A method of exercizing, various exercize devices and a method of assembling the exercizer devices. The exercise device includes at least one weight system comprising at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted, at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, and at least one mechanism for allowing a user to grip the inertial exercizer. A method of exercizing provides for gripping the exerciser with at least one hand, and moving the exercizer in at least one direction. A method of assembling an inertial exerciser, includes installing the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight into the at least one chamber, and attaching the at least one mechanism to the at least one chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to exercise devices, which utilize the principle of inertia to amplify the exercise performed with such devices and, more particularly, to devices which utilize an eccentric weight rigidly fixed at the outer end of a rod rotatably articulated to an axle provided with handles.
2. Discussion of Background Information
The public, young and old, have become more and more aware of the benefits of exercising, which have presently become almost axiomatic. One reason for this is because exercising translates into a healthier and longer life. Additionally, exercising and being fit is no longer a question of looks, it is a matter of having a better quality of life. As a result, the types of machines and exercising devices that have appeared on the market have multiplied greatly to the point that it is difficult to provide an exhaustive description or classification of such devices. However, in general, such exercising devices may be characterized as being bulky, complicated and expensive. Other common features of most of these conventional exercising devices are that their use is often monotonous and even extremely boring. Accordingly, there exists a need for an inertial exerciser which has at least some of the following advantages: simplicity in its mechanical structure; high reliability; low cost; small size; and fun to use. Moreover, such a device should also offer to the user the challenge of becoming more and more proficient in executing the numerous, varied and beneficial exercises which can be performed with the device.
One type of conventional inertial exerciser utilizes eccentric weights. Some selected patents illustrating this type of exerciser are the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,946; 4,513,963 and 4,043,553.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,246 discloses a disk provided with two diametrically opposed handles. A resilient ball is tethered to the center of the disk by a flexible, but substantially inelastic line, the line being slightly shorter than the radius of the disk. Weights may be attached to the device. Proper flexions and extensions of the arms or of other parts of the user""s body set the ball in a periodic bouncing motion. The rhythm thus established regulates the various exercises of the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,963 discloses a body exercise apparatus which includes a tubular member having a length significantly greater than the width of a person""s shoulders with bearings disposed within the tubular member adjacent the ends thereof. A bar member is disposed within the tubular member along the axis thereof, the ends of the bar member extending through and beyond the bearings and connector sections associated with the exposed end sections of the bar member. Each of the connector sections includes at least one opening, the opening being of a size slightly larger than the cross section of the exposed bar member end section. A weight is permanently affixed adjacent the opposite end of each connector section, the exposed bar member end section being engageable with the connector section opening. A fastener secures each connector section to an exposed bar member end section in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the tubular member, and a protective covering is disposed over the weight, the connector sections and at least a portion of the tubular member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,553 discloses an exercise device for improving muscular tone, primarily of the upper torso and arms. Circular motion is imparted to a pair of hand grips rotatably secured to an eccentrically weighted cross shaft. Sufficient tolerance is provided between the cross shaft and the hand grips so that the cross shaft is free to move in an orbital path eccentric to the center of the hand grips, wherein the orbital movement of the hand grips and the eccentric orbital movement of the cross shaft may be utilized to exercise various muscles of the body.
Other conventional exercise devices are discussed below.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,431 discloses an exercising device in the form of a dumbbell. The device is provided with rotatable spherical weights, which allow the device to be used by being rolled along a flat surface such as a floor or wall, in addition to being used by lifting the device in a conventional manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,017 is a device similar to that described above, in which an inertial force exercise device includes a wheel member operable to engage and roll on a surface during an exercise routine. An axle member extends in a predetermined manner so as to be controlled by an operator of the device. An inertial mass structure is connected to the axle for translation with the axle, without rotation with respect to the axle, for providing an inertial resistance through non-rotational translation so as to exercise a user""s body. Due to the mass of the device, a substantial linear inertia is produced.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,580 discloses a hand-held ball shaped case having a shaft mounted inertial wheel or rotor provided with fins. The casing leaves part of the rotor exposed, so that an initial spin can be imparted to it. Afterwards, the rotor spins so that it is maintained by imparting a periodic motion thereto. The device is basically a gyroscope with a race designed for providing smooth rotor movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,393 discloses an exercise device having a handle supported by at least three swivel casters. The device can be moved about a floor. However, this device does not appear to truly be an inertial exercise device as it does not produce inertial resistance to the movement imparted to the device by a user.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,147 is an inertial exercise device having three independent rotational inertial systems. A plurality of wheel and axle elements cooperate with weight elements so that rolling of the devices produces an inertial force. The device appears to be for floor-type exercise and is directed to an open-type, non-protected weight element for providing the inertial force when initially moved by a user.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,805 is directed to a rollable hand held exercise device that requires an additional, stationary element to provide a rolling surface. The device is not a true inertial-type exercise device as it requires a special surface to provide rolling contact surfaces which the user must use in conjunction with the weights so as to guide the weights in a manner designed to force certain muscle groups to work.
U.S. Pat. No 5,046,727 is a wrist exercise device having a hollow shaft which houses a spring element. Tension disks are connected to the springs so that the disks can be moved toward and away from each other by turning a tension adjusting knob at ends of the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,162 discloses an exercise apparatus which is used in a forward and/or lateral movement in an extension type of exercise. While rolling and/or sliding of the device is considered, inertial exercise is not truly disclosed. This is an example of a low-friction type exercise device that, on its surface, may appear to be an inertial exercise device. However, it is apparent that low-friction type exercise does not imply an inertial exercise element.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,325 discloses an exercise device relating to a roller type device. The exerciser includes a roller for rolling along a first direction from a first position. Intermediate positions are defined as the device proceeds from the first position to the final position. The route of the device is then repeated back to the start position. Energy storing devices are provided to effect movement from one position to another. The energy storing devices are springs which are contracted and released as the device moves from one position to another.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,858 discloses an exercising apparatus in which different linkages are moved in response to movement of a user. The movements of the various links function to provide a resistance against which the user must work.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,108 discloses a resist and assist exercising device. The device allows the user to impart movement to the exercise device alone a particular direction and the user may continue the application of force in that direction. Alternatively, the user may resist the force imparted in the first direction by trying to impart force thereto in another direction. However, while the exerciser is of the assist/resist type, the device operates by use of an essentially weightless mass. Thus, it is not a true inertial type exercise device.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,906 discloses an exerciser with grippers mounted on a shaft. This exerciser is again a roller type exercise device which does not require the user to work against an inertia imparted to the device by the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,708,164 discloses a manual torsion exerciser in which a torsional member is positioned within a tubular member and extends from the outer end part of one tubular member to the outer end part of another tubular member. A retainer member is releasably engaged with one end of the torsional member so that the torsional member is placed under torsional stress upon rotation of one tubular member relative to the other tubular member.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,394 discloses a spring-roller type exercise device in which the device is rolled on a floor so as to cause the user to impart force to a coil-type spring. Movement of the exerciser back and forth along the floor coils and uncoils the spring, forcing the user to work against the spring force in a coiling and uncoiling mode.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,928 discloses a precessional exercise device designed only for foot exercises. A spinning mass forms the rotor of a motor for spinning the mass. Rotational movement of the foot is opposed by a gyroscopic effect produced by the spinning mass. This produces an isometric exercise effect when the foot is rotated while the torque of the spinning mass is opposed by other muscles of the foot.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,445 discloses an exercise wand. The wand has a hollow rigid tube having a length sufficient to extend a substantial distance to either side of the body median plane. A plurality of spheres are enclosed in the hollow wand. Movement in one direction causes the spheres to roll in the wand from end to end and add momentum to the movement so as to provide an extra push to the movement of the body.
U.S. Pat. No 3,482,835 discloses a barbell with an eccentric weight. Movement of the barbell causes a force to be imparted to the weight so that it rotates eccentrically about the shaft of the barbell. The device uses the effects of centrifugal force to require the user to coordinate his/her movement of the barbell with the movement of the eccentric weight.
The foregoing devices are of different types and are designed to produce different results. Each type of exercise device has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, all of these known exercising devices have at least one common disadvantage. That is, they do not utilize the effects of inertia to permit a user to first impart movement to an exercise device and then work against the imparted movement in a variety of ways so as to provide a complete workout for a user or a team of users. The foregoing devices require the use of, among others, tension springs, compression springs, eccentrically mounted weights, offset shafts, etc., all of which unnecessarily complicate such exercising devices and necessarily lead to an increased cost of manufacture and a consequent increased cost to the consumer.
The invention of the present application was developed to overcome the problems of known exercising devices. More particularly, the invention was designed to provide an inertial exercise device that is effective in promoting healthy exercise with a minimum of stress to the muscle groups so as to thereby avoid injuries often associated with exercise. In addition, the inertial exercise device of the present invention relies on a simple, though ingenious, design for coaxing a maximum workout from a user while at the same time permitting the user to enjoy the workout.
Accordingly, the invention provides for an inertial exerciser including at least one weight system comprising at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted, at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, and at least one mechanism for allowing a user to grip the inertial exerciser. The mechanism for gripping may comprise at least one handle. The first and second weights may comprise a partial spherical shape. The first and second weights may be rotatably mounted to an axle. The first and second weights may be attached to the axle via respective first and second connecting bars. The first connecting bar may be coupled to the axle via a yoke and the second connecting bar may be coupled to the axle via a spigot.
