An art design knife that provides for enhanced manual gripping stability and safety comprised of a front cover, a rear cover, a hatch, a magazine feed spring, a blade transport component, and a blade magazine. In addition to blade replacement convenience, the blade magazine contains a quantity of spare blades to thereby increase art design knife utility and, furthermore, enhance the industrial practical value of art design knife structures.

1) Field of the Invention
The invention herein relates to precision cutting tools, specifically an art design knife providing for stabler and safer manual utilization that is comprised of a front cover, a rear cover, a hatch, a magazine feed spring, a blade transport component, and a blade magazine. In addition to convenient blade replacement capability, the said blade magazine contains a quantity of spare blades to thereby increase art design knife utility and, furthermore, enhance the industrial practical value of art design knife structures.
2) Description of the Prior Art
Conventional art design knives typically have internally disposed extension and retraction mechanisms, wherein the wear that normally occurs between a keeper spring and single-sided wave-contoured engagement slots diminishes stationary engagement capability, which during utilization results in a loss of blade positioning stability and easily causes serious wounds. Furthermore, since the spare blades of conventional art design knives are kept external to the body of the implement itself, when a blade is to be replaced, a considerable amount of time is often wasted searching for spare blades. In view of the existent shortcomings of the conventional product still awaiting improvement, the inventor of the invention herein based on specialized knowledge and design experience gained by engagement in the related fields conducted extensive research inspired by an original idea that culminated in the successful design of an art design knife of improved structure.


A method for testing the installation of a box includes the steps of closing the lid of the box, transmitting a signal from the box; noting the absence of an annunciation; and variously repositioning the box relative to a receiver, replacing a battery, or replacing the box.

The present invention relates to the secure transfer of retail goods to a consumer and using a wireless communication system and a computer network to notify the consumer of such transfer via an electronic message.
With demands on people's time seemingly increasing without end, people are always pursuing ways to efficiently accomplish simple, time consuming tasks. Many of these tasks involve shopping trips where only one or two items are immediately needed. Accordingly, services which can deliver goods to a consumer's residence in a short period of time are highly desirable.
The delivery of goods to a consumer's residence, such as through an express mail service, has proven to be problematic at times. Often times, a delivery will be attempted when nobody is home. In such a circumstance, the package can be left outside the residence where it is susceptible to theft, or the package can be taken back with the delivery carrier and delivery attempted at another time. Accordingly, efforts have been made to facilitate the delivery of goods through secured receptacles which would allow parcels to be left at a residence without the threat of theft.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,910, a secured receptacle is disclosed in which a parcel delivered through the mail may be deposited. The secured receptacle also possesses a machine-readable indicium which allows a central server and a paging receiver to notify a person about the delivery of a parcel. A computerized delivery-acceptance system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,750 in which a computer-controlled access or locking mechanism guarantees secure delivery of packages.
Notification of the delivery of a parcel is also desirable in some circumstances. Several methods and devices are known in the art which serve this purpose. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,748, a method is provided for the notification of the delivery of express mail through a wireless page message. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,282, an audible or visual signal is generated within a dwelling when mail delivery has been made to that residence.
A storage device that secures goods from theft and exposure to the elements and also provides notification that items have been delivered or removed from the device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,053. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a key pad is located on the storage device which allows access through the entry of a specific code. Each specific vendor is given a unique code thereby allowing the owner of the box to be notified of which vendor had visited the storage device. Notifying the owner that a delivery has been made to a storage device occurs through transmitting the vendor code to a remote location through a telecommunications network.
A previous approach to some of these concerns is described in PCT publication WO 01/27740, published Apr. 19, 2001, assigned to the same assignee as the present application, which publication is hereby incorporated herein by reference.


A bow having an increased powerstroke allowing for reduced draw weight and increased speed. The bow is provided with a riser and a pair of limbs. A pulley is coupled to one limb and a cam is coupled to the other at a first journal point and second journal point respectively. The powerstroke is increased by locating the bowstring on the pulley and cam between the riser and the journal points.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to an improved bow and particularly to a bow having an improved powerstroke.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Bows are well known in the art. Over the past several decades, bows have been consistently improved with technological innovations which have dramatically increased performance. One improvement has been the provision of cams on the bow to increase the mechanical advantage associated with the draw of the bowstring. One drawback associated with such cams is the requirement that cams be "synchronized" to prevent lateral travel of the rear of the arrow during launch. Accordingly, the prior art has utilized a single cam arrangement in association with a pulley, such as that described in McPherson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,108, which substantially reduces the problem associated with "synchronization" and rear travel of the arrow.
For climbing into trees and hunting in thick woods, it is desirable to have a small, lightweight bow. However, reducing the length of the bow risers, and/or sweeping the risers in a more rearward orientation, often reduces the draw length and powerstroke of the bow. Reducing the powerstroke simultaneously sacrifices speed and increases the draw weight required to obtain the desired performance. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a lightweight, compact bow with an increased powerstroke, greater speed and reduced draw weight. The difficulties encountered in the prior art discussed hereinabove are substantially eliminated by the present invention.


A fuse comprises two electric contacts with a contact width, a fuse element disposed between two opposed fuse ends and comprising a first fuse having a minimum-section part with a first width and a first section. The fuse element further comprises at least one second fuse disposed between the first fuse and one of said two fuse ends. The second fuse comprises a narrowed part with a second width smaller than the first width and the contact width and with a second section ranging from 20% to 50% of the first section.

A typical fuse is composed of two electric contacts, with a fuse element disposed therebetween and a casing made of an insulating material and adapted to house the fuse element and the connecting ends of the electric contacts to the fuse element.
When one of the electric contacts receives a current value exceeding a preset fusing current threshold, the fuse element melts and stops power supply to the power consuming unit connected to the other electric contact, thereby protecting it from current peaks.
Nevertheless, prior art fuses have an unsatisfactory operation at high overcurrent values, i.e. of the order of 8-10 times the rated current of the fuse.
Prior art fuses are disclosed, for instance in WO 03/075298, DE 10 2008 036672 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,490.
Particularly, at low overcurrent values, i.e. of the order of 1.35-6 times the rated current of the fuse, such fuses have melting times that remain within the maximum and minimum limits set by ISO standards. However, at high overcurrent values, i.e. of the order of 8-10 times the rated current of the fuse, they have an asymptotic behavior that does not ensure low operation times. In other words, at values of the order of 8-10 times the rated current of the fuse, the operation times, i.e. the melting times, remain substantially constant.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have fuses that can ensure low melting times both at low overcurrent values and at high overcurrent values, and particularly melting times that continuously decrease as overcurrent values increase.


A switch apparatus for a remote boot sequence of a network device is disclosed. The network device may comprise a processor and a network control circuit. The switch apparatus may comprise a first storage element for storing a first boot code, a second storage element for storing a second boot code, and a detect and switch circuit electrically connected to the network control circuit. The detect and switch circuit may selectively connect to one of the first storage element and the second storage element in response to whether there is a detected signal of a pluggable unit inserted into said network device, so that the processor executes the remote boot sequence in accordance with the boot code stored in the selected storage element.

In this blooming internet era, network computer systems, such as servers, are widely used. Via server management technology, the data and information thereof are properly collected and managed.
Remote control is an important issue of server management technology. The server is remotely controlled via the internet, and consequently cost is lowered and performance is improved. In response to various needs and environments, several remote server management technologies have been developed, such as the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) standard, the MII (Medium Independent Interface) standard, and the RMII (Reduced Media Independent Interface) standard. In fact, in remote server management technology, under various environments, the processes and contents thereof are distinct.
A blade server is a fast developing server architecture that has been developed to bundle server components into a compact operating unit. A blade server may be a high-density, rack-mounted packaging architecture for servers that provides input/output (I/O), systems management, and power to individual blades. For example, the blade server IBM BladeCenter™ provides advanced system management functions, such as Advanced Management Module (AMM) and Baseboard Management Controller (BMC). These functions are suitable for remote control technology.
AMM allows a user to simultaneously control a plurality of blades within the cabinet of the blade server. A cKVM I/O card (i.e., concurrent keyboard, video, and mouse input/output card) is used to simulate the keyboard, the mouse, and the storage (e.g., FDD and HDD). When a cKVM I/O card is installed in the blade server by a user, the user then may have the ability to remotely control the blades in the cabinet.
Generally, the boot code for a remote boot process of a blade depends on whether the cKVM I/O card is installed. For example, an IPMI boot code is usually used when the cKVM I/O card is not installed. On the other hand, when the cKVM I/O card is installed, other boot code, such as an UMP (Universal Management Port) code, may be used.
In the field of blade server technology, some solutions have been developed in the state of the art. For example, one solution is to give up cKVM I/O card support and remote control functionality. Although such solution may effectively control the manufacturing cost, the function of supporting cKVM I/O is lost. The other solution is to have the manufacturer refresh the boot code to be UMP code when the cKVM I/O card is installed. Such solution may control the manufacturing cost, and the cKVM I/O card may be well supported. However, to the manufacturers, the manufacturing process and the arrangement of the user required by such solution are relatively complicated.

