A power supply system includes power storage devices, converters and a converter ECU controlling the converters. In temperature increase control of power storage devices, converter ECU determines an electric power transferred between the power storage devices via a main positive bus line and a main negative bus line as well as a transfer direction of the electric power, based on an allowable discharge power and an allowable charge power of each power storage device, and controls the converters to transfer the determined electric power between the power storage devices.

In recent years, vehicles such as a hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle that are equipped with an electric motor as a power source have been improved to increase a capacity of a power storage unit for improving drive performance such as acceleration performance and a continuous travel distance. A structure having a plurality of power storage devices has been proposed as means for increasing the capacity of the power storage unit.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-209969 has disclosed a power supply control system provided with a plurality of power supply stages. This power supply control system includes a plurality of power supply stages that are connected in parallel together and supply a DC power to at least one inverter. Each power supply 6stage includes a battery and a boost/buck DC-DC converter.
In this power supply control system, the plurality of power supply stages are controlled to maintain an output voltage for the inverter by uniformly charging and discharging a plurality of batteries that are included in respective power supply stages.
Generally, in a power storage device such as a secondary battery and a capacitor, a capacity lowers with lowering of a temperature so that a charge/discharge property deteriorates with it. In the hybrid vehicle and others, therefore, it is desired to increase actively the temperature of the power storage device when the temperature of the power storage device is low after a vehicle system started. Particular, in the system having a plurality of power storage devices such as the power supply control system disclosed in aforementioned Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-209969, it is necessary to increase rapidly the temperature of the power storage device after the start of a vehicle system for sufficiently bringing out merits of the large capacity of power storage unit.
However, aforementioned Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-209969 has merely disclosed that the power storage device is operated to charge and discharge uniformly the plurality of batteries included in respective power supply stages, and has not particularly discussed a method for actively increasing the temperature of the plurality of power storage devices at a low temperature.

Power supply system, vehicle with the same, temperature increase control method for power storage device and computer-readable recording medium bearing program for causing computer to execute temperature increase control of power storage device


Some embodiments of the present invention relate to processes for reducing heavies formation in a solution comprising one or more aldehydes, such as a reaction fluid in a hydroformylation process. In some embodiments, the process comprises providing 0.1 to 5 wt. percent of an organic nitrogen compound based on the total weight of the aldehyde solution, the organic nitrogen compound comprising: wherein each of R1-R5 are independently hydrogen, an alkyl, or an aryl radical.

It is well known that continuous hydroformylation processes will slowly form relatively high-boiling aldehyde-derived byproducts over time (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,148,830 and 4,247,486). Because these "heavies" often serve as the reaction solvent, they are initially allowed to accumulate in liquid recycle processes, but adjustments in product separation conditions (e.g. temperature, pressure, strip gas flow rate, etc.) must be made to prevent their concentration from increasing beyond practical limits. Establishing a ratio of reactor effluent (feed) introduced to the separation zone relative to the non-volatiles returned to the reaction zone (tails) while still maintaining the desired aldehyde production rate will ultimately determine the maximum concentration of heavies that the system may sustain. Once the heavies concentration limit is reached, they must be removed at a rate comparable to their formation rate to maintain the desired balance. A currently preferred method of heavies removal is volatilization; however, if the byproducts in question are too high-boiling to distill overhead (e.g., derived from higher olefins), it may be necessary to remove them from the system as a liquid purge stream (e.g., removal of separation zone liquid effluent) to extend catalyst life. Costs are associated with the liquid purge, including precious metal recovery of the contained rhodium, loss of ligand, and potential loss of product aldehyde (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,232,931).
Although the presence of impurities (e.g. metals, acids, bases, etc.) can catalyze side reactions, under normal circumstances, the primary driver for heavies formation is elevated temperatures. Even when heavies may be removed via volatilization at their formation rate, they still represent a source of product inefficiency. Thus, losses due to the presence of heavies is a consideration when establishing acceptable reactor temperatures, even in processes employing lower carbon number olefins.
Thus, alternative means for the reduction of heavies in a hydroformylation process, particularly in the hydroformylation of higher olefins, is desirable.


A tool calibrator includes two portions shaped to slidably engage and secure a tool in a desired position. The tool is secured by a series of staggered V shaped grooves on each of the two portions having a known geometrical relationship with a diameter of a tool head of the tool. The tool calibrator further includes at least one position signaling device for communicating a location of the tool calibrator in an operating room or other area. A position and direction of a tip of the tool is determined by comparing a location of the tool secured within the tool calibrator to the location of each of the two portions. Further, based on the location of each of the two portions, the diameter of the tool head is calculated.

