A bucket with a dust suppressing apparatus includes a bucket portion and a dust suppressing apparatus coupled to the bucket portion. The dust suppressing apparatus is adapted to operate during operation of the bucket. The dust suppressing apparatus functions to reduce dust emissions during use of the bucket in order to meet EPA requirements. Particular embodiments include an adjustable dust suppressing apparatus coupled directly to the bucket portion, wherein spray direction of the dust suppressing apparatus is adjusted in response to the adjustment of the dust suppressing apparatus.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to a dust suppressing apparatus and more particularly to a bucket with an apparatus for suppressing dust and assisting in material processing.
2. State of the Art
The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") and many state governments have a desire to control the emissions that they deem harmful or hazardous to the general public. States have often found that dust emissions from construction sites are one of the emissions that need control. The EPA has established limits on the amount of dust emissions from any particular site and governs this by placing heavy fines on the construction company for violating the maximum dust emissions established by the state.
Accordingly, the construction industry, which has wide spread use of buckets such as excavator buckets and other equipment, have a great need to control the dust emissions on any particular construction site. The use of excavator buckets is particularly prevalent in pipeline, padding, grading, underground utility and all other types of construction that require the movement of earth materials. Workers are required to move large amounts of soil in order to accomplish the various jobs and duties on a construction site. The digging, cutting and material processing of the soil often times results in the emissions of dust.
Conventional devices for controlling dust emissions include the use of water trucks. These water trucks carry large tanks of water and include a spray device. The water trucks drive systematically around the construction site and spray it down with water. Often, there is a laborer that has the sole responsibility of spraying the water from the truck by use of a hose. The water spray serves to reduce the dust in the air and keeps dust emissions levels within the desired range established by the state.
These conventional devices have their drawbacks. The water truck is another piece of equipment and often times multiple pieces of equipment that a construction company must provide either by ownership or rental. The truck requires additional laborers, fuel additional vehicle emissions and costs. Further, the trucks utilize a large amount of water in order to keep the dust emissions within the established levels. The amount of water is large for several reasons. These reasons include, but are not limited to, having to control the dust further away from the source of creation, the spraying is controlled by a laborer and is more difficult to direct in the particular location it is needed, and the inefficient cycle of a water truck moving around construction site. Additional drawbacks include creating a safety hazard by having more laborers on the site and having a laborer out of the truck who physically is spraying the material being processed by an excavator for example. The laborer is in the way of harm.
Accordingly, there is a need in the field of dust suppressing devices for an improved bucket with a dust suppression apparatus that provides benefits over the conventional devices, the benefits including, but not limited to reduction of cost, reduction of laborers, conservation of water, conservation of fuel, reduction of vehicle emissions, improved efficiency of dust suppression.


A steel piston (1) for a combustion engine, having an upper part in which a ring section (7) with at least one ring groove (8) is arranged, wherein the upper part is adjoined by a lower part that has two opposing skirt wall sections (2), wherein the two skirt wall sections (2) are connected via two mutually opposite case walls (3), wherein a pin bore (4) surrounded by a piston boss (6) is provided in each case wall (3). In one example, there is at least one aperture (14) or at least one recess in the case wall (3) in the region between the piston boss (6) and the skirt wall section (2).

Pistons made of a steel material with the aforementioned characteristics (so-called box design) are generally known. They are used in combustion engines for high performance requirements in order to be able to withstand the parameters to meet the performance requirements, in particular combustion temperature and combustion pressure. However, the steel material in such pistons has the disadvantage of a high weight, which in turn has an increasing effect on fuel consumption in particular.
From the prior art for steel pistons, in particular forged steel pistons, it is known that the piston has an approximately straight course in the case wall and window area (piston boss) in the direction of the piston longitudinal axis (also referred to as the piston stroke axis) with small production-related demolding obliques.


A method for manufacturing a metal composite strip for the production of electrical contact components. A film made of tin or a tin alloy is first applied onto an initial material made of an electrically conductive base material. A film of silver is then deposited thereonto. Copper or a copper alloy is preferably used as the base material. The tin film can be applied in the molten state, and the silver film by electroplating. Furthermore, both the tin film and the silver film can be deposited by electroplating. A further alternative provides for manufacturing the tin film in the molten state and the silver film by cathodic sputtering. The diffusion operations which occur in the coating result in a homogeneous film of a tin-silver alloy. This formation can be assisted by way of a heat treatment of the composite strip.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composite strip, coated with a tin-silver alloy, for producing electrical contact components.
2. Description of Related Art
Tin-silver is a very good contact material. It is characterized principally by its low electrical resistance, its hardness, and its abrasion resistance.
The possibilities for coating an electrically conductive base material with a tin-silver alloy by electroplating are, however, limited. U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,261 discloses in this connection a way to deposit a silver-tin alloy by electroplating from a cyanide-free bath. The bath is prepared using silver as the nitrate or diamine complex, tin as a soluble tin(II) or tin(IV) compound, and mercaptoalkane carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids. Films of silver-tin alloys with a silver content of approximately 20 wt % to 99 wt % can be deposited from this bath.
The silver concentration of a coating manufactured in this manner is relatively high; films with lower silver concentrations cannot be attained. In addition, the film generated by electroplating is finely banded, with a slight micro-roughness. The film is brittle, and will tolerate only small bending stresses.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a method which makes possible the manufacture of a high-quality tin-silver coating on an electrically conductive base material.
In accordance with the present invention, these and other objects are achieved by the following process. A film made of tin or a tin alloy is first applied onto a starting material made of an electrically conductive base material. A film of silver is then deposited thereonto. Copper or a copper alloy is preferably used as the base material. The tin film can be applied in the molten state, and the silver film by electroplating. Both the tin film and the silver film can also be deposited by electroplating. A further alternative provides for manufacturing the tin film in the molten state and the silver film by cathodic sputtering. The diffusion operations which occur in the coating result in a homogeneous film of a tin-silver alloy. This formation can be assisted by heat treating the composite strip.

Method for manufacturing a metallic composite strip


A transistor SEL is formed by using a compound semiconductor layer (channel layer CNL). The channel layer CNL is formed over a buffer layer BUF. In a first direction where a drain electrode DRE, a gate electrode GE, and a source electrode SOE of the transistor SEL are arranged, at least a portion of the buried electrode BE is situated on the side opposing the source electrode SOE with reference to the gate electrode GE. The buried electrode BE is connected to the source electrode SOE of the transistor SEL. The top end of the buried electrode BE intrudes into the buffer layer BUF.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and concerns a technique applicable to a semiconductor device having a transistor formed in a compound semiconductor layer.
Since compound semiconductors such as GaN have a band gap larger than that of silicon and have a larger critical electric field, they can easily form high voltage transistors with low loss. However, it is difficult to obtain p-type compound semiconductors. Accordingly, it is difficult to form p/n junction diodes as protective devices for the transistors.
As a countermeasure, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-59589 describes that a Schottky barrier diode is used as a protective device for a transistor. In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-59589, a Schottky electrode is formed over the surface of a GaN layer in the Schottky junction of the Schottky barrier diode.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-210657 describes that a depletion type transistor and an enhancement type transistor are arranged over one identical substrate. In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-210657, a substrate has a structure comprising a p-type GaN layer, a n-type GaN layer, and an AlGaN layer stacked in this order. Then, in the n-type GaN layer and, the AlGaN layer, an acceptor (p-type impurity) is introduced into a region situated below the gate electrode of the enhancement type transistor.


According to the present invention an element comprising a layer on a glass support characterised in that: (i) the thickness of said glass support is less than 1.2 mm, (ii) said glass support has a failure stress (under tensile stress) equal to or higher than 5.times.10.sup.7 Pa and (iii) the sides in the longitudinal direction have a rounded border with a radius in the order of magnitude of half of the thickness of the glass support.

For many applications of silver halide photographic materials, dimensional stability is of utmost importance. Although polyester based plastic films can be used to produce photographic materials showing good dimensional stability, it is for speciality applications, e.g. photomicrography, some graphic arts application, photofabrication of PCB (printed circuit boards), etc, still preferred to use silver halide photographic materials coated on glass. Also in application where the material has to have high thermal stability, the use of a glass support is preferred over the use of a plastic film support. An example of an application where high thermal stability is needed is the manufacture of LCD's as described in EP-B 396 824 and EP-A 615 161. In the manufacture of colour filters for the production of colour LCD's the optical isotropy of glass (most polymer films are optically anisotropic, i.e. show birefringence) is an advantage.
Applying layers on glass plates in a continuous process is described in EP-A 716339. Said application discloses a process for applying various layers on a glass support in a continuous applying machine characterized in that (i) the thickness of the glass support is lower than 1.2 mm and (ii) the glass support has a failure stress (under tensile stress) equal or higher than 1.times.10.sup.7 Pa and an elasticity modulus (Young's modulus) equal to or lower than 10.times.10.sup.10 Pa. However said materials still show two distinct disadvantages. First of all said material can not be wound on a small core with a sufficient safety factor to avoid premature breaking and secondly the strength of said glass is to low for use in greater dimensions such as is needed for LCD's.
Chemical strengthened float glass is known which has greater strength than normal float glass. EP-A 286018 discloses a support consisting of chemically straightened glass. However said glass still cracks from the border out. JP-58-208728 describes a liquid crystal color display between substrates each made of borosilicate glass coated with a silica film. However said glass still cracks from the border out. JP-57-205343 discloses the preparation of tempered glass by subjecting the glass to heat treatment at a fixed temperature raising rate and ion exchange treatment, and forming a metallic film. However said glass still cracks from the border out. JP-58-156554 describes the prevention of the deterioration of the thin film formed on the surface of a glass substrate, by reducing the content of sodium oxide in the surface layer of a borosilicate glass containing sodium oxide by ion exchange treatment. However said glass still cracks from the border out. However the literature is silent about the solution for the problem of winding glass upon small cores.
Furthermore in chemical hardened glass there still originates cracks at the border of said glass.

