which includes a proprietary portable audio player, a web access interface, and an online music server. The proprietary portable audio player has a hardware unique device identity. The proprietary portable audio player has a playback token acquirement mode and uses a first transmission medium to link with the online music server to thereby obtain a playback token for a corresponding music file playback. The online music server pre-stores a plurality of music files with compression formats, a plurality of playback tokens, and a mapping table. When a playback token signal from the web access interface is received, the online music server accordingly issues a playback token corresponding to a specific music file, updates the mapping table, and sends the playback token to the proprietary portable audio player through the first transmission medium.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the technical field of digital content protection and, more particularly, to a proprietary portable audio player system for protecting digital content copyrights.
2. Description of Related Art
Since the semiconductor processes have developed rapidly, electronic products have the enhanced functions and follow the light, thin and miniature trend.
The increasing portable audio players further allow digital music to have the features of mobility and personalization. The digital music is essentially divided into two format types, i.e., a general MP3 format and a proprietary online music format, in accordance with the applied compression technique and the technical spreadability. The general MP3 digital music can be shared and distributed easily but also cause an argument about the copyright infringement easily, which is inverted on the proprietary digital music.
As the MP3 music and the digital content dramatically sprout, the online digital music services are considered to be an important trend in the future. Accordingly, the digital music copyright is becoming more and more important. A peer-to-peer online music access mode allows a user to enjoy and share music files with others. However, such a mode can easily cause an argument about music copyright infringement.
To overcome this, U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,615 granted for Gajjala et. al. for "Retail Transactions Involving Digital Content in A Digital Rights Management (DRM) System" has disclosed a platform of digital rights management (DRM) software to overcome the problem of digital music copyright infringement.
The DRM software links a user end through a server. Each song has a content key. Namely, when a song is downloaded from the server to the user end through the Internet, the content key corresponding to the song is also downloaded. The content key obtained in each download is the same for a same song. Each music file can be played as the content key is met. Accordingly, while a content key is transmitted to obtain, a public key and a private key are applied for protection from being cracked.
The DRM software has the advantage of safely transmitting a digital content subscribed by a user and playing the digital content on a designated computer, portable device or network device, and the disadvantage of requiring an additional public key for protecting the content key in transmission. In addition, additional operations for a received music file and associated content keys are required, which can easily cause the insert-in playback delay on playing a song.
As cited, the content key corresponds to a specific song, and an encryption mechanism, such as using the public key and private key, is applied to the content key for protection. However, if the encryption mechanism is cracked, the content key can be obtained arbitrarily, and the song is not protected anymore. The DRM software can protect the digital content copyright by using the standard compression format and the public key and the private key, which is insufficient in security and efficiency. In addition, such a protection limits a user at the rights of sharing digital content files. Therefore, an improved protection mechanism is required.

Proprietary portable audio player system for protecting digital content copyrights


Disclosed is a method for regenerating a SCR denitration catalyst assisted by microwaves. The method comprises: (1) a poisoned SCR denitration catalyst is immersed in deionized water, and the SCR denitration catalyst is cleaned by a bubbling method; (2) the SCR denitration catalyst is transferred to a container containing a pore-expanding solution for a soaking treatment; (3) the SCR denitration catalyst is transferred to a microwave device and treated for 1-10 minutes; (4) the SCR denitration catalyst is transferred to a container with an activating liquid and impregnated for 1-4 hours; (5) the SCR denitration catalyst is dried with microwaves for 1-20 minutes; and (6) the SCR denitration catalyst is calcined under conditions of 500-600° C. for 4-7 hours. The present invention has readily available raw materials, is simple and energy-saving in device and process, and is suitable for industrial scale regeneration. The catalyst treated by the method of the present invention has the advantages of loose pore channels, obviously optimized pore structures, significantly improved catalyst surface conditions, high activity, and good economic benefits.