Switch apparatus for a remote boot sequence of a network device

International Business Machines Corporation


A combustor structure is described which comprises a cavity defined in the combustor for trapping a vortex of fuel, air and hot combustion products to stabilize the flame, the cavity being formed in any suitable way such as being defined between two or more bluff bodies in tandem, or in a wall of the combustor, or in the combustor liner, and wherein fuel and air are injected directly into the fuel/air recirculation zone defined by the trapped vortex.

The present invention relates generally to combustor structures, and more particularly to an improved structure for flame stabilization within a combustor.
Existing combustor and commercial burners generally use recirculating flows to stabilize the flame. Recirculation zones provide regions of low velocity fluid where burning can occur, and provide mixing of fuel, air and hot products and a continuous ignition source that sustains the flame by transporting the hot mixture back towards the face of the combustor. Swirl, bluff bodies and rearward facing steps, or combination of these, are commonly used to create recirculation zones. Swirl is used in most practical combustors and burners. However, swirling flames have undesirably narrow stable operating ranges, and in some applications are long, all a result of aerodynamic instabilities of the recirculation zone and poor fuel and air mixing. Bluff bodies and rearward facing steps are also used to create recirculation zones that promote flame holding in much the same way as swirl stabilized flames. However, recirculation zones behind bluff bodies and rearward facing steps are less stable and have longer flame lengths than those established using swirl. Also, recirculation zones established by bluff bodies or rearward facing steps do not entrain a large quantity of free stream fluid and have a minimal impact on mixing. As a result of these problems, use of bluff bodies and rearward facing steps for flame stabilization is limited to high speed premixed combustion systems such as ramjets and gas turbine engine afterburners.
The invention solves or substantially reduces in critical importance problems with prior state-of-the-art combustor structures by providing a flame stabilizing structure comprising two or more bluff bodies in tandem or otherwise defining a cavity within which a trapped vortex defines a stable recirculation zone, with fuel and air injection directly into the recirculation zone, to sustain the flame. The invention provides flame stabilization within wide ranges of fuel and air flow conditions not achievable within previously existing structures. The invention further provides a simple and compact structure within which the fuel to air ratio may be controlled in the trapped vortex independently of the incoming air and fuel flow rates, which feature provides active combustion control and stable combustion with high efficiency and low exhaust pollutants over a wider range of operating conditions than are achievable in conventional combustor structures.
It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide a simple, compact and low cost flame stabilizing structure for a combustor that allows stable operation over a wide range of fuel and air flow conditions with low lean blow-out limits, good relight capabilities and low specific fuel consumption.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an efficient, low pressure drop, low polluting flame stabilization structure for a combustor.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved flame stabilizing combustion source structure for gas turbine combustors, afterburners, ramjet combustors, flight line heaters, commercial boilers, furnaces, waste incinerators, and the like.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent as a detailed description of representative embodiments proceeds.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


A method for the power-saving control of a receiving device 1, in particular for an access control system for an automobile, is disclosed wherein in an inquiry mode it is determined in response to a control signal Sa whether a receive signal Sr to be processed is supplied by a receiver unit 7 of the receiving device 1 to a controller 3 of the receiving device 1. The receiver unit 7 and the controller 3 are, in response to the control signal Sa, simultaneously switched from a power-saving sleep mode in each case to an active mode in each case.

In the case of access control systems such as those used, for example, in automotive engineering, it is necessary to design the systems in such a way that their power consumption is as low as possible. This applies both to a battery-operated mobile key which is carried by the driver and to the base station located in the automobile which is powered by the automobile's battery. The aforesaid components of an access control system generally have a microprocessor or controller. In order to save energy, such controllers are characterized in that they can be set to optionally different power-saving modes, in particular to a power-saving sleep mode in which even the clock unit of the controller is switched off (stop mode), and a quasi sleep mode in which, while the clock unit remains active, other internal and optionally external components of the controller are switched off or are run at low speed (low clock frequency) (pseudo stop mode).
Various systems in which this power-saving facility of controllers is used are known, for example, from patent application nos. DE-A-199 39 365 and WO-A-93/25987.
In order to save energy, it is also known for use to be made of a combination of a more powerful main controller having a correspondingly high power input in active mode and a less powerful pre-controller having a relatively low power input in active mode. The pre-controller is in this case kept constantly in active mode or pseudo stop mode so that it can perform any functions to be handled without any substantial time delay. For example, it is necessary in certain access control systems for the base station in the automobile to check periodically whether a mobile key has been activated in the area around the vehicle and whether in response to this transmit signal the vehicle's locking must be cancelled. To do this, the pre-controller can periodically activate the receiving unit of the base station, for example by applying the power supply voltage, and after waiting for the activation period (settling of filters, amplifiers and such like), sample the signal supplied by the receiving unit. If the pre-controller detects a received signal which has to be evaluated, for example regarding access authorization, then it can activate the main controller. The main controller, which is normally found in stop mode, has to be woken up for this purpose by means of an appropriate signal.
A base station of this type has the advantage, compared with a base station having only one correspondingly powerful main controller, of having a lower overall (mean) power input and a lower mean current input.
However, a disadvantage in a base station fashioned in this way is the relatively long response time, which is made up of the activation time in respect of the receiving unit and the activation time in respect of the main controller. Furthermore, the pre-controller means that there is an additional circuit-engineering outlay.

Method for the power-saving control of a receiving device, in particular for an access control system for an automobile, and a corresponding receiving device


An apparatus includes an XY scanning mechanism, a first transducer configured to transmit a sound wave, a second transducer configured to receive the sound wave, and a tray configured to hold a material. The tray is coupled to the XY scanning mechanism and located beneath the first transducer and the second transducer is located on a bottom side of the tray below the material. The tray is moved in an XY pattern along an X axis and a Y axis in response to an XY scanning mechanism controller mechanically moving the XY scanning mechanism while the first transducer is positioned in a stationary location along a vertical axis perpendicular to the tray. The first transducer transmits sound waves into the material and the second transmitter receives the transmitted sound waves at each XY position.

Ultrasound is a valuable method for inspecting opaque materials for hidden flaws and defects, such as cracks and pores; for characterizing the physical properties of a material, such as the bulk and shear modulus; and for characterizing the microscopic structure (microstructure) of a material, such as found in particulate, laminate, or fiber-reinforced composites. High-frequency ultrasound (10-100 MHz) is particularly sensitive to microstructural features on the micrometer-size scale. These attributes of ultrasound make it useful not only for the nondestructive testing of manufactured materials, but also for inspecting food and other agricultural products, ensuring the integrity of civil engineering structures, and for diagnostic testing in medicine.

Compact immersion scanning system for high-frequency sound waves


The method is for separation of lignin from original black liquor (BLIN) having the following phases in sequence; a first precipitation phase (PR1) for precipitation of lignin by a first acidification of the original black liquor by adding a first acid or mixture of acids (G1a); followed by a second precipitation phase (PR2) for precipitation of lignin by a further acidification of the original black liquor by adding a second acid or mixture of acids (G1b). The first phase is implemented to lower the pH while avoiding any larger amount of precipitation, i.e. less than 2-5%, while the second phase is implemented in order to obtain the larger part of the precipitation. In total is 40-70% of the total lignin content of the original black liquor precipitated while the residual black liquor after precipitation is still strongly alkaline.