Material comprising a layer on a glass support


A thin-film transistor of a type constructed of the semiconductor region on top of an insulating substrate and the gate electrode on the gate insulating layer on top of the channel of the semiconductor region. The thin-film transistor contains an impurity region of opposite semiconductor type of a source region and a drain region, at least where the side wall of the semiconductor region borders the gate electrode via the insulating layer. The impurity region is doped with a higher impurity concentration than the other semiconductor regions. The above arrangement dramatically lowers current leak in the thin-film transistor, and offers a substantially improved manufacturing yield of thin-film transistor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a MOS (Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) type, thin-film transistor and a semiconductor device, active matrix board and liquid-crystal display device, into which the thin-film transistor is implemented.
2. Related Background Art
In the manufacturing process of the thin-film transistor (TFT), two types of processes are mainly available for isolating one element from another: mesa and LOCOS (localized oxidation of silicon) processes. In the mesa isolation process, a semiconductor layer is formed entirely on an insulating substrate and unwanted regions of the semiconductor layer are then removed by etching or other techniques. In the LOCOS process, isolation is assured by selectively oxidizing the semiconductor layer. FIGS. 7A and 7B show a prior art thin-film transistor that is manufactured using the mesa isolation process. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the thin-film transistor and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7B--7B in FIG. 7A. Shown in the figures are an insulating substrate 1, a semiconductor region 2, a gate insulating layer 3, a gate electrode 4, a source region 5, and a drain region 6.
The prior art thin-film transistor has the following disadvantage.
In the prior art thin-film transistor, because of the effect of the geometry, a lower threshold value results in regions 76 where the side wall portions (peripheral portions) of the semiconductor region 2 are close to the gate electrode 4 via the gate insulating layer 3, compared to the remaining plane region on which the gate insulating layer 3 and the gate electrode 4 are laminated in plane. The side wall portions of the semiconductor region 2 is subject to the following phenomena: a leak current takes place because of the effect of an interface region that is generated in the isolation process; and the threshold value drops because an impurity concentration is varied due to the effect of segregated areas of impurities and the like. Although FIGS. 7A and 7B show the example of the mesa device, the same problems are encountered in the LOCOS isolation process.
The transistor structure shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B has been proposed to prevent leak currents in the thin-film transistor substrate (U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,056). In FIGS. 8A and 8B, those portions equivalent to those described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B are designated with the same reference numerals. In this transistor as shown, the width W.sub.1 of the source region 5 and the drain region 6, both being heavily doped n-type regions, is set be narrower than the width W.sub.2 of the semiconductor region 2. Designated 81 is a heavily doped p-type region which is provided to keep fixed the potential of the well. The region 81 is more heavily doped than the well and is wired to keep fixed the well potential.
In FIGS. 8A and 8B, although current leakage is less likely to take place by keeping fixed the potential of the well, a leakage path 82 still remains. It is therefore difficult to manufacture at a high yield a semiconductor device which is made up of a large number of transistors. Forming a contact to fix the well potential lowers substantially the level of integration of the semiconductor device.
When the thin-film transistor is applied in the field of the LCD device, as a switching element, current leakage in the thin-film transistor adversely affects the display screen of the LCD device.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the circuit of a typical active matrix LCD device. The LCD device is driven by a horizontal shift register 51 and a vertical shift register 52. Fed to the horizontal shift register 51 are a clock pulse 53, a start pulse 54, and a video signal 55. For color display, color video signals may be separately supplied.
The horizontal shift register 51 operates to write a signal on a signal line 56 on the display to drive pixels. A clock pulse 57 and a start pulse 58 are supplied to the vertical shift register 52, which in turn feeds a voltage to gate lines 59 to sequentially turn on the transistors. The signal written on the signal lines is fed to the liquid crystal 61 of each pixel via each pixel transistor 60.
Storage capacitors, though not shown in FIG. 5, may be formed in parallel with the liquid crystals 61 to prevent voltage variations in the pixels arising from current leaks in the pixel transistors and liquid crystals and voltage fluctuations. An attempt to resolve the degradation of image quality arising from the leaks in the transistors by increasing storage capacitance, however, decreases the aperture ratio of the device, and prolongs writing time thereby making it difficult to drive fast the device. This problem is expected to be even more serious in the design of a large-scale or high-resolution display screen panel. In view of the above, it is important to control current leaks in the pixel transistors even with the storage capacitors incorporated.
It is also important to control current leaks in the transistors that constitute the horizontal and vertical shift registers, as the driving circuits. The shift register transfers its input signal to a succeeding stage, one stage by one stage, in synchronism with the clock pulse. The input signal must be held at each stage until a next clock comes in. If current leaks take place in the reset switch that resets the voltage at each stage, the voltage varies to its reset value with time. This leads to the circuit failure in which the function of shift register stops, with the input signal unable to transfer from one stage to the next. Current leaks in the transistors in the peripheral circuits thus should be controlled.

Thin-film transistor, and its semiconductor device, active matrix board, and LCD device


A control system which comprises a reduction gear unit containing gears, a motor being disposed on an input side of said reduction gear unit, a sensor for detecting a turning angle of said motor, and control means for inputting output from said sensor and controlling turning of said motor. The control system further includes gear output angle variation estimation means for estimating a gear output angle variation of said reduction gear unit based on the motor turning angle. An angle transmission error is estimated based on the motor turning angle, whereby load tip locus accuracy can be improved without lowering responsivity of the control system.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a control system and a control method of an electric motor for controlling a torsion system containing an angle transmission error of a reduction gear unit used with a robot, etc.
2. Description of the Related Art
Angle transmission error correction of a reduction gear unit 6 in a torsion system containing an angle transmission error of a reduction gear unit used with a robot, etc., in prior art will be discussed. As shown in a block diagram of FIG. 10, motor current Im controlled by control means 1 is converted into torque Kt.multidot.Im in a torque constant term 9 in a motor 2 and the torque Kt.multidot.Im is converted into speed .omega.m in a motor dynamics term 10 expressed by the reciprocal of the sum of motor shaft inertia Jm and motor shaft viscous resistance Dm. The speed .omega.m is converted into motor turning angle .theta.m in an integration term 11. Further, the motor turning angle .theta.m is multiplied by reduction gear ratio 1/Rg in the reduction gear unit 6 and the result is converted into output angle .theta.g to which an angle transmission error is added, then the conversion result is output. By the way, as shown in FIG. 11, the reduction gear unit 6 and a load 8 are connected by a spring component 7, thus torsion angle .theta.s of the difference between the output angle .theta.g of the reduction gear unit 6 and load position .theta.L of the load 8 occurs. Further, the torsion angle .theta.s is multiplied by spring constant Ks in a spring constant term 14 and is converted into a torsion torque. This torsion torque acts on the load 8 as an action force and is converted into speed .omega.L in a load dynamics term 15 expressed by the reciprocal of the sum of load inertia JL and load shaft viscous resistance DL, then the speed .omega.L is output in an integration term 16 as the load position .theta.L. Torsion torque also occurs in the motor 2 as a reaction force. Thus, control of the reduction gear unit 6 in the control system in the prior art is only to execute conversion to the output angle .theta.g by multiplying the motor turning angle .theta.m by the reduction gear ratio 1/Rg; an angle transmission error occurring at the time is not clarified. For example, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 62-155348, disturbance torque appearing at motor shaft end is all assumed to be an angle transmission error of a reduction gear unit 6 and such a correction signal to cancel the disturbance torque is generated by correction means 30 and is added to a speed command and a torque command, thereby correcting the angle transmission error for improving load tip locus precision. Alternatively, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4-314109, responsivity of a control system is lowered in a vibration area caused by an angle transmission error, thereby reducing vibration.
In the conventional methods, control is not applied to an accurate angle transmission error and is performed only with the disturbance torque of the reaction force of the motor 2 also containing load disturbance occurring due to change of the load 8, thus there is a limit to control performance improvement and it is also difficult to improve performance in introduction of modern control theory requiring a control target model.
That is, disturbance is all assumed to occur in an angle transmission error in the conventional angle transmission error compensation, thus disturbance occurring in an angle transmission error cannot be discriminated from disturbance occurring in a load and there is a limit to a decrease in a load tip error. Since a control design is prepared using modern control theory without clarifying (modeling) an accurate control target of the reduction gear unit 6, an accurate design based on the modern control theory requiring an accurate control target model cannot be carried out and control performance cannot be improved.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Techniques are described herein that are capable of taking action upon users in a social networking system with respect to a purpose based on compatibility of the users to the purpose. The action may be further based on compatibility of the users and the purpose to a venue. Example actions include but are not limited to recommending users for a purpose and/or a venue; recommending a purpose for users and/or a venue; recommending a venue for users and/or a purpose; inviting users to join a group, to attend an event, or to perform an action; etc. For instance, the social networking system may include a network manager that performs a compatibility analysis with respect to attributes of users, a purpose, and/or a venue, respectively. The network manager may take an action upon the users (or a subset thereof) based on the results of the compatibility analysis.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to social networking. In particular, the present invention is related to taking action upon users in a social networking system with respect to a purpose based on compatibility of the users to the purpose.
2. Background
Social networking systems, including social networks, such as Facebook®, MySpace®, Twitter®, and LinkedIn®, enable a user to interact with other users who are members of an affinity set of the user. Such other users are often referred to as "connections" of the user. For example, an affinity set may be any group of persons, including a group of friends, business associates, players of a massively multiplayer online game, persons with a common interest, all users of a social network, application ("app"), or web site, or a subgroup thereof. A user may belong to any number of affinity sets.
For instance, a user may broadcast social networking updates (e.g., messages regarding the user, the user's observations, etc.) to the user's connections, and the user may receive social networking updates from those connections. The social networking updates may be provided via email, short message service (SMS), instant message (IM), or any other suitable messaging technology.
It may be desirable for a user to invite one or more of the user's connections to join a group, to attend an event, to perform a task, etc. However, the user may not know whether interests, preferences, and/or requirements of the respective connections are compatible with one another. Moreover, the interests, preferences, and/or requirements of the respective connections may not align with a purpose of the group, event, task, etc. that is the subject of the invitation.
Thus, systems, methods, and computer program products are needed that are capable of taking action upon users in a social networking system with respect to a purpose based on compatibility of the users with the purpose.