The exerciser may further comprise at least one bushing disposed between at least one of the axle and the yoke and the axle and the spigot. The exerciser may further comprise at least one thrust bushing disposed on the axle adjacent at least one of the yoke and the spigot. One of the first and second connecting bars may be adjustable. The chamber may further comprise a circular bowl shaped casing. The chamber may further comprise a circular shaped cover. The mechanism for allowing a user to grip the inertial exerciser may further comprise a first handle positioned on one side of the exerciser and a second handle positioned on another side of the exerciser. The first and second handles may be secured to the exerciser via at least two handle rods which are attached to the exerciser. One of the first and second handles may comprise at least one handle screw which is adapted to engage at least one handle rod. One of the first and second handles may be removable from the exerciser. The weight system may be secured to the chamber via at least one threaded connection. The weight system may also comprise an axle which is secured to the chamber via at least one threaded connection. The mechanism for gripping may comprise a bar. The first and second weights may be rotatably mounted to a bar. The mechanism for gripping may comprise the bar. The exerciser may further comprise first and second retaining members disposed on the bar for axially retaining the at least one chamber on the bar.
The invention also provides for an inertial exerciser including a bar, at least one weight system comprising at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted on the bar, and at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, wherein the bar is adapted to allow a user to grip the inertial exerciser. The exerciser may further comprise at least one gripping sleeve disposed on the bar. The bar may comprise a textured gripping surface. The first and second weights may be attached to the bar via respective first and second connecting bars. The first connecting bar may be coupled to the bar via a yoke and the second connecting bar may be coupled to the bar via a spigot. The exerciser may further comprise at least one bushing disposed between at least one of the bar and the yoke and the bar and the spigot. The exerciser may further comprise at least one thrust bushing disposed on the bar adjacent at least one of the yoke and the spigot. One of the first and second connecting bars may be adjustable. The chamber may further comprise a circular bowl-shaped casing. The chamber may further comprise a circular cover. The bar may further comprise a first handle end on one side of the exerciser and a second handle end on another side of the exerciser.
The exerciser may further comprise first and second retaining members disposed on the bar for axially retaining the at least one chamber on the bar. The exerciser may farther comprise at least one weight disposed on the bar and adjacent the chamber.
The invention also provides for a method of exercising using an inertial exerciser which comprises at least one weight system including at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted, at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, and at least one mechanism for allowing a user to grip the inertial exerciser. Accordingly, the method may include gripping the exerciser with at least one hand, and moving the exerciser in at least one direction.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of exercising using an inertial exerciser which comprises a bar, at least one weight system comprising at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted on the bar, and at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, the bar being adapted to allow a user to grip the inertial exerciser. Accordingly, the method includes gripping the bar with at least one hand, and moving the exerciser in at least one direction.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an inertial exercise device endowed with two connecting rods, having each a first and a second end. At their first ends, the connecting rods are rotatably mounted to a common central axle, in which they can spin in the same plane of rotation. At their second end or extremity, the connecting rods are provided with eccentric equal and incompressible weights, preferably solid spheres or balls. The eccentric weights may have a radius of the same length. The central axle may be provided with flanking circular plates or disks that serve to secure a transparent plastic protective casing that fully covers all the moving parts of the exerciser. The disks may serve to rigidly mount over them one or several lateral handles. These may be used to protect the user and persons nearby against possible injuries caused by accidentally being hit by the fast moving distal eccentric balls, while the inertial exerciser is being used.
An exercise may be performed, in a first mode of operation, by actuating the inertial exerciser with a reciprocating motion which is tangential to the plane of oscillation of the connecting rods and their distal eccentric weights. Operating the inertial exerciser in this manner, causes the connecting rods and their eccentric balls or weights, to get into a repetitive cycle. As a result, they oscillate in opposite directions until the balls reach a colliding point, then they change their sense of oscillation until the balls or weights collide again, changing their sense of rotation, and so on. Alternatively, in another mode of operation, the inertial exerciser can be actuated orbitally, that is with a substantial continuous circular motion. In this mode of operation, the connecting rods with distal eccentric weights also spin with a continuous circular motion.
The protective casing completely surrounding the moving parts of the exerciser also serves to abate the intensity of noise produced by the continual collisions of the inertial balls, while the exerciser is operated with a linear reciprocating motion, as explained above.
Thus, one object of the invention is to provide an inertial exerciser with two equal connecting rods rotatably articulated in one end to a common central axle integral to lateral disks provided with side by side handles. The connecting rods are provided in their outer end with eccentric weights, preferably substantially spherical, with the connecting rods and their eccentric weights being capable of or oscillating and colliding when a reciprocating motion is applied to the inertial exerciser. Additionally, the weights are designed to collide with one another periodically at the end of each oscillating stroke.
Another object of the invention is to provide an inertial exerciser capable of being operated at any xe2x80x9cattitudexe2x80x9d or incline angle (with respect to the position of the user) imparting to it by the user a linear or circular reciprocating motion.
Another object is to provide an inertial exerciser capable of being operated by imparting to it a substantially circular continuous motion, in which case the connecting rods and their eccentric weight also move, without colliding, with a circular continuous motion.
Another object of the invention is to provide an inertial exerciser, as described above, with an external preferably transparent plastic casing that serves to isolate the moving parts of the exerciser, preventing possible injuries to the user or others nearby.
Another object of the invention is to provide an inertial exerciser, comprising a plurality of exercise sets, as described above, the sets being mounted over a common rod for each pair of connecting rods endowed with eccentric weights. In this manner, one or more inertial exercising units can be mounted over a common bar. The bar may be short or long and the set of inertial exercising units may have a shape quite similar in manner to that of a dumbbell or a barbell.
Another object of the invention is to furnish an inertial exerciser provided with an external casing, so as to lessen the noise produced by the moving parts of the exerciser. This is particularly necessary when the inertial exerciser is used by imparting to it a reciprocating motion and the eccentric weights of the rotatably articulated connecting rods are caused to continuously collide with one another.
Another object of the invention is to furnish an inertial exerciser with side by side disks in which up to three handles may be rigidly attached, so that the exerciser may be operated with one or two hands or by one or two users at the same time.
Another object of the invention is to furnish the shaft of an inertial exerciser with a rotatably inserted tube or tubes so that the external casino or casinos can be rolled over the floor or any preferably flat and horizontal surface imparting to it a linear reciprocating motion.
Another object of the invention is to furnish an inertial exerciser with standard weights which can be mounted as needed by the ends of its central bar between the external casing and the lateral supports.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an inertial exerciser which is characterized by the novel feature that it is provided with two rods rotatably articulated to a common axle in such a way that they can both rotate on the same rotational plane, each rod having at their other end, a rigidly attached weight, preferably having the shape of a truncated sphere. The movable parts, the rods and their eccentric weights, are enclosed in an external casing, preferably made of transparent plastic. The inertial exerciser has lateral handles and can be grasped with one or both hands, by one or two persons.
When a substantially vertical or horizontal, linear or circular reciprocating movement is imparted to the exerciser, the eccentric weights are caused to repeatedly oscillate and collide and bounce with one another, changing their sense of oscillation. Alternatively, when the exerciser is operated with a substantially continuous circular movement, the eccentric weights and rods rotate about their common axle. A set of one or more inertial exercisers, as described above, can be mounted over a common bar. Furthermore, the inertial exerciser is provided with a circular external casing that may also be used to roll the exerciser over a flat surface.
In another form of the invention, one or several sets of bars with an eccentric weight at their external end may be rotatably articulated to a common axle or central shaft, that also serves as a handle. In particular, two such sets may be mounted symmetrically by the extremes of the shaft, that may be relatively shorter or longer, so as to be grasped with one or both hands respectively.
One or several portions of the shaft may be further provided with a tube of a slightly larger diameter than that of the shaft, the tube being rotatably inserted into the shaft.
The inertial exercisers provided with such tube or tubes, may additionally be rolled on a preferably horizontal or slanting flat surface. In all cases, the movable parts are enclosed by an external casing that serves to protect the user or people nearby of possible injury caused by the moving parts and to reduce the noise produced by the collision or the eccentric weights, as explained above. In another form of the invention, the inertial exerciser is provided with a central shaft on which conventional weights can be mounted.
The invention also provides for a method of assembling an inertial exerciser, which includes at least one weight system comprising at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted, at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, arid at least one mechanism for allowing a user to grip the inertial exerciser. The method comprises installing the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight into the at least one chamber, and attaching the at least one mechanism to the at least one chamber. The method may further comprise rotatably mounting the first and second weights on an axle. Furthermore, the method may comprise connecting the first and second weights to the axle via respective first and second connecting bars. Additionally, the first connecting bar may be coupled to the axle via a yoke and the second connecting bar may be coupled to the axle via a spigot. The method may further comprise installing at least one bushing between at least one of the axle and the yoke and the axle and the spigot. Further, at least one thrust bushing may be installed on the axle adjacent at least one of the yoke and the spigot. The attaching may comprise positioning a first handle on one side of the exerciser and a second handle on another side of the exerciser.
The invention further contemplates an inertial exerciser, comprising an axle, at least one weight system comprising at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted on the axle, the first and second weights comprising a partially spherical shape and being attached to the axle via respective first and second connecting bars, the first connecting bar being coupled to the axle via a yoke and the second connecting bar being coupled to the axle via a spigot, at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, and at least one handle for allowing a user to grip the inertial exerciser.
The invention also contemplates a method of assembling an inertial exerciser, which includes at least one weight system comprising at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted, at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, and at least one mechanism for allowing a user to grip the inertial exerciser, the method comprising installing the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight into the at least one chamber, attaching the at least one mechanism to the at least one chamber, rotatably mounting the first and second weights on an axle, connecting the first and second weights to the axle via respective first and second connecting bars, and coupling the first connecting bar to the axle via a yoke and coupling the second connecting bar to the axle via a spigot.
The above-mentioned exclusive and novel features of the inertial exerciser of this invention dramatically multiply the number of beneficial workouts that can be performed. The sustained enjoyment derived while executing exerciser with this inertial exerciser and the challenge of becoming more proficient, are powerful motivations to keep on using the exerciser longer and more frequently.

