A gas radiation burner for improving the efficiency of burning by promoting mixing of fuel gas and air is disclosed. The gas radiation burner includes a gas supply member for injecting gas, at least one mixing pipe for suctioning air along with the gas injected from the gas supply member to produce mixture gas and injecting the produced mixture gas, a burner pot for receiving the mixture gas supplied from the mixing pipe, a burner mat mounted at a top of the burner pot and adapted to emit radiation heat that is generated as the mixture gas supplied from the burner pot burns on the burner mat, and a burner housing located on a top of the burner mat and defining a burning chamber therein. The mixing pipe is connected to a predetermined position of a lateral portion of the burner pot such that the mixture gas supplied from the mixing pipe flows along an inner peripheral surface of the burner pot.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gas radiation burner, and more particularly, to a gas radiation burner capable of improving the efficiency of burning by promoting mixing of fuel gas and air.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In general, a gas radiation burner is a burner in which an object to be heated is heated and cooked by radiation energy that is generated when a radiator is heated by burning of mixture gas produced by mixing fuel gas and air.
Hereinafter, a conventional gas radiation burner will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a conventional gas radiation burner, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG. 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conventional gas radiation burner basically includes a mixing pipe 1, a burner pot 2, a burner mat 3, a burner housing 4, and a glass 5.
Here, the mixing pipe 1 internally defines a space in which fuel gas and air are introduced and mixed primarily. The fuel gas is injected from a nozzle 1a and introduced into the mixing pipe 1. The air is introduced into the mixing pipe 1 by an injection pressure of the fuel gas and mixed, along with the fuel gas, in the mixing pipe 1, so as to produce mixture gas.
The burner pot 2 is connected to the mixing pipe 1, and internally defines a space in which the mixture gas from the mixing pipe 1 is introduced and burns. The burner pot 2 has a function of accomplishing more uniform mixing of the fuel gas and the air contained in the mixture gas that is introduced from the mixing pipe 1 into the burner pot 2.
The burner mat 3 is mounted on a seating portion 2a that is formed at a top of the burner pot 2. The burner mat 3 has a function of emitting radiation energy that is accumulated in the burner mat 3 as the mixture gas burns on the burner mat 3.
The burner housing 4 serves as a body of the gas radiation burner. The burner pot 2 is coupled to the burner housing 4.
In this case, the burner housing 4 has a circular opening 4a for passage of the radiation energy emitted from the burner mat 3.
The glass 5 is mounted at a top of the burner housing 4. An object to be heated is put on the glass 5.
Meanwhile, the burner housing 4 has an exhaust duct F serving as a passage for drawing out exhaust gas that is produced as the mixture gas burns.
The operation of the gas radiation burner having the above described configuration will now be described.
First, if an object to be heated is put on an upper surface of the glass 5 and the gas radiation burner is operated by a user, fuel gas and air are introduced into and mixed in the mixing pipe 1. The resulting mixture gas is supplied into the burner pot 2 and ejected through the burner mat 3.
Simultaneously, the mixture gas is ignited by a predetermined igniter (not shown) such that the mixture gas burns on the burner mat 3. As the mixture gas burns, heat is accumulated in the burner mat 3, thus causing the burner mat 3 to emit radiation energy.
Thereby, the object to be heated, which is put on the upper surface of the glass 5, is able to be heated and cooked by the radiation energy generated as stated above.
In this case, exhaust gas, which is produced after burning of the mixture gas, has a temperature of approximately 500 degrees Celsius or more. The exhaust gas is discharged through the exhaust duct F provided in the burner housing 4.
However, the conventional gas radiation burner has problems as follows.
Firstly, the mixture gas flows straightly upward within the burner pot 2 and this causes uneven burning of the mixture gas on the surface of the burner mat 3.
Therefore, there are problems of a degradation in the efficiency of radiation due to incomplete burning of the mixture gas and an increase in the amount of exhaust gas.
Secondly, if the mixing pipe 1 has a reduced length due to installation structural restrictions thereof, the mixing pipe 1 may cause uneven mixing of fuel gas and air within the mixing pipe 1 and consequently, incomplete burning of the mixture gas. This causes a further degradation in the efficiency of radiation as well as a further increase in the amount of exhaust gas.
Thirdly, the conventional gas radiation burner is difficult to be used as a built-in product.
When the burner pot 2 has a reduced size, more particularly, a reduced height according to the tendency of built-in home appliances, the burner pot 2 is difficult to guarantee uniform mixing of the mixture gas introduced into the burner pot 2 and the mixture gas cannot be ejected uniformly through the burner mat 3. This causes incomplete burning of the mixture gas, resulting in a degradation in the efficiency of radiation as well as an increase in the amount of exhaust gas.
Fourthly, a variable regulation in the quantity of heat is impossible because of restrictions in relation with introduction of the mixture gas into the burner pot 2 and a burning space.


The memory area on a die required for row (X) and column (Y) decoders is reduced by a plurality of memory array blocks sharing wordlines to a single row decoder. During erase operations, the p-well of unselected memory array blocks is pulled negative to substantially the same potential as the wordline to avoid erase disturbances. During programming operations, the unselected p-wells are pulled high to avoid gate disturbances.

Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuits in computers or other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory including random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and flash memory.
A typical flash memory comprises a memory array, which includes a large number of memory cells arranged in blocks. The flash memory is differentiated from other non-volatile memory in that flash memory cells can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks instead of one byte at a time.
The memory blocks each have a row or X-decoder. A column or Y-decoder is shared by multiple memory blocks. An example of a typical memory block architecture is illustrated in FIG. 1. This architecture uses an X-decoder for each block of memory.
FIG. 1 shows two columns 120 and 121 of memory blocks. Each column 120 and 121 is comprised of eight flash memory array blocks 110–115. Each memory array block 110–115 has a dedicated X-decoder 101–106 respectively. Additionally, each column 120 and 121 has a sense amplifier 130 and 131 that is coupled to a sense amplifier driver 140 and 141.
In order for memory manufacturers to remain competitive, memory designers must constantly increase the density of flash memory devices. This is typically accomplished by reducing the size of the flash memory arrays. The size of the address decoder (e.g., X-decoder, Y-decoder), however, is not shrinking. In fact, as the memory array size is reduced, the proportion of the die that is made up of X-decoders increases. This ultimately limits amount of memory arrays that can fit on one die.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a memory array architecture that reduces the amount of die space occupied by address decoders.

Common wordline flash array architecture


The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for reducing immune tolerance associated with CAR T cell therapy. Embodiments of the present disclosure include isolated nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence that encodes modified programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and a nucleic acid sequence that encodes chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).

T cell therapies have demonstrated efficacy and curative potential for treating cancers. However, their uses are limited by the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The immunosuppressive microenvironment includes immune tolerance induced by the interaction between programmed death-1 (PD-1) and PD-L1 ligand (PD-L1). PD-1 is a negative coregulatory receptor on T cells and antigen-presenting cells. The PD-L1 is expressed by several cell types (e.g., tumor cells and other tissue cells), and appears to be dynamically regulated by the immune microenvironment. Therefore, there is a need to address immune tolerance induced by the PD-L1 as to improve efficacy of T cell therapies.

Reducing immune tolerance induced by PD-L1

Innovative Cellular Therapeutics CO., LTD.