Taking action upon users in a social networking system with respect to a purpose based on compatibility of the users to the purpose


Utilization of wireless access points (APs) is optimized by dynamically managing transmitted AP power levels of beacon packets to control wireless AP coverage. This permits traffic congestion at one wireless AP to be reduced and shifted to other wireless APs. AP coverage management is provided by a centralized mechanism that employs various interpretations and/or measurements of client received power to handle dynamic changes in client workloads. The control does not require protocol changes to clients that utilize a wireless AP and can also incorporate hand-off costs and/or manufacturer specified power level constraints. Thus, these techniques can be employed in existing wireless LANs without impacting clients. Various instances are employable with continuous power and/or discrete power based wireless APs, providing a non-client impacted means to increase throughput and/or load balance.

Although most of the benefits are apparent for wireless networks and devices, many problems arise when actually implementing them. One substantial issue lies with the ever increasing number of wireless networks users. The mobility enhancements gained with wireless networks have become increasingly attractive for more and more users who demand that they have more access locations or wireless "hot spots." A particular hot spot can become overwhelmed when users are physically limited to a particular area such as within an airport. This causes increased congestion at a particular wireless hot spot and may drastically reduce the performance of the wireless network at that point or "node" while other network wireless access points may be substantially under utilized. This causes unbalanced loading of the network and can severely impact the quality of the wireless connection for wireless users.


The present invention provides a scooter with two chair backs. The scooter includes a main body containing a wheel seat, a pedal and front/rear wheel set; two chair back supports, assembled separately onto both sides on the back of wheel seat of the main body; and two chair backs, incorporated onto at least one chair back support via the connecting frame and transversely arranged at interval. The scooter of the present invention substantially improves the structural functionality and comfort of the chair back of the scooter, and also meets the diversified customer requirements with improved applicability.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a scooter, and more particularly to an innovative scooter with dual supports and dual chair backs.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98
The scooter in the present invention refers to a powered/powerless wheelchair or scooter. With recent product innovation and market development, scooters are now commonly used by customers. To meet the diversified customer requirements in a competitive market, scooters need to be structurally modified to improve performance and quality in tune with the growing development trend.
Because customers may lean on the chair back for a long time, the structure of the chair back is decisive with regard to comfort while riding. So, the chair back becomes a key factor in deciding to purchase scooter by a customer. However, the chair back of the typical scooter does not satisfy customer demands since the prior art chair back does not improve functionality or comfort.
Thus, to overcome the aforementioned problems of the prior art, it would be an advancement in the art to provide an improved structure that can significantly improve efficacy.
Therefore, the inventor has provided the present invention of practicability after deliberate design and evaluation based on years of experience in the production, development and design of related products.


A system and method for using evapotranspiration (ET) and/or predicted precipitation data in controlling automated and semi-automated irrigation systems. In accordance with the present invention, meteorological data is monitored and used to adjust watering schedules for an irrigation site. A central computer uses the meteorological data and ET data to compute a watering factor. The watering factor represents the difference between a reference watering schedule (which can be stored at the irrigation site) and a new watering schedule. The new watering schedule can be based on similar climatic conditions of a geographic area in which the irrigation site is located. The watering factor is then sent to the irrigation site, which uses the watering factor to modify the reference watering schedule, if appropriate. Alternatively, meteorological data and site characteristics can be monitored at the irrigation site and sent to the central computer, which then computes the watering factor based on this specific site information. The computed ET data is preferably based on a current prediction of future events based upon present meteorological conditions. The system and method of the present invention achieves a substantial savings in water usage.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to irrigation control systems, and more particularly to automated and semi-automated irrigation control systems for large or small landscape sites using evapotranspiration and precipitation data.
2. Description of Related Art
The term evapotranspiration (ET) is used in the irrigation field to quantify how much water has been lost from soil through transpiration by plants. An ET value is calculated using actual meteorological data obtained from meteorology stations. The factors typically used to calculate an ET value are temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, vapor pressure or humidity, and barometric pressure. A change in one or more of these parameters can have a direct effect on the ET value used to determine when and how much to water. ET values are usually normalized to a specific type of vegetation. One of these ET values is ETo which is for 4"-6" tall cool-season grass. ET values are then used in conjunction with other coefficients to determine how much water to apply to replenish the water lost from the soil. Factors that affect determination of the amount of water include the following: (1) type of vegetation; (2) soil type; (3) root depth; (4) topography; (5) micro-climate; and (6) density of vegetation. These factors are explained further below.
Vegetation Type.
For a particular type of vegetation, such as cool season grass, the ET value represents the amount of water that has to be spread over the vegetation to replace the moisture lost by the natural and ongoing process of evaporation and transpiration. Accordingly, ET values are usually normalized to a specific type of plant or crop. For example, various plants require different amounts of moisture in the soil to sustain an optimal appearance and healthy growth environment. Plants which are drought-tolerant require less water than a baseline crop, such as grass, while lush plant types require more water. A crop coefficient (Kc) value is used to adjust the baseline ETo value for a particular plant type. For example, the crop coefficient Kc for shrub-type plants might be 0.5, while the Kc for cool-season grass might be 0.8. In addition, the Kc is also dependent on the time of year. That is, the Kc function is cyclic in nature, with the maximum generally occurring during the spring and the minimum during the winter.
Soil Type.
The ability of soil to absorb and retain applied water is an important consideration in determining how much and how often to water. Sandy soils do not retain water well, so less water with more frequency is needed, or water will percolate beyond the root zone and be wasted. On the other hand, clay soils retain water well, meaning more water with less frequency can be applied. In applying water, the absorption rate also needs to be taken into account to avoid water run off. Sandy soils have a high absorption rate as compared to clay soils. In the latter case, the total amount of water to apply needs to be divided into multiple watering cycles with each cycle having a relatively short watering time with a waiting time between cycles.
Root Depth.
The root zone depth of plants to be watered must also be taken into account. If too much water is applied, the water will percolate beyond the root zone and be wasted. Root zone depth also affects the frequency of watering. A plant with a deep root zone needs less frequent but longer watering times. A plant with a shallow root zone needs more frequent but shorter watering times.
Topography.
Topography is an important consideration in watering, since a steep slope will have a higher amount of run off than a shallow slope. Steeper slopes require multiple cycles with short watering times and wait times between cycles to allow penetration of the applied water into the soil.
Micro-climate.
Micro-climate takes into account existing conditions immediately surrounding the area which is to be watered. These conditions can include fully or partial shaded areas, parking lot areas, park areas with trees, etc. Since shaded areas do not require as much water as sunlit areas, less water is needed. A micro-climate coefficient (Kmc) value is used to adjust the baseline ETo value for a particular site.
Vegetation Density.
Density of the vegetation which is to be watered is also used in determining the amount of water to be applied. As density of vegetation increases, more water will transpire from the leaf area, requiring an increase in the amount of water needed. A vegetation density coefficient (Kd) value is used to adjust the baseline ETo value for a particular plant density.
Although prior art systems have used ET computations to determine watering schedules for irrigation systems, one drawback of such systems has been that they have relied upon current or historical meteorological data. Consequently, an ET value for a particular site or zone can be computed that indicates water should be applied without regard for probable changes in local weather conditions. Thus, a watering schedule may be computed that applies water today without regard for a forecast of precipitation or other significant meteorological events tomorrow.
Other prior systems that use ET data require on-site weather stations or ET measurements, along with central or host computers to perform irrigation watering calculations. These systems are generally not cost-effective for most small landscape sites and can require on-site system operators.
For small landscapes, such as that found at a single home site, prior art practices for water management of irrigation primarily consists of automatic or manual shutoff during rain and seasonal scheduling of use.
Thus, a drawback of conventional irrigation control systems is the lack of capability to account for all the changing weather-related parameters (such as rainfall, temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, humidity, seasonal plant requirements, forecasts, etc.) at a cost-effective price. Use of conventional irrigation control systems results in a deviation from optimum watering schedules and causes either more water to be used or not enough water, which, in turn, stresses the plants.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved irrigation control system that can cost-effectively schedule watering amounts to optimize use. This can be accomplished by apportioning some functions to the local irrigation site and some to a remote host computer that gathers both predicted and historical meteorological data for the geographic and climatic area where the site is located and that offers an on-line service for ET based scheduling. A further need exists for such an improved system that also uses an ET and/or precipitation calculation that takes into account forecast weather data. The present invention provides a cost-effective method and apparatus that meet these needs.