Inertial exerciser device, method of assembly, and method of exercising therewith


A computing device senses speech or other user input. One or more physical variable pertaining to a user of the computing device are also sensed, and respective signals are analyzed or compared to the user input. The analysis determines if the user input is likely that of an authorized user, and assigns a confidence metric to that determination. The computing device may then perform actions corresponding to the speech or user input content in accordance with the determination.

Various computing devices accept and respond to verbal user commands and inputs. Users seek to operate their computing devices in public or social environments free from erroneous or unauthorized operations resulting from the speech of others. For example, a user with a wearable computing device may not want the speech from someone standing next to them to operate their device. Methods and apparatus for improving the secure and reliable operation of such computing devices are continually sought after.
Certain implementations and embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which various aspects are shown. However, various aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.


A bladeless fan assembly includes a nozzle mounted on a base housing a device creating an air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an interior passage receiving the air flow from the base and a mouth through which the air flow is emitted. The nozzle extends substantially orthogonally about an axis to define an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The depth of the base in the direction of the axis may be no more than twice the depth of the nozzle. The assembly produces an air current without requiring a bladed fan, that is, the air flow is created by a bladeless fan.

A number of types of domestic fan are known. It is common for a conventional fan to include a single set of blades or vanes mounted for rotation about an axis, and driving apparatus mounted about the axis for rotating the set of blades. Domestic fans are available in a variety of sizes and diameters, for example, a ceiling fan can be at least 1 m in diameter and is usually mounted in a suspended manner from the ceiling and positioned to provide a downward flow of air and cooling throughout a room.
Desk fans, on the other hand, are often around 30 cm in diameter and are usually free standing and portable. In standard desk fan arrangements the single set of blades is positioned close to the user and the rotation of the fan blades provides a forward flow of air current in a room or into a part of a room, and towards the user. Other types of fan can be attached to the floor or mounted on a wall. The movement and circulation of the air creates a so called 'wind chill' or breeze and, as a result, the user experiences a cooling effect as heat is dissipated through convection and evaporation. Fans such as that disclosed in U.S. D 103,476 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,767,060 are suitable for standing on a desk or a table. U.S. Pat. No. 1,767,060 describes a desk fan with an oscillating function that aims to provide an air circulation equivalent to two or more prior art fans.
A disadvantage of this type of arrangement is that the forward flow of air current produced by the rotating blades of the fan is not felt uniformly by the user. This is due to variations across the blade surface or across the outward facing surface of the fan. Uneven or 'choppy' air flow can be felt as a series of pulses or blasts of air and can be noisy. A further disadvantage is that the cooling effect created by the fan diminishes with distance from the user. This means that the fan must be placed in close proximity to the user in order for the user to receive the benefit of the fan.
In a domestic environment it is desirable for appliances to be as small and compact as possible due to space restrictions. It is undesirable for parts to project from the appliance, or for the user to be able to touch any moving parts of the fan, such as the blades. Some arrangements have safety features such as a cage or shroud around the blades to protect a user from injuring himself on the moving parts of the fan. U.S. D 103,476 shows a type of cage around the blades however, caged blade parts can be difficult to clean.
Other types of fan or circulator are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,488,467, U.S. Pat. No. 2,433,795 and JP 56-167897. The fan of U.S. Pat. No. 2,433,795 has spiral slots in a rotating shroud instead of fan blades. The circulator fan disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,488,467 emits air flow from a series of nozzles and has a large base including a motor and a blower or fan for creating the air flow.
Locating fans such as those described above close to a user is not always possible as the bulky shape and structure mean that the fan occupies a significant amount of the user's work space area. In the particular case of a fan placed on, or close to, a desk the fan body or base reduces the area available for paperwork, a computer or other office equipment. Often multiple appliances must be located in the same area, close to a power supply point, and in close proximity to other appliances for ease of connection and in order to reduce the operating costs.
The shape and structure of a fan at a desk not only reduces the working area available to a user but can block natural light (or light from artificial sources) from reaching the desk area. A well lit desk area is desirable for close work and for reading. In addition, a well lit area can reduce eye strain and the related health problems that may result from prolonged periods working in reduced light levels.


An electronic device such as a portable computer may be provided with a lower housing and an upper housing. The electronic device may include hinge structures which allow the upper housing to rotate about a rotational axis relative to the lower housing. The electronic device may include a ventilation port structure with intake openings that allow air to be drawn into the electronic device. The ventilation structure may also include exhaust openings that are used to expel air from the lower housing. When the electronic device is in an open position, it may be desirable for the ventilation structure to form more exhaust openings than when the electronic device is in a closed position. The ventilation structure may form lower exhaust openings when the electronic device is in the closed position and form upper and lower exhaust openings when the electronic device is in the open position.