The advantages with lignin separation from black liquor is already described in WO 2006/031175 and WO2006/038863. These patents disclose the novel process LignoBoost™ that is now sold by Metso, and wherein WO 2006/031175 discloses the basic two stage acidic wash process and WO2006/038863 disclose an improvement of the process where sulphate or sulphate ions are added to the process.
An important aspect of the process is that the required charge of chemicals for the acidification may be high. If this is the case the cost of fresh chemicals is a large part of the operational cost and the commercial viability of the process is lower. These problems could be reduced, if the process is optimized for minimum requirement for charges of fresh chemicals, making the lignin product commercially sound. Acidifiers in form of mill generated waste flows are thus preferable as it may solve a waste disposal problem and lessen environmental impact. As the precipitation of lignin requires acidification of alkaline black liquor flows, much of the total amount of acidifier is used to decrease the pH level down to the point of where lignin starts to precipitate. The first phase reaching this pH level typically reduce the pH level from about pH 13 in the original black liquor down to a pH level about 11.5, and normally do not involve any nucleation of lignin particles. The amount of acidifier needed is nevertheless relatively high for this first phase as the pH follows a logarithmic scale, and any following additional lowering of pH from 11.5 requires far less acidifier for the same order of lowered absolute pH value.
The Lignoboost process produce a lignin product which if used as fuel is classified as a "green" fuel as being based upon recovered fuel. The idea with classification of "green" fuels is based upon the concept not to increase the carbon dioxide footprint, i.e. the emissions, by burning fossil fuels. The most promising acids for this process is carbon dioxide for at least initial precipitation of the lignin, and then using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for washing and leaching out metals from the lignin. The sulfuric acid could be added as a fresh sulfuric acid from a chemical supplier, or as preferred using so called "spent acid" from a chlorine dioxide generator often used at a pulp mill. The latter usage of this spent acid already at hand in most mill sites further emphasize that the lignin product is considered as a "green" fuel.
Another problem with the process disclosed in WO 2006/031175 is that there may be a disposal problem with the strongly odorous H2S gases that are emitted from the reslurrying tank and bled out from the process, and it is suggested that these hydrogen sulfides could be added to the pulping process in order to increase sulfidity and possibly increase the yield in the pulping process. However, such rerouting of the strongly odorous H2S gases to another part of the pulp mill introduces risks for emissions of these gases during transport and storage. It is far better to use these gases at the location or process producing these gases.
As the chemical constitution of the original black liquor may change during operation, typically due to changes in the pulping process as of changes in wood material used or cooking conditions, the first precipitation process for precipitating lignin particles from the original black liquor may need adaption to the present conditions. As differing requirements apply for the first precipitation phase, where mainly lowering of pH is the objective, and the second precipitation phase, where lignin starts to precipitate it will be difficult to design a system that meets both these requirements.
The invention is based upon the finding that the precipitation process should be divided into at least two distinctive phases, each adapted for the present phase in the precipitation phase and having its own supply of acidifier.
Thus, the invention is related to a method for separation of lignin from original black liquor having a first pH value, comprising the following phases in sequence:
a first precipitation phase wherein a first acidifier charge is added to the original black liquor in order to decrease the pH value of the original black liquor to a second pH level whereby less than 10% of the total lignin content is precipitated and preferably as small nucleus particles, said second pH level being at least 1 pH unit below that of the first pH value,a second precipitation phase wherein a second acidifier charge is added to the acidified original black liquor from the first precipitation phase in order to decrease the pH value to a third pH level whereby more than 20% of the total lignin content is additionally precipitated and preferably as growth of nucleus particles formed in the first precipitation phase and growth of nucleus particles precipitated in the second precipitation phase, said third pH level being at least 0.1 pH units below that of the second pH value,followed by a separation phase wherein the precipitated lignin is separated from the remaining liquid phase of the acidified original black liquor.
By this method could precipitation be adapted for each individual phase with its individual charge of acidifier, charged in order to meet the objective of each phase.
Preferably is at least 30% of the total lignin content in original black liquor (BLIN) precipitated in total after the second precipitation phase, and that the pH level of the acidified original black liquor is still alkaline, i.e. has a pH level above 7.0 and preferably above 10, after the second precipitation phase. By this embodiment could a part of the total lignin content, typically about 50%, be extracted from the original black liquor, still keeping a part of the heat value of the treated black liquor for any subsequent combustion in a recovery boiler, and the remaining liquid part of the original black liquor could be mixed back into the major part of the original black liquor not causing any problems associated with mixing of acidic waste flows to black liquor.
According to one preferred embodiment is also at least one of the first or second acidifier charges comprising acidifying gas. I.e. liquid acidifier could also be used, but acidic waste gases are often available at a pulp mill and a potential environmental pollution if not destructed in expensive waste gas cleaning systems. It is thus preferable to use these gases as acidifiers in the inventive method. Preferably the acidifying gas is rich in carbon dioxide, and may have its origin from flue gases vented from a lime kiln which naturally contains large amounts of carbon dioxide.
As the inventive method includes at least two distinct phases using acidifying gas charged could at least a part of the flow path of the first acidifying gas led through the first precipitation phase have a random flow path constantly changing flow direction at no straight flow path longer than 5 centimeter, preferably less than 1 centimeter, said flow path created by random packing of filling bodies in said flow path. Such a routing of the gases through the flow of black liquor increase the dissolving capacity of the acidifying gas and hence obtain a same pH in said phase with less charge of acidifier gas or lower pH with similar charge. The filling bodies used could preferably be of a type similar to Rachig-rings normally used in gas contacting columns or filters, or other shape of irregular filling bodies.
In a further embodiment could also at least a part of the flow path of the original black liquor from the first precipitation phase led through the second precipitation phase have an open flow path allowing a straight flow path longer than 5 centimeter, with flow restrictions allowing precipitated lignin to move with the flow of the black liquor with a flow deflection of the precipitated lignin being less than 80 degrees in relation to the general flow direction of the black liquor through the second precipitation phase, hence allowing any precipitated lignin particles flow with at least one flow vector being parallel to the general flow. By this design could be avoided that precipitated lignin may block the flow path of the black liquor and totally stop the process.
In yet a further embodiment of the inventive method using acidifier gas is the original black liquor flowing downwards in the first precipitation phase wherein a first acidifier gas is led countercurrent to flow of original black liquor. This embodiment may enable longer retention time of the acidifier in the flow of black liquor, and increase the dissolving capacity of the acidifying gas.
As an alternative embodiment of the inventive method is the original black liquor flowing upwards in the first precipitation phase wherein a first acidifier gas is led concurrent with flow of original black liquor. This may be preferable if a lower concentration of acidifier gas is needed in the position where precipitation of lignin nucleus particle may start, as high concentration of acidifier gas may result in excessive formation of small nucleus particles instead of lignin particle growth.
Most of the acidifier needed for acidification and precipitation of the lignin from the black liquor could be obtained from flue gases vented from a lime kiln at the mill site. Typically the content of carbon dioxide in these flues gases is well above 25%. By using these flue gases for acidification and precipitation would emissions from the lime kiln in aspects of carbon dioxide be reduced significantly, and no fresh carbon dioxide needs to be added to the Lignoboost process. Only by using the flue gases from the lime kiln could the pH of the black liquor be lowered by 1.5 to 2.5 units, i.e. from an original pH level above pH 13 down to a pH level in the order of 11.5, thus only initiating a smaller first precipitate fraction of lignin from the original black liquor mostly containing small lignin nucleus particles
In yet a preferred embodiment of the inventive method is at least a part of the flue gases vented from the lime kiln first used for dewatering the lignin cake before being used as acidifier in the first precipitation phase. This improves the dewatering of the lignin product as well as takes care of any environmental problems with dust emissions from the dewatering phase. The dust would then be brought into the precipitation phase and collected in the lignin product precipitated.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention are also further carbon dioxide and H2S gases emitted from second acidification phase in the Lignoboost process re circulated and mixed with the original black liquor in the first precipitation phase. By using this re-circulation could almost the entire need for added acidifier in the precipitation phase be fulfilled by using only lime kiln flue gases and internal gases from the process. If the Lignoboost process is implemented to precipitate lignin from a semi-evaporated original black liquor having a concentration of solids of about 42%, could as much as 9.6 ton of lignin per hour be precipitated from a black liquor flow of about 103 m3/h.
The H2S gases that are emitted from the reslurrying tank in the Lignoboost process contain a large amount of residual carbon dioxide, CO2. By re-circulating this H2S and CO2 rich gas back to the first acidification phase a corresponding reduction of addition of the fresh carbon dioxide is obtained. Only by using the flue gases from the lime kiln in a first phase could the pH of the black liquor be lowered by 1.5 to 2.5 units, i.e. from an original pH level above pH 13 down to a pH level in the order of 11.5, thus initiating a first precipitate fraction of lignin from the original black liquor, and re circulation of the H2S gases emitted from second acidification phase to the precipitation phase could lower the pH further down from 11.5 down to a pH level in the order of 11.2, thus initiating a second larger precipitate fraction of lignin from the original black liquor.
As indicated above could the precipitation stage be implemented in first and second phases which either could be implemented in one and the same vessel or in two separate vessels. When the precipitation stage comprises two separate precipitation phases, treating the original black liquor in series, could at least a part of the gases rich in carbon dioxide and having its origin from flue gases vented from a lime kiln be added to the first phase of the first precipitation stage. As the lime kiln flue gases comes in great volumes could this absorption process for the carbon dioxide content be optimized for these large gas volumes.
If the precipitation stage comprises two separate precipitation phases, then the waste gases emitted from the second acidification stage could be re circulated and mixed with the original black liquor in the second phase of the first precipitation stage.
The carbon dioxide formed in the reslurrying tank, originates from the sulphides and carbonates content in the lignin cake. These compounds react with the acidifier and forms carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), according to:CO32−+2H+<->CO2+H2OHCO3−+H+<->CO2+H2OS2−+2H+<->H2SHS−+H+<->H2S
The formation of carbon dioxide in this process enables a further source for carbon dioxide needed for the first acidification phase, and the hydrogen sulfide is also a net contributor to the acidification as the pKa value of hydrogen sulfide is 6.89.
In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive method are the flue gases vented from a lime kiln first used for dewatering the lignin cake or lignin product in at least one of the first, second and/or third dewatering stages before being used as acidifier in the precipitation stage. This usage of the hot flue gases as means for dewatering the lignin cake or lignin product could in one or several positions of the Lignoboost process be implemented in parallel or preferably in series by sending the flue gases countercurrent to the lignin flow through the process.
In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive method is the entire process, from the second acidification stage, i.e. excluding the first precipitation stage which is kept alkaline, and until obtaining the final lignin product, kept at acidic conditions below pH 6. Preferably the entire process from the second acidification stage is kept at acidic conditions even below pH 4. The pH level throughout the process is most preferred at a pH from 1 to 3.5. This would prevent any separated lignin from being dissolved again, and the precipitated lignin would be subjected to repeat leaching of metals and other unwanted components, meeting the objectives of obtaining a clean lignin product at high yield.
The inventive method may also include the additional steps of combining the pH level adjustment with an adjustment of the ion strength, preferably by using alkali metal ions or alkaline earth metal ions, most preferred calcium ions.
It is intended throughout the present description that the expression "dewatering" embraces any means of dewatering. Preferably the dewatering is performed by using centrifugation, a filter press apparatus, a band filter, a rotary filter, such as a drum filter, or a sedimentation tank, or similar equipment, most preferred a filter press apparatus is used.
It is intended throughout the present description that the expression "original black liquor" embraces spent cooking liquor from a digester, having most of the lignin from the original cellulose material dissolved in the "original black liquor". The "original black liquor" may also have a large content of organic and inorganic material, but may also have passed through separation processes for extracting turpentine or other specific constituents, while keeping the bulk volume of dissolved lignin unaltered.
It is intended throughout the present description that the expression "lime kiln" embraces the conversion plant in the recovery island where the calcium carbonate in the lime mud obtained in the recaustizising plant is calcined to calcium oxide and reused in the lime cycle.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for lignin separation from black liquor having multiple acidification steps