Three-dimensional diagnostic images of the brain, spinal cord, and other body portions are produced by diagnostic imaging equipment such as CT scanners, magnetic resonance imagers, and the like. These imaging modalities often provide structural detail with a resolution of a millimeter or better.
Image guided surgery systems have been developed to utilize this data to assist the surgeon in presurgical planning and in accurately locating a region of interest within the body of a patient. In the operating arena, the image guided surgery systems are used to display position and orientation of a surgical tool in its correct location with respect to the images of the patient. Surgical tools typically include a trackable handle portion and a tool head which may be inserted into the patient's body. One example of an image guided surgery system is U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,990, Stereotaxy Wand and Tool Guide, to Kalfas et al. issued May 21, 1996, incorporated by reference herein.
Three and sometimes four views of image data are displayed on a monitor visible to the surgeon. These views typically include axial, sagittal, and coronal views of the patient. A fourth oblique view is sometimes displayed, presenting image data in a plane orthogonal to a tip of the tool. The location of the tip of the tool, the tool's trajectory, and diameter of the tool head are displayed on one or more of these images. The algebraic distance between the tip of the tool and a desired position may also be displayed numerically on the monitor.
Given the nature of image guided surgery procedures, it is necessary to be able to track the location of the tip of the tool, the tool's trajectory, and diameter of the tool head with a high degree of precision, often requiring calibration to less than a millimeter in accuracy. The tools are tracked in an operating room or other area by use of a tracking system or localizer. The tracking system tracks the tools by virtue of three or more spaced apart position signaling devices, such as infrared emitters or reflectors, connected to the tool in a fixed relation thereto. The position signaling devices are positioned in a unique pattern for each tool in order to allow the tracking system to be able to distinguish one tool from another. In other words, the unique pattern can be said to characterize the tool.
A central computer coupled to the tracking system is preprogrammed with information related to where the tip and trajectory of each tool is with respect to the tool's position signaling devices and with information related to the diameter of the tool head. For instance, with respect to a tracked probe having three infrared emitters, the central computer maintains information related to where the tip of the probe is with relationship to a selected point on a plane defined by the three infrared emitters. Based on this information, a precise location of the tip can be calculated by the central computer and displayed on one of the monitors.
In a variety of surgical tools such as drills, probes, endoscopes, etc. it is often beneficial to a surgeon or other individual to make changes to the tool which may affect the positioning of the tip as well as the diameter of the tool head. For instance, on a surgical drill it is often helpful for the surgeon to be able to change the size and length of a drill bit situated in the tool to accommodate different surgical procedures. Further, with respect to the probes, it is often desirous to replace different length and diameter shafts on the probe handle in order to reach different regions in the patient.
Unfortunately, because the position of the tip of each tool with respect to the tool's position signaling devices are preprogrammed into a memory associated with each tool and passed along the central computer along with information on the diameter of the tool head, changes to the tool which affect the location of the tip and diameter of the tool head cannot easily be made. If changes are made, an operator needs to determine the new relationship between the tip of the tool and the tool's position signaling devices and enter this information into the central computer. Further, information related to a new diameter of the tool head may also need to be entered. This process is time consuming and cumbersome. If the new information is not entered into the central computer, the tip of the tool will not be properly tracked and displayed on the monitor.
The present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for calibrating a surgical tool which addresses the above-referenced matters, and others.


The wind operated generator has a housing having a shaft opening for receiving an outer turbine tube shaft extending longitudinally through the shaft opening. An inner turbine has an inner tube shaft extending longitudinally through the outer tube shaft. Roller means are provided for supporting the outer and inner tube shafts within the housing. Roller ring means are interposed between the inner and outer tube shafts and the housing for limiting axial movements between the outer and inner tube shafts with respect to the housing. Magnetic means are carried on outer and inner tube shafts with corresponding juxtaposed electromagnetic pick-up means to provide an electrical output, the inner turbine means having scroll-type vanes directing a coplanar flow of air to actuate the outer turbine having open-ended box-type vanes.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a wind operated generator, and more particularly to an improved wind operated generator, utilizing dual turbines in the operation of the generator.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Wind operated generators and motors are broadly old and well-known in the prior art. Wind operated generators utilizing counter-rotating propellers for increasing the derived speed and power of the electrical output from the generator have been used before. Referring to U.S. Pat. No. 4,039,848, there is described a wind operated generator utilizing a pair of propellers rotating on a common shaft but displaced from each other and occupying separate planes. Counter-rotating propellers actuate a DC generator mounted between the propellers and carried on a single shaft. The propellers and generator structure are mounted on concentric shafts supported in a positive drive structure in which the shafts are tied together through a gearing to ensure positive starting and counter-rotation of the propellers.
One of the disadvantages of this known apparatus is that it uses a DC generator wherein electric output is taken off by means of brushes. Another disadvantage is the use of a direct gearing system driven by one of the propellers to add power to the rotation of the generator. Also, a further disadvantage is in the complex arrangement of the electrical wiring to conduct electrical output through rotating shafts and brushes or slip rings. All this points up the fact that some of the power is lost due to frictional problems created in the mechanical system employed in the generator.