Since the 1990s, the State Environmental Protection Administration has put restrictions on the NOx emission from coal-fired power plant boiler (GB 13223-1991) and continuously tightened the emission limit in successive Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Thermal Power Plants (GB 13223-1996 and GB 13223-2003). According to the latest Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Thermal Power Plants (GB 13223-2011) released in July 2011, NOx emission from newly-built, expanded and rebuilt coal-fired power plant must meet the limit of 100 mg/m3 (key regions) and 200 mg/m3 (other regions) from Jan. 1, 2012, and all coal-fired power plants completed as of Jan. 1, 2014 must meet the aforesaid standards. In a mature SCR flue gas denitrification technology with high efficiency, catalyst is an important part in the SCR system and its performances will directly affect the denitration effect of the catalyst. Being easily blocked and poisoned, it is inevitable that a catalyst will lose activity during use and inactive catalyst usually will be regenerated for reuse to reduce the cost and the waste stacking space. Therefore, solving the problem of catalyst regeneration will improve the actual emission reduction effect and greatly improve the economy of SCR technology.
Based on the active site theory in catalytic reaction kinetics, catalytic reaction occurs at the active site on catalyst surface and larger specific surface area can offer more surface active sites. Besides, the richer the micropore structure is, the larger the specific surface area is. In terms of pore channel structure, within the scope adaptive to SCR reaction, larger pore volume means larger reaction gas volume contained in the pore structure, which is also beneficial to the catalytic reaction.
In microwave heating technology, high-frequency reciprocating motions of dipole molecules inside the heated object generate "internal friction heat" and cause internal and external heating and temperature rise at the same time without any heat conduction process. With a quick and even heating speed, it requires only a small percentage of energy consumption required by the traditional heating method, and hence has a good development prospect in terms of catalyst regeneration.
After searching existing technical literatures, a Chinese patent CN1686607A discloses a filter unit for regenerating active carbon with microwaves and ultrasonic waves. Fluid flows into a filter via an inlet on a casing cover, runs through active carbon filled in the casing body for filtration and flows out of the filter along a pipe in the active carbon via an outlet on the casing cover. If the active carbon is inactive and needs to be regenerated, the fluid flows into the outlet and flows out of the inlet and microwave irradiation and ultrasonic waves will regenerate the active carbon when turning on the microwave generator and ultrasonic generator, and the fluid will bring out impurities from the regeneration process. Since the regeneration process of denitration catalyst cannot directly occur on site and requires the cleaning and impregnating with various solutions in different containers, SCR process and regeneration process cannot occur in the same container, and method of such patent is unsuitable for regenerating SCR denitration catalyst.
Chinese patent CN1686607A discloses a method for regenerating denitration catalyst by selective catalytic reduction and device therefor. In such regeneration method, poisoned SCR denitration catalyst after actual industrial application successively undergo ultrasonic pretreatment, cleaning with deionized water, impregnating with pore-expanding solution, high-temperature high-pressure evaporation, activating with active material and calcining process, so as to be regenerated for reuse. Such method has certain dangers due to high pressure of the autoclave used; causes waste of the pore-expanding solution like absolute ethyl alcohol; requires ultrasonic cleaning with deionized water for 10 minutes, still standing for 2-3 hours and maintenance under high temperature in the autoclave for a period of time; and requires complete drying of activating liquid after pore-expanding and drying under 105-130° C. for 4-8 hours. Such method takes a long time and great energy consumption due to restriction of the instrument and temperature.

Method for regenerating SCR denitration catalyst assisted by microwaves and device therefor


A connector comprises signal terminals that extend in one direction, a conductive tubular shell that encloses at least the ends of the signal terminals, the axis of the shell being extending in a inserting direction to the opposing connector, and a ground terminal that turns over inwardly at a rear opening edge of the shell and projects so as to extend to the portion near the front opening edge of the inserting direction. When the connector is fitted to the opposing connector, the signal terminals and the ground terminal clip a projecting part of the opposing connector, whereby the signal terminals are electrically connected to the opposing signal terminals formed on the projecting part, and the ground terminal is electrically connected to the opposing ground terminal formed on the projecting part.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector for electrically connecting electrical signal wires and the like.
2. Description of Related Art
As a connector for connecting electrical signal wires and the like, one including signal terminals aligned along the width direction, a ground terminal disposed so as to face the signal terminals, an insulator (housing) that retains the signal terminals and the ground terminal, and a shell covering the housing is generally known. This connector fits the opposing or mating connector by clipping a projecting part formed on the opposing connector by the signal terminals and the ground terminal. Then, when inserting the opposing connector, the signal terminals are connected to the opposing signal terminals formed on the projecting part of the opposing connector, and the ground terminal is connected to the opposing ground terminal formed on the opposing terminals. In such a connector, a technique for integral molding of the shell and the ground terminal is known (refer to Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2003-7408). By the integral molding, the number of parts of the connector can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the connector.
With the above-described technique, the signal terminals press the projecting part of the opposing connector toward the ground terminal by their elastic force. Thereby, the signal terminals and the ground terminal clip the projecting part of the opposing connector and the terminals are electrically connected. Therefore, in order to electrically connect the terminals without fail, the signal terminals must have a predetermined elastic force. However, a shape of the signal terminal is limited by a pitch of the signal terminals, and in particular, in a connector having narrow-pitch signal terminals, the widths of the signal terminals become narrow, and the elastic force of the signal terminals easily become insufficient. As a result, the terminals may become difficult to be electrically connected to the opposing terminals.