Apparatus, methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for displaying fixed canvas presentations, defined using HTML data, on computer output devices of unknown sizes. The invention transforms the fixed canvas image to fit within a display view that of a size other than that of the display view used to construct the original image. This transformation maintains a page layout similar to that of the original but magnified or reduced to fit the available display area.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of presenting data streams constructed using a hypertext markup language (HTML). Specifically, this invention is a new and useful method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for displaying fixed canvas presentations, defined using HTML, at sizes other than the size of the fixed canvas.
2. Background
Well-known computer programs allow a person to create a slide, overhead transparency or an image on a computer display that can be used to present information to others. One aspect of these programs is that each slide, transparency, or image is constructed for a fixed canvas (that of the slide, the transparency or computer display having a fixed width and height) in a what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) manner. Thus, these applications are extremely well suited for creating presentations directed towards a known display medium. However, fixed canvas tools are not suited for presentations directed toward an unknown display medium such as a computer display device of unknown size that may not be large enough to display an image the size of the canvas.
One example of a class of programs that are well suited to presenting information on a variety of unknown display devices are those that process HTML data. These programs are generally termed world-wide-web (WWW) browser programs because of their wide use for browsing through data on the WWW. A goal of these programs is to present the information contained in an HTML data stream on a display in a scrollable view. As such, the browser program formats the displayed HTML information according to the browser program's page layout logic and does not necessarily recreate the layout intended by the author of the HTML data. Browser programs exist for many computer systems. Thus, a single HTML data stream can be utilized by many different computers. However, the prior art does not provide a means to achieve the same displayed image on differing size computer displays because the browser's page layout logic generates different results depending on the display area available and the available fonts and typography software. Thus, prior art WWW browsers, like the prior art presentation applications, are not well suited for presentations using display devices of unknown size.
The prior art does provide for minimal control of the page layout. The HTML <PRE> element allows an author to define monospaced textual areas with specified line breaks and white-space. However, if a sufficiently small area is used to present the HTML, the text within the <PRE> area will not be displayed because the browser does not wrap text in a <PRE> element nor does the browser reduce the contents of the <PRE> element to fit a small limited display area.
World Wide Web
The WWW is a massive hypertext system that a user accesses using a WWW browser application executing on a computer--an information access apparatus. The WWW browser apparatus communicates with, and is a client of, information provider apparatus such as server computers each computer executing server applications capable of communicating with the client browser application. These clients obtain information and services, in the form of web pages, from the server. These web pages are identified by unique universal resource locators (URL) and are usually specified using a markup language--generally a version of the hypertext markup language (HTML). HTML 2.0, is described in RFC1866 and can be found on the WWW at: "http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/htbin/rfc/rfc1866.html". However, HTML is evolving and variants exist. For example, the HTML 3.2 proposal is found at "http://www.w3.org/pub/WWW/MarkUP/Wilbur/features.html".
The background of the WWW, WWW browser applications, and URLs is well described by reference to the first chapter of Instant HTML Web Pages, by Wayne Ause, Ziff-Davis Press, ISBN 1-56276-363-6, copyright 1995, pages 1-15, hereby incorporated by reference as illustrative of the prior art.
FIG. 1a illustrates an example of how a plurality of computers implement a client-server information access system. An information client system 101 communicates over a network 103 such as the internet 103 to a plurality of information server systems 105. The client system 101 encapsulates requests for services and information within an applicable internet protocol and passes the encapsulated requests to the internet 103 as indicated by an arrow 107. The internet 103 routes these requests to each of the plurality of information server systems 105 addressed within the request as indicated by a plurality of arrows 109. Each of the plurality of addressed information server systems 105 respond to the client system 101 with responses appropriate to the service or information requested by the client system 101. Once the client system 101 receives this information it is presented to the user by using an application program (for example, a WWW browser) executing on the client computer.
Hypertext documents, composed of HTML data, can be presented to a user by an application. The application processes the HTML data contained within the document to generate an image that can be displayed to a user on a computer display or tangible page. Unlike page description languages, such as PostScript, the "page" layout of HTML documents is dependent on the drawing area used to display the image described by the HTML data. Thus, HTML is used to describe hypertext documents that are portable from one computing platform to another and that do not need WYSIWYG functionality. The HTML concept is that of a scrolling page that can be resized as desired by the user. Thus, HTML based applications do not strive to achieve WYSIWYG functionality, but rather they strive to appropriately present information in drawing areas of different sizes and resolutions to the best of the browser's ability. Thus, an application that presents HTML data will use whatever drawing area is available to render the HTML data to best fit that given drawing area. To perform this function the application will automatically wrap lines, adjust the width and height of table cells and perform other drawing area dependent operations to best display the HTML document in the available drawing area.
FIGS. 1b-1d illustrate the results of this function. FIG. 1b illustrates an image, referred to by the general reference character 121, resulting from a HTML data stream. The image 121 is within a window 123 presented on a computer display device (not shown but such as a printer or video device). The image 121 includes a graphic 125 and a textual string 127. The textual string 127 is wrapped near an edge 129 of the window 123. Because the entire image 121 defined by the HTML data can be displayed in the window 123, there are no scrolling controls.
FIG. 1c illustrates an image, referred to by the general reference character 131, of the same HTML data stream where the window 123 has been narrowed. Again the graphic 125 is completely contained within the window 123. However, the textual string 127 has been wrapped near an edge 133 of the window 123 to fit the textual string within the horizontal bounds of the window 123. Because the textual string 127 now extends below the bottom of the window 123, the window 123 requires a user selectable control area (SCA) 135 to allow the user to vertically scroll the image 131 within the window 123. A thumb 137 within the SCA 135 both indicates the position of the image 131 in the window 123 and serves as a user control for the SCA 135 to position the image 131 within the window 123.
Finally, FIG. 1d illustrates an image, referred to by the general reference character 141, of the same HTML data stream where the window 123 has been further narrowed. This time, the graphic 125 is not able to be completely displayed and is clipped at an edge 143. Thus, the image 141 now requires an SCA 145 that controls horizontal scrolling of the display 141 within the window 123. This SCA 145 also has a thumb 147 that both indicates and controls the position of the image 141 within the window 123.
These figures illustrate the problems with prior art HTML processing techniques used to present information designed for a specific size display onto a display of a different size.

Methods and apparatus for fixed canvas presentations detecting canvas specifications including aspect ratio specifications within HTML data streams


A woven tape for a slide fastener comprising an element mounting portion and a tape main portion, wherein the tape portion includes warp having a fineness of 30-100 dTex and a weaving density of 100-220 yarns/inch (2.54 cm), weft having a fineness of 60-180 dTex and a weaving density of 30-80 yarns/inch (2.54 cm), and a ratio of the number of yarns in the warp constituting a plain weave structure to the total number of yarns in the warp in the tape main portion is at least 40%. The woven tape for a slide fastener has a low weight and yet a high strength.

Slide fasteners are opening-closing tools widely used not only in articles of daily use such as garments, bags, shoes and sundry goods, but also in articles of industry such as water storage tanks, fishing nets and space suits.
In general, a slide fastener is comprised of three main parts, namely, a pair of long tapes, a number of elements sewed on along with a side edge of each tape and functioning as engaging parts of the fastener, and a slider for controlling the opening and closing of the fastener by engaging and disengaging the elements.
As such tapes for the slide fastener, woven tapes obtained by weaving warp and weft are widely used. The fundamental structure of the woven tape for the slide fastener is shown in FIG. 5. The woven tape is described in FIG. 1 of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. H5-42731 (Patent document 1) and comprised of an element-mounting portion A and a tape main portion B which are formed by weaving warp 2 and weft 3. The element-mounting portion A is the portion on which elements are mounted and the tape main portion B is the portion to be sewed on the body of an article. The elements 1 are mounted on the element-mounting portion A with the mounting yarn 5. Also, the selvage yarn 8 may be provided to the edge of the tape main portion B to prevent fray of the edge.
In the field of woven tape for slide fasteners, problems such as cost reduction, prevention of seam slippage, improvement of tape strength, prevention of puckering, increase in stability of the mounted elements, increase in softness, and enhancement of fashionability have been attached great importance. Various improvements to solve these problems have been proposed.
For example, with the aim of cost reduction, prevention of seam slippage and puckering, and also increase in stability of the mounted elements, the above-cited Japanese Utility Model Publication No. H5-42731 (Patent document 1) discloses a structure wherein the element-mounting portion A is formed as having a densely knitted or woven structure; the tape main portion B is formed by using a multi-filament yarn as a core of at least one of the warp and weft on the surface of which is coated with a synthetic resin; and the interlacing points of the yarns are fused together so that a coarse mesh-like structure is obtained.
For the purpose of providing a fastener tape which can be used for mounting any type of fastener element in a slide fastener and yet looks fashionable, Japanese Patent No. 3618243 (Patent document 2) discloses to form an element-mounting portion by weaving a plurality of soft yarns into the edge portion of a fastener tape in the longitudinal direction, wherein the soft yarn is formed by textured multi-filament yarn made of soft synthetic fibers, and the textured yarn is thicker and bulkier than the warp yarn.
Japanese Patent Public Disclosure No. 2004-351085 (Patent Document 3) aims at providing a fastener tape which has both flexibility and softness and can fit naturally with any cloth having a softness and draping nature during or after sewing on the slide fastener, and yet a sufficient tape strength and engaging strength are attained. To achieve this object, Patent Document 3 discloses that the warp and weft that constitute a fastener tape are both made with multi-filaments, and the fineness of the monofilament for the warp is selected from 1.0-2.0 dTex, and the fineness of monofilament for the weft is selected from 2.0-5.0 dTex.


Provided are a method and system for implementing an SDO function, and a SDON system. The method comprises: when a service connection establishment request transmitted from an application layer is received, determining whether the service connection establishment request is a cross-domain service connection establishment request, the service connection establishment request comprising: a routing constraint of a connection to be established and a hop-by-hop tuning policy; if yes, executing a routing and tuning algorithm on the basis of inter-domain service connection establishment request information and performance information of a domain boundary optical component node in the service connection establishment request according to the routing constraint and the hop-by-hop tuning policy; generating, on the basis of the result of executing the routing and tuning algorithm, inter-domain cross-connection attribute configuration parameters of optical component nodes through which an inter-domain service connection path and an inter-domain service connection path pass.

In the field of optical communication, research on transmission beyond 100 Gigabytes per second (Gb/s) has been started years ago in the industry to meet a greater bandwidth of transmission, a longer distance of transmission, higher sensitivity in receiving, etc., and lower a cost of optical transmission. An era of optical transmission beyond 100G, such as that of 400 Gb/s or even 1 Terabytes per second (Tb/s), etc., is around the corner.
A technical advantage and potency of applying an elastic optical network beyond 100G cannot be put to full play, if a model of a resource (such as a spectrum, a bandwidth, a mode of modulation, etc.) of an optical network that can be scheduled flexibly as provided in transmission beyond 100G cannot be programmed directly as needed by a user of an application layer. Architecture of an optical network based on an SDON has been launched in recent years, allowing a user to adjust a resource for optical transmission dynamically by software programming, allowing better adaptation to a demand of a service, improving utilization of a network. With SDON based optical network architecture, a resource for optical transmission, such as a device, a node, a network, etc., may be programmed.
Capability and characteristic to program a resource for optical transmission may be based on capability to program an optical device, which allows node equipment to be featured by flexible programmability. Such capability to program may be open to a user of an application layer, to allow an entire optical transfer network to have stronger software defined characteristic, enhancing resource utilization and overall performance of an optical network, supporting more optical network applications. Therefore, it is of vital importance to implement a programmable optical device.
However, there has been neither any specific solution nor SDON architecture for supporting SDO in the industry. A significant problem pressing for a solution in future control of optical transmission beyond 100G is how to allow, based on an existing SDON architecture, a user to program a resource, such as a mode of modulation, etc., of an elastic optical network beyond 100G based on a tuning attribute of an optical device.