An embodiment of the invention is a system for generating control signals. The system may allow a user to generate an image, representation of an image, algorithm or other effect information. The effect information may then be converted to lighting control signals to be saved or communicated to a networked lighting system. An embodiment of the invention may enable the authoring, generation and communication of control signals such that an effect is generated in a space or area. An embodiment of the invention may provide systems and methods for the control of a plurality of lighting devices in an environment.

Networked lighting control has become increasingly popular due to the variety of illumination conditions that can be created. Color Kinetics Incorporated offers a full line of networked lighting systems as well as controllers and light-show authoring tools. Control signals for lighting systems are generally generated and communicated through a network to a plurality of lighting systems. Several lighting systems may be arranged in a lighting network and information pertaining to each lighting device may be communicated to through the network. Each lighting device or system may have a unique identifier or address such that it only reads and react to information directed at its particular address.

Systems and methods of controlling light systems


A tilt mechanism portion is connected to an front downward-extending portion of a side frame (cushion side fame) of a seat cushion so as to move vertically the seat cushion. A rear downward-extending portion of the cushion side frame is supported at a support pin of a base side frame. Thereby, the rear end of the seat cushion changes little longitudinally despite the vertical movement (tilt) of the front portion of the seat cushion. Accordingly, any conformability deterioration that may be caused by a large forward movement of the seat cushion at a seat back taking a large reclining position can be prevented properly.

The present invention relates to a seat device in which an inclination of a seat face can change in accordance with a rearward rotation of a seat back.
A seat device for an automotive vehicle, for example, in which the seat cushion is moved when the seat back is rotated rearward (reclining) from its specified standard position corresponding to a normal seat position in such a manner that the inclination of the seat face of the seat cushion changes, is known (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publications 62-192114, 06-245837, for example). Herein, in general, the rotational movement of the seat back is mechanically conveyed to the seat cushion, thereby moving the seat cushion (tilting, swinging). Thus, the inclination of the seat face is changed so as to prevent the buttocks of the passenger seated from sliding forward improperly on the seat face.
Herein, the above-described conventional seat device has the following problem. The seat cushion is moved in accordance with the relining-of the seat back in such a manner that the front portion of the seat cushion moves obliquely upward and forward, so that the forward movement may become considerably large. Hence, in a case where the seat back is rotated rearward greatly (taking a large reclining position), a large gap may be generated between the lower end of the seat back and the rear end of the seat cushion, so there is a concern that part of the buttocks of the passenger would be caught in this gap and thereby the conformability of the passenger seated would deteriorate.