Evapotranspiration remote irrigation control system


A forced air induction system (10) constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for supplying compressed induction fluid to an internal combustion engine (E) for powering a vehicle (V) is disclosed. The illustrated forced air induction system (10) broadly includes a blower (12) for compressing induction fluid for the engine (E) and an improved carburetor hat (14) in communication with the blower (12) for delivering the compressed induction fluid to the carburetor (C). The illustrated blower (12) is a centrifugal supercharger. The illustrated carburetor hat (14) defines a neck section (26), a throat section (28), and an internal chamber (30) disposed between the neck and throat sections (26,28). The improved carburetor hat (14) is configured to prevent, or at least greatly reduce, the occurrence of thrust and stack up of induction fluid within the chamber (30) and in this regard includes an air-diffuser vane (36) disposed within the chamber (30) so that induction fluid flowing from the inlet (32) must travel around the vane (36) to reach the outlet (34).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to equipment for inducing air into an engine, such as an internal combustion engine used to power a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention concerns a carburetor hat for a forced air induction system.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Internal combustion engines are known in the art, such as engines used to power vehicles of various types. It is also known in the art to utilize a carburetor to mix fuel and induction fluid and deliver this mixture to the combustion chamber(s) of the engine. Prior art carburetors include one or more chambers, or "barrels," that utilize pressure conditions therein to draw predetermined amounts of fuel and induction fluid—i.e., amounts corresponding to the variable throttle settings within the carburetor—into the barrel for mixture and delivery to the corresponding combustion chamber. Each carburetor barrel includes a venturi and a "flow bowl." Pressure conditions within the combustion chamber cooperate with pressure conditions at the intake to the carburetor to introduce induction fluid into the flow bowl. The venturi is typically positioned between the bowl and the combustion chamber and cooperates with the pressure conditions to induce a metered amount of fuel into the venturi where it mixes with the induction fluid from the flow bowl as it is delivered to the combustion chamber. Operation of the carburetor is typically optimized when the pressure at the flow bowl and the pressure within the corresponding venturi are generally balanced. As these pressure conditions become unbalanced, the carburetor will not draw the proper mixture of fuel and induction fluid and thus will not deliver the proper mixture to the combustion chamber(s). Without the proper mixture, the engine will undesirably run too "lean" or too "rich."
It is known in the art to utilize a carburetor hat to deliver induction fluid to the intake of a carburetor. These prior art carburetor hats typically include an air filter housed therein to clean the induction fluid prior to introducing the fluid into the carburetor. These prior art carburetor hats typically draw induction fluid into the hat in a generally horizontal flow and then deliver the fluid to the carburetor in a generally vertical flow. The carburetor is typically positioned beneath the hat and therefore the vertical flow is an "inline" flow into the carburetor's barrel(s). These prior art carburetor hats are problematic and subject to several undesirable limitations. For example, in the prior art carburetor hats, the induction fluid is typically "thrust" against the back wall of the hat prior to inline delivery into the carburetor's barrel(s). Additionally, the induction fluid is prone to "stack up" within the prior art carburetor hats. This back wall thrust and stack up phenomena are undesirable because they each disrupt a desirable consistent and uniform inline flow of induction fluid into the barrel(s). Such disruptions are associated with corresponding and undesirable disruptions in the fuel cycle which result in unoptimized engine output. These phenomena are particularly problematic with multi-barreled carburetors—that is, the front barrels are consistently interrupted. Additionally, these phenomena are particularly limiting in applications where optimized engine output is essential, such as in racing applications.
It is also known in the art to utilize a compressor to compress induction fluid for an internal combustion engine. Relative to normally aspirated induction fluid—i.e., induction fluid drawn into the engine from the atmosphere—the use of a compressor enables a more densified charge of induction fluid to be supplied to the engine, but also accelerates the flow of the induction fluid thereby forcing the fluid to the engine. Therefore, the use of a compressor in combination with a carburetor further exacerbates the problems and limitations of the prior art carburetor hats discussed above. Accordingly, a carburetor hat that does not suffer from these problems and limitations is desired, particularly one that can be used in combination with a compressor.

Carburetor hat for forced induction system


A film dispenser having a housing with side and bottom walls, a film roll receptacle and a ledge located forwardly of the receptacle. A heating wire is mounted transverse to the direction of movement of film from the film roll when mounted in the film roll receptacle. A power supply is coupled to the output lines in series with said heating wire. A switch is mounted on the housing in series with the power supply and the heating wire and is operative upon closing to permit the passage of electrical current through the wire. An elongated channel piece is pivotally mounted such that the pivot point is movable to a limited extent and, in response to pulling up film from the film roll, the movement of the channel piece causes the switch to close and at the same time pinches the film against the housing. Upon being released, the channel piece causes the opening of the switch and removes substantially all of the pinching effect. A guard mounted to the housing covers the heating wire and, in response to pressure from said film moves upwardly so as to expose the heating wire and allow the film to contact the wire. There is no need to mount the film roll on sockets in the film roll receptacle as in prior devices.

The present invention relates to a film dispenser for dispensing film such as that used in the packaging of food from a roll of such film.
Known film dispensers include a rotatable support around which a roll of sheet material is stored and a serrated elongated edge mounted at the mouth of a dispensing aperture. It is common with such dispensers to accidentally cut ones finger on the serrated edge during the film cutting or severing step. Another problem occurs once the severing step has been completed. Typically the serrated edge faces down from the top elongated edge of the mouth. Thus, in order to sever the film it is necessary to lift up and tear it from one side to the other. The latter action results in the film wrapping around on itself making it difficult to unwrap and straighten.
One method developed to overcome the latter problem is disclosed in Wallace J. Macgrory et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,144 issued on Jan. 24, 1984 and assigned to EZY Wrap Products Pty. Limited of Australia. The Macgrory patent discloses the use of a heated wire to melt the film along a direction transverse to its direction of movement when being unravelled. The power applied to the wire heats it up until its reaches equilibrium with its surroundings and its temperature stabilizes. Usually the temperature of the wire is so high that it burns the film and causes the release of noxious fumes.
A solution to the overheating of the wire is disclosed in an earlier patent, namely H. Rosenthal U.S. Pat. No. 3,595,456 issued Jul. 27, 1971. The Rosenthal patent discloses the use of a heated wire in combination with a pivotal wire switch actuator which closes a normally open switch upon being forced to pivot upwardly by the film. The same actuator causes the switch to open after severance of the film by the heated wire is complete and shut off the current.
The above-mentioned Rosenthal patent also discloses a brake for restraining the film roll from unwinding during severance of the film. The brake consists of a manually operated solenoid that causes an elongated rod to engage a serrated disc affixed to the roller which supports the roll of film. The latter brake structure is complex and requires manual operation of a lever once the desired length of film has been withdrawn.
Most commercial endeavors to manufacture and market film dispensers have been unsuccessful due primarily to the inconvenience and lack of reliability of the products. Clearly, it is desirable to have a film dispenser with a minimum number of parts in order to minimize the cost and the likelihood of component failure. At the same time provision must be made for preventing the roll from unwinding once a desired length of film has been extracted. Also electrical heating of a wire should be used to avoid the injury that mechanical serrations can inflict and yet the heating must not produce noxious fumes while at the same time be able to sever a film of varying thickness without adjustment. Finally, the film end must be conveniently disposed after severance so that it may be grabbed and pulled out to a desired length.
Accordingly, a principal object of the invention is to provide an improved film dispenser that is simpler in construction and more reliable than previous film dispensers. A further object is to provide a film dispenser with a simple brake system that is easy to load.