Method and system for implementing SDO function, and SDON system


In a pop-up type cassette mounting and ejection mechanism having a lid member which closes a cassette inserting/taking-out opening of a housing when a cassette holder is located at a cassette mount position, and also is movable away from the housing interlockingly with the movement of the cassette holder to a cassette eject position to open the cassette inserting/taking-out opening, the lid member is mounted on the cassette holder so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the cassette into the cassette holder, and one of the two side edges of a reinforcing member of a plate member is rotatably mounted on the lid member while the other side edge is rotatably mounted on the housing, thereby linking the housing and the lid member through the reinforcing member. Further, at the cassette inserting/taking-out opening side of the cassette holder, the recess is formed in the housing and the projection for closing the recess is formed in the lid member. Therefore, the insertion of the fingers into the cassette holder from the cassette inserting/taking-out opening can be further facilitated in combination with the displacement of the lid member from the cassette inserting/taking-out opening in the cassette insertion direction when the cassette holder is pushed out to the cassette eject position out of the housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a so-called pop-up type cassette mounting and ejection mechanism, and more particularly to a cassette mounting and ejection mechanism which is suitably applicable to a video tape recorder, etc.
2. Description of Related Art
A pop-up type cassette mounting and ejection mechanism is used in, for example, a video camera with a video tape recorder (so-called a camcorder).
The applicant has previously proposed a pop-up type cassette mounting and ejection mechanism as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Utility Model Application No. Hei-1-165938 (Utility Model Application No. Sho-63-61995). In this pop-up type cassette mounting and ejection mechanism, a lid plate (or lid member) is movably provided with respect to the cassette holder with the lid member being shifted in linking with the movement of the cassette holder. In this construction, when the cassette holder is moved to a cassette inserting/taking-out position, the lid member is shifted in a direction of cassette insertion to thereby facilitate the inserting/taking-out of the cassette into/from the cassette holder.
Further, the applicant also proposed another cassette mounting and ejection mechanism as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Utility Model Application NO. Hei-4-81234 (Utility Model Application No. Hei-2-124742). In this mechanism, a lid member for opening and closing a cassette inserting/taking-out port of the cassette holder is equipped with a slider which is forwardly/backwardly movable (i.e., retractable). A connecting link for driving the slider is pivotally mounted on the slider and one swing link of each pair of swing links to move the slider forwardly/backwardly while following the retractable motion of the cassette holder. With this construction, the inserting/taking-out operation of large or small size cassettes can be facilitated, and the opening/closing operation of the lid member can be smoothly performed.
FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing a conventional pop-up type cassette mounting and ejection mechanism a.
The cassette mounting and ejection mechanism a shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is used for a video camera d in which two kinds of cassettes b and c having different size are usable, i.e., a so-called compatible type video cassette apparatus.
The cassette mounting and ejection mechanism a includes a cassette holder g which is movable between a cassette mount position in a housing e of the video camera d and an eject position out of the housing e through a cassette inserting/taking-out opening f which is formed on the side surface of the housing e of the video camera d, pantograph type link mechanisms k and k' through which the cassette holder g is supported by a mechanical chassis h which is provided in the housing e, and a lid member j for closing the cassette inserting/taking-out opening f with the cassette holder g being located at the cassette mount position.
The link mechanisms k and k' are disposed along both the side surfaces of the cassette holder g in the direction of cassette width. Therefore, the cassette inserting/taking-out opening f of the housing e is designed to be sufficiently larger than the cassette holder g so that the link mechanisms k and k' do not interfere with the inserting/taking-out motion.
Each of the link mechanisms k and k' is provided with a resilient member (not shown) so as to be urged toward the eject position at all times. Further, when the cassette holder g is located at a cassette mount position, the location of the cassette holder g is held by a lock means not shown.
A lid member j is designed to have substantially the same size as the cassette inserting/taking-out opening f or a slightly larger size than the cassette inserting/taking-out opening f, and it is provided on the outer surface of the cassette holder g. When the cassette holder g arrives at the cassette mount position, the lid member j closes the cassette inserting/taking-out opening f.
According to the cassette mounting and ejection mechanism as described above, when a cassette is mounted on the video camera d, the cassette holder g is drawn out to the eject position, and the cassette is inserted into the cassette holder g. Subsequently, the cassette holder g is manually pushed back into the housing e, and moved back to the cassette mount position.
On the other hand, when the cassette is taken out from the video camera d, the lock means is released by manipulating an eject button so that the cassette holder g is ejected toward the side surface of the housing e by the resilient force of the resilient member, whereby the cassette holder g is moved to the eject position.
In the pop-up type cassette mounting and ejection mechanism a as described above, the cassette holder g is merely supported through the link mechanisms k and k' by the mechanical chassis in the housing e. Therefore, if strong external force is applied to the cassette holder g in a direction different from the mounting direction of the cassette when the cassette holder g is located at the eject position, particularly if the external force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the mounting or ejecting direction (in a direction as indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 1), the cassette holder g, the link mechanisms k and k', the mechanical chassis h, etc. may be deformed or damaged.
Further, the lid member j for closing the cassette inserting/taking-out opening f is designed to be slid in the same direction as the cassette inserting direction along the cassette holder g when the lid member j is moved to the eject position. This design is adopted to prevent the fingers from abutting against the lid member j when a smaller cassette c is deeply inserted into the cassette holder g or taken out from the cassette holder g. In order to move the cassette holder g to the cassette mount position after the smaller cassette c is deeply inserted into the cassette holder g, the lid member is manually pushed inwardly. In this case, if the external force is applied in a direction as indicated by an arrow Y of FIG. 3 with the lid member j being slid, the load is particularly large, and not only the cassette holder g, the link mechanisms k, k' and the mechanical chassis h, but also the lid member itself is liable to be deformed or damaged.
That is, according to the cassette mounting and ejection mechanism a as described above, the cassette holder g is manually pushed into the housing e to move the cassette holder g to the cassette mount position. At this time, if the pushing direction is deviated from the original direction or when the cassette holder g or the lid member j abuts against something in an eject state, some strong external force may be applied to the cassette holder g, resulting in the deformation or damage of the cassette holder g, the link mechanisms k, k', the mechanical chassis h, the lid member j, etc.
Further, when the larger cassette b is pulled out from the cassette holder g, the upper portion of the cassette b which is exposed at the upper end of the cassette holder g is grasped by fingers from the A, A' direction. When the cassette b is inserted, it is also grasped by the fingers from the A,A' direction, and then inserted from the upper end of the cassette holder g. However, when the hand is small or the hand is not sufficiently expandable, it is difficult to grasp the cassette b from the A,A' direction. In order to solve this problem, a gap through which the fingers can be sufficiently inserted may be provided between the cassette holder g and the housing e at the eject position so that the cassette can be grasped from the B,B' direction by the fingers. In this structure, the cassette can be grasped from the B,B' direction by the fingers. However, the large gap may cause erroneous insertion of the cassette or contamination of undesired materials. In addition, dirt such as dust or the like easily invades in the chassis to induce a problem from a view point of being dust-tight.

Cassette mounting and ejection mechanism


An improved melt distribution system and method is provided for a multi-level stack mold having three or more moving platens. The injection machine communicates with a bifurcated sprue bar for providing pressurized melt through the first moving platen to a central distribution manifold in the second moving platen. From the central distribution manifold, the flow of pressurized melt is distributed to the first and third platens for transfer to a plurality of mold cavities.

Stack molding advantageously permits molding machine output to be multiplied without appreciably increasing the overall size of the machine. However, stack molding has the disadvantage that a more extensive melt runner system is required to extend through the moving platens to reach the cavities.
It is well known that the configuration of a melt distribution path through an injection stack mold critically affects the overall part quality. Failure to provide a melt flow under equal pressure to each mold cavity will result in differential filling of the cavities and will not produce consistent parts from cavity to cavity. Typically, even pressures from cavity to cavity are ensured by providing equal length runner passages with an identical number of bends of identical radius and arc. This is usually achieved by locating the main distribution manifold centrally within the stack mold, usually within one of the moving platens.
To transfer pressurized melt to the moving platen (i.e. across the first parting line between the stationary platen and the moving platen), typical applications have provided a sprue bar extending through the stationary platen from the machine nozzle across to the moving platen, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,646 to Berteschi. This structure has the disadvantages that the sprue bar is in the way when the mold is open and damages falling parts. Furthermore, the sprue bar interferes with any robotic arm which may be provided to assist with part ejection, mold face preparation or the like.
The extensive runner system makes the use of a sprue bar system even more unsatisfactory in multi-level stack molds. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,523 to Kushnir and European Patent Application No. EP-911139 disclose a centrally located sprue bar arrangement for feeding pressurized melt to the various moving platens of a multi-level stack mold. The presence of the central sprue bar, however, limits the ability of mold larger parts, due to the interference of the sprue bar location and the mold cavity placement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,472 to Rozema et al. teaches a more complex eccentric sprue bar arrangement for use in three- and four-level stack molds. The numerous sprue bars, however, only compound the problems noted above. Furthermore, the presence of multiple sprue bars can limit the size of parts that can be molded.
Another problem associated with multi-level stack molds is that the maximum height of parts to be molded is limited by the distance that the molding machine can move between its open and closed positions and the amount of space required for each mold level. For example, the telescoping configuration of the sprue bars of EP-911139 must be made more extensive if wider platen separation is desired. Rozema et al. teach providing a bifurcated sprue bar to permit greater separation of platens upon mold parting, however, the limitations of Rozema et al. have been noted above.
Accordingly, there is a need for a melt distribution arrangement for multi-level stack molds which has generally equal length melt paths for each mold level. Furthermore, there is a need for a melt distribution arrangement for a multi-level stack mold which does not require a centrally-located sprue bar, thereby allowing single parts to be molded which extend across the central mold axis. There is yet a further need for a melt distribution arrangement for a multi-level stack mold which utilizes a minimal number of sprue bars to minimize interference with the molding process. There is also a need for an improved drool control apparatus for use in multi-level stack molds.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for distributing melt in a multi-level stack mold