A vehicle charging equipment includes a charging equipment main body, a charging cable, a charge connector to be fitted to a vehicle-side connector and having a release button, a release button circuit to which voltage is applied from the vehicle to detect depression of the release button, a winding-up device to wind up the charging cable, a fit determination means for determining the fitting of the charge connector to the vehicle-side connector, and an automatic winding-up controller. The fit determination means includes a voltage detection unit and a fit determination portion, the voltage detection unit detecting voltage applied to the release button circuit to detect depression of the release button, and the fit determination portion determining the fitting of the vehicle-side connector based on the voltage detected. The automatic winding-up controller determines removal of the charge connector from the vehicle-side connector based on the determination by the fit determination means.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a vehicle charging equipment for charging vehicles such as electric and hybrid vehicles.
2. Description of the Related Art
A vehicle charging equipment for charging vehicles such as electric and hybrid vehicles is known, which is provided with a charging equipment main body, a charging cable pulled out of the charging equipment main body and a charge connector which is attached to the tip of the charging cable and is to be fitted to a vehicle-side connector (charge port, inlet) provided on a vehicle.
For charging a vehicle using such a vehicle charging equipment, the charging cable is pulled out of the charging equipment main body and the charge connector is fitted (connected) to the vehicle-side connector of the vehicle.
It is desirable that the charge connector and the charging cable be put back into the original state (i.e., the state in which the charging cable is wound-up and stored in the charging equipment main body and the charge connector is arranged in the vicinity of the charging equipment main body) after finishing charging but it is not always retracted properly.
Especially in public parking spaces, a large number of unspecified vehicles frequently come in and out and charging cables of vehicle charging equipments provided in such places thus may be left uncared-for in the pulled-out state without being retracted properly.
In such a case, the charge connector or charging cable which are left uncared-for may be run over and damaged by in-coming vehicles or pedestrians may trip over such a charging cable, etc., and get injured. Furthermore, when the vehicle charging equipment is adapted to be provided on each pallet of mechanical parking facility, the charging cable hanging down from the pallet may get stuck and damaged in a carriage rail, etc., when the pallet moves, which is very dangerous. Therefore, the charge connector and the charging cable are desired to be automatically retracted after finishing charging.
In order to automatically retract the charge connector and the charging cable, removal of the charge connector from the vehicle-side connector needs to be detected in the charging equipment main body which is provided with a winding-up device for winding up the charging cable, and it is thus necessary to provide a fit determination means to determine whether or not the both connectors are fitted to each other.
In SAE J1772 (trademark, herein referred to as J1772 standard) defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and IEC 62196 part 3 (herein referred to as 62196 standard) defined by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a means for determining whether or not the charge connector is fitted to the vehicle-side connector is preliminarily provided.
In detail, as shown in FIG. 7, a charge connector 71 conforming to the J1772 standard is provided with five terminals: two AC power source terminals 71a and 71b (neutral lines) through which AC power signals are transmitted; a ground terminal 71c to be a frame ground; and two signal terminals 71d and 71e. A vehicle-side connector 73 is provided with terminals 73a to 73e which respectively correspond to the terminals 71a to 71e of the charge connector 71. Meanwhile, in the 62196 standard, two more AC power source terminals are further provided in addition to the five terminals and are used together with the AC power source terminal 71a to supply three-phase AC power.
In the J1772 standard as well as in the 62196 standard, DC voltage (+12V) is applied to the signal terminal 71d from a controller 72a of a charging equipment main body 72 via a resistor R1 and the controller 72a monitors voltage (potential) of the signal terminal 71d. When the charge connector 71 is fitted to the vehicle-side connector 73, the signal terminal 71d is electrically connected to the signal terminal 73d of the vehicle-side connector 73 and is grounded via a resistive circuit 74 formed on a vehicle 75, which forms a closed loop and causes variation in voltage of the signal terminal 71d. In the J1772 standard, the voltage of the signal terminal 71d is detected by the controller 72a and fitting of the two connectors 71 and 73 is determined based on the detected voltage.
The signal terminal 71e of the charge connector 71 is used for detecting depression of a release button which is provided on the charge connector 71.
The release button is provided integrally with a locking mechanism such as latch for locking to the vehicle 75 when the two connectors 71 and 73 are fitted to each other, and it is configured such that the locking mechanism is released by pressing the release button and the fitting of the two connectors 71 and 73 is then released. Since the release button is always pressed when removing the charge connector 71 from the vehicle-side connector 73, detecting the depression of the release button allows disengagement of the two connectors 71 and 73 to be detected beforehand and charging current to be promptly reduced. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce, e.g., damage on charging devices such as storage batteries caused by transient impact due to current interruption during charging large current, or burnout of a contact due to spark discharge caused by turning off a relay circuit while power is on.
A release button circuit 76 is provided with a switch SW opened by pressing the release button and two resistors R2 and R3, and is configured such that one end of the switch SW is connected to the signal terminal 71e, another end of the switch SW is connected to the ground terminal 71c via the resistor R2 and then the resistor R3 is connected in parallel to the switch SW. In a conventional vehicle charging equipment 70, the release button circuit 76 is completed within the charge connector 71 and a circuit, etc., related to the release button is not provided in the charging equipment main body 72. The charge connector 71 and the charging equipment main body 72 are connected via a four-core charging cable 77.
In vehicle 75, voltage is applied to the signal terminal 73e from a DC power source 78 via a resistor R4 and voltage of the signal terminal 73e is monitored. When the two connectors 71 and 73 are fitted to each other, the signal terminal 73e is electrically connected to the signal terminal 71e of the charge connector 71 and voltage is then applied to the release button circuit 76. In the release button circuit 76, the switch SW is closed and the resistor R3 is shorted when the release button is not pressed, but once the release button is pressed, the switch SW is opened and the resistor R3 is inserted. Accordingly, a resistance value from the signal terminal 73e up to the frame ground (a combined resistance value of the release button circuit 76 and a resistor R5) varies due to depression of the release button and voltage of the signal terminal 73e thus varies. Therefore, it is possible to detect depression of the release button by detecting variation in voltage of the signal terminal 73e on the vehicle 75 side.
Such a mechanism for detecting depression of the release button is essential to prevent damage on charging equipment in vehicle and is widely adopted, not just for the J1772 standard and the 62196 standard.
The related arts to the invention may be JP-A-2010-222793, JP-A-2011-063944 and JP-A-2011-111805.


The present invention relates to a system and to a method for automatic detection of the precession of an element of a drill string, in particular of the bottomhole assembly of a drill string. The method comprises a stage of surface acquisition of signals linked with the vibration of the end of the drillpipes, automatic processing on at least one signal in order to detect a jump in average and a significant line in the spectrum of the signal. A precession criterion is calculated and an alarm is set off. The invention further relates to a system for detecting the precession of an element of a drill string.

The BHA is subjected to precession when it undergoes a proper rotating motion notably due to flexion. This proper motion is influenced by drilling parameters (weight on bit, rotating speed, etc.) and geometric parameters (dimensions of the BHA constituents, bit diameter, wellbore trajectory, formation type, etc.). It is considered to be a serious dysfunctioning since it prevents correct progress of the drilling operation and can even cause considerable material damage, notably to the BHA elements.
The dysfunctioning known as "whirling" is known in the trade, but for the time being it has been taken into account only for the drill bit in order to reduce breakage and excessive wear of the cutting elements due to this dysfunctioning.