Electrical connector having first and second terminals


A copier includes an image member having a dielectric surface and a write head for writing a pattern of electrostatic image dots on the surface. A controller controls the writing head in response to digital data representing an original document so that the image dots of the pattern may have variable field strengths and form a latent electrostatic image of the document on the surface. An inking head presents an electrostatic ink to the surface whereby the surface acquires ink only at the image dots thereon in amounts proportional to the field strengths of the image dots so as to develop the latent image on the surface. The copier also incorporates a support for supporting a printing substrate and paper grippers for mounting a printing substrate to the support. During operation of the copier, the surface and the substrate are pressed together so that the ink is released from the surface to the substrate thereby producing a copy of the original document consisting of a pattern of print dots with variable gray scale values. Subsequently, the printing substrate is removed from the support. Also disclosed are special electrostatic grippers for holding the substrate to the support.

Office copiers and similar reprographic devices such as duplicators, mimeograph machines, stencil machines, print terminals and even telefax machines are used to produce copies of original input documents which have existed somewhere in analog or digital form. In the analog case, the document usually exists as a piece of paper called the "original", which is put on a platen to make a temporary image of the original from which multiple prints or copies may be generated. A digital document exists as a digital data stream created by digitizing an analog document using an input scanner. The document may also exist as a hybrid of the two as it would be on a CRT display when the image is produced in a digital format, yet is readable in an analog fashion.
In the case of any copy machine, the ultimate objective is to produce a fairly limited number of copies at a relatively slow speed but, quite importantly, with an apparatus that costs dramatically less than a printing press. In attempts to reach this goal, prior copiers and reprographic devices have incorporated such diverse technologies as xerography, ink jet printing, spirit stencil techniques, thermal-dye diffusion imaging, laser recording techniques, among others. To date, however, there does not exist a color copier which is able to produce high-quality color copies at a low enough cost to really satisfy the office copier market. The copiers themselves are very complex machines which are expensive to manufacture and to assemble. Also, many of the prior machines are very service prone which adds to their expense both in terms of maintenance costs and down time. Further, in many cases the prior copiers require special paper which invariably costs more than regular paper and may degrade over time due to exposure to heat or ultraviolet light from the sun or interior lighting.

Electrostatic reproduction apparatus having a dielectric ink-phobic imaging member and field-emission write head


To prevent load of route calculation from being centralized in part of units. A node calculates routes of a primary path and an alternate path and sends them to a management center. The management center checks whether SRLGs of the two routes overlap, and instructs the node to perform calculation again if the routes overlap. The management center searches for an alternate path having a route overlapping the route of the above described alternate path. When an overlapping alternate path exists, and SRLGs of a primary path corresponding to the alternate path and the above described primary path do not overlap, a link is shared in an overlapping portion of the routes of the two alternate paths.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication network, a path setting method, and a recording medium having a path setting program recorded thereon, and more particularly to a communication network, a path setting method, and a recording medium having a path setting program recorded thereon in a mesh type communication network.
2. Description of the Related Art
Methods for forming a mesh type network in a public communication network includes a methods using a cross connecting unit by Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) or Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) technique, or a method using a cross connecting unit by Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technique, and various failure recovery schemes are proposed in each method. A failure recovery scheme proposed in T. Wu, "Fiber Network Service Survivability," Artech House, 1992, Chapter 5 can be classified into a centralized control scheme and a decentralized control scheme. The centralized control scheme is a scheme for controlling almost all processing steps concerning failure recovery in a network or a subnetwork in one centralized control unit, and alarms indicating failure detection are once centralized in the centralized control unit, and then the centralized control unit determines a proceeding step to be next performed based on the alarms, and instructs several related nodes to perform the proceeding step to detour communication traffic from a link or a node where failure occurs. The decentralized control scheme is a scheme in which nodes constituting a network perform failure recovery processing in an autonomously decentralized manner.