The invention provides a method and arrangement for illuminating an under mount sink disposed subjacent a counter. A light source is disposed below a top surface of the counter and proximate to the under mount sink. The under mount sink is affixed to the underside of the counter and power is supplied to the light source. The under mount sink is illuminated by the light source when the power source is activated. The invention also provides a device that may be used for illuminating an under mount sink, while keeping the light source from contact with water.

Under mount sinks are mounted below a surface, such as counter, as opposed to sinks that are mounted above a counter or molded as a single piece with the counter. Illumination in the vicinity of such sinks is usually provided by one or more light fixtures present to illuminate the entire room, or task lighting that specifically illuminates the vicinity of the sink. While task lighting disposed near the ceiling above the sink provides slightly more direct light while performing actions such as washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, etc., such lighting may be easily obstructed by the user positioning himself between the light fixture and the sink. Additionally, light projected from above the sink can be undesirably bright and intrusive when all that is needed is enough light to serve as decoration, a nightlight, or to help a user find the sink in the dark. Both general and task lighting are not typically disposed to project directly into and illuminate the sidewalls and base of an under mount sink basin.
The invention provides such a method, arrangement, and device to project light directly into an under mount sink to illuminate the sink basin. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.


A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which has a crystalline silicon film comprises the steps of forming crystal nuclei in a surface region of an amorphous silicon film and then growing the crystals from the nuclei by a laser light. Typically the crystal nuclei are silicon crystals or metal silicides having an equivalent structure as silicon crystal.

Thin film transistors (TFTs) are known which utilize a thin film semiconductor formed on a substrate. The TFTs are utilized in integrated circuits, especially in an electro-optical device such as an active matrix type liquid crystal device as switching elements for each pixel or as driver elements in a peripheral circuit for driving active matrix elements.
Amorphous silicon films are readily available for TFTs. However, the electrical characteristics of amorphous silicon films are low. For this reason, it is desired to use semiconductor films having a crystallinity, that is, polycrystalline, microcrystalline silicon, monocrystalline semiconductor or the like.
As a method for forming silicon films having a crystallinity (crystalline silicon, hereinafter), it is known to deposit an amorphous silicon film first and then crystallize it by applying heat or light energy such as laser light.
However, in the case of using heat energy, it is necessary to heat a substrate to a temperature 600.degree. C. or higher for more than 10 hours. For example, a Corning 7059 glass which is generally used as a substrate for an active matrix type liquid crystal device has a glass distortion point of 593.degree. C. Accordingly, the crystallization through such a high temperature heat treatment is not desirable for a glass substrate. On the other hand, a short pulse laser such as an excimer laser has an advantage that it does not cause a distortion in a glass substrate. However, the uniformity of device characteristics is not so good in the case of using a laser. The inventors of the present invention considered that this is because of a temperature distribution in a laser beam.
The inventors of the present invention investigated a method for promoting a heat crystallization and a method for reducing a dispersion (ununiformity) in a laser crystallization in order to solve the problems concerning a crystallization of an amorphous silicon as discussed above.
With respect to the heat crystallization, it has been confirmed by the inventors that an amorphous silicon film can be crystallized through a heat treatment at 550.degree. C. for 4 hours by depositing a small amount of nickel, palladium, lead or the like on the silicon film.
As a method for introducing a small amount of the foregoing elements (i.e. a catalyst element for promoting crystallization), it is possible to use a plasma treatment, evaporation and ion implantation. The plasma treatment is a method in which a plasma of nitrogen or hydrogen is produced using an electrode including the catalyst element in a parallel plate type or positive columnar type plasma CVD apparatus, thereby, adding the catalyst element into an amorphous silicon film.
However, it is not desirable if the foregoing elements exist in a semiconductor too much because reliability or an electrical stability of a semiconductor device using such a semiconductor is hindered. Accordingly, the inventors have found that catalyst elements need to be used for crystallizing an amorphous silicon but it is desirable that a concentration of the catalyst elements in the crystallized silicon film be minimized. In order to achieve this object, it is desirable to use a catalyst element which is inactive in a crystalline silicon, and to accurately control the amount of the catalyst to be added into the silicon film in order to minimize the concentration of the catalyst element therein.
The crystallization process using a plasma treatment for adding nickel as a catalyst was studied in detail. The following findings were obtained as a result:
(1) In case of incorporating nickel by plasma treatment into an amorphous silicon film, nickel penetrates into the amorphous silicon film to a considerable depth before subjecting the film to a heat treatment; PA1 (2) An initial nucleation occurs from the surface of the film in which nickel is added; and PA1 (3) When a nickel layer is formed on the amorphous silicon film by vapor deposition, the crystallization of an amorphous silicon film occurs in the same manner as in the case of effecting the plasma treatment. PA1 forming an amorphous silicon film; PA1 introducing crystal nuclei to said amorphous silicon film; and PA1 growing crystals from said crystal nuclei, thereby obtaining a crystalline silicon film. PA1 (a) It is possible to accurately control and reduce the concentration of a catalyst element in the silicon film. PA1 (b) If the solution contacts a surface of an amorphous silicon film, the amount of the catalyst element to be incorporated into the silicon film is determined by the concentration of the catalyst element in the solution. PA1 (c) It is possible to introduce the catalyst element into the amorphous silicon film at a minimum density since the catalyst elements which are adsorbed by the surface of the amorphous silicon film function to promote the crystallization. PA1 (d) A crystalline silicon film having a good crystallinity can be obtained without a high temperature process.
In view of the foregoing, it is assumed that not all of the nickel introduced by the plasma treatment functions to promote the crystallization of silicon. That is, if a large amount of nickel is introduced, there exists an excess amount of the nickel which does not function for promoting the crystallization. For this reason, it is the point or the face of the silicon which contacts nickel that functions to promote the crystallization of the silicon at lower temperatures. Further, it is concluded that nickel has to be minutely dispersed in the silicon in the form of atoms. Namely, it is assumed that nickel needs to be dispersed in the vicinity of a surface of an amorphous silicon film in the form of atoms, and the concentration of the nickel should be as small as possible but within a range which is sufficiently high to promote the lower temperature crystallization.
A trace amount of a catalyst element capable of promoting the crystallization of silicon can be incorporated in the vicinity of a surface of an amorphous silicon film by, for example, vapor deposition. However, vapor deposition is disadvantageous concerning the controllability of the film, and is therefore not suitable for precisely controlling the amount of the catalyst element to be incorporated in the amorphous silicon film.
Next, with respect to a dispersion in a characteristics occurring in a laser crystallization, the inventors of the present invention found through experiments that this is caused by mainly the two reason, i.e. (1) a nonuniformity in a crystallinity due to a temperature distribution on a laser irradiated surface, and (2) the creation of crystal nuclei being contingent. Specifically, a laser beam generally has an intensity distribution in accordance with a gaussian distribution. The temperature of an amorphous silicon film is also in conformity with this distribution. As a result, during a crystallization of amorphous silicon through melting or partial melting, the crystallization must start at a region which has a lower temperature or a higher temperature dispersion than other regions because a crystallization occurs when a region from a melting condition to a solid phase. However, in practice, a crystal nuclei does not necessarily exist in such a region and therefore, there is a possibility that a supercooling region is formed. If such a supercooling region contacts crystal nuclei, a crystallization occurs explosively. Also, it is assumed that a uniform crystallization is difficult because the crystal nuclei tend to be formed at a surface roughness of an interface with a silicon oxide.
Accordingly, it is desired that a region at which temperature firstly becomes below a melting point among other regions is in conformity with a region in which crystal nuclei exist.

Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


Systems and methods for acoustic feedback or resonance mitigation are provided. The systems and methods include an exhaust acoustic noise reduction apparatus having an exhaust port comprising an exhaust aperture, a first vane extending at least partially across the exhaust aperture, and a second vane extending at least partially across the exhaust aperture and intersecting the first vane, such that the first and second vanes are oriented to interfere with formation of an acoustic feedback loop and reduce an acoustic noise signature of the exhaust port.