Method and system for detecting the precession of an element of a drill string


Business forms may be manually inserted into cooperation with a conveyor between a folder and a sealer by providing an outer movable cover for the conveyor, and an inner normally stationary cover underneath the outer cover. An interlock, formed by a magnet and a reed switch, is provided between the inner cover and the conveyor. A slot is formed in the inner cover, with first and second guide elements extending upwardly and downwardly, respectively, from the slot. Each of the guide elements has a plate, the first guide element having one upstanding guide edge, and the second guide element having adjustably spaced first and second S-shaped guide edges. A planar transition portion of the first guide element overlaps and is connected to the second guide element, and a planar transition portion of the second guide element is connected to the bottom of the inner cover. The second guide element plate makes an angle of between about 30.degree.-60.degree. with respect to the cover plate, and causes inserted forms to pass over some of the rollers of the conveyor directly into association with others.

In the automatic production of business forms, there are some situations in which a form may not be properly processed due to jams, misfolds, inadvertent stoppages of the system, or the like. Also, under some circumstances a very small quantity of forms needs to be processed, an insufficient number to justify setting up all components of automated business forms handling equipment. Under these circumstances it is desirable to have a way to manually feed forms to business forms handling equipment which does not interfere with normal automatic operation of the equipment, but which is easy and safe to utilize where desired.
According to the present invention, apparatus is provided which achieves the above-mentioned goals. The apparatus according to the invention is particularly useful in association with automatic folders and automatic sealers. For example, the apparatus according to the invention is particularly suited for use with a folder sold by Moore Business Forms, Inc. of Lake Forest, Ill. under the trade designation M8152, and in association with a sealer sold by Moore Business Forms under the trade designation M4400 Speedisealer.RTM. pressure sealer. The apparatus according to the present invention is particularly desirable for use in association with the standard extended transfer conveyor associated with the M8152 folder, but can be utilized for virtually any pieces of equipment where there is a transfer conveyor between first and second different business forms handling machines. The apparatus according to the present invention is simple and easy to construct, simple to utilize in a virtually failsafe manner, and is safely interconnected to the business form handling machine components to prevent operator injury.
According to one aspect of the present invention, apparatus for handling business forms is provided including the following elements: A first machine for handling business forms. A second machine for handling business forms. A conveyor disposed between the first and second machines for conveying business forms between them. An outer movable cover for the conveyor. An inner, normally stationary, cover for the conveyor disposed beneath the outer cover. And means mounted on the inner cover providing guided manual feeding of business forms through the inner cover directly into operative association with the conveyor.
The apparatus further comprises an interlock between the inner cover and the conveyor for preventing operation of the conveyor if the inner cover is moved. The interlock preferably comprises a permanent magnetic mounted to the bottom of the inner cover, and a reed switch operatively connected to a casing for the conveyor.
The means for providing guided manual feeding preferably comprises a slot formed in the inner cover (which is preferably of transparent plastic, such as acrylic or LEXAN), and first and second guide elements extending upwardly and downwardly, respectively, from the slot. The guide elements each comprise a plate having at least one upstanding guide edge, typically the first guide element having a single guide edge, and the second guide element having first and second horizontally spaced guide edges, with the spacing between the guide edges being adjustable to accommodate business forms of different widths. The first and second guide edges may be generally S-shaped in side view, having firstand second planar portions offset by a connecting web and are connected to the second guide element plate so that the first planar portion is connected to a top surface of the plate and the second planar portion is disposed above, spaced from and substantially parallel to, the plate.
The conveyor typically includes conveyor rollers, and the second guide element plate extends from the slot downwardly at an angle of between about 30-60 degrees to the horizontal, passing over one of the conveyor rollers, and terminating adjacent another of the rollers, directing a business form supported thereby to the other conveyor roller. A substantially planar first transition portion of the first guide element typically overlaps the plate of the second guide element and is affixed to it, while a substantially planar transition portion of the second guide element is affixed to the bottom of the inner cover. The first guide element plate may make an angle of between about 130-175 degrees with respect to the second guide element plate. The conveyor casing typically has two or more locating studs extending upwardly from it which cooperate with holes provided in the inner cover to locate the inner cover with respect to the conveyor.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a cover, per se, for allowing manual feeding of business forms into operative association with a machine for acting on the business forms is provided. The cover has the following elements. A cover plate having a slot formed therein. First and second guide elements, each comprising a plate, the first guide element plate extending upwardly from the cover plate, and the second guide element plate extending downwardly from the cover plate. At least one guide edge portion associated with at least one of the first and second guide elements for guiding a business form edge through or from the slot. And means for mounting the guide elements to the cover plate at the slot. The means for mounting the guide elements to the cover plate comprise a substantially planar transition portion of the first guide element connected to the plate of the second guide element, and a substantially planar transition portion of the second guide element connected to the cover plate. The details of the guide elements, cover plate, etc. are as described above with respect to the general apparatus.
The invention also relates to a guide mechanism, per se, for guiding business forms: namely, one of the components of the cover described above. The guide mechanism comprises: A first main plate having first and second ends, and top and bottom faces. A substantially planar transition portion integral with the main plate and extending from the first end thereof, making an obtuse angle with respect to the main plate bottom face. And first and second guide elements connected to the top face of the main plate, the guide elements connected to the top face of the main plate. The guide elements each comprise first and second planar portions offset by a connecting web, the first planar portion of each connected to the top face of the main plate and the second planar portion of each spaced from and substantially parallel to the main plate top face. The guide elements spaced from each other in a dimension perpendicular to a dimension extending between the first and second ends of the main plate. The mechanism also further preferably comprises means for adjustably mounting the guide elements to the main plate so that the spacing therebetween may be adjusted to accommodate business forms of different widths.
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus facilitating the simple manual insertion of small quantities of business forms into association with business forms handling equipment, in a simple, safe, and cost effective manner. This and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of the detailed description of the invention and from the appended claims.