This relates to electronic devices, and more particularly, electronic devices with ventilation systems.
Electronic devices such as portable computers often generate heat during operation. Internal components in a portable computer may generate heat. Heat generated by the portable computer may adversely affect the portable computer's performance, as some internal components may only function properly below a certain temperature. Additionally, heat generation may detract from a user's experience. For example, if the exterior surfaces of a portable computer are too hot, the user may experience discomfort during use.
In order to control temperature, portable computers may use a ventilation system. In a typical arrangement, a portable computer may include an input vent and an exhaust vent. A fan may be used to draw air through the input vent. The fan may blow air past a high temperature internal component and out the exhaust vent. In this way, the fan expels heat from the portable computer and controls the temperature of the device.
For certain electronic devices, it may be difficult to cool the device while maintaining the desired device aesthetic. For example, it may not be satisfactory for ventilation structures to be visible during operation of the device.
It would therefore be desirable to be able to provide improved ventilation structures for electronic devices.

Electronic devices with ventilation systems


For use in a basket mill having a process vessel in which particles are ground so as to reduce their size, a basket for retaining a grinding medium, having an opening in its top and a screen at its bottom. A first shaft extends into the basket and has a grinding assembly extending from the shaft. A first drive apparatus rotates the first shaft at a first rotational rate. A second shaft is coaxial with the first shaft and has an impeller for causing material to be ground to move into the basket through the opening and out of said basket through the screen. A second drive apparatus rotates the second shaft at a second rotational rate independent of the first rotational rate. The first shaft may be a tube. A tube may be disposed within the first shaft, and have at its end a bushing for receiving for rotation the second shaft. The bushing may be located outside of a region of the basket where grinding media is disposed. Methods for operating the apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for grinding materials into fine particles. More particularly, it relates to those apparatus methods in which a basket mill is used.
2. Background Art
A basket mill is a machine used to reduce the particle size of slurries. Typical uses are for the manufacture of paint or ink where pigment particles must be reduced to microscopically small sizes.
Such mills can accommodate a wide range of volume depending on the volume and viscosity of the slurry to be processed. Typical volumes range from 0.5 liter for a table-top mill to as much as 40 liters for a full manufacturing mill.
Referring to FIG. 1, such machines typically have a process vessel 10 mounted to a dolly-like structure shown generally as 12 having four casters 14, so that process vessel 10 may be moved along a shop or other floor when grinding apparatus in accordance with the prior art, or according to the invention, as described below with respect to FIG. 2, is withdrawn upward from process vessel 10. Similarly the process vessel can be supplied without casters and therefore maintained in a fixed position. In general, a basket 16 is loaded with a large number of small beads (not shown). A mixture of the material being ground and the small beads are stirred by agitator discs or pins 18, which extend radially from a rotating agitator shaft 20. The beads typically can be from 0.5 mm to 6 mm in diameter. The beads can be made of various materials including glass or steel or ceramic. These beads are collectively known as "grinding media", and are well know in the art.
Thus, the agitator shaft 20, which has radially arranged discs or pins 18, is immersed into the grinding media and stirs the bead mass while a slurry 22 of the material being ground is introduced. It is the movement of the beads impacting against the particles of the material being ground which acts to reduce the particle size. This process is also known as "wet grinding". The basket 16, together with its contained grinding media, is immersed into a process vessel 10, which contains the slurry 22.
The slurry 22 is made to flow into the top of basket 16 through its generally open top 24 at 25. The beads are retained in the basket while allowing the slurry to pass through because the sidewall 26 and bottom wall 28 of the basket 16 are actually made of a screen material. In effect the container resembles a large basket, thus the name "basket mill".
Generally, there have been two designs of basket mills. In a first design, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the agitator shaft 20, driven to rotate by a suitable drive assembly 30 including a motor and an appropriate speed control for the motor has, mounted at the bottom of the drive shaft, an impeller 32 which serves, when it rotates with the agitator shaft 20, to draw slurry into the top of the basket 16, as illustrated by arrow 33. In another design (not shown), the bottom of the basket is closed, and one or more separate impellers are mounted alongside the basket.
In either of these prior art designs, the flow of slurry 22 into the basket 16 is dependent on the action of the impeller. The first type of machine, described above with respect to FIG. 1, is generally preferred due to the presence of the center-mounted impeller 32, but has numerous maintenance problems. Since the same shaft is use for both the agitator discs or pins 18 and the impeller 32, a stabilizing bushing 34 is required where the agitator shaft 20 passes through the bottom of basket 16. The bushing 34 is immersed in the grinding media mass. The attack of the grinding beads on the bushing 34 leads to frequent bushing replacement, because the bushing 34 is repeatedly worn by the action of the grinding media inside the basket. Further, the impeller 32 and agitator discs or pins 18, mounted on the same shaft 20, by necessity, must spin at the same speed.
With the separate propellers of the second design, the propeller is separate, so there is no need for the bottom mounted bushing of the first design which is under constant attack by the action of the grinding media However, the offset nature of the propeller does not provide the better flow, and control over the flow of material as in the first design.
Accordingly, there is a need for a better apparatus, and a method for its operation, which permits precise control of flow, without significant maintenance difficulties.


A soap bar comprising at least two different portions wherein the portions have a difference in solubility of at least 1.0%.

Various bar aesthetics have been used in marketed products, especially bars having a striped or marbled appearance such as, for example, IRISH SPRING® bar soap from Colgate-Palmolive Co., COAST® Soap from Procter and Gamble, SKIN SO SOFT® by Avon, DOVE NUTRIUM® from Unilever and other specialty products including "Lavendel" from Kappus, a Germany product imported into the United States, and Apothary Stone Washed Refining Soap by Yardley London.


The invention generally relates to modified glucagon molecules. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a glucagon molecule that includes one or more modified amino acids to result in the glucagon molecule being soluble at a substantially neutral pH and resistant to fibrillation. Modifications may include, for example, phosphorylation or sulfation.

Glucagon is a 29-residue peptide hormone secreted by pancreatic α-cells that plays an important role in glucose metabolism. Currently, it is used as a drug for the emergency treatment of hypoglycemia and as a muscle relaxant for endoscopy procedures. A significant problem with glucagon is that the molecule has poor water solubility at neutral pH and has to be solubilized in acidic pH. However, it is not stable even in acidic solution, in which it irreversibly forms insoluble amyloid β-fibrils. Glucagon amyloid fibril formation compromises the potency of the drug, has the potential to generate toxic effects, and increases solution viscosity which causes difficulty in delivering the formulation using an infusion pump or injection pen.
Due to these solubility and stability issues, glucagon is currently formulated as a lyophilized powder that is reconstituted just prior to administration, and any surplus solution is discarded immediately. The inconvenience and the risk of needle exposure and dosing error associated with the current formulation has led to underutilization of glucagon despite its safety and efficacy for treatment of hypoglycemia. Moreover, glucagon solubility and stability issues have hindered the development of a closed loop artificial pancreas device. Such a device could administer insulin and glucagon automatically in response to fluctuations in blood glucose and could significantly improve quality of life for diabetic patients. It is impractical to use the lyophilized glucagon formulation for an artificial pancreas, which requires that an adjustable amount of glucagon solution be administered instantaneously in response to fluctuations in blood glucose.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A carton may include a linter. The liner may include one or more pressure control features for automatically relieving pressure from within an area enclosed by the liner. A pressure control feature may be in the form of one or more vent passageways extending through the liner.

The present disclosure generally relates to packages or cartons for holding and dispensing products, such as food products.
If the liner of a carton is hermetically sealed at a relatively lower elevation, the enclosure formed by the liner may expand and rupture, and thereby fail to provide desired barrier properties, if the carton is shipped to a relatively higher elevation.


An aspect of the present invention is a method for retrieving reliability data in a system. The method includes coupling a device to the system, collecting the reliability data with the device and retrieving the reliability data from the device.