The failure recovery scheme can be also classified into a preplanned scheme and a dynamic scheme. In the preplanned scheme, a route of an alternate path is previously calculated with respect to a primary path, and occurrence of failure immediately causes switch to the alternate path. In the dynamic scheme, a route of an alternate path is calculated after detection of failure, and finding the route causes switch to the alternate path. The preplanned scheme is classified into a 1+1 and 1:1 scheme in which one alternate path is prepared with respect to one primary path, 1:n scheme in which n (an integer not less than 2) primary paths share one alternate path source, and m:n scheme in which n primary paths share m (an integer not less than 2) alternate path sources. Sharing the alternate path source achieves an advantage of increased use efficiency of the source. However, a conflict may occur in such a manner that the plurality of primary paths try to take one alternate path source when multiple failures occur, so that caution must be taken in determining which primary paths share the alternate path source.
Attention has been recently given to technique of applying an improved protocol that is developed for an Internet Protocol (IP) network to an optical network to achieve high speed provisioning and high speed failure recovery of an optical path in the optical network. For example, in Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) working group of Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), standardization of control technique of such an optical network is implemented. In an internet draft: draft-many-ip-optical framework-01.txt submitted to the IETF, a concept of Shared Risk Link Group (SRLG) is introduced for facilitating route calculation of an alternate path in failure recovery. The SRLG is a group consisting of a plurality of links sharing the same physical source. Sharing the same physical source means that all the links belonging to the SRLG are affected when failure occurs in the shared physical source. For example, a plurality of optical fibers in the same pipe are simultaneously affected by one failure of cutting of the pipe. In a wavelength division multiplexed optical network, cutting of one optical fiber affects a plurality of wavelengths in the optical fiber. The SRLG is identified by SRLG ID and used in the route calculation of the alternate path. For example, in page 24 of draft-many-ip-optical framework-01.txt, it is described that a primary path and an alternate path should be adapted not to pass links belonging to the same SRLG in 1+1 failure recovery. In page 26 of draft-many-ip-optical framework-01.txt, it is described that alternate paths corresponding to a plurality of primary paths should be able to share one link simply when the plurality of primary paths do not pass links belonging to the same SRLG.
In this application, a group of sources sharing a risk such as SRLG is referred to as a risk sharing resource group. Setting paths in consideration of the risk sharing resource group can prevent a plurality of paths from being simultaneously affected by one failure to make failure recovery impossible.
Examples of path setting methods of this kind are described in National Publication of International Patent Application No. 11-508421, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-224026 and Japanese Patent No. 2770749.
To calculate the primary path or alternate path in consideration of the risk sharing resource group, it is necessary to know to which risk sharing resource group the source such as the link or node in the network belongs. Specifically, in the decentralized control scheme, all nodes must perform route calculation to thereby respectively have risk sharing resource group information of the entire network. With increasing size of the network, the amount of information becomes enormous to require that each node has a large amount of memory source.
When a link of alternate paths corresponding to a plurality of primary paths are to be shared, in order to determine whether a link used in calculation of an alternate path corresponding to a certain primary path can be shared with alternate paths corresponding to other primary paths, it is also necessary to know which link other all primary paths and alternate paths corresponding thereto pass. Path information is often updated in accordance with set or release of the path, so that there is a problem that when all nodes have the pass information of the entire network in the decentralized control scheme, traffic for transmission of the pass information between the nodes significantly increases. This problem also becomes more noticeable with increasing size of the network.
One of means for solving the problems is, as described in page 26 of draft-many-ip-optical framework-01.txt, to prepare a route server having all necessary information such as topology information of a network, information on a risk sharing resource group, or path information, and to perform route calculation of the primary path and alternate path by the centralized control scheme. However, the centralized control scheme has the following problems: 1) when the size of the network is large, load of route calculation centralized in a route server becomes too large; 2) when failure occurs in the route server, route calculation can be no longer performed to cause lower failure resistance than the decentralized control scheme.
Specifically, in the conventional techniques, there are two path setting methods:
(A) a method for imparting all information to the nodes; and
(B) a method for imparting all information to the centralized control unit. However, (A) has a problem that traffic for synchronizing the information between the nodes becomes enormous, and (B) has a problem that load of calculation is centralized in the centralized control unit.