Aspects of the invention relate to methods and assemblies for improving the efficiency of a turbine engine through active management of blade tip clearances. In some designs, a portion of compressor exit air is routed to the rotor and discs of the turbine section. Aspects of the invention relate to treating the compressor exit air in light of the operating conditions of the engine. For instance, under base load or substantially steady state operation, a portion of compressor exit air can be routed to the rotor and discs without reducing the temperature of the compressor exit air. In such case, blade tip clearances will reduce, allowing for improved engine efficiency. Under part load or substantially transient operating conditions, a portion of compressor exit air can be cooled before it is supplied to the rotor and discs. As a result, the blade tip clearances increase, minimizing concerns of blade tip rubbing. Routing of the compressor exit air for cooling and bypass can be controlled by a valve.

Turbine engines commonly operate at efficiencies ranging from about 30% to about 40%. The operational efficiency is less than the theoretical maximum because of losses that occur in the flow path. One of the major flow path losses is due to the leakage of hot combustion gases across the tips of the turbine blades. In particular, the leakage occurs across a space between the tips of the rotating turbine blades and the surrounding stationary structure such as the ring segments. This spacing is often referred to as the blade tip clearance.
Blade tip clearances cannot be eliminated because, during transient conditions such as during engine startup or part load operation, the rotating parts (blades, rotor, and discs) and stationary parts (outer casing, blade rings, and ring segments) thermally expand at different rates. As a result, blade tip clearances can actually decrease during engine startup until steady state operation is achieved at which point the clearances can increase, thereby reducing the efficiency of the engine. Thus, there is a need for controlling blade tip clearances in order to maximize the efficiency of a turbine engine.


A method and apparatus for ensuring a user to change a filter dryer of a refrigerant recovery unit having a refrigerant determining module that is configured to determine a condition of the refrigerant or an amount of refrigerant that has passed through the filter dryer, or a condition of the filter dryer, an alert device that notifies the user to change the filter dryer in response to the condition, a pressure module that regulates the pressure in the filter dryer, and a pressure-sensing device that is configured to detect a change of pressure in response to filter dryer maintenance. The refrigerant recovery unit is disabled from recovering refrigerant when the refrigerant determining module determines that the filter dryer needs to be replaced, and it is activated in response to the change of pressure detected by the pressure-sensing device.

Filter dryers in refrigerant recovery units are used to trap acid, moisture, or particulates as the refrigerant passes through the filter dryers. These filter dryers, typically, have a maximum capacity to trap these contaminants. In order for the refrigerant recovery unit to function properly, these filter dryers need to be replaced periodically to ensure the refrigerant is cleaned upon the recovery/recycle process. Otherwise, continued use of the saturated filter dryers can be damaging to the air conditioning system.
Currently, a user is prompted to change the filter dryer when a predetermined amount of refrigerant has passed through the filter dryer, such as one-hundred and fifty pounds. However, the user may simply ignore the notification by pushing a button indicating that he has changed the filter dryer and continues to use the expired filter dryer for the recovery/recycle process. Furthermore, the counter will reset to zero and the notification will not be activated until another one-hundred and fifty pounds of refrigerant has passed through the filter dryer. Thus, the refrigerant passing through the filter dryer will not be cleaned properly upon the recovery/recycle process.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus to ensure that a user performs filter dryer maintenance for a refrigerant recovery unit when the filter dryer needs to be replaced.

Method and apparatus for refrigerant recovery unit filter dryer maintenance


A retaining clamp for cooling fins comprises a L-shaped retaining lever, a resilient component, and a detachable lever. The L-shaped retaining lever is an elongated lever provides a fixing component at the bottom thereof. An end of the L-shaped retaining lever extends a vertical bent part with a locking hook, and the other end thereof is a narrow hanging part. The resilient component is disposed beneath the L-shaped retaining lever and fixed by the fixing component. The detachable lever has an end thereof extend a handle, and has the other end thereof provide a hook. A hanging groove is on the detachable lever between two ends thereof for being passed through by the hanging part on the L-shaped retaining lever. No flexibility is necessary for the L-shaped retaining lever so that no heat treatment is required and it does not result in deformation. The resilient component can have a changeable height to accommodate cooling fins indifferent sizes. An unbalancing force may not generate resulting from vibration so that loosening can be avoided. The retaining clamp of the present invention can be set up and detached much more easily.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a retaining clamp for cooling fins, and particularly to an improved retainer clamp adaptable for fixing cooling fins in different sizes firmly.
2. Description of Related Art
Presently, it is known that the computer is one of required equipment for an individual or a company and it is much emphasized by the user that if the running speed of computer is fast or not. However, the central processing unit (CPU), the printer, and chips for the computer having a high executing speed may result in a problem of overheat to damage the CPU, chips and etc. in the computer. In order to reduce the temperature of the CPU effectively, extruded aluminum cooling fins with fan have been provided on the CPU to dissipate the generated heat. Nevertheless, the executing speed of the CPU is getting higher to result in an increasing rotation speed of fan correspondingly. In order to mount and detach the extruded aluminum cooling fins with fan conveniently and to allow the fan running steadily, a way has been done that the CPU is coated with adhesive to fix the cooling fins with fan. Another way is that a retainer is utilized to hook the cooling fins firmly over the bearing base for the CPU. A conventional retainer as shown in FIG. 1 or 2 basically is a L-shaped retaining lever 10xe2x80x2 made of bent elastic steel. The L-shaped lever 10xe2x80x2 includes an elongated lever part 11xe2x80x2, and a vertical lever part 12xe2x80x2 extending from an end of the elongated lever 11xe2x80x2. The vertical lever 12xe2x80x2 has a locking hook end 13xe2x80x2 and the other end of elongated lever 11xe2x80x2 connects a hook 32xe2x80x2. The middle part of the elongated lever part 11xe2x80x2 has a downward bend. Because the L-shaped lever 10xe2x80x2 is made of elastic bent steel, there are following shortcomings in spite of being able to fasten the cooling fins to the bearing base of CPU:
(1) The main body of conventional retainer is made of elastic material and it may result in distortion during heat treatment.
(2) Because of falling down to the floor or being impacted, the shock caused may result in a co-vibration force due to up and down and left and right oscillations such that the retainer occurs a phenomenon of loosening.
(3) The cooling fins provide different sizes to accommodate different models of CPU specifications. In order to meet different requirements in size, it is necessary for the conventional retainer being made in different sizes such that the production cost including the mold tool becomes much higher.
The retaining clamp for cooling fins according to the present invention resides in that a fixing part is provided on an non-elastic L-shaped retaining lever to hold a resilient piece instead of the conventional elastic L-shaped retaining lever. Thus, an unbalanced distortion of L-shaped retaining lever may avoid during being processed by way of heat treatment. In addition, the resilient piece can be changed in height to accommodate different sizes of cooling fins. Hence, the retainer of the present invention is unable to be loosened while an up and down co-vibration is caused due to impact. Meanwhile, the retainer clamp of the present invention is set up and detached easily and effectively.
An object of the present invention is to provide a retainer clamp for cooling fins, in which a fixing part is arranged on an elongated lever part of L-shaped retaining lever to hold a resilient piece with a V-shaped tip for being biased to press against the cooling fins by way of a detachable lever with a hook part and a locking hook on the L-shaped retaining lever engaging with the bearing base of the CPU. Because the L-shaped retaining lever does not provides elastic force, the iron sheet (SPC), the galvanized steel sheet (SECC), the stainless steel (SUS304) or the fiber reinforced plastics can be utilized as the material thereof, it has no the defect of unbalanced distortion as the elastic material adopted by the prior art does while the heat treatment is processed. Furthermore, due to the L-shaped retaining lever being made of non-elastic material, the vibration resulting from falling down to the floor or impact only makes the resilient piece generate an oscillation force moving up and down without any co-vibration forces moving left and right as the prior art does. Hence, the retaining clamp for cooling fins does not loosen easily.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a retaining clamp for cooling fins, in which the resilient piece has its V-shaped tip pressing against the cooling fins to concentrate the pressing force at the central pressing point thereof and the distance between the resilient piece and the cooling fins can be controlled easily. Hence, only the resilient piece such as leaf spring or spring requires to be replaced and it is not necessary to replace the entire retaining clamp. Thus, the extra production cost including the expense of mold tool for making the retaining clamp may be saved tremendously.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a retaining clamp for cooling fins, a detachable lever with hook part is arranged to engage with the bearing base of CPU and detachably fits with a hanging part on the L-shaped lever. Furthermore, a handle part is on the detachable lever such that the detachable lever can be mounted to and detached from the L-shaped lever much more easily.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a retaining clamp for cooling fins, in which the L-shaped retaining lever at both lateral sides thereof is formed a reinforced rib respectively to strengthen the L-shaped retaining lever and the resilient piece.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a retaining clamp for cooling fins, in which reinforced ribs at the hanging part on the L-shaped lever has a chamfer respectively and a raised point is on the hanging part corresponding to a projection part surrounded by a fitting groove on the detachable lever. Hence, the detachable lever can be attached to and detached from the L-shaped retaining lever much more easily.