Reliability assessment and prediction of failure rates of electrical and mechanical parts is a valuable tool used by a wide array of industries, such as, manufacturers and distributors of automobiles, high-end electrical equipment, household and industrial mechanical equipment, military contract goods, space industry equipment, and aircraft and avionics systems. Reliability predictions are often used to assist management in deciding appropriate maintenance schedules, replacement parts needs for immediate use, end-item estimated lifetime, end-item projected costs, and safety analyses.
With regard to products related to Information Technology, such as computer parts/products, reliability prediction data is typically obtained by taking a large sample of the finished product and conducting a long term trial. When a significant fraction of the product has failed, a prediction of the performance of the rest of the test group can be constructed and applied to the general population of the product. This is not a practical approach since the test duration is often longer than the shipping lifetime of the product thereby resulting in a prediction that is determined after the product is no longer being sold.
Accordingly, what is needed is a more practical approach to collecting reliability prediction data from the associated equipment. The approach should be simple, inexpensive and capable of being easily adapted to existing technology. The present invention addresses these needs.

Method for retrieving reliability data in a system

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A microelectronic structure may include an interconnect structure, an amine functional reactive polymer layer grafted onto the interconnect structure, and a dielectric layer on the amine functional reactive polymer layer, wherein the dielectric layer is bonded to the polymer layer with an amine bond. In one embodiment, the interconnect structure may be fabricated from a copper containing material. In a further embodiment, the dielectric layer may comprise an oxygen functional reactive dielectric layer, such as an epoxy dielectric layer. In one method of fabricating the microelectronic structure, the amine functional reactive polymer layer may be grafted onto the interconnect structure by an initiated chemical vapor deposition process.

The microelectronic industry is continually striving to produce ever faster and smaller microelectronic devices for use in various mobile electronic products, such as portable computers, electronic tablets, cellular phones, digital cameras, and the like. As these goals are achieved, the fabrication of the microelectronic devices becomes more challenging. One such challenging area relates to the interconnect layers that are used to connect the individual devices on a microelectronic chip and/or to send and/or receive signals external to the individual device(s). Interconnect layers generally comprise a dielectric material having conductive interconnects (lines) coupled to the individual devices. The interconnects (lines) generally comprise a metal line portion and a metal via portion, wherein the metal line portion is formed in a trench within the dielectric material and the metal via portion is formed within a via opening that extends from the trench through the dielectric material. It is understood that a plurality of interconnection layers (e.g., five or six levels) may be formed to effectuate the desired electrical connections. For example, a first interconnection layer having first interconnects formed in a first dielectric material may have a second dielectric material deposited on the first dielectric material and the first interconnects as a part of a second interconnection layer, wherein second interconnects may be formed in the second dielectric material, etc.
As these interconnects are manufactured at smaller pitches (e.g. narrower and/or closer together), the surface area of the interconnects in a first interconnection layer contacting the dielectric layer in a second interconnection layer formed thereon increases. However, materials which are used to form interconnects, such as copper and copper containing materials, generally have poor adhesion to dielectric materials. In order to increase the adhesion between interconnects and dielectric materials, the interconnects may be roughen, such as by chemical etching, to provide physical anchoring for the dielectric material. However, poor control over the roughening process may limit the achievement of fine interconnect spacing which is crucial for high density interconnects.

Polymer grafting for enhanced dielectric and interconnect material adhesion


The present invention provides a crystalline polyester resin which has sharp melt property, can achieve both fixing performance and blocking property and has excellent development durability, in which the crystalline polyester resin for toner which has a Young's modulus as measured by an ultramicro durometer at 25° C. of at least 2 GPa and a melting point of at least 60° C. and not more than 125° C.

Recently there has been an increased demand for energy saving which is accompanied by employment of measures for decreasing the fixation temperature of toners upon image formation. One of those measures is the use of polyester resins having a low softening temperature in order to further decrease the fixation temperature. However, because of the low softening temperature, toner particles may be melt-adhered to cause blocking during stationary standing thereof such as during storage and transportation.
In order to achieve both blocking resistance and low-temperature fixability, techniques have been proposed in which crystalline polyester resins are used having sharp melt property such that the viscosity is significantly decreased at above the melting point (Patent Literatures 1 to 3).


A method, system and computer program product, the method comprising: obtaining computer code of an employed system comprising a plurality of components; obtaining data related to operating the plurality of components; based on the computer code and the data, identifying: a first component from the plurality of components, to be maintained; and a second component from the plurality of components, to be at least partly replaced by a machine learning component; and providing to a user an identification of the first component and the second component.

Computerized devices control almost every aspect of our life—from writing documents to controlling traffic lights. In particular, a computerized system is the backbone of any organization, and in particular large ones, such as financial institutes for example banks or insurance companies, governmental organizations, pharmaceutical companies, health care institutes such as hospitals, or others, and in particular institutes maintaining databases comprising large quantities of data.
Such institutes have to comply with many requirements and constraints related to the computerized systems, the first of which is to provide the required functionality for an abundance of tasks, needs and subjects. In addition, the systems may have to take care of other tasks such as maintaining the privacy of individuals and organizations, complying with all sorts of regulations related such as documentation maintenance and archiving, and many others. Even further, huge amounts of data collected over the years, which may relate to the institute, its employees, clients, associates, scientific data, business data, or the like may have to be maintained, backed up regularly, or the like.
As a result, the computing systems of such organizations comprise legacy systems which are decades old and deeply rooted within the organization, meaning they are very hard to replace. On the other hand, maintaining such systems becomes more and more difficult, as modern infrastructures do not provide the required support, and particularly because developers that know the systems and the relevant programming languages and paradigms are retiring, and younger ones are not proficient in these environments. Therefore, there are less and less programmers who can maintain the systems, implement required changes, fix bugs, or the like. In addition, such systems do not enjoy the plethora of modern tools which can improve the financial, scientific or other service or results, save time, manpower and money, or provide other advantages.

Method and apparatus for employing machine learning solutions

International Business Machines Corporation


An improved structure of a gas sensor is provided which is designed for achieving desired crimping of an end portion of a sensor housing to establish a higher degree of gas-tight seal between the housing and a sensor element. The sensor element is fitted within the sensor housing. The end portion of the sensor housing is crimped or bent to urge the sensor element into constant abutment with an inner wall of the housing through a sealing member. The housing has an unique shape and dimensions selected to ensure the higher degree of gas-tight seal regardless of the degree of wear of a crimper and/or dimensional error of the housing.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a gas sensor which is installed, for example, in an exhaust system of automotive internal combustion engines to measure a specified component of exhaust emissions, and more particularly to an improved structure of such a gas sensor which is designed to ensure desired crimping of a sensor housing to establish a higher degree of gas-tight seal between the housing and a sensor element.
2. Background Art
Typical gas sensors installed in an exhaust system (e.g., an exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe) of automotive internal combustion engines are constructed to have a sensor element fitted hermetically within a hollow cylindrical housing. Such fitting is achieved by crimping or bending an open end portion of the housing to bring the sensor element into constant abutment with an inner wall of the housing. The sensor element has formed therein an inner chamber used as a reference gas chamber into which air is admitted as a reference gas. An outer and an inner electrode are affixed to an outer and inner wall of the sensor element. The inner electrode is exposed to the inner chamber of the sensor element, while the outer electrode is exposed to a measurement gas chamber defined around the sensor element to measure the concentration of a specified component of exhaust gas of the engine flowing into the measurement gas chamber. The crimping of the open end portion of the housing also establishes a gas-tight seal between the sensor element and the housing, that is, between the measurement gas chamber and the reference gas chamber.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,013 B1 to Watanabe et al., assigned to the same assignee as that of this application, teaches installation of a sensor element within a housing using the crimping techniques, as described above. The housing, as disclosed in Watanabe et al., is constructed to have an annular extension to be crimped. The annular extension has a wall tapering toward an open end of the housing and dimensions selected to avoid bulging of the annular extension after being crimped.
The tapered wall of the annular extension has a maximum thickness which is more than twice a minimum thickness thereof. Specifically, the annular extension has greatly varying thickness, thus resulting in a difficulty in deforming the annular extension uniformly. Particularly, use of a greatly worn crimper or dimensional errors in the annular extension results in a difficulty to bend the annular extension to 90°, which usually leads to a lack of adhesion between the housing and the sensor element, that is, gas-tight seal between the measurement gas chamber and the reference gas chamber.