An umbilical for use in the offshore production of hydrocarbons, the umbilical comprising a plurality of functional elements contained within an outer sheath, at least one of said functional elements comprising a multicore electric cable, said multicore electric cable comprising a plurality of insulated electric conductors electrically insulated from each other and assembled together in a helical or S/Z manner, said multicore electric cable further comprising a protective polymer sheath surrounding said plurality of insulated electric conductors, said multicore electric cable further comprising a tubular metallic layer located inside said protective polymer sheath and surrounding said plurality of insulated electric conductors.

In subsea oil field operations, umbilicals are used to transport fluids, power, signals or data to and from a subsea installation. An umbilical comprises a group of one or more types of functional elements such as multicore low voltage electric cables, optical fibre cables, or hoses for fluid transportation of, for example, gas, water or chemical products such as methanol. These functional elements are assembled together in a helical or S/Z manner and over-sheathed and/or over-armoured for mechanical strength and ballast. It is desirable for a single umbilical to be able to contain as many functional elements as are required for a particular application, for example, as are required for a particular oil field where the umbilical is intended for use.
In the present application, "low voltage" should be understood as rated for a voltage smaller than 3000V, and typically smaller than 1000V. Low voltage multicore cables of subsea umbilicals are generally used to carry single phase power for control purposes and signal transmission. Typically a low voltage multicore power cable used in a subsea umbilical is rated at 250V and 3 A, so around 750 W in power. Low voltage multicore signal cables used in subsea umbilicals are operated at frequencies up to 20 kHz. These multicore low voltage cables typically have a very simple construction. Indeed, because of their low voltage, such multicore cables are not sensitive to moisture ingress, unlike medium and high voltage coaxial power cables (respectively rated at 6 kV to 30 kV and at more than 30 kV) which are known to be very sensitive to water ingress and may develop detrimental defects known as "water tree", and therefore require additional protective sheaths to prevent moisture ingress.
A problem with known electric cables within subsea umbilicals is that, over an extended period of time, in some circumstances related to the presence of sea water, small quantities of hydrogen appear inside the umbilical structure, and then diffuse inside the electric cables. The presence and the circulation of hydrogen gas inside the electric cables have several detrimental effects.


A method for the preparation of a freeze-dried product of N-[o-(p-pivaloyloxybenzenesulfonylamino)benzoyl]glycine monosodium salt tetra-hydrate dissolved in a mixed solvent of water and ethanol, and the freeze-dried product obtained by the method.

As to the compound used in the present invention, a free compound thereof, i.e. the compound of formula (II)
is described in example 2 (63) of JP kokai hei 3-20253 (i.e. EP 347168) and a monosodium salt tetrahydrate thereof of formula (I)
(at times abbreviated as compound (I)) is described in example 3 of JP kokai hei 5-194366 (i.e. EP 539223) and in reference example 1 of JP kokai hei 9-40692 (no EP publication).
Compound (I) has an inhibitory activity against elastase and is a very useful compound which is expected to be used for the treatment of acute pulmonary disorders. Since those patients suffering from acute pulmonary disorders are in a serious condition, it is necessary to administer a drug parenterally, preferably as an injection for a long time (from 24 hours to several days) continuously. Therefore compound (I) is appropriately formulated as an injection or a solid composition to be dissolved before administration, more preferably formulated as a freeze-dried product. And considering the convenience, a high-dosage product in a small vial compared with the amount of active ingredient is preferable.
By the way, in the manufacturing process of a freeze-dried product, generally, a drug needs to be kept in a clear solution. That is because suspension and emulsion do not give a certain concentration and may cause a problem such as blockade of nozzles of the filling equipment as well.
Considering the effective dose of compound (I) and the volume of suitable closed containers (vials, ampoules, etc.), for the manufacture of a high-dosage freeze-dried product of compound (I), the required solubility is estimated to be 80 mg/mL or more in subjecting to freeze-drying.
However, compound (I) is hardly soluble in water or ethanol; the solubility is 0.4 mg/ml in water, and 6.0 mg/ml in ethanol. Therefore, by normal solvents it is difficult to prepare a clear solution for the process of a high-dosage freeze-dried product.
JP kokai hei 9-40692 discloses a method for the preparation of compound (I) by suspending a compound of formula (II) to a mixed solvent of water and ethanol, adding an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide thereto, heating and then cooling. This operation shows a method for the preparation of a sodium salt tetra-hydrate from a free carboxylic acid of formula (II) but does not disclose a freeze-dried product of sodium tetra-hydrate of formula (I).
JP kokai hei 5-194366 discloses a method for the preparation of freeze-dried product of compound (I) by using sodium carbonate and water, but the method does not accomplish to give a solubility of 80 mg/mL or more, which is the level which the present invention intends to overcome.
Additionally, it proved that the pH of the freeze-dried product manufactured according to the above method was ascended in the time course and may decompose compound (I), so it is not necessarily preferable.