Communication network, path setting method and recording medium having path setting program recorded thereon


In a lamp and method for fabricating the same, an outer surface of the lamp tube is dipped into a conductive transparent solution for forming an electrode by a predetermined depth, and then the lamp tube is pulled out from the solution. Accordingly, an electrode having different profiles is formed on the outer surface of the tube body. Also, the outer surface of the lamp tube is dipped into the solution by an acute angle, and is pulled out from the solution. Therefore, a problem of a nonuniform brightness between lamps is not generated, and light utilization efficiency is much enhanced even when using a plurality of lamp in parallel connected to a power supply.

Generally, a lamp is a device for converting an electric energy into a light for objects to be recognized by workers' eyes at a dark place.
A lamp of cold cathode fluorescent tube (CCFT) is one of illumination devices for generating lights by utilizing an electric discharge phenomenon, i.e. electrons spatial movement.
These CCFT type lamps have advantages of being able to generate a white light similar to sun light, have a longer lifetime and generate less heat than fluorescent lamps and electric lamps.
This CCFT type lamp 10, as shown in FIG. 1, has a lamp tube 1 for providing a sealed discharging space, a first electrode 3 and a second electrode 5 for generating an electric discharge in the lamp tube 1.
Specifically, the lamp tube 1 has a tube body 1a, a fluorescent layer (not shown), and an operation gas 1b. More specifically, the lamp tube 1 has a closed shape sealed at both ends of the lamp tube 1. A predetermined thick fluorescent layer is formed by coating fluorescent material on inner surface of the tube body 1a, and the operation gas 1b is injected into the tube body 1a.
On the other hand, the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 5 are formed at an inner discharging space in the lamp tube 1. The first electrode 3 and the second electrode 5 are respectively formed at one end portion and the other end portion of the tube body 1a centering about the center of the tube body 1a. An electric power is applied to a pair of first and second electrodes 3 and 5 formed in the tube body 1a. The electric power has enough power, for example, for electrons to move from the first electrode 3 to the second electrode 5.
A light generating process begins by applying an electric power to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 5.
Accordingly, electrons spatial movements are generated from the first electrode 3 to the opposite second electrode 5. Electrons move from the first electrode 3 to the second electrode 5, and collide with the operation gas 1b. Therefore, the operation gas 1b is decomposed into atoms, neutrons, and electrons. This means that plasma is formed in the tube body 1a by electrons spatial movement.
An invisible light is generated during this process in the tube body 1a, and the invisible light stimulates the fluorescent layer (not shown). Accordingly, a white light having a wavelength of visible ray, which is recognized by eyes of workers, is generated in the fluorescent layer.
However, the lamp 10, which includes the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 5 therein, has also fatal disadvantages although the lamp has various advantages. One of the fatal disadvantages is that a luminance difference is generated between lamps 10 when a plurality of lamps 10 in parallel connected with a power supply (not shown) is driven.
On the other hand, recently, a method for forming external electrodes made of metal on the outer surface of the lamp in order to solve the problem of the luminance difference. By using the plurality of lamps manufactured by this method, the luminance difference between the lamps may be minimized when the plurality of lamps in parallel connected with a power supply is driven,
Although this method is able to solve the problem of the luminance difference, and is able to reduce the power consumption, this method causes another problem of reducing the utilization efficiency of a light because the external electrodes mask most of effective light-emitting region through which the generated light is transmitted.

Lamp and method of manufacturing the same


A method for limiting the speed of a hoist mounted to a mobile well service rig involves determining a safe speed limit that ensures the hoist's capable stopping time is less than the maximum allowed time for stopping. In some examples, the maximum allowed time for stopping is based on the wellstring's modulus of elasticity and independent of the hoist's braking characteristics. The capable stopping time, however, is independent of the wellstring's modulus of elasticity and dependent on the hoist's braking characteristics.

Many oil and gas wells have years, or even decades, of economic production throughout their lifespan. These wells, however, require routine interventions to remain active. Wells are subject to adversities such as corrosive fluids and normal wear and tear, which can cause metal fatigue, embrittlement, holes in tubing, and damage to downhole pumps. Repair often involves removing and subsequently reinstalling thousands of feet of wellstring, such as a long string of sucker rods or tubing. A mobile service rig with a hoist is usually used for doing the work of lifting and lowering the wellstring.
While being raised or lowered by the hoist, rods and tubing can suddenly and expectedly snag and seize in the wellbore. This can be dangerous if the hoist is traveling too fast to stop before the wellstring or something else breaks or lets loose. So methods have been developed for limiting the speed of the hoist based on physical characteristics of the wellstring.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,193; by Egilsson et al, discloses a method for reducing the hoist's speed at known predefined flag locations, such as when the top of the wellstring approaches the upper crown of the hoist. Egilsson also teaches running heavier wellstrings slower. Conversely, U.S. Pat. No. 7,793,918; by Newman, teaches running longer wellstrings faster.
Both Egilsson and Newman have their drawbacks. Both rely on the operator's experience and quick reflexes to hit the brakes upon suddenly encountering an unexpected obstruction. Neither one discloses a sure way for preventing the operator from running heavy tubing at a speed limit meant for light sucker rods.

Electric well service rig with speed limiter


A system and method for controlling a power take off device connected to an internal combustion engine is presented. According to the method, power take off speed control may be improved and the possibility of engine stalling may be reduced.

One method to control an internal combustion engine and a power take off device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,751. This method presents a means to control transitions between first and second operating modes. In the first operating mode, engine power is inhibited from the power take off (PTO) device output. In the second operating mode, at least a portion of engine power is permitted to flow to the PTO device output. The method controls transitions between operating modes based on operator input to several switches.
In another aspect of the before-mentioned patent, a method is provided to enter an operating mode where engine power flows to a PTO device output, after operating in a mode where engine power is inhibited from the PTO device output. This method allows an operator to manually set a target engine speed by depressing an accelerator or by pressing a resume switch which allows an engine controller to read a previous engine speed operating point from memory and then use the previous engine speed as a target engine speed.
The above-mentioned methods can also have disadvantages. Namely, the method can transition from one operating mode to another, in response to operator inputs, without regard to the PTO load or engine torque capacity. In other words, if an operator fails to follow a specific power take off operating sequence, he or she may cause the engine to stall since the PTO may be engaged to the engine at a lower engine operating speed where the amount of available engine torque may be less than an amount necessary to turn the engine and the PTO load. Further, controlling the engine based on a single PTO operating condition, namely, PTO speed, can result in transient engine air-fuel errors and deviation from the desired engine speed during mode or operating point transitions.
The inventors herein have recognized the above-mentioned disadvantages and have developed a system and method that offers substantial improvements over previous systems and methods.