Structure of gas sensor ensuring high degree of gas-tight seal


A detachable IC card applicable to a portable data processing device referred to as an "electronic organizer" is disclosed. The IC card is formed of microstrip lines formed on a dielectric substrate. An antenna receives an externally applied unmodulated carrier signal and guides the received signal to microstrip lines for impedance conversion. Cathode potential of a diode is varied in response to a data signal outputted from a CPU, so that the barrier capacitance of the diode varies. Accordingly, the carrier is reflected according to the data signal and radiated toward the electronic organizer main body through the antenna. An oscillator for data transmission is not required in the IC card, so that an internal battery having a large capacitance is not required, either. As a result, without increasing the size and weight of the device, radio transmission of data from the IC card can be accomplished.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to portable data processing devices, and particularly to a portable data processing device capable of transmitting processed data with a radio under low power consumption. The present invention has particular applicability to a small size data processing device which is called "an electronic organizer".
2. Description of the Background Art
With development of larger scale integration of semiconductor devices, electronic equipments employing semiconductor devices have been more and more miniaturized recently. A portable computer includes various semiconductor devices of which sizes are made smaller and smaller with a higher scale of integration of the semiconductor devices and improvement of functions. Generally, well known portable computers include laptop personal computers, note type personal computers and small size data processing devices or portable personal computers which are called "electronic organizers". The present invention is generally applicable to the above-mentioned portable computers, but a case where the present invention is applied to the above-mentioned "electronic organizer" will be described in the description below.
In the electronic organizer, various functions such as a telephone book, schedule, watch, world watch, calendar, desk-top calculator, simple table calculation and memorandum are provided in a device of a pocket notebook size, which is very light weight and convenient for carrying around. Accordingly, a user can store data such as a list of clients, a schedule, names of products and a price list in the electronic organizer. When a contract is made outside the office, data related to the contract is inputted into the organizer. After the user comes back to the office, the stored contract data is transferred from the electronic organizer to a host computer through a communication function. The data for manufacturing is thus supplied to a manufacturing division through the host computer. In this way, the data management from manufacture to sales is extremely facilitated. Especially, various IC cards which can be exchanges have been developed recently, so that the electronic organizers are increasingly used for various purposes.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a conventional electronic organizer. Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic organizer includes a main body 3 of the electronic organizer, and an exchangeable IC card 4a employed with it. The electronic organizer main body 3 includes a controller 301, a memory 302, a display 303, an input key 304, and input/output (I/0) terminals or connectors 305 and 306. The IC card 4a includes a memory 401, and an I/O terminal 402. Various commands and data processed in electronic organizer main body 3 are supplied through input key 304 and processed in controller 301. The processed data is supplied to memory 302 and display 303. Programs for operational processings and inputted data are stored in memory 302. An inexpensive liquid crystal display is employed as display 303.
When IC card 4a is used, input/output terminal 305 of main body 3 and input/output terminal 402 of IC card 4a are connected to each other. Memory 401 of IC card 4a is formed of a read only memory (ROM), where programs for operational processings and data are stored. Main body 3 of electronic organizer 3 employs the programs and data through terminals 305 and 402. Such data stored in IC card 4a includes English-Japanese dictionary data, Japanese-English dictionary data, game software and the like. On the other hand, separately from the same, there is an IC card 4b shown in FIG. 11. The IC card 4b includes a memory 401, an I/O terminal 402, a rewritable memory 403 and a battery 404 as a DC power supply. Accordingly, the IC card 4b is suitable for handling a large amount of data such as address book data.
Programs and data are stored in memories 401 and IC cards 4a and 4b depending on the purposes, so that a single electronic organizer can be utilized for various purposes by exchanging IC cards. Furthermore, main body 3 of the electronic organizer has I/O terminal 306 in which data can be shared with a personal computer by connected an external equipment thereto, e.g., a personal computer. That is, the data stored in the electronic organizer is transmitted to the personal computer, where desired data processings are performed. The processed data is stored in a flexible disk. On the other hand, the data in the flexible disk also can be transmitted to the electronic organizer. Generally, data input through an input key provided in an input portion 304 of main body 3 of an electronic organizer takes a long time, so that data inputted through a personal computer are often transferred to the electronic organizer via a communication function. In this way, the application range of electronic organizers is very wide.
On the other hand, radio communication for the purpose of use in relatively short distances such as inside a factory of an office has increased. Typical examples of such radio communication equipment also include the private paging system and the low speed data transmission system. The private paging system includes an input device having a personal computer and the like, a base station and a branch station. In this system, a call transmission of character/voice information and the like are made by the radio communication from the base station to a portable receiver (branch station). The character/voice information is transmitted with a digital signal and displayed on a display of the portable receiver.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a portable receiver (branch station) of the conventional private paging system. Referring to FIG. 12, portable receiver 7 includes an antenna 71, a receiver 72, an oscillator 73 and a controller 74. A signal transmitted from the base station is received through antenna 71 and supplied to a first mixer 721 together with a signal produced from a local oscillator in oscillator 73. A first intermediate frequency signal (referred to as a "IF signal", hereinafter) obtained in mixer 721 is amplified by a first IF amplifier 722 and then supplied to a second mixer 723. A second IF signal obtained in the second mixer 723 is amplified by a second IF amplifier 724 and then demodulated into a digital signal by a demodulator 725. The demodulated data is supplied to a CPU 741, where operational processings are applied thereto. The processed data is displayed on display 743 and also stored in memory 742. Memory 742 stores a program and received data. Functions such as selection call, group call, and simulcast call etc. are provided for as calling functions of the branch station, with which, in hospitals, hotels, offices and so forth, doctors, nurses and workers, for example, are called or, information are transmitted to them.
On the other hand, the low speed data transmitting system includes a data terminal device such as a personal computer, a base station and a branch station. In this system, data of an office automation (OA) terminal such as a personal computer is bilaterally transmitted via radio at a transmission speed of 4800 bps or less. It can be used for purposes such as real time entry of data such as takings and orders in a store and management of stocks in a warehouse.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a branch station in the conventional low speed data transmission system. Referring to FIG. 13, a branch station 8 includes an antenna 81, a receiver 82, an oscillator 83, a controller 84, a transmitter 85 and a data input 86. In the description below, a case where the system is applied to ordering work in a restaurant will be described. When a customer orders a dish, the information is transmitted to a base station provided in a kitchen. That is, the data of ordering information (e.g., a name of the dish, the number of dishes, a table number) is inputted through data input 86. The data is subjected to operational processes in CPU 841. The inputted data is displayed in display 842 for confirmation. Next, the carrier sensing (carrier detection) is performed to detect a free channel. When a free channel is detected, the oscillating frequency of a local oscillator 832 is controlled so that a carrier of that frequency is generated. The carrier produced from local oscillator 832 is supplied to modulator 851 through a high frequency switch 831 switched to the transmitter 85 side. A modulation signal corresponding to data to be transmitted is applied to modulator 851 from CPU 841, and the carrier is modulated in response to the modulation signal. The power of the modulated signal is amplified by power amplifier 852. Then, an antenna switch 813 is on the transmitter 85 side. The amplified transmission signal, from which unnecessary signal components are removed by a bandpass filter 812, is transmitted toward the base station through antenna 811.
The base station receives the data transmitted from the branch station to provide a cook with ordering information by, for example, displaying the data on a CRT of a personal computer, or by outputting the data with a printer.
On the contrary, when the branch station receives information (how far the cooking has progressed) from the base station, a signal transmitted from the base station is received by antenna 811 and unnecessary signal components are removed by bandpass filter 812. The antenna switch 813 is on the receiver 82 side, so that the received signal is amplified by high frequency amplifier 821 and then supplied to first mixer 822. The high frequency switch 831 is on the receiver 82 side, so that a local oscillator signal produced from local oscillator 832 is also supplied to the first mixer 822. A first IF signal obtained by mixing in the first mixer 822 is amplified by a first IF amplifier 823 and then supplied to a second mixer 824. A second IF signal obtained in second mixer 824 is amplified by second IF amplifier 825 and then demodulated into a digital signal by demodulator 826. The demodulated data is supplied to CPU 841, where operational processings are performed thereto. The operationally processed data are displayed on display 842 and also stored in memory 843. The system can be also utilized as a radio modem having transmission speed of 4800 bps other than utilization in the ordering work in a family restaurant as described above.
As described above, although a conventional electronic organizer has a wide application range, an IC card cannot be used when it is separated from the electronic organizer main body. In addition, transmission/reception of data from and to the electronic organizer main body has to be necessarily made through communication I/O terminals.
As an example of transmitting/receiving data during travel for the above-described private paging system, a low speed data transmission system or the like are known, but the former has disadvantage that the data cannot be transmitted to the host computer side during travel since it is unilateral communication from the base station to the branch station. In addition, both of the systems have complicated circuit structure and the mobile station (a branch station) is provided with a local oscillator, resulting in an increase in consumption power. Accordingly, a considerably large battery is required for long time use, which has been an obstacle to miniaturization as well as an increase in weight. This also makes it impossible to provide a radio function to an IC card of an electronic organizer which is extremely small and light.