Freeze-dried preparation of n[o-(p-pivaloyloxybenzenasulfonylamino) benzoyl] glycine monosodium salt tetrahydrate and process for producing same

Abstract: According to the present invention, N-[o-(p-pivaloyloxybenzenesulfonylamino)benzoyl]glycine monosodium salt tetra-hydrate is dissolved in a small amount of a mixed solvent of water and ethanol, and therefore it is possible to manufacture high-dosage product by freeze-drying.


A method for sourcing an item requirement includes receiving an item requirement that identifies an item and a quantity of the item that needs to be sourced from one or more suppliers. The method also includes determining one or more sourcing criteria that affect the sourcing of the item. The sourcing criteria include one or more quantity pricing rules that are associated with each of a number of suppliers and the quantity of the item available at each of the suppliers. Furthermore, the method includes determining one or more suppliers from which the item should be sourced and a quantity of the item to obtain from each such supplier based on the sourcing criteria. In addition, the method includes automatically generating one or more transaction documents that each identify the item and the requested quantity of the item and that include a request that a supplier provide the requested quantity of the item. These transaction documents are communicated to the associated suppliers.

Businesses and other entities typically acquire or "source" numerous products, parts, services, and other items from a variety of different suppliers or third parties. For example, an automobile company typically purchases tires from third party suppliers for use in manufacturing automobiles. In many cases, business requirements, contractual requirements, or other sourcing rules restrict the quantity or value of items that may be obtained from one or more suppliers. For example, a business may be contractually required to purchase a minimum number of items from a particular supplier or may have a business requirement that it should not purchase more than a certain value of items from any one supplier. Furthermore, the price that is charged by a supplier for a particular item may differ depending on the quantity of items that a business purchases. All of these various rules, requirements, and restrictions make it complicated for a business to determine the quantity of a particular item to buy from a number of potential suppliers to fulfill a needed quantity of that item. The complicated nature of such sourcing may lead to an inefficient and costly sourcing process.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A filter for filtering a fluid passing therethrough is provided. The filter includes a filter media having an outer periphery, an inner periphery, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The filter further includes a first end cap disposed on the first end portion. The filter further includes a second end cap disposed on the second end portion. The filter further includes a deflecting member disposed over a portion of the outer periphery, wherein the fluid is deflected by the deflecting member and a portion of the fluid is filtered by the filter media by entering through a portion of the outer periphery not covered by the deflecting member.

In the near future, environmental regulations will require that vehicles avoid venting air from engine crankcases to the atmosphere because the air from engines may contain oil, fuel and water vapors. An option is to route the air from the engine to a turbocharger, for vehicles equipped with a turbocharger. Turbochargers perform best when supplied with substantially clean, dry air, so the air vented from the engine needs to be filtered before being supplied to the turbocharger.
Current engine crankcase vent line air filters can become clogged with moisture, vapors and contaminates or pass moisture, vapors and contaminates to turbocharger components thereby degrading performance of the turbocharger. The inventors herein have recognized that providing a filter for filtering the air from the engine wherein the filter is configured so moisture, vapors and contaminates are first separated from the air and a remaining portion of the air is then filtered by the filter before the remaining portion of the air is supplied to the turbocharger will aid in maintaining optimal turbocharger performance.
Accordingly, there is a need for a filter for filtering a fluid wherein a first portion of the fluid having moisture, vapors and contaminants is separated from a second portion of the fluid and the second portion of the fluid then flows through a portion of the filter thereby further filtering the fluid.