A system for high-speed access and recording includes a demodulator, a buffer memory, and a hard disk. During a write cycle, a content stream is stored in buffer memory and thereafter transferred to the demodulator. When the buffer memory reaches its storage capacity, its contents are transferred to the hard disk for storage. During a read cycle, contents from the hard disk are read and then stored in the buffer memory. The hard disk further includes includes a high-speed zone and a random-access zone, which are configured to operate in a high-speed mode, a random-access mode, and a buffer-cleaning mode.

The present invention relates generally to storage systems, and more particularly to method and circuitry for implementing multi-stream high-speed data access and recording in a storage system.
FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a conventional hard disk. A controller 102 moves a disk head 104 across the surface of a hard disk 106. The hard disk 106 is divided into annular tracks 108. Each track 108 is divided into contiguous sectors 110. Each track 108 can hold a large number of sectors 110. In a conventional construction, one sector 110 typically holds five hundred and twelve (512) bytes of data. Hard disks holding twenty (20) or more Gbits are common. Different types of data or content program information can be stored on a hard disk including, for example, audio, video, data, etc. A content program, such as a movie of DVD quality, is generally made up of one or more files. Each file is further broken into byte groups. Each byte group is stored in a sector.
FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram showing memory allocation of a conventional hard disk file system. During write cycles, sectors 110 are randomly accessed depending on which sectors are available. Available sectors are randomly located around the hard disk. Sectors 110 of FIG. 2 are further characterized as available blocks 112 and filled blocks 114. As shown in FIG. 2, the available blocks 112 and the filled blocks 114 are not necessarily stored in a contiguous manner, i.e., some filled blocks 114 may be situated between available blocks 112 and vice versa.
Conventional random allocation of sectors is typically preferred because such allocation enables a hard disk to be used to its full capacity. During a write cycle, each byte group is placed into an available or target sector. The available sector can come from any location on the hard disk. Sectors from any part of the hard disk can become available, and thereafter are subject to being rewritten. Before a byte group is placed into the target sector, the disk head (not shown) must first identify and then move to the target sector. While the positioning of the disk head over the target sector might require long head movements, this approach utilizes the hard disk to its fullest capacity. Once the disk head is positioned over the target sector, the actual writing of the byte group to that target sector can be very fast, e.g., greater than fifty (50) MB/sec. The time it takes for the disk head to position over the target sector, however, can take a relatively substantial amount of time, e.g., 10-40 msec. This is because the available sectors for writing are randomly located on the hard disk. Consequently, the available sectors need to be initially identified or searched which adds to the access time in both write and read cycles.
Due to the need to search for the available sectors, access times may vary depending on how far the disk head must travel across the hard disk. For example, if the disk head must travel from one sector to another and both sectors are in relatively close proximity, the access time might be relatively fast, e.g., 10 ms. If, however, the disk head is originally positioned towards the outer edge of the hard disk and must then travel towards the center of the hard disk, then the access time can be relatively slow, e.g., 40 ms. Thus, the range of access times may also vary depending on the size of the hard disk, and will likely increase with larger hard disks.
Furthermore, excessively long access time may cause loss of data when read and write cycles are alternated. Due to multi-tasking, a conventional system almost always has to alternate between read and write cycles. Alternating between read and write cycles can occur in a number of different situations including, for example, when a user who is recording and viewing a content program, such as a movie, stops viewing the movie temporarily and returns to viewing from where the user left off. Recording of the movie, however, continues despite the temporary viewing stoppage. In this situation, since there is only one disk head in the system, the disk head has to be moved around alternately to retrieve the next block of data for display to the user and then search for the next available sectors for storing data on the hard disk. If the access time for the read cycle becomes intolerably long, then the resulting disruption in the viewing of the movie may become noticeable to the user. Likewise, if the access time for the write cycle is too slow, information can be lost because the disk head may stop writing in order to initiate the next read cycle to read data that is needed for display to the user.
A number of statistical models have been used to measure the average fallout of conventional systems, i.e., the amount of information lost. The average fallout increases when multiple streams of information are received. For example, two tuners might be employed to receive two information streams from two different sources. In this situation, the disk head may be limited by its own speed and may not be able to handle write cycles in a sufficiently fast manner to allow both information streams to be recorded.
Hence, it would be desirable to provide a storage system that is able to handle multi-stream data access and recording in a more efficient manner so as to improve system performance and minimize loss of data.

Multi-stream access scheme for high speed access and recording using a hard disk drive


The disclosed optionally lighted fishing pole has a portable source of light held relative to the pole proximate its handle, with a operable on-off switch. A continuous light-transmitting element is extended axially along the pole body from the handle toward the pole tip. The light source has reflective and lens structures directing light axially into the light-transmitting element proximate the handle for transmission along the length of the element and illumination of the exterior circumferential surface of the element. The illuminated exterior circumferential surface of the lighted light-transmitting element is visible from lateral proximity of the fishing pole, for improved fishing during darkness. The light-transmitting element can be mounted externally of the pole body, or internally of a hollow pole body that is also formed of transparent or translucent material.

Recreational sport fishing is now being enjoyed by millions throughout the world, with equipment frequently including a fishing pole or rod, and a hook, line and sinker, etc. manipulated by the pole. However, fishing with such equipment at night can present a challenge, since the available light might be inadequate to provide pole visibility, possibly allowing then the pole to be damaged by accidentally sitting or standing on it, or the pole to be moved to strike and damage or injure nearby things or people.
Several different approaches have been used in an effort to overcome or compensate for this lack of pole visibility, including accessories mounted on the pole at selected locations and operated when activated to yield either an audible or visual signal. Thus, a bell can be clipped onto the pole to audibly sound upon pole movement for yielding some indications of its location; however a bell yields no signal when the pole is stationary. Also, phosphorescent module accessories containing reactive chemicals can be activated by mixing the chemicals and then clipped onto a fishing pole where appropriate, to yield a visual signal, but such benefits are short lived, quite local and expensive.