Portable data processing device capable of transmitting processed data on a radio by reflection of unmodulated carrier signal externally applied


For use in landmine clearing, a hitch system providing backup with anti-jack knife and anti-dive, the system includes a hitch assembly and a roller assembly. The hitch assembly has a hinge axis housing containing a hinge shaft and a connector shaft housing containing a stop block having a first side that engages a flat region on the hinge shaft and a second side that engages a biasing spring that is held in the connector shaft housing using an end cap. The roller assembly includes a roller frame that is rigidly mechanically coupled to the hinge shaft. The biasing spring is selected to provide a compressive bias to the stop block such that the roller assembly selective rotates about the hinge axis housing when the roller assembly is subjected to a landmine detonation, and such that rotation of the hinge shaft is prevented during normal forward, reverse, and turning maneuvers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a hitch system and method for backup with anti-jack knife and anti-dive.
2. Background Art
Military vehicles that are used for clearing landmines are typically equipped with landmine clearing apparatuses (e.g., massive cog-wheel rollers that explode buried landmines) on the fore and aft ends of the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrating a top view of a conventional aft end landmine clearing apparatus 10 is shown. The apparatus 10 can be towed behind a vehicle (not shown) to clear (i.e., detonate) landmines that are buried in terrain.
The apparatus 10 typically includes a drawbar assembly 20 having chains 22a and 22b with first ends connected at left and right ends, respectively, of a shaft 24, and a tow eyelet 26. The second ends of the chains 22 and the eyelet 26 are generally mechanically coupled to the tow vehicle. The chains 22 generally permit the apparatus 10 to swivel during forward motion turns while providing support for the rear of the assembly 20 such that the assembly 20 is elevated above the terrain.
A roller frame 30 is typically mechanically coupled to the shaft 24 such that the frame 30 rotates about the shaft 24 particularly during a landmine explosion event. The frame 30 generally includes a roller sub-assembly having massive cog-wheel rollers 32 (e.g., rollers 32a–32n) that rotate on a roller shaft 34 and explode landmines to clear an area.
The apparatus 10 is typically towed behind the military vehicle during normal operation. However, upon some occasions an operator of the vehicle may wish to reverse directions of (i.e., back up) the vehicle. Under many operating terrain conditions, the apparatus 10 will jack knife or dive (i.e., the frame 30 will dig into the terrain) during back up operations. Thus, the apparatus 10 will impede or prevent the desired rearward vehicle motion. Such impeded or prevented vehicle operation can inconvenience or endanger the vehicle operators and occupants, and can damage the apparatus 10.
Another situation that can cause damage to the apparatus 10 is when the vehicle is moving forward or backing up and a landmine is exploded causing the rollers 32 to first become elevated (and rotate about the shaft 24) and then drop. When the rollers 32 drop, the drawbar 20 and the frame 30 can be jammed into the terrain and damaged.
Thus, there exists a need and an opportunity for an improved a hitch system and method for backup with anti-jack knife and anti-dive. Such an improved system and method may overcome one or more of the deficiencies of the conventional approaches.

System and method for hitch with backup anti-jack knife and anti-dive

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


A driven axle assembly for vehicles has an axle housing with a main drive, wheel hub units fixed to both sides of the axle housing and being driven by a drive shaft with different rotational movements on both sides of the main drive, within each wheel hub unit, a planetary gearing and a multi-plate friction type wet brake both being coupled to the drive shaft as well as to a drive unit of the vehicle, wherein the multi-plate friction type wet brake is arranged within a ring gear support member, and around planetary gears of the planetary gearing a ring gear is connected to them.. The improvement achieved by this invention is that a driving assembly is coupled to the ring gear of the planetary gearing of each and every wheel hub unit arranged on the driven axle whereas a difference between the rotational speeds of the ring gear within the wheel hub units, respectively, are proportional to a difference between the rotational speeds of the wheel hub units arranged on the driven axle of the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a driven axle assembly with wheel hubs being driven with different rotational speeds. For this, the axle assembly comprises an axle housing with a main drive, wheel hub units fixed to both sides of the axle housing and being driven by a drive shaft with different rotational movements on both sides of the main drive, within each wheel hub unit, a planetary gearing and a multi-plate friction type wet brake both being coupled to the drive shaft as well as to a drive unit of the vehicle, wherein the multi-plate friction type wet brake is arranged within a ring gear support member, and around planetary gears of the planetary gearing a ring gear is connected to them.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,967 describes a driven axle assembly of heavy duty vehicles such as muckshifters, mining machines, agricultural power machines and vehicles for handling and transporting materials, which has a planetary gearing and a multi-plate friction type wet brake. This solution is able to cope with the high loads and stresses applied on driven axle assemblies of vehicles as mentioned above, thus there are quite widely spread solutions.
The driven axle assemblies of this type, however, are not suitable to applications in driven axles with steering appliances. It is not unusual, that these kind of heavy duty vehicles have caterpillar or rubber creepers or belts instead of conventional wheels, and these creepers are driven for moving the vehicle. In these cases, the heavy duty vehicles are steered with different movement of the creepers which is reached by different rotational speeds of the creeper drivers on both sides of the vehicle. Often is this known solution be used with vehicles having conventional wheels, wherein the wheels themselves rotate with different speed, during the steering action.
In summary, the previously known solutions providing different rotational speeds on both sides of the vehicles are not suitable for applications under heavy duty conditions but, as mentioned above, the need to overcome this disadvantage is quite urgent.

Driven axle assembly for steering by driving vehicles


The optical scattering-based smoke detector comprises a scattering zone accessible to the smoke, a printed circuit forming a supporting member and a first and second light reflectors mounted on a common supporting member. An electronic smoke detection unit, a light emitter and a light receiver are mounted on the printed circuit. The receiver is sensitive to at least some of the wavelengths of the light rays emitted by the emitter. The first light reflector facing the emitter to direct the emitted light into a detection zone in the scattering zone. The second light reflector facing the receiver to direct, in the presence of smoke in the scattering zone, the scattered light from the detection zone onto the receiver. A single mechanical part comprises the first and second light reflectors and a link resistant to the passage of the light from the first light reflector to the second light reflector.