The field of the disclosure relates generally to acoustic mitigation, and more specifically, to methods and systems for mitigating acoustic resonance associated with exhaust ports.
Generally, as air travels over an aperture, noise may be generated that corresponds to an acoustic resonance associated with the geometry of the aperture, an air cavity associated with the aperture, and/or air flow characteristics. In some known apertures, air flow moving over an aperture is separated from the leading edge of the aperture and takes the form of a shear layer and vortices. The separated flow impacts the trailing edge of the aperture which then generates an acoustic wave that travels upstream and interacts with the flow separation mechanism which ultimately forms an acoustic feedback loop. This feedback loop can excite the acoustic resonances of the air cavity and result in undesirably high noise levels. Some known vehicles (e.g. aircraft) may include apertures or ports on the exterior of the vehicle for exhausting air or fluid from within the vehicle which can exhibit the undesirable acoustic resonance phenomena.

Systems and methods for acoustic resonance mitigation


A switching regulator circuit using a common switch network on a single IC for providing step-up and step-down DC--DC conversion is provided. The switching regulator uses switched capacitor techniques and hence avoids EMI, parasitic and stability concerns particular to inductors and transformers. The converter circuit includes control circuitry for sensing the voltage differential between the input and output to determine whether step-up or step-down mode is to be used. The control circuitry also senses the voltage differential between the input and output and enables the minimum number of switch sections needed to fully regulate the output, using the highest switch resistance possible to minimize inrush current from the input to the output.

This invention relates to step-up and step-down DC--DC conversion circuits using a single IC (integrated circuit). More particularly, this invention relates to step-up and step-down DC--DC conversion circuits using a single IC, without the use of inductors and without the operational problems associated with high inrush currents common to switched capacitor DC--DC converters.
Voltage regulator circuits are used to provide a regulated output DC voltage over a wide range of unregulated input DC voltages and have been implemented using various techniques. In a switching regulator, the flow of power to a load is regulated by controlling the on and off duty-cycle of one or more power switches coupled to the load. There are several existing topologies for performing step-up or step-down DC--DC conversion.
The single-ended inductor based step-up or step-down conversion topology consists of relatively simple circuits where a switch determines whether the voltage applied to an inductor is V.sub.IN or zero. In this manner, the output voltage is a function of the average voltage applied to the inductor. The output voltage varies depending on the configuration of individual components and the class of single-ended inductor circuit. For example, placing the switch in series between the input and the output causes the output voltage to be less than the input voltage. Such a circuit is commonly referred to as a "step-down" or "buck" converter. By placing the switch in parallel with the output, the output voltage can be made to be greater than the input voltage. Such a circuit is commonly referred to as a "step-up" or "boost" converter. Buck and boost circuits may also be combined as a "buck-boost" regulator to provide an inverted-polarity output. One disadvantage of these circuits is that they are inductor based, require numerous external components in addition to IC control, while suffering from EMI, parasitic and stability concerns particular to inductors.
Another known regulator topology is the transformer-coupled switching regulator. This topology provides an increased ability to achieve current or voltage gain, as well as the possibility of isolation between input and output provided by the transformer. As was the case with single-ended inductor regulators, transformer-coupled regulators are also grouped into classes. So-called "flyback converters" use a transformer to transfer energy from input to output. By adjusting the turns ratio (N) between the primary and secondary of the transformer, the regulator may be caused to provide output voltages that are higher or lower than the input voltage. One disadvantage of flyback converters is the high energy that must be stored in the transformer for proper operation. This requires relatively large magnetic cores and may reduce overall circuit efficiency.
The "forward converter" is another class of transformer-coupled regulator. In the forward converter, an additional winding is provided along with other components, such as diodes and capacitors, which essentially eliminates the problem of large stored energy in the transformer core. The additional (or reset) winding normally has a 1:1 turns ratio to the primary winding to help define the switch voltage when the primary switch is turned off. Unfortunately, the turns ratio may limit the duty-cycle of the device to 50% maximum, above which the switch current will typically rise in an uncontrolled manner. If the number of turns on the reset winding is reduced to increase duty-cycle, there is typically a corresponding increase in the level of switch voltage.
It is also possible to provide other combined configurations, such as a "buck-flyback hybrid" converter, in order to attempt to utilize the best properties of different topologies. Previously known buck-flyback converters provide multiple regulated outputs by generating a main output (e.g., 3.3 volts) using a buck converter and adding an auxiliary winding which operates as a flyback converter for a secondary output (e.g., 5 volts). One disadvantage of these converters is the fact that the output power of the auxiliary winding is limited by the output power of the main output. Additionally, when the auxiliary output is heavily loaded, the buck inductor will observe increased output voltage ripple due to the transformer effects of the auxiliary winding. These, as well as other, disadvantages severely limit the input and output operational ranges of these devices. Also, the flyback action of this converter may result in a severely reduced overall efficiency.
Another regulator topology is the switched capacitor switching step-up or step-down converter. Though the switched-capacitor class of step-up or step-down DC--DC converters tend to be the least complex and require the fewest number of external components of all of the topologies, they too are limited in their ability to perform either step-up or step-down function. Moreover, another disadvantage of switched-capacitor converters is that they create large inrush currents from the input voltage, particularly when a large input to output differential voltage exists. Such inrush currents can cause large voltage transients on the input supply, excessive output voltage ripple, and actual over-stress damage to the control IC in extreme cases.
There are few topologies that can perform both step-up and step-down DC--DC conversion. However, these topologies, e.g., SEPIC (single ended primary inductance converter), are inductor or transformer based and, as a result, require numerous external components in addition to the control IC. Consequently, these topologies tend to be more costly and complex than standard step-up or step-down topologies individually. Moreover, these step-up and step-down circuits also suffer from EMI, parasitic and stability concerns particular to inductors.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide step-up and step-down DC--DC converter circuits using a common switch network on a single IC that utilizes switched-capacitor techniques.
It would also be desirable to provide step-up and step-down DC--DC converter circuits using a common switch network on a single IC that utilize switched-capacitor techniques while providing inrush current limiting.

Inductorless step-up and step-down converter with inrush current limiting


In accordance with this invention a disposable trochar for use as a gas insufflation needle is provided for insertion through the abdominal wall of a patient and into a body cavity. It has an outer sheath with a tubular body, a distal open end and a proximate open end. The distal end may have means which is expandable after the trochar has been inserted into the body cavity to minimize dislocation of the outer sheath during use. A cannula is removably received within in the sheath which has a sharp distal end extendable beyond the distal end of the sheath and an enlarged head at the proximate end of the cannula. The head has a flat land which is engageable with the proximate end of the sheath to limit the extension of the distal end of the cannula beyond the distal end of the sheath. A rod is mounted within the cannula for longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position. A blunt member is provided at the distal end of the rod extending beyond the sharp distal end of the cannula when in extended position. A spring, in a cavity in the head, is attached to the proximate end of the rod urging it toward the extended position. The method of using the trochar is also disclosed.