A surface for use in color key composite imaging comprises a substrate including a plurality of ridges running parallel to an axis. The ridges each include a color key face disposed at an angle to the plane of the substrate. The angle is preferably greater than about 45.degree.. The color key faces are finished in a selected keying color.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to imaging techniques for creating composite images. More particularly, the present invention relates to color key composite images, sometimes referred to as "blue screen " images, and to surfaces and stages for creating such images.
2. The Prior Art
Color key composite imaging techniques, often referred to as "blue screen" imaging techniques are known in the prior art for creating composite images. A subject is photographed in front of an evenly lit, bright, pure color (usually blue) background. The compositing process, whether photographic or electronic, replaces all the background color in the scene with another image, sometimes referred to as the background plate.
Blue screen composite images can be produced optically, electronically, and digitally. Until very recently all blue screen compositing for films have been done optically and all television composites have been done using analog real-time circuits.
Another term for Blue Screen is Chroma-Key. Chroma-Key is a television process only. The Chroma Key process is based on the Luminance key in which everything in the image having a brightness greater or lesser than a set brightness level is "keyed" out and is replaced by either another image, or a color from a color generator. Luminance key techniques are often used to create titles. A title card having white printing on a black background is prepared and placed in front of a camera. The camera signal is provided to a foreground input on the Luminance keyer. The background video is also fed into the keyer. The keyer is adjusted to cause all the black on the title card to be replaced by the background video over which the white letters appear.
Luminance keying has proved to be satisfactory for displaying titles in composite images, but has not proved to be satisfactory for producing live action composites because people and other live action subjects comprise a wide range of color tones. Certain portions of the live action subject may be very dark, while other portions of live action subjects can approach 100% white, which tends to provide false keying.
Chroma Key creates keys on just one color channel. Broadcast cameras use three independent sensors, one for each color, Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B). Most modem television cameras output RGB signals separately from a Composite video signal. The original chroma key was probably created by feeding the blue (B) output of a television camera into a keyer. Dedicated chromakeyers are now available which accept all three RGB colors, plus the background composite signal and the foreground composite signal. It is thus now possible to select any color for the key and fine tune the selection of the color. As keyers have become more sophisticated, provision has been made for finer control of the transition between background and foreground. The resulting visual effect is more subtle than that of earlier keyers.
Red, green and blue channels have all been used, but blue has been favored for several reasons. Blue is complementary to flesh tone colors, and since the most common color in most scenes is flesh tone, the opposite color avoids most conflicts. Historically, cameras and film have been most sensitive to blue light, although this is less true today. Sometimes (usually) the background color reflects onto the foreground talent creating a slight blue tinge around the edges. This artifact of the composite process is known as blue spill.
Usually only one camera is used as the Chroma Key camera. This creates a 15 problem on three camera sets; the other cameras can see the blue screen. The screen must be integrated into the set design, and it is easier to design around a bright sky blue than an intense green or red.
A more sophisticated television process is Ultimatte, also the name of the company that manufactures Ultimatte equipment. Ultimatte has been supplying 20 equipment to the video industry for many years. With the recent advent of digital image manipulation using computer graphics technology, Ultimatte compositing techniques are becoming more common in film production too. An Ultimatte unit makes it possible to create composites that include smoke, transparent objects, different shades of blue, and shadows. Ultimatte also markets software that works with other programs to create digital mattes, called Cinefusion.
Lighting design for conventional blue screen images is a complicated matter. There are a number of different philosophies employed in blue screen lighting design. The blue screen must be lit evenly, but foreground subjects may be lit as dramatically as is desired. There is interplay between lighting the foreground and lighting the background.
Backlighting has been one popular technique used to minimize blue spill around the foreground subject. Straw, yellow, or CTO gels have been employed on the lights to help wash out blue spilling on the subject's shoulders and hair. A scene in which the subject does not need to be near the blue backing is easier to light because distance may 15 be put between the subject and the background. Generally it is desired to have the level of light on the backing to be the same as the level on the subject from the key light. In video terms, this is between 60-75 IRE on a waveform monitor, although slightly lower levels will usually work. It is most important for the screen to be evenly lit. If the foreground subject is standing or sitting on blue, then it is quite difficult to provide separate lighting. With primitive chromakey systems, shadows can create a lot of difficulty, and so less artistic flat lighting schemes are used on the foreground subject to minimize the shadows.
Numerous solutions have been proposed to minimize the blue spin artifact resulting from the lighting of the blue screen background. According to one prior-art solution, a dedicated blue screen stage comprises a vertical screen formed from a translucent material lit from behind by blue light. The stage floor is covered by MirrorPlex (a plexiglass mirror product) panels creating a mirrored floor. The floor in effect becomes an extension of the blue vertical wall. This dedicated stage is quite cumbersome; it's often too small for the needed shot and the floor is fragile. In addition, the mirrored floor does not allow for realistic shadows to be cast by a subject. Because shadows are almost always required for realism, this presents a significant drawback.
There are other shortcomings in the prior-art blue screen compositing processes. A major recommendation in blue screen compositing is to keep the subject as far from the blue wall as is practical. However, when a full body shot of a subject is required, blue spill on the subject from the floor is a major problem. In addition, by the very nature of the angle at which it reflects lights in relation to a blue wall, a blue floor makes it difficult to get an even exposure from both surfaces. As a consequence, Directors of Photography tend to compromise the composition by avoiding full body shots.
With the traditional flat blue floor, the flexibility of lighting angles is restricted. For example, directing lights straight down creates bright white spectral reflection (glare) from the point of view of the camera, thus, ruining the solid field of color. Similar unwanted spectral reflection can occur when the artistic needs of a forward-falling shadow is desired. Currently, spectral reflection (glare) is mitigated by polarizing filters. However, these polarizing filter add-ons to the camera lens tend to degrade image quality. Additionally, polarizing filters require an exposure adjustment to the camera and often necessitates time consuming lighting changes.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a blue screen technique which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.


A method of printing on a mixed sequence of media sheets uses a printer with a print head that is adjustable in height relative to a print surface that supports the media sheets. The media sheets differ in their specifications that define an admissible range for the height of the print head. The method includes the steps of retrieving admissible height ranges for a plurality of media sheets that are scheduled for printing, searching for a height value that is contained in the admissible range of all scheduled sheets, if such a height value is found, adjusting the print head to that height value, and if such height value is not found, proceeding to a problem handling routine.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of printing on a mixed sequence of media sheets, using a printer with a print head that is adjustable in height relative to a print surface that supports the media during printing, wherein each of the media sheets have different specifications for an admissible height range for the print head relative to the print surface.
2. Description of Background Art
In many printers, e.g. ink jet printers, the print head is disposed at a short distance above the surface of the media sheets that are supported on a print surface, e.g. a conveyer belt, a platen or the like. For simplicity, the term "height" is used here to define the distance between the print surface and a surface of the print head that faces the print surface in a direction normal to the print surface, and it is assumed that the print head is disposed "above" the print surface, although the present invention is not limited to printers where the print surface is oriented horizontally.
In order to obtain a high print quality, it is desired that the distance between the print head and the surface of the media sheets is as small as possible. For example, in an ink jet printer, a small distance between the print head and the media sheets is desired in order to minimize the distance that the ink droplets have to travel and thereby to minimize the amount of aberration of the ink droplets. On the other hand, the print head must, of course, not collide with the media sheets, so that there should always be a certain safety distance between the surface of the media sheets and the print head. This safety distance will depend upon the thickness tolerances of the media sheets, their tendency to cockle or to form wrinkles and the like, so that a lower limit of the admissible range for the height of the print head is derivable from the specifications of the individual types of media sheets. The upper limit of this admissible range may also depend upon the media type, because certain properties of the media sheet, such as their capability to permit the ink droplets to spread over the sheet surface and/or to absorb ink in the interior of the sheet material, have an influence on the tolerable aberration of the ink droplets and consequently on the distance that the ink droplets have to travel.
The media types that are to be used for printing are specified in the print job or print jobs that are to be processed with the printer. The media type may not only vary from print job to print job, but even a single print job may specify that different media types are to be used for different pages of the document to be printed. Consequently, there may be cases where a mixed sequence of media sheets of different types is scheduled for printing. In that case, depending upon the thickness of the different media sheets and on the media specifications, it may be necessary to change the height adjustment of the print head in the interval between the printing periods for two successive sheets.
As the height adjustment of the print head takes a certain amount of time, considerable losses in productivity may occur when the height of the print head has to be re-adjusted frequently.
The losses in productivity are particularly pronounced in duplex printing. In a typical duplex printer, the duplex loop accommodates a plurality of sheets, so that a set consisting of a certain number of sheets is moved past the print head a first time for printing an image on the first side of the sheets, and then these sheets will be returned via the duplex loop and will be moved past the print head a second time in order to form an image on the second side. When this set of sheets contains different media types, each adjustment operation of the print head that has been performed during printing on the first side of the sheets has to be repeated when these sheets return from the duplex loop. Duplex printing may be established batch wise by filling the duplex loop with sheets and then printing each sheet twice, or in a more productive mode of interweaving sheets of a plurality of duplex and/or simplex print jobs. For example, in the interweaving mode, empty sheets alternate with sheets that have already been printed on one side.

Method of printing with height adjustable print head


Described herein is a technique of protecting users against certain types of Internet attacks. The technique involves obtaining certificates from visited web sites and qualifying communications with those web sites based on the content of the certificates.

It has become increasingly important to ensure the integrity and security of communications and transactions conducted on the Internet. Internet users are subject to a variety of attacks, including pranks, attempts to gather private information, and outright fraud.
One of the most commonly used Internet communication protocols, referred to as Hypertext Transfer Protocol or "HTTP," is relatively insecure and therefore subject to a variety of attacks. So-called "phishing" attacks use "spoofed" emails and fraudulent websites to fool recipients into divulging personal data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social security numbers, and other private information. For example, a phisher might design a website to look like the site of a legitimate bank, credit card company, or other business. Consumers are then lured to the website (whose domain name or Internet address is often very similar to that of the legitimate business) by an email that is also designed and configured to look like it comes from the legitimate institution. Once at the website, the consumer is asked to log in or otherwise provide confidential information.
By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers, and credit card companies, phishers are able to fool up to 5% of their targets. These targets then become victims of credit card fraud, identity theft, and other forms of financial loss.
To avoid this outcome, some websites use a communications protocol referred to as Secure Sockets Layer, or "SSL". When using SSL, a digital certificate is used in a negotiation process to confirm the identity of a server and to facilitate exchange of encryption keys, resulting in both the server and the client sharing a symmetrical key used for subsequent encryption and decryption of data. As a result of the negotiations, SSL establishes a secure data channel between server and client, in which data passing between the two entities is encrypted.
A digital certificate is a compilation of information that includes the identity of the certificate owner and a public key that can be used to encrypt and sign information digitally. In addition, a digital certificate can contain other information, such as further information about the owner and any Internet domains the owner is authorized to operate from. Digital signatures are used to allow verification of the data contained in the certificates.
In conjunction with the SSL negotiation process, a browser evaluates the digital signature on a received certificate to determine if the certificate has been digitally signed by a trusted third party, known as a "Certifying Authority" or "CA". The third party is an entity whose business is issuing such certificates and vouching for the identities of their owners. If a trusted third party has signed the certificate, the browser or client can assume that the information contained in the certificate is accurate. Other forms of certificate validation are also available.
Although SSL performs well, it incurs significant overhead, primarily in processing resources. Specifically, the encryption and decryption at the server limit the number of simultaneous clients that a single server can efficiently support.