System and method for controlling an engine having a power take off output device


A system for determining directed media for a user is provided. The exemplary system comprises a media selection optimizer which is configured to determine a directed media component based on a user profile associated, via a device identifier, with a network access device. The media selection optimizer may also utilize access point information, historic information, and access point location-centric information in its determination of the directed media component. The directed media component may then be forward to a media server which provides the corresponding directed media to the user. The directed media may comprise advertisement, coupons, video, music, or any other media which is customizable to the user.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to network access and more particularly to providing directed media in a network.
2. Description of Related Art
Presently, content providers and advertisers are having increased difficulty in identifying, creating, and maintaining relationships with their user base. These relationships are limited by current technology. Generally, users interact with the content providers and advertiser by accessing a web site via a network access device. Users have traditionally been identified by either the user's current destination on the network through personal accounts or through downloaded programs on the user's network access device (e.g., cookies).
In some prior art embodiments, content providers request or require users to have personal accounts. When a user creates a personal account, the user is often requested to register and provide personal information that helps the content provider to identify and maintain a relationship with that user. While the registration provides information to the content provider, the content provider is typically not able to use this information in order to tailor/customize media, such as advertisements, to the individual user.
Alternatively, content providers may place cookies on user's network access device. A cookie is a small text file or program that certain Internet sites attach to the user's hard drive within the computing device. A cookie can contain information such as a user identifier, user preferences, shopping information, personally identifiable information, and a list of web sites previously visited. As the user revisits a content provider's web site, the content provider can retrieve the cookie to identify the user and then update the cookie as appropriate. Many users, however, view cookies as an invasion of privacy. As such, many users disable the function that allows cookies to be stored on their computing devices. Further, users can erase their cookies manually or purchase anti-spyware and anti-virus programs which either prevent cookies from downloading or delete cookies entirely (e.g., cookie churn.). That is, the use of the cookie method lacks persistence (i.e., can be deleted). As with registration, the information typically cannot be used to tailor media to the user.
Presently, publishers sell inventory (e.g., advertisement space) on a content provider's web site based on aggregated statistical demographics of all visitors to the web site. The demographics may also include a user survey, typically, of 1000 respondents. This survey, however, are of a basic nature (e.g., gender, age, income level), and does not account for individuality of the users.
Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods for directing media to a user based on user preferences.

Directed media based on user preferences


A system is disclosed that monitors payment transactions of users across participating merchant sites, and that uses this information to determine payment service preferences of particular users. When a user initiates a checkout transaction on a merchant site, the system uses this preference information to attempt to identify a payment service that is both supported by the merchant site and preferred by the user. One of the methods includes receiving a request from a content server associated with a merchant site for a preferred option associated with a user, the request including information indicative of the user. Information describing options associated with the user are accessed, and the accessed information and information identifying options accepted by the merchant site are used to determine a preferred option. Information identifying the preferred option is provided to the content server.

Given the increasing prevalence of consumer purchases on the Internet, companies have started acting as payment proxies for merchant web pages. These payment proxies enable the merchant to provide a secure payment platform that is separated from their own servers, and provide consumers of the merchant web pages with an added degree of trust that the consumers' payment credentials are safe. Since the payment proxies effect the transfer of money from a consumer to a merchant outside of servers controlled by the merchant, consumers are more likely to purchase products from small, or little known, merchants that do not have widely known reputations for security.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Unified payment interface preference monitoring service capable of integration into merchant sites


A process for the production of radiostrontium consists in that a target of metallic rubidium is bombarded by a flow of accelerating charged particles. The target of irradiated rubidium is melted, whereas the extraction of radiostrontium is carried out by sorption on the surface of a sorbing material immersed into the irradiated molten metallic rubidium. As the sorbing material, use is made of materials selected from the group consisting of heat-resistant metals or metallic oxides or silicon which are inert with respect to rubidium. The resultant radiostrontium is extracted from the irradiated rubidium. The temperature of the sorbing material is selected to be close to the optimum one for the sorption of radiostrontium which is within the range of from the melting point of metallic rubidium to 220.degree. C. And the temperature of molten rubidium is selected to be close to the optimum one for the desorption of radiostrontium within the range of from 220.degree. C. to 270.degree. C.

A process is known in prior art to be used for the production of radiostrontium (see, for instance, L. F. Mausner, et al., Rad. and Isot. Journal, Vol. 38, 1987, pp. 181-184), said process comprising the steps of bombarding by accelerating protons relatively thin targets of rubidium chloride, and extracting radiochemically radiostrontium therefrom. The shortcomings of the above-mentioned process consist in complexity of extracting radiostrontium, insufficient efficiency, corrosion and radiation decomposition of the target material.
The closest technical solution is furnished by a process for the production of radiostrontium, said process comprising bombarding a target of metallic rubidium by a beam of accelerating charged particles, followed by extracting the resultant radiostrontium from rubidium by a radiochemical method (see, M. R. Cackette, T. J. Ruth, J. S. Vincent "Sr-82 Production from Metallic Rb Targets and Development of an Rb-82 Generator System", Journal "Applied Radiation and Isotopes", Vol. 44, p.p. 917-922, 1993).
The shortcoming of the above-mentioned process also consists in complexity of extracting radiostrontium and insufficient efficiency.