The Veress Needle was originally designed for insertion into the chest to collapse a lung in treatment of tuberculosis. Later, when laparoscopy was first introduced to allow surgeons to look into the peritoneal cavity, the needle found new usage in filling the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide. The Veress Needle comprises an outer cannula which has a needle point for easy penetration of the skin and underlying structures in the abdominal wall. The outer cannula expands into a relatively long needle hub which is used to house a spring mechanism for retraction of an inner cannula. This inner cannula includes a hollow tube having an enclosed end which is rounded to help avoid injury of the intra-abdominal structures. There is a side hole spaced above the distal end of the inner cannula to allow flow of carbon dioxide gas. Thus, when the needle point is pushed through the skin and other structures of the abdominal wall, the inner cannula is fully retracted within the inner cannula to allow easy penetration all the way through the abdominal wall. After the abdominal wall is penetrated, the inner, rounded tip, snaps forwardly into the space of the abdominal cavity and pushes underlying movable structures out of the way, such as large or small bowel or intestine, omentum or liver. The gas is then delivered to the abdominal cavity via a gas delivery system which is connected to the upper hub or valve section of the Veress Needle by a long plastic delivery tube. This gas creates a space or work area within the abdomen whereby good visualization is provided through a separate laparoscope. Any definitive surgical procedures, such as tubal ligations must generally be done through a separate opening, unless an operative laparoscope is utilized.
Although the Veress Needle has been a very useful instrument for about fifty years, it has certain drawbacks. It is a complex design and therefore expensive to manufacture. Because of its construction and small parts, the parts can be lost during cleaning and it is virtually impossible to clean the side hole adjacent the blunt tip of the inner cannula, resulting in small pieces of tissue and tissue fluid being transferred from one patient to the next. Also, after repeated use, the point becomes dull. Furthermore, the needle can be dislodged if left in place during an entire operative procedure and must be reinserted. Also, because of the rigid construction, the sharp end may be driven into the abdomen and cause damage to intra-abdominal contents such as the bowel, liver or major blood vessels if accidentally bumped by the surgeon. Furthermore, the Veress Needle can only be used for gas delivery and is not usable for a port hole for introduction of a laparoscope, operating instruments, cautery devices, laser fiber or other devices. If these devices are used they must be introduced through an additional trochar which creates an additional incision in the patient.
The most pertinent art is my U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,717 for "Gas Insufflation Needle With Instrument Port". A disposable trochar is provided which has a removable rod and needle portion within an outer sheath. The rod has a blunt end and is retractable during insertion so that the needle edge cuts through the abdominal wall. Once passing through the wall the rod extends so as to protect the bowel from the sharp needle. A gas port is provided for introducing gas through the rod and out a side passageway near the blunt end. After the abdomen is extended, the rod and needle can be removed as a unit from the sheath and thrown away and a suitable instrument introduced through an instrument port having a separate diaphragm. The gas can continue to be introduced around the instrument and into the abdomen while the instrument is in place. After the required medical procedures are completed, the instrument is removed. Then the sheath and associated parts are removed and thrown away. Other instruments have been devised which comprise concentric cannulas for various procedures. Among these instruments are the following:
U.S. Pat. No. 1,527,291 to Zorraquin shows a surgical needle which has a spring urged blunt rod within it to permit exploration of internal body cavities without perforating the wall of the cavity being explored.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,630,803 to Baren shows a pneumothoracic needle with spring-loaded inner blunt needle and an outer sharp cannula. The inner blunt needle is hollow and is removable without extracting the cannula from the chest wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,840,008 to Noiles discloses a hypodermic needle for safely injecting fluid into nerve and vessel crowded areas of a patient. The needle has a pointed hollow piercing member slidably mounted about a fluid delivery tube. The delivery tube has a blunt nose with at least one fluid opening near its blunt end, the other end being connected to a conventional syringe. The hollow piercing member is connected to the delivery tube by a finger-operated collapsible bar. The bar is provided with a centrally located groove to facilitate collapse at the moment the operator removes the force of his finger. The blunt nose delivery tube is then free to penetrate the tissue of the patient without endangering nerve or vessel.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,533 to Wiest discloses a device for introducing limited quantities of carbon dioxide into the human body for operational purposes, particularly laparoscopy. It includes a control device for delivering the carbon dioxide, a connecting nipple on the control device for connecting a flexible tubing to a Veress Needle introduceable into the body and a pressure gage for indicating the pressure present in the body cavity. A second connection nipple is provided on the control device and connected by a nipple to the pressure gage. The second connection nipple is connected by a further flexible tubing either to a dual Veress Needle or to a second single Veress Needle, so that the pressure gage is directly connected with the body cavity rather than through the operative Veress Needle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,860 to McLaughlin discloses an encatheter incorporating a plastic insertion conduit placed into a blood vessel with a needle. The structure includes an elastomeric sealing flapper or one-way valve that allows insertion of a syringe needle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,833 to Spector et al. describes a molded self-sealing gasket assembly through which, for instance, a catheter may be inserted and removed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,773 to Yoon shows a safety puncturing instrument and method using a shielding mechanism that is biased to protrude from the distal end of the instrument to shield its sharp, penetrating point after the point has penetrated.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,018 to Wilson discloses a surgical cannula assembly for receiving and guiding a surgical instrument which has an instrument portion insertable through the cannula assembly and includes two selectively interconnectable and separate cannula sub-assemblies.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,168 to Waring discloses a single-use Veress-type pneumoneedle that has a flanged handle and a fixed valve sub-assembly that permits the pneumoneedle to be gripped like a syringe when it is being inserted. The stylet body is either a solid rod or a hollow tube. Insufflating gas is carried into the abdominal cavity through the lumen of the needle when the stylet is a solid rod or through the stylet lumen when the stylet is a hollow tube.
French Patent No. 2,308,346 to Storz discloses a probe for insertion of surgical instruments or insufflation tubes in the cavities of a body. It has a probe sleeve in which the instrument or tube is guided axially and which is enclosed by a tubular casing so as to form an air passage around it with air entry ports at the end.


Signals delta.sub.-- w representing the RPM difference of at least two wheels of at least one axle and signals V representing the vehicle speed are linked through a nonlinear characteristic diagram. Obtained thereby are signals which represent the transverse movements, specifically the transverse acceleration, of the vehicle. This makes it possible to allow for nonlinear effects such as the expansive deflection of the curve inside tires and the compressive deflection of the curve outside tires due to the roll moment backing, particularly through empirically determined parameters. The signal of the stationary transverse acceleration is dynamized by further processing, in a second order filter, of the signal of the stationary transverse acceleration (steering angle is constant) so obtained.

The present invention relates to a method and system for generating a signal representative of the transverse movement of a vehicle, utilizing the RPM of at least two wheels of at least one axle.
The maximally accurate knowledge of the movements of a vehicle is of elementary significance for any type of control or regulation which counteracts these movements in the sense of increasing the travel comfort and road safety.
Such a counteraction can be accomplished, as described in DE-OS 35 29 178, by an active suspension and/or damping system whose suspension and/or damping performance is of a controllable or regulable configuration.
Furthermore, such influencing of the vehicle movements may be effected by controllable or regulable allocation of force to the individual drive wheels and/or by controllable or regulable steering operations. In exemplary fashion, reference is made in this context to a prior propulsion control system (PCT/EP89/00953) and to a curve recognition procedure in the context of an antilock control system (DE-OS 37 39 558). A process for steering control is proposed in DE-OS 39 30 445.
The causes of the vehicle movements are essentially
acceleration and/or braking operations, PA0 steering operations and/or PA0 road surface unevennesses.
Important measured quantities representing the travel dynamics, particularly the transverse dynamics of the vehicle, and representing essential input variables of the control or regulation systems described above are the steering angle, or the transverse acceleration of the vehicle causally associated with the steering angle. Meant by steering angle is here the swing angle of the steerable wheels.
The steering angle, respectively the transverse acceleration of the vehicle, can be measured either "directly" by suitable sensors (steering angle sensors or acceleration sensors) or can be derived indirectly from other sensor signals. In view of minimizing the number of sensor systems, the "indirect" measuring methods should be given preference over the "direct" methods.
EP-OS 0353 995 describes a steering angle detector system where the steering angle is determined from the wheel RPM, or wheel frequencies, which differ in steering operations.
Exactly the maximally accurate determination of the transverse movements of a vehicle, for instance of the transverse acceleration, is of major importance for an optimum design of a chassis system and/or steering system.
It is known to provide a system for evaluation of wheel speed signals where the wheel speed difference is determined at minimal components expense. Moreover, it is proposed in such a system to determine the transverse acceleration of the vehicle in proportion to the vehicle speed and to the wheel speed difference. This has been proved as not being optimal.
The problem underlying the present invention is to determine a signal based on the wheel speed differences, which signal optimally represents the transverse movement of the vehicle, especially the transverse acceleration.

Process and system for generating a signal representative of the transverse movement of a vehicle


An optical amplifier of the present invention is implemented by using a low phonon energy glass doped with praseodymium ions (Pr3+), whereby a wavelength of 1.6 xcexcm band can be used for an optical transmission. The optical amplifier for amplifying an optical signal includes a low phonon energy optical medium doped with praseodymium ions (Pr3+) for utilizing as a gain medium to the optical signal, and a pumping means for pumping the low phonon energy optical medium, thereby to obtain an amplified optical signal.

The present invention relates to an optical amplifier; and, more particularly, to an optical amplifier incorporating therein an optical gain medium which is made of a low phonon energy glass doped with rare earth ions.
As is well known, in an optical transmission system using a wavelength division multiplexing method for enhancing an optical transmission capacity, a narrow gap between channels makes a transmission capacity deteriorated owing to an inherent nonlinear effect in an optical fiber. Therefore, it is preferable that a wavelength range of an optical signal spectrum should be broad in order to enlarge the transmission capacity. The wavelength range of a low optical loss is approximately 1,200xcx9c1,700 nm in a conventional transmission silica optical fiber, whereby the broad wavelength range, i.e., approximately 500 nm range, is capable of being used in an optical transmission. Thus, it is most important thing to make an optical amplifier operable in this broad wavelength range.
To make use of this broad range, i.e., 1,200xcx9c1,700 nm, a plurality of optical amplifiers has been researched and developed, of which ranges are 1,300 nm, 1,450 nm, 1,500xcx9c1,600 nm and 1,650xcx9c1,680 nm, respectively. However, there is no optical amplification system utilizing the wavelengths ranging from 1,600 nm to 1,650 nm.
Especially, an erbium (Er3+)-doped silicate fiber is used for the wavelength range less than approximately 1,600 nm. This is caused by a characteristic of an intra-4f-configurational energy level structure of erbium ions. Therefore, there has been no ion-doped optical amplifier system that can be used in a range of 1,600xcx9c1,650 nm so far.
In case of a thulium-doped fluoride fiber, the gain wavelength range of this fiber is over than approximately 1,650 nm so that it is also difficult to lower the range below 1,650 nm due to the characteristic of thulium ions.
Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new optical amplification system using the wavelength ranging from 1,600 nm to 1,650 nm.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an optical gain medium for use in 1.6 xcexcm band by doping rare earth ions into a low phonon energy optical medium.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical amplifier for amplifying an optical signal, comprising: a low phonon energy optical medium doped with praseodymium ions (Pr3+) for utilizing as a gain medium to the optical signal; and a pumping means for pumping the low phonon energy optical medium to thereby obtain an amplified optical signal in 1,600xcx9c1,700 nm range.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical gain medium, comprising: a low phonon energy material; and praseodymium ions doped into the low phonon energy material.

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A system, processor and method to reduce the overall detectable unrecoverable FIT rate of a cache by reducing the residency time of dirty lines in a cache. This is accomplished through selectively choosing different replacement policies during execution based on the DUE FIT target of the system. System performance and power is minimally affected while effectively reducing the DUE FIT rate.