A voltage clamping circuit comprises a first high current gain circuit adapted to receive current from the first line; and a first switching circuit that turns on the first high current gain circuit to flow current away from the first line when the first switching circuit senses a first voltage from the first line above a clamping voltage, and turns off the first high current gain circuit when the first switching circuit senses the first voltage below the clamping voltage.

The present invention is directed to bicycles and, more particularly, to various inventive features of a circuit used with bicycle dynamos.
Bicycles are equipped with dynamos for the purpose of illuminating headlamps, powering electrical components, and so on. The voltage generated by a dynamo is typically proportional to the speed of the bicycle which, in turn, is determined by the rate of rotation of the wheels. At high speed, the voltage can exceed 100 V in some instances. It is therefore necessary to design electrical components powered by the voltage generated by the dynamo to be able to withstand such high voltage. Unfortunately, components designed to withstand high voltages lack general application and tend to be expensive as well.
Another difficulty arising from the generation of voltages from a dynamo is fluctuation in the electrical load connected to a dynamo which, in turn, can result in bursts of extremely high voltage, termed "surge voltage". Thus, a circuit for clamping voltage is needed to enable the use of standard electrical components and the like, as well as to protect components from extremely high voltage.
Conventional clamping circuits proposed to date include a circuit like that illustrated in FIG. 1. This conventional circuit is a bidirectional voltage clamping circuit having two Zener diodes. When positive voltage is output at the positive (+) terminal of dynamo GE, then element DZ1 functions as a Zener diode, and element DZ2 functions as a normal rectifier diode. Similarly, when positive voltage is output at the negative (−) terminal of dynamo GE, then element DZ2 functions as a Zener diode, and element DZ1 functions as a normal rectifier diode.
With the circuit illustrated in FIG. 1,Vc1=Vz1+Vf2  (1)where Vc1 is the clamping voltage for the dynamo voltage, Vz1 is the Zener voltage of element Dz1, and Vf2 is the forward voltage of element Dz2. When positive voltage is output at the negative (−) terminal of dynamo GE, the clamping voltage Vc2 for dynamo voltage is given byVc2=Vz2+Vf1.
Such a conventional clamping circuit has the advantage of relatively few parts. However, diodes Dz1 and Dz2 tend to generate heat, which can lead to problems in degraded characteristics. Assume, for example, that clamping voltage is set to Vc1=Vc2=10 V; semiconductor junction temperature Tj prior to clamping is 25° C.; current flow to elements Dz1 and Dz2 during clamping is constant; and semiconductor junction temperature at thermal equilibrium after commencing clamping is 100° C. When Vz1=9.1 and Vf2=0.9, at the instant of clamping, Equation (1) gives:Vc1=9.1+0.9=10 (V)whereas at thermal equilibrium, where the temperature coefficient αT=5 (mV/° C.),Vc1=9.1+(αT/1000)×(100−25)+0.9=10.375 (V).Thus, there is a significant variation in the clamped voltage.
To reduce degradation in characteristics due to heat generation, it is possible to design a circuit like that illustrated in FIG. 2. In this circuit, current flow is sensed by a current sensor element A. Loss P occurring in elements DZ1 and DZ2 is calculated from the current value Iz and clamping voltage Vc as follows:P=Vc×Iz. If loss P increases, then a switching element SW is opened to limit current flowing to the circuit.
However, such a circuit requires elements with high withstand voltage for the switch SW and sensor A controlling it. Another drawback is the increased number of components required. Furthermore, where a device is charged by the dynamo, failure to charge adequately may result from the operation of the switch.
Another possibility is a circuit like that shown in FIG. 3. In this circuit, the voltage Vty across the anode and cathode of a thyristor Th is sensed, and a trigger pulse is applied to the gate at the instant the voltage Vty exceeds a preset voltage. Application of a trigger pulse produces shorting (conduction) across the anode and cathode of the thyristor so that voltage Vty drops to around 0 V. Shorting continues until the current across the anode and cathode falls below the characteristic holding current of the thyristor.
However, this circuit design has problems, particularly when the signal produced by the dynamo is used to generate pulses that indicate bicycle speed. For example, FIG. 4(a) shows the waveforms generated during operation of a typical dynamo and speed sensing circuit; FIG. 4(b) shows the waveforms generated during operation of a dynamo and speed sensing circuit constructed in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2; and FIG. 4(c) shows the waveforms generated during operation of a dynamo and speed sensing circuit constructed in accordance with the clamping circuit shown in FIG. 3. In each figure, Vs is the decision voltage for producing a speed sensing pulse, and the resultant pulse will have the shape shown at the bottom of each figure. The pulses produced by a dynamo and speed sensing circuit constructed in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2 are the same as the pulses generated during the operation of a typical dynamo and speed sensing circuit. Thus, speed can be sensed with no particular problems using these pulses. However, when a clamping circuit has been designed with a thyristor-shorted circuit as shown in FIG. 4, clamping will produce a waveform like that shown at the top of FIG. 4(c) due to the tendency to drop to 0 V when clamped by the clamping thyristor. As a result, the pulse produced by decision voltage Vs will have a disturbed waveform like that shown at the bottom FIG. 4(c), thus making it impossible to sense speed accurately.