The invention relates to a tracked running gear, in which two running gears are arranged parallel to one another and each running gear has a longitudinal member (1) and a running gear chain (2) which runs around the longitudinal member in the longitudinal direction thereof and forms an upper and a lower strand, and at least one traction drive, composed of a motor, transmission and a drive gearwheel which meshes into the running gear chain and also a deflecting wheel which permits chain tensioning by means of a movement relative to the fixed part of the longitudinal member, characterized in that at least one additional traction drive (3) which acts on the upper strand is provided on the longitudinal member, wherein the running gear length is changed or remains unchanged.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to a crawler, in which at least two crawler assemblies are arranged parallel to each other, and in which each crawler assembly has a longitudinal beam; a caterpillar track, which travels around the longitudinal beam in the longitudinal direction of the beam and which has an upper run and a lower run; at least one drive mechanism consisting of a motor, a gearbox, and a drive sprocket, which meshes with the caterpillar track; and an idler wheel, the position of which can be shifted relative to the stationary part of the longitudinal beam to tighten the track.
In the development of mobile cranes with very large capacities, it is necessary to take into consideration not only the changes in the load-bearing parts of the crane but also those in the parts which provide mobility, namely, the crawlers.
2. Description of the Related Art
For mobile cranes of this class, which have a high intrinsic weight and which also must be able to move under maximum load, it is essential that suitable and powerful drives be installed in the crawler assemblies, namely, drives which can provide the necessary forward drive forces (drive power). Drives suitable for these larger cranes are available on the market but not in all sizes. It is therefore not possible to purchase an appropriately sized drive to fulfill all of the possible requirements.


A toy projectile launcher includes a plunger in an air chamber. The plunger is engaged with a spring and is able to be coupled to a non-locking handle. The plunger is movable between an inactive position and a firing position. The non-locking handle moves the plunger from the inactive position to the firing position to compress the spring, and is unable to lock the spring at the firing position. A plunger release mechanism couples and releases the handle from the plunger. In the firing position a trigger is capable of engaging the plunger release mechanism, and the trigger is located at a distance from the non-locking handle such that both the non-locking handle and the trigger cannot be engaged simultaneously by a single hand of a user. Both the non-locking handle and the trigger must be engaged simultaneously to launch the projectile.

Toy projectile launchers have long been a source of amusement for both children and adults, and have been seen in many configurations. While design features often address various ways to launch projectiles, safety features for the launchers to prevent injury to users have also been provided in various forms. For example, air discharge valves have been incorporated into compressed air launchers to render a launcher inoperable when not in use, or to allow a user to release the air pressure manually from a charged pressure chamber. Other safety features involve the preventing of unwanted triggering of a launcher, such as by using magnetic locks, user identification requirements, or safety buttons that must be depressed to allow the trigger to be pulled. In further examples, designs have included safety features to prevent unwanted projectiles from being loaded or discharged, and mechanisms to reduce potential injury due to recoil.
As new types of toy projectile launchers continue to be developed and become more advanced, there remains a need for improved safety features in these toys.


Systems for hybrid electric engines have a fuel vapor canister (FVC) in fluid communication with (i) fuel vapor in a fuel tank with a refueling valve therebetween, (ii) an intake manifold with a canister purge valve therebetween, and (iii) atmospheric pressure (atm) with a canister vent valve (CVV) therebetween, a bypass loop around the refueling valve, and a pressure sensor upstream of both the refueling valve and the CVV. The loop has a control pump and a control valve controlling fluid communication with atm, and in a first mode, control valve and CVV open, pumps fuel vapor to the FVC for pressure control, then closes the control valve; in a second mode, control valve closed and CVV open, pumps atm to the FVC; and in a third mode, control valve and CVV open, pumps fuel vapor to the FVC to a pre-selected threshold to close the CVV.

Most Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have a system that use a Fuel Tank Isolation Valve (FTIV) that allows vapor to flow from the fuel tank to the canister during refueling, but also manages the pressure within the fuel tank. The HEV and PHEV evaporative systems need to be able to detect any leaks (per EPA and Carbon emission regulations), which is commonly performed with an Electronic Leak Check Module (ELCM), which consists of an orifice, change over valve, pump, and pressure transducer.
Purge pumps have been included in evaporative emission systems at a location between the fuel vapor canister and the canister purge valve or between the atmosphere and the fuel vapor canister. This is primarily due to the purge pump only having one primary function, which is either to pull vapor from the fuel vapor canister and push it into the intake manifold or to pull fresh air from atmosphere and push it through the fuel vapor canister to increase the amount of flow across the carbon material within the canister and purge more into the intake manifold.
There is a need for a simpler device and system, more cost effective means for leak detection in HEV and PHEV systems, and less failure modes resulting from less interactions within the system.

System and methods for a fuel tank pressure control pump


Disclosed are a method for obtaining highly glyphosate-resistant G1174 gene mutants through artificial mutation and use thereof. Two or more amino acid mutations are introduced in the amino acid sequence from position 95 to position 114 of protein encoded by G1174 gene, and the highly glyphosate-resistant mutants are selected. Also disclosed is a highly glyphosate-resistant mutated G1174 gene, wherein the amino acid sequence from position 95 to position 114 is selected from any one of SEQ ID NO: 4 to SEQ ID NO: 24. The use of the highly glyphosate-resistant mutated gene is for conferring a plant with glyphosate resistance through expression of the transgene in the plant.

Glyphosate is a very important herbicide, which inhibits an important enzyme, i.e. 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants. Glyphosate is a herbicide with extremely wide spectrum, which is also lethal to crops. Hence, to perform selective weeding during the growth of crops, the crops have to obtain glyphosate resistance.
Glyphosate can inhibit 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) of the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in majority of bacteria. However, it has been discovered that, EPSPS of partial bacteria has resistance to glyphosate, and the EPSPS of these bacteria has been obtained by separation. Plants can obtain glyphosate resistance by transgenic expression of resistant EPSPS. The resistance obtained by expression of EPSPS of Agrobacterium (Agrobacterium tumefaciens sp CP4) and Salmonella typhimurium CT7 in plants has already been applied in production (U.S. Pat. Nos. 453,590, 4,769,061 and 5,094,945). However, to raise the resistance level of transgenic crops and increase the diversity of resistant gene, new glyphosate-resistant genes and transgenic glyphosate-resistant plants based thereon are still in demand in application in production.
The EPSPS obtained from Deinococcus radiodurans R1 has high glyphosate resistance (Chinese Patent 200910098129.x). The invention "A glyphosate-resistant gene and application thereof" filed in 2009 under the application No. 200910098129.x provides a glyphosate-resistant gene, wherein the amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by G1174 gene is as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in the patent. Although the glyphosate-resistance of EPSPS of D. radiodurans R1 is relative high, it is still very necessary to obtain modified genes of EPSPS with higher resistance. The resistance level conferred to transgenic plants can raise the application dosage of glyphosate, thereby retarding the development of resistant weeds and avoiding hazard caused by dosage problem during the application process.

Highly glyphosate-resistant mutated gene, method of modification and use thereof

HANGZHOU RUIFENG BIOTECHNOLOGY LIMITED INC.


The present invention relates to an apparatus for manipulating the springs which hold the fuel rods firmly inside the grid cells of the grids in a nuclear fuel assembly. Conventionally fuel rods are inserted into the grids while the grid springs are in the active position, thus exposing the rods to possibilities of surface scratches and potential problems. The invented automatic apparatus avoids the formation of such surface damage on the fuel rods, by inserting the keys to inactivate the grid springs before inserting the fuel rods into the grids and removing the keys after all the rods are in place. The apparatus thus contributes to efficient manufacturing of the fuel assembly by simplifying the key quantity management operations and other tasks associated with the assembling operations.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a nuclear fuel assembly for use in nuclear reactors, and in particular, to an apparatus for operating the hold down springs, grid springs, provided in the grids of the nuclear fuel assembly for holding the fuel rods firmly therein.
2. Background Art
Fuel rod assemblies such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,081 shown in FIG. 6 have been known.
In this figure, the numerals 1 and 2 refer to a top nozzle and a bottom nozzles, respectively, which are disposed vertically and oppositely spaced apart, and between the top nozzle 1 and the bottom nozzle 2 are a plurality of rigidly fixed control-rod guide pipes 3 (hereinbelow referred to as guide pipes 3), and in the mid section of the guide pipes 3 are a plurality of grids 4 disposed vertically and spaced apart from each other.
The grids 4 are, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, constructed of a plurality of outer straps 7a (the straps placed on the outer sides of the grids 4) made of thin metal strips, and inner straps 7b (all other straps) having slits 8 spaced at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction. By inserting the slits 8 into each other's slits 8, a plurality of grid cell spaces 5 (hereinbelow referred to as grid cells 5) are formed. Each wall of the grid cells 5 is provided with a dimple 9, and outer springs 10a (which are formed on the outer straps 7a), or inner springs 10b (which are formed on the inner straps 7b). A fuel rod 6 inserted into a grid cell 5 is pressed against the dimple 9 by either the outer spring 10a or by the inner spring 10b, thereby supporting the fuel rod 6 firmly in the grid cell 5 with the springs.
The outer strap 7a has a pair of slits 11 which pass through both sides of the outer spring 10a.
The conventional method of assembling such a fuel assembly will be described.
First, the grids 4 are placed apart with a certain distance. The guide pipes 3 are inserted into the specified oppositely paired grid cells 5, and are then rigidly attached to the grids 4. Subsequently, the fuel rods 6 are inserted into the space of the grid cells 5 by sliding the rods 6 against the outer and inner springs 10a-10b and dimples 9. The rods 6 are thereby secured in the grid cells 5 via the pressing force exerted by the springs 10a-10b against the dimples 9. When all of the rods 6 are inserted into the grid cells 5, the top and bottom nozzles 1 and 2 are firmly attached to the opposite ends of the respective guide pipes 3.
In the conventional assembling method described above, when the rods 6 are being inserted, by sliding through the dimples 9 and springs 10a-10b, surface damage (fine scratches) were sometimes introduced on the surface of the fuel rods 6.
Therefore, there has been a technique to prevent the formation of such scratches, with the use of an inner key 12, shown in FIG. 11, which is inserted into a grid cell 5, so as to retract the inner spring 10b away from the grid cell 5, before inserting the fuel rod 6. Similarly for the outer springs 10a, the use of such keys has been examined.
In the conventional method, however, the operations involving the key insertion have been performed manually, and the entire operation has been troubled by the process inefficiency due to cumbersome and lengthy steps. Further, the care of the key quantity was difficult to take, because of the large number of keys involved.