Process for production of radiostrontium

Institut Yadernykh Issledovany Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk


A scanner is provided with an image memory for storing therein image data read from an original by an image sensor, an image processing portion for effecting image processing on the image data, and a sending portion for sending the image data to an external equipment. The image processing portion is disposed in a route along which the image data is forwarded from the image memory to the sending portion, and the contents of the image processing by the image processing portion is made changeable over. The external equipment is provided with an image analyzing portion for obtaining first image data image-processed in a first image mode from the scanner and analyzing it, and detecting the state of the original (such as whether the original is a white sheet) from which the first image data has been read. On the basis of the result of the detection by the image analyzing portion, second image data image-processed in a second image mode is obtained from the scanner.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an image processing apparatus applicable to an image scanner capable of re-reading out image data from a memory, a controlling method for the image processing apparatus, and a program.
2. Description of Related Art
There have heretofore been image reading apparatuses for reading images from originals. Among the image reading apparatuses, for example, an image scanner (hereinafter simply referred to as the scanner) is provided with an image sensor for reading an image from an original, an image memory for temporarily storing therein image data outputted from the image sensor, etc. A specific example of the scanner is shown in FIG. 13 of the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of the essential portions of the control system of an image reading apparatus (scanner) according to the prior art.
In FIG. 13, the scanner is provided with an image sensor 1304 for front side image, an image sensor 1309 for back side image, an image processing portion 1349, a line memory 1350, a CPU 1351, an interface 1352, a sending portion 1353 and an image memory 1355, and is connected to an external equipment (e.g. a host computer) 1357. In FIG. 13, the image processing portion 1349, the line memory 1350, the CPU 1351, the interface 1352 and the sending portion 1353 together constitute processing means 1354.
The scanner shown in FIG. 13 serves to read an original image while conveying an original, and when it has read the image on the surface of the original by an image sensor 1304 for front side image, image data corresponding to one line is written from the image sensor 1304 for front side image into the line memory 1350. Also, when it has read the image on the back side of the original by the image sensor 1309 for back side image, image data corresponding to one line is written from the image sensor 1309 for back side image into the line memory 1350. At this time, the image processing portion 1349 is preordered a reading mode by the external equipment 1357 through the interface 1352.
The CPU 1351 designates and writes a writing-in start position X1 shown in FIG. 14 of the accompanying drawings into the image memory 1355 while effecting image processing conforming to the above-mentioned pre-ordered reading mode on the image data corresponding to one line written into the line memory 1350, by the image processing portion 1349 disposed between the line memory 1350 and the image memory 1355.
The image data corresponding to one line is sent form the line memory 1350 a predetermined number of times (n times) at a predetermined pitch by the original being conveyed, whereby as shown in FIG. 14 of the accompanying drawing, the image data is written into the image memory while sequentially changing its writing-in start position (X2, X3, X4, . . . Xn) into the image memory 1355 by the CPU 1351. At the same time, the image data stored in the image memory 1355 is sent to the external equipment 1357 through the sending portion 1353. The image memory 1355 has a storing capacity sufficient to store therein images obtained by the scanning of the original.
On the other hand, in an image reading apparatus for reading an original image with an original being conveyed, there has been proposed a technique designed to effect warning or change a reading operation when the size of the original read is larger than the size of an image memory storing image information therein (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-295394).
In the scanner described above, it is usually supposed to read out image data from the image memory 1355 in one kind of image mode for a sheet of original and therefore, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, image processing suited for a desired mode is effected by the image processing portion 1349 when the image data is stored into the image memory 1355.
On the other hand, there is a use in which image data is read out from the image memory 1355 in a plurality of modes such as a color image mode and a black-and-white image mode for a sheet of original. For example, the color image mode is a mode for preserving the image data for image perusal, and the black-and-white image mode is a mode for effecting optical character recognition (OCR). At this time, in the color image mode, the amount of image data becomes great because of the use for image perusal and the resolution need not be high resolution which requires a preservation space, whereas in the black-and-white image mode, there is resolution necessary for effecting OCR analysis.
However, in the scanner which reads the original image while conveying the original as described above (a scanner of a sheet feeding type), only the image data stored in the image memory 1355 can be outputted. To output image data from the image memory 1355 in another image mode, re-scanning must be effected. That is, the image data once stored in the image memory 1355 cannot be read out with the image mode changed, and to read out the image data from the image memory 1355 by a plurality of different image modes for a sheet of original, the image data had to be again stored from the image sensor 1304 into the image memory 1355.
Specifically, to obtain a plurality of different image data from a sheet of original, it has been necessary to repeat the operation of storing the image data of one and the same original into the image memory 1355 while carrying out image processing conforming to a desired image mode by the image processing portion 1349.