Voltage clamping circuit for a bicycle dynamo


A load driving and diagnosis system controls the feed and block of a load current flowing into an inductor such as a solenoid. The load driving and diagnosis system holds a counter-electromotive force, which is developed when the load current is blocked, at a voltage higher than a supply voltage so that the load current will decay for a short time. When an overcurrent condition is established in the load driving and diagnosis system because of a short circuit to a power supply, a malfunction of a circuit or destruction thereof may take place. In addition to a voltage holding means that holds a switching circuit output voltage at a predetermined voltage, a voltage holding means having a different predetermined voltage set therein is included. Moreover, a selection switch that switches the predetermined voltages according to a detected overcurrent condition is included.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to protection of a load driving and diagnosis system that feeds a current to a connected load so as to drive the load, and a diagnosis method implemented in the system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many loads are mounted in a vehicle, and switches formed with semiconductors are used to control conductions of the loads. The semiconductor switches are generally adopted because they contribute to a reduction in a price or a weight. For a further reduction in the price, a control device having a semiconductor switch and a drive circuit, which drives the semiconductor switch, integrated thereinto is often employed in the form of an integrated circuit. Referring to FIG. 15, the control device will be described below.
In FIG. 15, there are shown a CPU control means 1 that controls the timing of energizing or de-energizing a load, a load drive command 2, an input command terminal 3 of an integrated circuit 31, an input buffer 4, an internal command signal 5, a driver drive/shutoff means 6 that drives or shuts off a driver, a drive/shutoff control signal 7, a driver means 8 that drives a semiconductor switch, a high-side driver 8a, a low-side driver 8b, a gate driving sink current 10 to be produced by the high-side driver 8a, and a gate driving source current 11 to be produced by the low-side driver 8b.
Reference numeral 12 is a gate signal with which the semiconductor switch is directly controlled. Reference numeral 13 is a semiconductor switching circuit that is the semiconductor switch, and reference numeral 13a is a parasitic diode, 13b is a gate input parasitic capacitor of the semiconductor switching circuit. Reference numeral 29 is a switching circuit output voltage of the semiconductor switching circuit 13 which is outputted to outside through an output terminal 30.
Reference numeral 16 is a switching circuit input current that flows through the semiconductor switching circuit 13. Reference numeral 17 is a shunt resistor for current detection. An overcurrent detection means 22 detects an overcurrent condition according to a potential difference 21 between voltages 19 and 20 at the terminals of the shunt resistor. Reference numeral 23 is an overcurrent detection signal. Reference numeral 24 is a break condition holding means that when an overcurrent condition is established, sustains a break condition for a predetermined time that starts at the timing at which the overcurrent detection signal 23 is outputted. Reference numeral 25 is a break condition holding signal that is inputted to the driver drive/shutoff means 6. The semiconductor switching circuit 13 is broken in response to an output signal of the driver drive/shutoff means 6.
Reference numeral 26 is a diagnostic output means that outputs diagnostic information to the CPU control means 1, inputs the overcurrent detection signal 23, and outputs a diagnostic output signal 28 according to a CPU readout control signal 32. Reference numeral 27 is a diagnostic output terminal, and reference numeral 33 is a readout control signal input terminal. Reference numeral 49 is a voltage holding means. When a switch output voltage 29 reaches a predetermined voltage, the voltage holding means 49 turn on the semiconductor switching circuit 13 to sustain the predetermined voltage. Reference numeral 100 is a ground, and reference numeral 101 is a power supply. Moreover, reference numeral 31 is a semiconductor integrated circuit having the control device integrated on a chip.
Moreover, the diagnostic output means 26 of the semiconductor integrated circuit has a constitution shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, there are shown an output circuit 26a that outputs diagnostic information according to the CPU readout control signal 32, an state transition means 26b that makes a state transition for overcurrent detection and diagnosis according to the overcurrent detection output signal 23. Reference numeral 61 is an overcurrent diagnostic output signal signifying that an overcurrent diagnostic state is set up.
The semiconductor integrated circuit 31 is generally used while being connected to an external load in a constitution shown in FIG. 17. In FIG. 17, there are shown a terminal capacitor 43 included for protecting the semiconductor integrated circuit from noises including a surge, and a wire harness 40 which is coupled to the switch output terminal 30 and to which a load 42 is coupled. Reference numeral 41 is a parasitic inductor of the wire harness 40. Reference numeral 45 is a reverse current that flows from the semiconductor integrated circuit 31 to the power supply due to a counter-electromotive force.
In the constitution, when a short circuit 44 to the power supply 101 of the load occurs accidentally, a current flows from the power supply 101 directly to the switch output terminal 30. A break is carried out in order to protect the semiconductor switching circuit 13.
In relation to the foregoing constitution, actions of respective circuits will be described in conjunction with the timing chart of FIG. 18 and the state transition chart of FIG. 19. In FIG. 18, reference numeral 60 is a period during which the power supply 101 of the load 42 is short-circuited. Reference numeral 61 is a transitional state of the state transition means 26b. The other reference numerals denote the same components as those shown in FIG. 15.
The load drive command 2 is inputted from the CPU control means. The semiconductor switching circuit 13 is turned on at timing A. The input current 16 flows into the semiconductor switching circuit 13, and the output terminal voltage 29 is driven low at the same time. Thereafter, if the power-supply short circuit 60 occurs at timing B, since current limiting by the load 42 is invalidated, the input current 16 increases. When the current value reaches a predetermined threshold (16a) at timing C, the voltage 21 across the terminals of the shunt resistor 17 for current detection, that is, the potential difference 21 between the terminals thereof increases and exceeds a predetermined threshold. Consequently, the overcurrent detection signal 23 is outputted.
The overcurrent detection signal 23 is inputted to the break condition holding means 24. Accordingly, the overcurrent break holding signal 25 is outputted and inputted to the driver drive/shutoff means 6. The drive/shutoff control signal 7 is driven high at timing D. Consequently, the sink current 11 flows into the driver means 8, and the gate signal 12 is driven low. Eventually, the semiconductor switching circuit 13 is turned off (broken).
At this time, a counter-electromotive force is developed in the parasitic inductor 41 of the wire harness 40 because of the break of the semiconductor switching circuit 13. A surge 29a occurs in the switching circuit output voltage 29. Since the voltage holding means 49 is added to the output stage of the semiconductor switching circuit, the surge 29a is held at a voltage level 29b. Since the terminal capacitor 43 is externally added to the switch output terminal 30, the capacitor is charged with the voltage of the voltage level 29b at which the surge is held.
When the load is normally energized or de-energized, the voltage level 29b is usually set to a voltage higher than the supply voltage level in order to quickly block a load current. Consequently, when a break occurs under an overcurrent condition as mentioned above, the voltage level 29b gets higher than the supply voltage 101. The reverse current 45 therefore flows from the terminal capacitor 43, which is charged at the voltage level 29b, to the power supply 101.
The current flows through the parasitic inductor 41. Even after the terminal capacitor 43 is discharged, the current attempts to keep flowing, and attracts a current from the switching circuit output terminal 30. Consequently, the switching circuit input current becomes a negative current 16b, and a current is attracted from the output terminal 30. At the same time, the switching circuit output voltage 29 drops to be a negative voltage.
The instant that a break occurs at timing D, an LC oscillation arises between the terminal capacitor 43 and parasitic inductor 41. Consequently, a negative current flows into the switching circuit output terminal 30. Eventually, a phenomenon in which the switching circuit output voltage 29 drops to be negative takes place.
According to the conventional technology, as described in Patent Document 1, when a break occurs after an overcurrent is detected, the sink current 11 of the semiconductor switch driver means 8 is controlled in order to alleviate the adverse effect of the phenomenon. Since a semiconductor switching circuit exists as a unit in a semiconductor switching device such as an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) employed in the related art, a large current can flow into the circuit. Therefore, the sink current 11 is controlled in order to gradually decrease a switch break speed. Since the break speed thus gets lower, any problem is not posed by the counter-electromotive force.
The patent document 1: JP-A-04-172962.
However, when the semiconductor switching circuit 13 is broken, if the negative current like the one 16b flows, the constitution including the semiconductor integrated circuit 31 may be gravely damaged. The semiconductor switching circuit 13 is normally formed with an n-channel MOS, and is generally accompanied by a parasitic diode 13a.
The negative current flows through the parasitic diode 13a. This causes the potential at the n-type layer on the semiconductor integrated circuit to drop to be negative. Consequently, another parasitic element may be generated and a malfunction of a circuit maybe invited. Moreover, a latch-up that is a large-current inflow phenomenon occurs due to conduction of a parasitic transistor, though it depends on a temperature requirement or a layout requirement for the semiconductor integrated circuit. Eventually, the semiconductor integrated circuit may be thermally destroyed or any other serious problem may arise.
The above phenomenon can be prevented by excluding the terminal capacitor 43 or diminishing the capacitance. However, the durability against an externally applied surge may be degraded, and surge destruction may occur. Moreover, even when an optimal capacitance is selected for the terminal capacitor for fear an LC oscillation may occur, since the requirement for the parasitic inductor 41 varies depending on the length of the external harness 40 or the like, it is very hard to determine the capacitance of the terminal capacitor which meets every requirement.
In the constitution having the semiconductor switching circuit included in the semiconductor integrated circuit, many circuits are integrated on the same silicon substrate. Moreover, the semiconductor switching circuit 13 is designed to occupy a minimum necessary area for the purpose of decreasing an entire area. If a large current keeps flowing for a long period of time, the semiconductor switching circuit would be destroyed due to heat dissipation. In other words, there is difficulty in selecting an optimal gradient in a breaking current, which brings about neither the surge 29a nor thermal destruction, and realizing a circuit that employs the breaking current.
Moreover, a control-related problem described below confronts actions to be performed during a break derived from generation of an overcurrent. As shown in FIG. 16, the overcurrent detection means 22 detects an overcurrent condition, and the outputted overcurrent detection signal 23 is inputted to the state transition means 26b included in the diagnostic output means 26. In the state transition means 26b, a state transition is made as shown in FIG. 19. In FIG. 19, reference numeral 61a is a normal state, and reference numeral 61b is an overcurrent-sensed state.
In the normal state, an overcurrent diagnostic output 61 is set to 0. When an overcurrent condition is established, if the overcurrent detection signal 23 is outputted, the normal state is shifted to the overcurrent sensed state 61b. The overcurrent diagnostic output 61 is set to 1. Thereafter, the CPU readout control signal 32 is inputted from the CPU control means 1, and the overcurrent diagnostic output is read out. A transition is then made to the normal state. The overcurrent diagnostic output 61 is reset to 0. Simultaneously, information on the overcurrent diagnosed state is read into the CPU control means. Owing to the state transition, the CPU control means senses the overcurrent condition established in the load driving and diagnosis system, and controls the semiconductor switching circuit.
In the load driving and diagnosis system, assuming that a break occurs at timing D in FIG. 18 due to establishment of an overcurrent condition, after a predetermined pause period 25a elapses, a reset action may be automatically performed. This is a generally adopted control method. For example, when an overcurrent break occurs due to an instantaneous contact, the semiconductor switching circuit is automatically reset to the normal state in order to minimize an adverse effect on the system.
At this time, if the CPU control means reads a state-transition signal at, for example, the timing of a pulse 32b, the CPU control means can recognize the overcurrent condition at least once. However, when the CPU control means reads the state-transition signal at the timing of a pulse 32b at which the break condition still persists, since the state of the semiconductor switching circuit is returned to the normal state 61a, the CPU control means recognizes that the semiconductor switching circuit is normal.
Consequently, the CPU control means cannot recognize that the semiconductor switching circuit has entered the break condition, but controls the semiconductor switching circuit as a circuit that acts normally. Therefore, a trouble may arise in terms of control. Namely, a system malfunction may occur or the break condition caused by an overcurrent may persist while being unidentified.
An object of the present invention is to realize a load driving and diagnosis system that is insusceptible to the capacitance of a terminal capacitor or the inductance of a parasitic inductor dependent on the length of a harness and that is not adversely affected by a negative current during a break.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a load driving and diagnosis system that even when a break caused by an overcurrent persists, can accurately identify the break persistent state.

Load driving and diagnosis system and control method