Apparatus for operating the grid springs of nuclear fuel assembly


A buoyant cable system and method is provided with a towed transmission line and antenna platform that may be deployed into the water from a submerged submarine so that the antenna extends above the surface of the water. The cable system preferably utilizes a flexible weighted keel formed in a section of the transmission line. A buoyant section of transmission line extends upwardly from the depth of the weighted keel to support one or more antennas above the surface of the water. In another embodiment, a plurality of weighted keels may be formed in sections of the transmission line whereby an inverted U-shaped buoyant portion extends upwardly from the depth of weighted keel to act as the support for a horizontally oriented antenna.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a buoyant cable antenna system and, in a more particular preferred embodiment, to a buoyant cable antenna system with extended frequency range capability.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Present buoyant cable antenna systems which serve as a towed platform by underwater vehicles such as submarines consist of a horizontal wire antenna element used for reception in the LF through VHF frequency band (10 kHz-130 kHz). The horizontal antenna element lies on the surface of the ocean and reception is limited by transmission line attenuation, amplifier gain and antenna characteristics. Sea water attenuation, antenna gain and frequency patterns limit the use of a horizontal antenna element. The waves may frequently wash over the cable thereby interrupting transmissions. This is especially likely to happen when the platform is being towed through the water. Moreover, this type of towed platform is quite limited in the types of antennas that can be utilized therewith. Other towed platforms could be used, but are not capable of being deployed and retrieved into a submerged vessel.
The buoyant cable antenna must be flexible because a submerged submarine preferably launches the cable antenna through a transfer mechanism which bends the cable through a six-inch radius. Because flexibility is required, buoyant cable antennas have employed the horizontal wire antenna element which receives signals from the fore and aft (front and back) direction relative to its deployment. The limited antenna gain pattern limits the reception capability of the buoyant cable antenna.
Various inventors have addressed similar problems related to buoyant cable antennas as discussed in the following patents. Thus, the present invention addresses a long felt need for an improved buoyant cable antenna system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,486, issued Dec. 21, 1993, to Stuart C. Dickinson, discloses an apparatus for erecting and stowing a communications antenna from an underwater buoyant cable. In its stowed position, the antenna is approximately parallel to the cable. In its erected position, the antenna is approximately perpendicular to the cable. A hinge, spring biased to maintain the antenna in its stowed position, is connected to the cable and to one end of the antenna. A shape memory alloy actuator is connected to the cable and the antenna. The actuator overcomes the spring bias of the hinge to raise the antenna to its erected position when energy of activation is supplied thereto. Further, the actuator allows the spring bias of the hinge to return the antenna to its stowed position when the energy of activation is removed there from.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,202, issued May 14, 1996, to Patel et al., discloses a buoyant antenna for providing sufficient transmission time windows for communication at ultra-high and extremely-high frequencies. The antenna is configured to float on the surface of a body of water and is connected to a vessel through a communications cable. The buoyant antenna has a length and a stabile or rotation resistant cross-section which minimizes wash over when deployed in a manner which essentially eliminates in line tension on the antenna. The antenna is cylindrically shaped with sensor elements offset from the centerline. A high density mass is placed diametrically opposite the sensor elements and a high buoyancy foam fills out the remaining cylindrical shape. The high density mass creates a righting moment to maintain the sensor elements above the water line. The absence of in line tension during communication periods serves also to eliminate any detectable wake during those communication periods. The lack of detectability makes the antenna and its deployment method particularly well suited for use when the vessel is a submarine.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,117, issued Aug. 3, 1999, to Erich Max Gerhard, discloses a buoyant loop antenna, deployable along a cable that includes a core region comprising a plurality of annular ferrite beads. These annular shaped beads include a center hole and generally concave first end and a generally convex second end. The ferrite beads are aligned with the concave end of one bead against the convex end of another bead. This allows the cable to flex while the beads maintain contact with each other, providing flexibility and resistance to crushing. The core region has a loop wire wrapped helically around it, forming the loop antenna. The loop wire element starts and ends at the same end of the core region, forming a loop. This loop allows transmission and reception in the athwart (side to side) direction. This novel wire loop antenna can be combined with a straight wire antenna (which provides reception in a fore and aft direction) to provide an omni-directional cable antenna assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,961,589, issued Jun. 8, 1976, to Anthony Joseph Lombardi, discloses a reeling system that is contained within a buoy towed by a submerged submarine. The reeling system includes a pressure sealed housing, a cable reel disposed for rotation within the housing and a buoyant cable antenna disposed in an ejecting and retracting relationship with the reel. One end of the cable antenna extends from the housing to the exterior of the buoy. A cylinder-piston arrangement having a sea water inlet and a connection to the housing is responsive to the pressure of the sea water at the inlet to control air pressure in the housing to provide a pressure difference between the air pressure in the housing and the pressure of the sea water on the one end of the cable antenna exterior of the buoy for ejection and retraction of the cable antenna from and into the buoy.
U.S. Statutory Invention Registration No. H1220, published Aug. 3, 1993, to Brian L. Pease, discloses a VLF-VHF broadband in-line amplifier that forms a portion of a towable buoyant cable antenna system that is deployed in seawater from submarines. The amplifier is located between an antenna system and a coaxial cable. The coaxial cable is connected to the submarine. The VLF-VHF broadband in-line amplifier provides substantially uniform amplification for the frequency range of 10 kHz-160 MHz on signals received from the antenna system. The amplified signals are then transmitted to the submarine over the coaxial cable.
The above patents do not describe a platform that can utilize a wide range of antennas, maintain the antenna far enough above the surface of the water to prevent washover communication breakdown, and, if desired, operate while a submarine is moving. The solutions to the above-described problems have been long sought without success. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate the present invention that addresses the above and other problems.

Buoyant cable antenna configuration and system

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


A random number generating circuit can generate random numbers with high randomness, and can be made as a compact integrated circuit. The random number generating circuit includes an uncertain logic circuit having a flip-flop type logic circuit that gives digital output values not determined definitely by a digital input value, and an equalizing circuit having an exclusive OR operating circuit for equalizing appearance frequencies of “0” and “1” in the digital output values output from the uncertain logic circuit.

This invention relates to a random number generating circuit, and more particularly, to a random number generating circuit compactly constructible with a digital logic circuit, capable of generating random numbers with high randomness, and suitable for use in cryptographic algorithm.
Digital random numbers are used, for example, in simulation of a phenomenon accompanied by a probability process, and in a generation process of an identification number, a password and an encryption key for a cryptographic algorithm for a security purpose. As digital random numbers, conventional techniques have used pseudo digital numbers made by computation by CPU. Such pseudo random numbers are typically made by logic circuits called feedback shift registers.
On the other hand, a method of making random numbers by using noise generated in resistors or diodes has also been brought into practical use. In this method, unevenness or periodicity is removed from random numbers, and approximately "true random numbers" can be obtained. This type of random number generating circuit flows a constant current in an element of a noise source to generate noise, then supplies the noise to a high-pass filter circuit to extract AC components, then amplifies them in an analog circuit, and thereafter converts them to digital values by AD conversion. In this process, using a certain value as a threshold value, the method determines AC component in excess of the threshold value as "1" and AC components not reaching the threshold value as "0". Further, since the random number sequence obtained exhibits unevenness, it is used after correction by a digital circuit in most cases.
As already known, pseudo random numbers made by CPU become equal random numbers if the same number is initially given (seed), and since they undesirably have periodicity based on the number of registers, they are not adequate as random numbers. Especially for use in security, they have the possibility that the "encryption key" is broken.
On the other hand, the circuit of the type configured to amplify noise needs a large-scaled analog amplifier circuit and it is difficult for integration and miniaturization, because heat noise and shot noise of resistors and diodes are usually analog signals and their outputs are small. Especially, it is difficult to incorporate it in a compact device, such as IC card, for a cryptographic security function.
Therefore, a compact integrating circuit capable of generating high-quality random numbers without any periodicity is being demanded.
For miniaturization purpose, the circuit is preferably made in form of a digital circuit such as TTL or MOS, for example. Digital circuits, however, can only make random numbers by an algorismic process because they basically produce equal outputs in response to a certain input. Therefore, similarly to feedback shift registers, they can only make pseudo random numbers.
To overcome this inconsistency, it is necessary to make a digital circuit that produces uncertain outputs.