That is, in the scanner of the sheet feeding type, to repeat the operation of storing the image data of one and the same original into the image memory 1355 in a plurality of image modes, it is necessary to provide such a mechanism or the like as can feed the original discharged from the scanner again to the scanner, and this has led to the problem of a great increase in cost.
So, in a case where it is necessary to read out image data in a plurality of image modes, for example, in the above-described use which requires a plurality of image modes such as the color image mode and the black-and-white image mode, the scanner has performed a scanning operation at a resolution necessary for effecting the OCR analysis and in the color image mode, has stored image data obtained by the scanning operation into the image memory 1355, has transmitted the stored image data to the external equipment 1357 such as, for example, a PC, and has effected resolution conversion for the color image in the external equipment, and has effected mode conversion from the color to the black-and-white for the black-and-white image.
Generally, however, the resolution conversion and the mode conversion can be done more quickly by hardware in the scanner than by software and therefore, when the resolution conversion and the mode change are effected by software in the external equipment, and particularly when image data becomes great like color image data or the like, not only very much time is required for the converting process, but also very much time is required for the forwarding of the image data from the scanner to the external equipment 1357. This also holds true of image rotation which will be described later.
Also, it is often the case that color image data is generally JPEG (joint photographic experts group)-compressed and handled and therefore, it is possible to adopt a technique of JPEG-compressing the color image data in the scanner, and then forwarding the color image data to the external equipment 1357 to thereby make the size of the image data small, but JPEG is non-reversible compression and therefore, when the JPEG-compressed color image data is decompressed to be OCR-analyzed, the image data is deteriorated from the former image before compressed. This has led to the problem that OCR accuracy drops.
Further, to produce color image data for preservation, compressed high resolution color image data must be decompressed, resolution conversion must be effected and JPEG compression must be effected again, and this had led to the problem that not only the color image data for preservation is further deteriorated in image, but also very much time is required for processing.
Therein, by adding hardware such as an image processing board to the external equipment 1357, a reduction in processing by software can be improved, but the cost becomes a factor.
Also, to analyze the contents of a scanned image in the external equipment, and realize (1) the function of not preserving image data (particularly the function used to automatically discriminate on which of one side two sides of an original the image is present (hereinafter referred to as the white sheet skip) if the image data is a blank sheet (a state in which image data is absent), (2) the function of detecting the size of the original image (hereinafter referred to as the original image size detection), (3) the function of effecting image erection with respect to the conveying direction of the original (hereinafter referred to as the orientation detection), etc., it is impossible to read out the image data with the mode of the image data once stored in the image memory 1355 changed and therefore, processing must be carried out from image data subjected to image processing suited for a desired mode. For example, the following problems arise.
(1) When the white sheet skip is to be done, to judge and analyze whether the image data is a blank sheet, the image data maybe black-and-white image data of very low resolution, but in the case of color image data, very much time is required for the forwarding and analysis of the color image data, and moreover in the case of a blank sheet, the image data thereof is sometimes not required. In spite of the fact that it is better for the time until whether the image data is a white sheet is judged to be short, particularly when the image data is a blank sheet, the forwarding and analysis time of the image data have become useless.
(2) When the original image size detection is to be effected, to judge and analyze the size of image data read from the original, the image data may be black-and-white image data of very low resolution, but in the case of color image data, very much time has been required for the forwarding and analysis of the color image data, and in a case where the color image data has been JPEG-compressed, very much time has been required for the decompression and analysis of the compressed image data and the recompression of the image data, and the image has been further deteriorated by the decompression and recompression of non-reversible compressed data.
(3) When the orientation detection is to be effected, to judge and analyze the erecting orientation of image data, the image data may be black-and-white image data, but in the case of color image data, very much time has been required for the forwarding and analysis and rotation of the color image data, and in a case where the color image data has been JPEG-compressed, very much time has been required for the decompression, analysis and rotation of the compressed image data and the recompression of the rotated image, and the image has been further deteriorated by the decompression and recompression of irreversible compressed data.
At this time, image rotation, as described above, can be effected more quickly by the hardware in the scanner than by the software and therefore, when the image rotation is effected by the software in the external equipment, and particularly when the image data becomes great like the color image data or the like, very much time is required for the rotating process. However, when the orientation detection is effected by the software in the external equipment, the angle of rotation of the image can be detected at that point of time, but the image data once stored in the image memory 1355 cannot be read out with the mode of the image data changed and therefore, desired rotated image data cannot be forwarded again from the scanner to the external equipment 1357, and even if a rotating mechanism was provided on the hardware in the scanner, it could not be utilized.

Image processing apparatus, controlling method for image processing apparatus, and program