As cache memory sizes increase, cache structures tend to be more vulnerable to soft errors (SER) and detectable unrecoverable errors (DUE), due to the cache retaining modified data for a longer length of time. If a soft error corrupts a modified cache line, the line's data cannot be retrieved or correctly written back. First level cache is the largest contributor to the DUE FIT rate in a cache memory system. What is needed is a cache replacement policy that addresses reducing the residency time of dirty lines in a cache in order to achieve a reduced DUE FIT rate.

Increased error correction for cache memories through adaptive replacement policies


An easy-to-assemble battery sealing structure is provided. A cell frame includes a battery plate-like member (bipolar plate), a pair of frames for holding a peripheral portion of bipolar plate therebetween and pressing the peripheral portion from the front and the rear, and an annular packing made of an elastic material. Frames are provided with an annular groove between respective surfaces of the frames facing each other, for accommodating the peripheral portion of bipolar plate. Packing is mounted on the peripheral portion of bipolar plate, arranged in annular groove, and press-contacted between frames and the peripheral portion of bipolar plate. Packing includes a pair of legs for holding the peripheral portion of bipolar plate therebetween, and a base connecting legs together.

An electrolyte circulation type battery such as a redox flow battery is one of large-capacity storage batteries. In a redox flow battery, a positive electrolyte and a negative electrolyte are supplied to a cell having a membrane and a positive electrode and a negative electrode facing each other with the membrane interposed therebetween, to charge and discharge the battery. For the electrolytes, an aqueous solution containing a metal ion whose valence varies by oxidation-reduction is commonly used. As the redox flow batteries, for example, an iron-chromium-based redox flow battery using an iron ion aqueous solution for the positive electrolyte and a chromium ion aqueous solution for the negative electrolyte, and a vanadium-based redox flow battery using a vanadium ion aqueous solution for the positive and negative electrolytes are well-known (see e.g., Patent Documents 1 to 3).
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for illustrating an electrolyte circulation type battery (redox flow battery). A redox flow battery 100 includes a cell 110. Cell 110 is partitioned into a positive electrode cell 112 and a negative electrode cell 113 by a membrane 111 through which ions can pass. Positive electrode cell 112 contains a positive electrode 114, and negative electrode cell 113 contains a negative electrode 115. Redox flow battery 100 further includes, for each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, an electrolyte tank 120 for storing the electrolyte, a circulation path 130 for circulating the electrolyte between electrolyte tank 120 and battery cell 110 (positive electrode cell 112, negative electrode cell 113), and a circulation pump 140 for circulating the electrolyte through circulation path 130. Circulation path 130 includes a go conduit pipe 131 for feeding the electrolyte from electrolyte tank 120 to battery cell 110 (positive electrode cell 112, negative electrode cell 113), and a return conduit pipe 132 for feeding the electrolyte from battery cell 110 (positive electrode cell 112, negative electrode cell 113) back to electrolyte tank 120. In redox flow battery 100 shown in FIG. 8, a vanadium ion aqueous solution is used by way of example for the positive and negative electrolytes. In FIG. 8, solid line arrows in the battery cell indicate charge reaction, and broken line arrows indicate discharge reaction.
A cell of a redox flow battery is commonly utilized in a form referred to as a cell stack. The cell stack includes a plurality of stacked cells, each cell including a membrane, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode facing each other with the membrane interposed therebetween. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the cell stack. A cell stack 200 employs a cell frame 210 including a bipolar plate 211 and a frame 212 for fixing bipolar plate 211. Cell stack 200 includes a plurality of cells stacked with cell frames 210 interposed therebetween, each cell including positive electrode 114, membrane 111 and negative electrode 115 stacked on one another. That is, one cell is formed between cell frames 210 (bipolar plates 211), and in the space between cell frames 210 (frames 212), a negative electrode (negative electrode cell) and a positive electrode (positive electrode cell) of adjacent cells are arranged on front and rear sides with bipolar plate 211 interposed therebetween. In order to supply and discharge the electrolyte to and from each electrode, frame 212 of cell frame 210 is provided with liquid supply manifolds 213, 214 and liquid discharge manifolds 215, 216 through the front and rear surfaces, and guide grooves formed alternately between the front and rear surfaces to guide the electrolyte from each manifold to each electrode. In some cases, a protection plate made of plastic (not shown) is arranged to cover the guide grooves to prevent direct contact between the guide grooves and membrane 111, thus reducing the likelihood of breakage of membrane 111 after the stacking Then, a pair of end plates 220 is arranged on opposite sides of the stacked body including the plurality of cells stacked with cell frames 210 interposed therebetween, each cell including positive electrode 114, membrane 111 and negative electrode 115, and both end plates 220 are clamped in a stacking direction of the stacked body by a clamping mechanism 230 such as bolts, to form cell stack 200 (e.g., paragraphs 0004 to 0005, FIG. 9 in Patent Document 1).
For the cell frame described above, a bipolar plate made of plastic carbon (e.g., graphite-containing resin) and a frame made of plastic (e.g., vinyl chloride) are often used. This cell frame is usually assembled by holding a peripheral portion of the bipolar plate between a pair of frames, and integrating the frames and the bipolar plate together by adhesion with an organic solvent (e.g., paragraph 0028 in Patent Document 3). In this case, the pair of frames constitutes the frame. By the adhesion between the frames and the bipolar plate with an organic solvent, a sealing structure is formed that seals a space isolated by the bipolar plate between the frames.

Battery sealing structure, electrolyte circulation type battery cell frame, electrolyte circulation type battery cell stack, and electrolyte circulation type battery