A dual-stream filling system is used in a packaging machine to introduce at least two flowable materials into a container. The dual-stream filling system defines a material flow path therethrough. The system includes a primary filling tube having an inlet end and a discharge end and defining a primary filling tube internal flow region. A secondary filling tube has an inlet end and an outlet end and defines a secondary filling tube internal flow region. The secondary filling tube is positioned at least in part within the primary filling tube internal flow region, penetrating the primary filling tube through the first opening. The dual-stream fill system includes a valve plug that includes a portion that is movable relative to the secondary filling tube between an opened state wherein flow communication is established between the internal flow regions of the primary and secondary filling tubes and a closed state wherein flow communication is terminated between the internal flow regions of the primary and secondary filling tubes. An actuator is provided for moving the valve plug portion between the opened and closed positions. The actuator is disposed fully external of the secondary filling tube flow region.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a dual stream filling valve. More particularly, this invention pertains to a dual stream filling valve for introducing a plurality of flowable products into a container in a filling apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of filling apparatuses are known in the art. In one type of apparatus, two or more streams of, for example, liquid are introduced into a single package, such as milk and cream mixed together into a single container. Such mixing must be done in a controlled, metered manner to assure that the proper quantities and proportions of each are added to the container.
Consumers will readily recognize that milk is available having varying milk fat content, such as skim milk, "1%" and "2%" milk, as well as whole milk. The proportion of cream to milk in the final product generally controls the milk fat content. Often, cream is added to skim milk to produce the various percentages of milk fat content. This is one exemplary process in which the dual-stream filling valve can be used. In such a process, the milk is referred to as the primary fluid and the cream is referred to as the secondary fluid. It will be recognized that such an arrangement can be used for flowable product other than milk, such as dried, particulate or powdered products, as well as a combination of such solid (e.g., particulate and powdered) and liquid materials.
In one known arrangement, the combination of primary and secondary fluids in a single container is carried out using a dual-stream valve. The dual-stream valve has concentric outer and inner filling tubes (primary and secondary, respectively) that are in communication with respective liquid storage tanks or reservoirs. To meter or control the amount of secondary fluid introduced into the container, a valve element, such as a plug, is positioned at the bottom of the secondary tube. In known configurations, the plug is moved or actuated by a rod that penetrates the secondary tube, and longitudinally traverses through the inside of the tube from the tube top to the bottom where it is joined with the valve plug. As is apparent from this arrangement, the rod that traverses through the filling tube requires space or volume that could otherwise be devoted to secondary fluid flow. Moreover, this arrangement positions moving, mechanical components directly in the secondary fluid, which is typically food product. In addition, penetration of the rod through each filling tube requires the use of one or more seals to assure that the food product is fully isolated from the environs.
While such known dual-stream valves function well, they can require considerable maintenance and inspection. As will be apparent, each such seal provides the opportunity for leakage. Moreover, as noted above, such systems require space within the secondary tube, which, consequently increases the diameter of the secondary tube. Additionally, known dual-stream filling arrangements can create localized spots or locations that tend to promote undesirable accumulation of food product.
Accordingly, there continues to be a need for a dual-stream filling valve that does not impact or reduce the usable space or volume of the secondary filling tube or conversely require an increase in the diameter of the tube. Such a dual-stream valve has a minimum of moving mechanical parts that directly contact the flowable material in the system, typically a food product. Moreover, such a dual-stream valve minimizes the number and complexity of the seals required which, in turn, reduces the opportunity for leakage into and out of the valve.


Rendezvous tracking subsystem uses GPS-enabled cell phones communicating with an application server for tracking the whereabouts of carpool participants and for providing on-time status of participants en-route to designated rendezvous points. Safety subsystem can be used to verify safe arrival of participants at carpool destinations. Participants can configure safety subsystem by defining escalation rules and procedures to follow when safety critical events occur.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to: a) location tracking of people and b) carpooling
2. Description of Prior Art
2A. Rendezvous Tracking Prior Art
Published U.S. Patent Application 20020177943. Nov. 28, 2002. Beardsworth.
This "schedule activated management system for optimizing aircraft arrivals at congested airports" tracks a multi-airplane convergence (or rendezvous) with staggered arrival at a destination. In contrast, the present invention tracks desired simultaneous arrival at a destination. The communications technology described in Beardsworth is specialized for airplanes, whereas the present invention uses widely available consumer wireless communications technology. The transportation system in Beardsworth is air transportation, whereas the present invention uses surface transportation.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,159. Dec. 21, 1999. Kenneth J. Schmier, et al.
Bus stop systems in Schmier display "time to next bus" to reduce uncertainty stress for transit passengers at a bus stop, but do not address the multiple convergence of persons traveling to a rendezvous point.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,356,838. Mar. 12, 2002. Paul Sunil.
Sunil's "System and method for determining an efficient transportation route" relates to an improved system and method for providing transportation services over a data communications network. It assists in the convergence between a single pedestrian and a pickup vehicle, but does not encompass a multiple convergence.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,565. Sep. 15, 1998. Matta and Kissel.
Matta and Kissel's "GPS triggered automatic annunciator for vehicles" announces to bus passengers that the bus has arrived at a predetermined destination, but does not provide tracking information en-route to the destination, nor does it track a multiple convergence.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,529. Sep. 7, 1993. Kashiwazaki.
Kashiwazaki displays the next destination for a delivery vehicle using a GPS receiver. Thus it assists the tracking of a delivery truck and its destinations, but does not track a multiple convergence.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,742. Jun. 2, 1998. Janky, et al.
The vehicle dispatch system of Janky integrates mobile GIS/GPS/AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) with wireless messaging capability. This does not track a multiple convergence.
Common Consumer Solution
Some carpool participants share on-time status information via a series of informal cell phone calls between participants. The present invention automates the collection of status information, providing a current status while en-route. The present invention can ensure the status information is available when participants seek it, such as when they stop at a stoplight and have time to glance at their cell phone display. In contrast, the common consumer solution requires the participant to manually obtain status information.
2B. Safety Subsystem Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,778. Mar. 26, 2002. Nehar.
Nehar is a GPS-based personal locator system with panic button and tamper detection. U.S. Pat. Application 2004198382, by Wong, published on Oct. 7, 2004, is a similar personal locator system. The present invention's safety subsystem represents a unique evolution to verify safe arrival during scheduled "high-risk" trips with strangers. The present invention represents a more "task-specific" application of the wireless location technology. The present invention's use of participant-configurable escalation rules and procedures is also different.
Common Consumer Solution
An interested party, such as a spouse, may call a carpool participant to verify that the participant arrived home safely. The present invention automates this process, and can raise an alarm when a participant does not arrive at their scheduled arrival time.

Method for GPS carpool rendezvous tracking and personal safety verification


A device and method for operating a switching power converter are disclosed. In an embodiment a circuit includes a switching power converter having a half bridge including a high-side semiconductor switch connected to a low-side semiconductor switch and an inductor coupled to a half-bridge output node. The circuit further includes a control circuit configured to generate drive signals to switch the high-side semiconductor switch and the low-side semiconductor switch on and off, wherein the drive signals are generated to ensure a dead time between a switch-off of the low-side switch and a subsequent switch-on of the high side switch, and wherein the dead time is set to a first value, when an inductor current is negative at a time of switching, and the dead time is set to a second value, which is lower than the first value, when the inductor current is positive at the time of switching.

Switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) are commonly used and increasingly replacing "classical" power supplies composed of a transformer and a linear voltage regulator. SMPS use switching power converters to convert one voltage (e.g. a DC voltage provided by a battery) into another voltage, which may be used as supply voltage for an electric device or an electronic circuit. For example, switching power converters are widely used to convert a comparably high battery voltage of, for example, 12 volts to a lower voltage of, for example, 3.3 V. Such low voltages are needed to supply digital circuitry and signal processors used in automobiles or mobile devices such as mobile phones, portable computers, etc.
In many applications, high energy conversion efficiency is desired throughout a wide range of output currents. At high output currents, the predominant cause of losses is the on-state resistance of the semiconductor switches (power transistors) used in the switching power converter. The on-state resistance is basically inversely proportional to the active area of the power transistor. For a specific application, a minimum chip area can be calculated for a given desired on-state resistance or for a desired energy conversion efficiency.
Generally, larger transistors (with a larger active area) have lower on-state resistances and therefore allow higher energy conversion efficiency for high output currents. However, larger transistors entail higher intrinsic capacitances, which adversely affect the energy conversion efficiency. At low output currents, the predominant cause of losses is the charging and discharging of the intrinsic capacitances of the power transistors. As a consequence, the circuit designer faces a conflict of objectives, as a high energy conversion efficiency at high output currents (i.e. at full load) is detrimental for a high energy conversion efficiency at low output currents (i.e. at light load); and many circuits operate at low currents (stand-by, power saving mode, etc.) for most of the time.
For switching converters with a synchronous rectifier the dead time between the switch-off of the low side-switch and a subsequent switch-on of the high-side switch (and vice versa) is also relevant to power losses and thus modern driver circuits may control the operation of the switching power converter such that the mentioned dead time is (approximately) at a minimum. However, a minimum dead-time is needed to avoid cross-conduction.