Many smoke detectors are known. The principle of an optical scattering-based smoke detector, for example, is based on utilizing, firstly, an emitter of light rays and, secondly, a receiver of light signals scattered by the ambient air. When there is no smoke in the air that enters the detector, the receiver only receives a very small amount of the scattered light. In contrast, when there is smoke in the air that enters the detector, this scatters the light from the emitter and thus lights the receiver.
To realize such smoke detectors, every emitter (typically a light-emitting diode) and receiver (typically a photodiode or phototransistor) component is positioned obliquely on a printed circuit, forming an angle of angle of approximately 35 to 45 degrees with this printed circuit.
However, the positioning of these components, which is very difficult to realize and test, is the main cause of manufacturing faults in the detectors and imposes high manufacturing costs. Faulty positioning can cause either a parasitic reflection blinding the receiver component or a reduction in sensitivity. In addition, the positioning of these components is not very reproducible, reducing the ability to establish a precise specification for the smoke detectors that comprise them. Lastly, the wires than connect these components to the printed circuit act as antennas collecting parasitic signals, thus reducing the detector's sensitivity.
In order to reduce these parasitic effects, document U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,302 proposes replacing the receiver by a component mounted directly on the printed circuit and collecting the light scattered by the smoke particles by using a lens positioned close to the receiver. However, in the proposed device the emitter comprises connecting wires to the printed circuit; this causes many drawbacks, for example, difficulty in correctly adjusting the angle between the emitted beams and the receiver's axis, the existence of an antenna effect towards the printed circuit likely to bring parasites to it, or the impossibility of properly defining the interaction zone. The problems mentioned above are therefore still to be resolved.
Ultimately, a significant portion of the circuit production is rejected before the detector is assembled, even when it is not the complete detector that is rejected during a test.
In addition, the problem of positioning the emitter and receiver components makes it difficult to utilize surface-mounted components ("SMC") since they are miniaturized and therefore more sensitive to faulty positioning.
Document WO 2009/036988 is also known; it presents a radiation guide that can be surface-mounted, designed to be mounted on an emitter of light rays. However, the mechanical positioning of this radiation guide is still a problem and faulty positioning can lead to low sensitivity of the detector comprising two such radiation guides facing, respectively, an emitter and a receiver. The mechanical assembly of two guides requires the realization of a complex, therefore costly, part in which parasitic rays can go from the emitter to the receiver and hamper detection.

Smoke detection circuit, smoke detector comprising said circuit and alarm device comprising both the circuit and the detector


Broadly speaking, a device for addressing a shared resource is disclosed. The device includes at least one register in communication with the shared resource. The at least one register is configured to hold an address that is to be provided to the shared resource upon receipt of a clock signal. The device also includes a multiplexer for providing a next address to the at least one register. The multiplexer is disposed outside of a critical timing path for addressing the shared resource. The device for addressing the shared resource allows multiple users to be connected to the shared resource without adversely affecting both a speed of the shared resource and a number of users that can be achieved in an actual implementation of the shared resource.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a multi-user memory for digital data.
2. Description of the Related Art
Multi-user memories are being increasingly used to buffer network traffic in router and switching applications. Other applications involving digital data also benefit from the use of multi-user memories. As the number of users of a multi-user memory increases, however, a port address multiplexing logic necessary to connect the increased number of users to the multi-user memory becomes more complex. This increase in complexity acts as a limiting factor for both the speed of the multi-user memory and the number of users that can be achieved in an actual implementation of the multi-user memory.
A conventional multi-user memory receives an address signal directly from an address multiplexer. The address multiplexer receives a number of address inputs representing different address signals to be supplied to the multi-user memory. The address multiplexer also receives a selector signal input to indicate which of the number of address inputs will be passed through an output of the address multiplexer to the multi-user memory. For a number of users to share the multi-user memory, the number of inputs received by the address multiplexer must be equal to the number of users. Thus, with more than just a few users sharing the multi-user memory, the address multiplexer can become large and complex.
There are disadvantages associated with having a large and complex address multiplexer. For example, the large and complex address multiplexer requires more hardware and data path signal routing space when implemented in a CMOS process. Also, the large and complex address multiplexer operates slowly. Such slow operation can necessitate a limiting of a clock rate of a system containing the address multiplexer and multi-user memory. Consequently, limiting of the clock rate adversely affects overall performance of the system.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a device, and associated method of operation, that allows multiple users to be efficiently connected to a multi-user memory.

Time slicing device for shared resources and method for operating the same


Yarns are provided which may include a core having a continuous filament, a first covering of said filament, obtained by winding a first yarn in a first winding direction, a second covering superposed over the first covering, made by winding a second yarn in an opposite winding direction, so as to form an open-coiling cover, at least one third covering, obtained by winding at least one sliver having discontinuous fibers in the same winding direction as the second yarn, positioning the fibers at least in the interspaces of said open-coiling cover. Durable and comfortable textiles and garments made from such yarn and methods of making same are also provided.

Several types of technical yarns exist. For example, document U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,789 describes a yarn consisting of an inner core formed by a single or multi-filament, on which an inner yarn is superposed, for example made of stainless steel. The core and the inner yarn are covered with a first yarn wound in a first winding direction which forms a first covering layer; the first covering layer is covered with a second yarn wound in a second winding direction which forms a second covering layer.
Further examples of yarn are described in documents EP1486595A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,760A.

Yarns for protective garments and manufacturing methods thereof


A fragrance dispenser including a fragrance container for housing a predetermined amount of liquid fragrance. A dispensing mechanism is included for dispensing the fragrance upon the receipt of power. Also provided is a manual actuation switch for allowing the single and immediate transfer of power to the dispensing mechanism upon the depression thereof. Finally, the manual actuation switch is connected to an ignition of the vehicle for being capable of transferring power only when the vehicle is activated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fragrance dispenser and more particularly pertains to dispensing fragrance within a vehicle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of fragrance dispensers is known in the prior art. More specifically, fragrance dispensers heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of eliminating odors are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
By way of example, the prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,972 to Muderlak et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,718 to Muderlak; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 357,977 Muderlak; U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,117 to Muderlak et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,133 to Yang; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,791 to Muderlak et al.
In this respect, the fragrance dispenser according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of dispensing fragrance within a vehicle.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved fragrance dispenser which can be used for dispensing fragrance within a vehicle. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system may include one or more ducts and each duct may include one or more sections. A duct section, for example, may include a flange, which may help increase the ease and efficiency of installing the duct section. The flange may also help provide a seal between portions of the duct section and other structures. A duct section may include a cover, which may advantageously help prevent animals, debris and the like from entering and/or passing through the duct section. A duct section may also include a barrier, which may also help prevent animals, debris and the like from entering and/or passing through the duct section. The barrier may also include one or more air-permeable portions through which at least some air may advantageously pass.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to ducts and, in particular, to ducts that can be used in connection with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
2. Description of Related Art
During construction of an office building, a home or other structures, ducts may be installed for various purposes. For example, one or more ducts may be installed as part of an HVAC system. That is, ducts may form part of a system or network that provides heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning to a structure.
Unfortunately, when a duct is attached to an opening in a wall, a floor or a ceiling, it can be time consuming to properly size the opening to accommodate the duct. Further, when attaching a duct to the opening, it can be difficult to properly align the duct and the opening.
After a duct is installed, other problems may occur. For example, ducts are typically installed before construction is completed. Accordingly, water, dust, dirt, building materials and/or other debris may enter the ducts during the construction process. Consequently, when activated, the HVAC systems may blow this debris throughout the office building or home, creating a mess and a potential health risk. Further, the water and/or debris may promote the growth of mold, bacteria or other pathogens, which the HVAC systems may blow throughout the office building or home.
In addition, birds or other animals may enter and become trapped in the ducts. For example, these animals may get stuck or lost within the ducts and may eventually die within the ducts. Consequently, when activated, the HVAC systems may blow the smell of decaying animals throughout the office building or home. In addition, the decaying animals may create a health risk in the building or home.


Silica composite particles in which a silica particle surface is sequentially surface-treated with a titanium compound in which an organic group is bonded to a titanium atom through an oxygen atom, and a hydrophobizing agent are provided, in which a titanium content in the silica composite particles measured using fluorescence X-ray is from 0.001% by weight to 10% by weight; a titanium content of a surface layer of the silica composite particles satisfies the following Formula (1); an average particle diameter of the silica composite particles is from 30 nm to 500 nm; and a particle size distribution index of the silica composite particles is from 1.1 to 1.5:0.6<Y/X<1.8  (1)wherein X represents a titanium content in silica composite particles measured using fluorescence X-ray, and Y represents a titanium content of the silica composite particle surface obtained by XPS measurement.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to silica composite particles and a method of preparing the same.
2. Related Art
Silica particles are used as additives or main ingredients of toners, cosmetics, rubbers, abrasives and the like, and have a role of, for example, improving the strength of resins, improving the fluidity of powders, or suppressing packing. Since it is considered that the properties of the silica particles are likely to depend on the shape of the silica particles, silica particles having various shapes have been proposed.

Silica composite particles and method of preparing the same