The present invention provides an apparatus for wet manufacturing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet, having a manifold capable of uniformly distributing the solid concentrations without being affected by inertia force caused by the difference in shape between solids. The invention further provides an apparatus for wet manufacturing a fiber reinforced resin sheet having a buffer inlet or reservoir headbox capable of permitting inhibition of variations of the unit weight distribution under the effect of the dynamic pressure of the raw material dispersing liquid and the resultant fluctuations.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet, which can uniformly distribute solid concentration without being affected by inertia forces, and can permit inhibition of variations of unit weight distribution of a web under the effect of the dynamic pressure of the raw material dispersing liquid and the resultant fluctuations. This invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the novel fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet.
2. Description of the Related Art
Attempts have been made to impart high strength and a high toughness value to a thermoplastic resin while retaining processing advantages. Composite material technology has been applied, based on addition to a resin of a fiber having a high modulus of elasticity. Resultant fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite materials have been employed as materials for various structural members required to have light weight, a high toughness value and a high value of strength. These materials are usually heated to above the melting point of the thermoplastic resin, followed by addition of the matrix, and the resulting composite is then formed into a prescribed shape.
Among other composites, plate-shaped or sheet-shaped materials suitable for forming on a press or for forming a large-sized part are known as stampable sheets. Stampable sheets are widely used in automotive structural parts such as seat backs, rear packages and integrally formed automobile ceilings. They achieve a lighter weight and reduce cost. They often reduce the number of necessary parts and of assembly processes. Composite technology is further expanding to include other parts than those mentioned above.
A so-called wet manufacturing method using paper-making technology is known as a typical manufacturing method of making a stampable sheet. This method comprises dispersing fiber chips and a thermoplastic resin in an aqueous solution (dispersing step), preparing a nonwoven fabric-like web by use of paper-making technology by dispersing liquid on a mesh belt (web forming step), and solidifying the web achieved after applying heat and pressure (sheet making step), thereby manufacturing a stampable sheet. A continuous manufacturing method is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-158227.
A web of a stampable sheet based on the paper-making method can be continuously manufactured as follows by the use of a manufacturing apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.
The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 broadly comprises a material preparing section 1, a web-forming section 10, a drying section 40, and a take-up section 50.
A dispersion tank 3 is provided with a stirrer 2 in the material preparing section 1, and a resin feeder 4 feeds stored thermoplastic resin while a reinforcing fiber feeder 5 feeds stored reinforcing fibers from above the dispersion tank 3.
The thermoplastic resin of the resin feeder 4 and the reinforcing fiber of the reinforcing fiber feeder 5 are charged at a prescribed ratio into the dispersion tank 3, which is filled with an aqueous solution containing a surfactant or a viscosity enhancing agent and stirred to prepare a dispersing liquid C serving as a raw material liquid. The thus prepared dispersing liquid C is sucked out of tank 3 by a metering pump 6, and is distributed by a distributor 20 called a manifold into a plurality of branch pipes 9, and then conducted to the web-making section 10. (FIG. 1 shows only one branch pipe 9 extending to inlet 30 for ease of understanding.)
The web-forming section 10 includes at least the following components: a continuously moving endless mesh belt 11, a suction box 12 arranged in contact with the back thereof, and a headbox 13 for storing the dispersing liquid C sent from the material preparing section 1 and supplying the same onto the mesh belt 11. The dispersing liquid C is sent through an inlet 30 to the headbox. The mesh openings of the mesh belt 11 are smaller than the diameter of the reinforcing fiber and the thermoplastic resin. The dispersing liquid C is sucked by the suction box 12 under reduced pressure, and the reinforcing fiber and the thermoplastic resin are converted into a sheet shape (filtered) onto the mesh belt having mesh openings smaller than the particle size of the thermoplastic resin. The mixture in the form of a nonwoven fabric of the reinforcing fiber and the thermoplastic resin thus made into sheets is called a web. The web W, being in a wet state at this point, is passed through a drying section 40.
In the present invention, an inlet and a headbox are arranged very close to each other and they are sometimes referred to as a "distributor".
The drying section 40 has a belt conveyor 41 and a drying chamber 42 connected together downstream of the mesh belt 11, and continuously dries the web W. During the drying process, the resin is melted by removing moisture and changing the temperature of the resin to at least the melting point of the thermoplastic resin to strengthen intertwinement of the reinforcing fiber. The resultant dried web has a high fracture resistance and is excellent in form stability, and is wound to a roll shape on a take-up roll 51 of a take-up section 50.
It is possible, as desired, to impregnate fibers with the thermoplastic resin by cutting and then heat-pressing the web. The product in this state is called a "consolidated sheet." This consolidated sheet is generally used as a forming material.
The quality and properties of a stampable sheet based on the paper-making method are mostly determined during the web-forming step. Also, keeping a uniform unit weight distribution in the web is particularly important in order to reduce any differences in thickness or in the content of the reinforcing fiber and to reduce fluctuations in properties.
Patterns of unit weight distribution are broadly classified into those occurring in the longitudinal direction of the manufacturing line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "line direction") and those occurring in the width direction. The former are often attributable to pulsations in the raw material supply system typically represented by a pump, and techniques to prevent this are known. In order to avoid a nonuniform unit weight distribution in the width direction, it is necessary to uniformly expand the raw material (liquid) sent usually through a single pipe. This problem could not, however, be easily solved in the wet manufacturing method of stampable sheets as described later.
Furthermore, the unit weight distribution in the width direction exerts an important effect also on the orientation of the reinforcing fiber for the following reason. When a change occurs in the unit weight distribution in the width direction, the raw material dispersing liquid supplied to the headbox naturally flows into a portion with a smaller unit weight value and a smaller suction resistance, and this causes production of a channelling effect. Because fibers are oriented along the direction of flow, channelling takes place and leads to local abnormal orientation of the fibers, and eventually results in a camber, arching, curvature or the like of the stampable sheet.
In other words, achievement of a uniform unit weight distribution in the width direction is a prerequisite for obtaining sheets having uniform properties.
A uniform unit weight distribution in the width direction can be achieved by using uniform chemical compositions of solids (reinforcing fiber and thermoplastic resin) in the dispersing liquid and supplying the dispersing liquid onto the sheet-making surface with a flow rate that is uniform in the width direction. The manifold and the inlet serve this function.
Problems involved with the manifold and the inlet in currently used wet-type apparatus and solutions to those problems according to the present invention will be described below.
Conventional manifold
The function of the manifold 20 (as shown in FIG. 1) is to supply the dispersing liquid at a flow rate and a solid concentration that is essentially uniform in the width direction of the inlet 30. That is, the manifold 20 serves to widen the flow of the dispersing liquid directed toward the headbox 13 from the dispersing tank 3 through the piping, in the width direction.
The shapes of various manifolds have conventionally been studied from various points of view. In the paper industry, which faces its own specific problems, it is the general practice to use a taper-type manifold of which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases as disclosed in the Journal of the Japan Society of Paper/Pulp technology (published on Jan. 1, 1993), Vol. 47, No. 1, p. 102. An outline of this manifold is illustrated in FIG. 9. According to the literature, the flow rate distribution in the width direction of the headbox 13 is very uniform. Solids are almost exclusively pulp (wood fiber) and there is no problem in the uniform distribution of its concentration.
The foregoing taper-type manifold has been used with very different technology in conventional wet manufacturing apparatus of fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin sheets. However, when using a taper-type manifold for making of stampable sheet, the concentration distribution of solids was not necessarily accomplished uniformly as in the pulp concentration.
The reinforcing fiber and the thermoplastic resin composing a stampable sheet usually have different values of specific gravity and geometric shapes. Typical reinforcing fibers include glass fiber, carbon fiber, and stainless steel fiber. In the case of glass fiber, for example, those having a specific gravity of about 2.54 and an aspect ratio (fiber length/fiber diameter) within a range of from about 1.times.10.sup.6 to 5.times.10.sup.6 are used.
Thermoplastic resins serving as the matrix have, on the other hand, a specific gravity within a range of from about 0.9 to 1.5. For the purpose of reducing the manufacturing cost, it is the usual practice to use a granular shape having a size of about 1 mm, the aspect ratio being about 2 as a maximum.
As shown in FIG. 9, the conventional taper-type manifold turns the direction of the dispersing liquid flowing into it through the inlet port at a right angle, and sends the liquid through the branch pipes 9 to the headbox 13. At this point, the solids in the liquid are under the effect of an inertia force depending upon the shape thereof (aspect ratio). More specifically, because the thermoplastic resin has an aspect ratio that is far smaller than that of a reinforcing fiber (resulting in a larger inertia), the turning of direction near the discharge exit to the branched pipes 9 becomes insufficient and the resin tends to be thrown toward the circulation flow exit Jo. As a result, the thermoplastic resin segregates near the tip of the taper-type manifold. In contrast the reinforcing fibers that have a large aspect ratio (resulting in a smaller inertia) easily follow the flow of the dispersing liquid, causing no segregation. Accordingly, non-uniform concentrations of solids occur in the interior of the manifold because of the inertia differences.
In the conventional wet manufacturing apparatus of stampable sheets, this non-uniform concentration causes a non-uniform unit weight distribution in the width direction of the web, and this in turn causes non-uniformity of mechanical properties such as bending strength and bending elastic modulus of the product sheet, and further causes variations of quality such as non-uniform thicknesses.
Conventional inlet
As shown in FIG. 1, the dispersing liquid distributed at the manifold 20 into the branched pipes 9 is directed to the inlet 30, where the flows meet, and is sent to the mesh belt 11 as a two-dimensional flow. In other words, the inlet 30 may be considered an apparatus which converts the dispersing liquid sent in the form of a plurality of "lines" from the manifold 20 into a "plane" flow and supplies it to the mesh belt 11.
In the conventional wet manufacturing apparatus of stampable sheets, it is the common practice to use a larger-volume inlet 30 to cause the dispersing liquid C to display fully its mixing and straightening effects, with a view to making a web having a uniform unit weight distribution.
However, with an inappropriate increase in volume at the inlet 30, it is impossible to control fluctuations in the flow leaving the exit, and the problem of promoting fluctuation is posed. The fluctuation as referred to herein is a phenomenon in which the flow does not run straight from the exit in the line direction, but horizontally deviates right and left. Occurrence of this fluctuation is attributable mainly to variations of dynamic pressure and flow rate of the dispersing liquid C.
Another problem is one that is intrinsic in the wet manufacturing process. In a wet manufacturing method in which the reinforcing fiber and the thermoplastic resin are transported by a foamed liquid, and wherein there exists the presence of a portion at which the flow velocity decreases, the liquid often separates into a portion containing a large foam content (a high air content) and into another portion containing the aqueous solution without substantial foam. This foam reduces the solid transporting capability of the dispersing liquid and makes it very difficult to achieve a uniform concentration and a uniform unit weight distribution. This decrease in flow velocity of the dispersing liquid tends to occur particularly when the inlet has a structure in which stagnation of the dispersing liquid occurs.
In the wet manufacturing method, therefore, a very difficult task is presented that requires inhibiting the large dynamic pressure of the dispersing liquid and straightening the flow, all without reduction of flow velocity.

Apparatus for wet manufacturing fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet


In accordance with this invention a vapor engine is provided having a first piston of a given diameter and a second piston having a larger diameter than the first piston. Walls are provided within which the pistons travel so as to define a first piston space and a second piston space. An apparatus are provided for connecting the first and the second piston to a power output. A rotary valve, having passageways therein for communicating with the first piston space and with the second piston space and for receiving vapor under pressure from an input source and for discharging exhaust vapor from the engine, is a part of the combination. Another apparatus is provided for positioning the rotary valve in accordance with the positioning of the first and second piston, so that during a first phase power stroke relative to the first piston, the pressure vapor power input to the first piston space from its passageway in the rotary valve ends only at the end of the first piston power stroke while exhausting discharge vapor from the second piston space all during the power stroke of the first piston, and so that during a second phase power stroke relative to the second piston vapor under pressure is applied to the second piston by a passageway in the rotary valve, and thus vapor under pressure flows from the first piston space to the second piston space.

The conventional steam engine is an example of the prior art relative to this invention which will be described in detail hereinafter. If the input pressure with respect to the condenser is beyond design pressure one exhausts from the engine to the condenser too early, thus losing engine power and efficiency by exhausting vapor to the condenser that is at a usable pressure. If, on the other hand, the pressure is below the design pressure, then the pressure of the expanded gas goes to a pressure or vacuum to thus cause a reverse force on a piston with a loss of engine power and efficiency. Thus, in operation, in a steam engine, the design pressure ratio must be maintained to maintain suitable efficiency.
Since water is used for the vapor in a conventional steam engine, it requires a relatively large amount of heat for producing a mole of vapor. This reduces the thermal efficiency of the engine. In addition, water vapor being at a lower pressure at a given temperature than in the case of a refrigerant vapor as used in the present invention, and thus, requires a much larger piston displacement of volume, thus requiring a larger engine for the same power delivered. In that the working temperature of water is much higher than that of refrigerants, a much higher boiler temperature must be maintained to get suitable power output.
Turbines, because of critical design limitations relative to for instance pressure ratios, are expensive to manufacture.
Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a vapor powered engine which can operate from low grade heat energy efficiently without the many critical design limitations as hereinbefore mentioned.