Switching converter with dead time between switching of switches


Flash memory devices are provided including a power supply pad unit. The power supply pad unit includes a first power supply pad, a second power supply pad and a power level detection circuit. The first power and second power supply pads are electrically coupled to the power level detection circuit.

A power level detection circuit of a flash memory device is configured to detect a voltage level of an internal power supply voltage (VDD) of the flash memory device and initialize the flash memory device when an internal power supply voltage (VDD) is greater than a critical (threshold) voltage level. In other words, when the power supply voltage (VDD) of the flash memory device is greater than a threshold voltage level, the power level detection circuit may be configured to generate control signals. The flash memory device may be initialized by the generated control signals.
During the initialization process of the flash memory device, signals may be applied to the flash memory device in order to obtain product information of the flash memory device. Response signals may be received from the flash memory device in response to the applied signals so that the product information of the flash memory device may be obtained.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a layout design of conventional flash memory devices having power level detection circuits. As illustrated therein, the conventional flash memory device includes a memory cell array unit 100, a main circuit unit 120, an input/output pad unit 140, and a power supply pad unit 160. The memory cell array unit 100 includes a plurality of memory cells (not shown). Some conventional memory cells include floating gates and data may be stored/erased in the plurality of memory cells using erase and programming operations known to those having skill in the art. Furthermore, data may be read from the memory cell by applying a predetermined voltage to a control gate of the memory cell. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the memory cell array unit 100 may be provided in a central region of the flash memory device and may occupy a significant portion of an area of the flash memory device.
The main circuit unit 120 is provided in a peripheral region of the memory cell array unit 100. The main circuit unit 120 is provided adjacent to a side of the memory cell array unit 100. The main circuit unit 120 includes a plurality of circuits for controlling operations of the memory cells (not shown). In particular, the main circuit unit 120 includes the power level detection circuit 125.
The input/output pad unit 140 is also provided in a peripheral region of the flash memory device. The input/output pad unit 140 is provided adjacent to the main circuit unit 120. The input/output pad unit 140 includes one or more input/output pads 145. Data may be input through or output from the input/output pads 140, for example, command signals and addresses may be received at the flash memory device through the input/output pads 140.
The power supply pad unit 160 is also provided in a peripheral region of the flash memory device. The power supply pad unit 160 is provided adjacent to the memory cell array unit 100. In particular, the power supply pad unit 160 is provided on an opposite side of the memory cell array unit from the main circuit unit 120 and the input/output pad unit 140. The power supply pad unit 160 includes a plurality of power supply pads, including a first power supply pad VDD pad 162 and a second power supply pad VSS 164.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the power level detection circuit 125 is provided in the main circuit unit 120, which is spaced apart from the power supply pad unit 160. Thus, the power level detection circuit 125 is spaced apart from the first power supply pad VDD 162 and the second power supply pad VSS 164. In order to properly operate the power level detection circuit 125, power supply lines are provided between the power level detection circuit 125 and the power supply pads of the power supply pad unit 160 that electrically couple the power level detection circuit 125 to the power supply pads of the power supply pad unit. Accordingly, as a length of the power supply line increases, the level of the power voltage applied to the power level detection circuit 125 from the power supply pad unit 160 may be affected. For example, noise may be introduced and may cause the level of the power voltage applied to the power level detection circuit 125 to increase or decrease.
If the power supply lines are affected by noise, the power supply voltage applied to the power level detection circuit 125 may be unstable, which may cause abrupt changes in a short period of time. In particular, if the power supply voltage level rapidly drops below the threshold voltage and then rapidly rises above the threshold voltage, the power level detection circuit may not function properly, which may cause improper operation of the flash memory device.

Flash memory devices having power level detection circuits


A mechanism is provided for configuring a set of devices for a given machine attached to a storage area network. The initial program load firmware and network adapter firmware for each machine on the storage area network are modified to query a storage area network appliance for lists of devices. The storage area network appliance may be identified by a world wide name and may store lists of boot devices, root volume group devices, primary devices, and secondary devices for each machine on the storage area network. The storage area network appliance then listens for queries and returns the appropriate list of devices based on query type and/or boot type. The boot type for a machine may be set to normal boot, maintenance boot, or install boot.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to storage area networks. Still more particularly, the present invention provides a method, apparatus, and program for performing boot, maintenance, or install operations on a storage area network.
2. Description of Related Art
A storage area network (SAN) is a network of storage disks. In large enterprises, a SAN connects multiple servers to a centralized pool of disk storage. Compared to managing hundreds of servers, each with their own disks, a SAN improves system administration. By treating all the storage as a single resource, disk maintenance and routine backups are easier to schedule and control. In some SANs, the disks themselves can copy data to other disks for backup without any processing overhead at the host computers.
The SAN network allows data transfers between computers and disks at the same high peripheral channel speeds as when they are directly attached. Fibre Channel is a driving force with SANs and is typically used to encapsulate SCSI commands. Serial strage architecture (SSA) and enterprise system connection (ESCON) channels are also supported. A SAN option that is expected to become popular is IP storage, which enables data transfer via IP over fast Gigabit Ethernet locally or via the Internet to anywhere in the world. IP storage is also referred to as "iSCSI."
A SAN may include a large number of storage devices. This makes boot, maintenance, and installation operations difficult. For example, a workstation or server may boot from a boot device that is within 40,000 disks on the SAN. Configuring a large number of devices in order to configure a boot device is time consuming and inefficient.
Currently, a boot device is identified in a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). Therefore, if a maintenance operation or installation requires the computer to boot from an alternative device, the identified device must be changed in NVRAM. For example, if an install operation is to be performed on a computer, an administrator may need to boot the computer from a removable medium, such as a compact disk (CD). Therefore, the administrator must change the boot disk in the computer to refer to a CD drive on the SAN.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an improved mechanism for performing boot, maintenance, or install operations on a storage area network.

Method, apparatus, and program for performing boot, maintenance, or install operations on a storage area network

International Business Machines Corporation


An armrest lock is provided for a motor vehicle armrest that is pivotally connected in a motor vehicle through a linkage to permit pivotal movement of the armrest between a raised position and a lowered position. The armrest lock includes a cam pin extending from the linkage. A lock plate is pivotally mounted on the vehicle and includes a cam slot formed therein with first and second slot portions for receiving the cam pin. A spring pivotally biases the lock plate with respect to the vehicle. The lock plate is sufficiently weighted to effect pivotal movement against the spring bias as a result of its own inertia in a sudden deceleration to allow the cam pin to enter the first slot portion to engage the armrest lock to prevent further pivotal movement of the armrest.

Motor vehicles typically include armrests which are pivotable between raised and lowered positions for the convenience of passengers. When such an armrest is in its raised position, it is desirable to be able to prevent it dropping to its lowered position in the event of a sudden deceleration. A locking mechanism for a motor vehicle armrest is now required in many vehicles.
Typical known armrest locks require release before the armrest can be lowered. However, such a system requires that the potential user of the armrest be acquainted with the manner of operation so as to be able to lower the armrest, and rear seat passengers, for whom armrests are most frequently provided, do not have access to an instruction manual or the inclination to investigate how to release the lock which allows the armrest to be lowered.
Accordingly, there exists a need for freely pivotable armrests which are automatically lockable in an upright position in the event of a sudden deceleration. The same need exists for child restraint seat backs, ski lids, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,384 provides an armrest lock for locking an armrest in its raised position as a result of its own inertia in the event of a sudden deceleration of the vehicle. The device includes a freely pivotable latch which engages a projecting rib on an armrest linkage when suddenly decelerated. A problem with such design is that the freely rotating latch may rattle or jam, and a hard deceleration may cause bouncing of the pivotable latch which may prevent the device from latching. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an inertia latch for vehicle armrest or other seat component which is smoothly operating, reliable and rattle free.

Retardation lock member for motor vehicle seat component


A system includes a content extraction engine comprising at least one processor and configured to receive a content page for a target product including product data for the target product and noise content unrelated to the target product, identify noise content pertaining to data unrelated to the target product, remove noise content from the content page, thereby generating a remainder content page containing target product data usable to enable product comparison between multiple sources.

Some online content providers present product data to online users over the Internet. For example, some online content providers may offer products for sale to online consumers through an online publication system. Each product presented by the publication system may be presented to the online user through, for example, a web page displaying product details, product images, product review, and other associated information. These web pages are often transmitted to the online user in the form of, for example, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) documents. The online user views the web pages through a web browser, which parses and interprets the HTML content and displays the web page to the online user. As such, the online user may view product data for products.
The headings provided herein are merely for convenience and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the terms used. Like numbers in the Figures indicate like components.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.