A three-phase bridge inverter for controlling a motor with a variable speed includes a drive circuit therefor and an overcurrent protection circuit on one integrated chip. The inverter IC can be operated by directly inputting a direct current obtained by rectifying commercial 100 V. Thus, the inverter chip reduces the size and the weight of a system, improves the usability, lowers the cost thereof and permits mass production fabrication. Also, the life of the IC is increased by detecting current flowing through the inverter and the temperature of the chip and stopping the operation, when an abnormality is found.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit, and in particular to an inverter circuit including a three-phase bridge for converting direct current into alternating current.
Heretofore, a three-phase bridge inverter circuit is used for controlling the rotation speed of a brushless motor, an induction motor, etc. A prior art inverter circuit used for these uses was composed of output semiconductor switching elements and drive circuits therefor combined with parts for individual elements.
As a prior art technique, by which such an inverter circuit is modularized in a small size, there is known a technique discribed e.g. in "GESmart MODULE SIMPLIFIES MOTOR DRIVE DESIGN", GE Application Note Pub. #200.96, Nov., 1985.
By this prior art technique, a half bridge, in which two switching elements corresponding to one phase of an inverter are connected in series with each other, is accommodated in one module together with drive circuits for the respective elements, in order to reduce the size and improve the usability.
By the prior art technique described above, as a measure for reducing the volume of an inverter circuit, a part corresponding to one phase of an inverter is modularized. Three modules are necessary for driving a brushless motor, an induction motor, etc. with variable speed, using modules according to the prior art technique described above.
For this reason, the prior art technique described above cannot deal with the requirement to integrate inverters in a chassis within a motor.
In order to solve such a problem, it is desired to form inverters in the form of a monolithic IC capable of reducing remarkably the volume thereof by integrating parts corresponding to three phases in an IC altogether. However, in order to obtain a voltage corresponding to the commercial voltage, which is 100 V, a withstand or breakdown voltage of 250 V between different switching elements within the IC is required.
In the case where an inverter circuit having such a withstand or breakdown voltage between different elements is composed of an IC fabricated by a process of the prior art pn junction isolation method, a problem arises that the chip area is increased significantly for the purpose of increasing the withstand or breakdown voltage between different elements. Further, because of the fact that the potential at an output is varied in a pulse-like manner by on-off operation of an output switching element in a bridge inverter, noise current flows through parasitic capacitance of another output switching element and another problem arises in that erroneous operations of the circuit take place in this way.


A new method and apparatus is provided that assures constant fluid flow of the fluid that is entered into a semiconductor device processing tank or container. A flow meter is set to a particular flow rate; the fluid that comes from the POU is routed through the flow meter. The fluid passes through a flow meter into a processing tank. The fluid is allowed to fill the container up to an overflow point of the container. An overflow basin is provided into which the overflowing fluid is routed from where the fluid is drained into a fluid reclaim vessel. The overflow is detected by a sensor, the sensor activates an overflow relieve valve that is mounted in the bottom of the container. The overflow relieve valve is opened and drains fluid from the container thus counteracting the overflow of the fluid into the overflow basin. The interaction between the overflow detector and the overflow relieve valve assures a constant rate of supply of the fluid to the processing tank or container.

(1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the fabrication of integrated circuit devices, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for assuring constant flow of fluids that are used in the preparation of chemical solutions.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
In preparation for and during the creation of semiconductor devices, it is frequently required to provide chemical solutions in fluid form that are used during the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. These fluids may be pure, undiluted chemicals or, as is more often the case, they may be fluids that contain a mixture of several chemicals that combined and are aimed at performing a particular processing step in the sequence of creating semiconductor devices. As a basic example can be cited the use of DI water, which is frequently used for purposes of rinsing surfaces that have been processed in order to remove remnants of chemicals that have been used during the processing of a semiconductor substrate. In preparing a chemical mix, such as 50:1 or 10:1 HF, which is a solution that is frequently applied to for instance remove oxidized Plasma Polymerized Methylsilane (PPMSO) after a buffer oxide etch has been applied to the PPMS, it is critical that the solution of HF contains the correct proportion and the correct chemical dilution that is required for the application of the HF solution. A HF dip is typically a one-time process performed at atmospheric pressure using a conventional wet bench process with a gas source of H2O:HF=100:1 for a duration of about 90 seconds. This latter example is indicated at this time to indicate that precise control of the proportion and the dilution consistency are important to the success of a chemical process and are part of a number of control parameters that apply to this process.
In providing or preparing chemical solutions in fluid form for the processing of semiconductor devices, these solutions and their derivatives are frequently passed through a fluid distribution system. A fluid distribution system typically consists of a tubular arrangement where the total distribution system potentially contains a large number of branches or points of division such that the fluids can be provided at the desired points of use of the fluids. It is clear that a fluid distribution system can therefore be very complex, which makes the requirement of even and controlled flow of the fluid through all components of the fluid distribution system that more demanding. Fluid distribution systems have, for many applications, a return loop so that the fluid distribution system is a closed loop system. Fluids that have been used can, after the application of the fluids has been completed, be treated in order to restore the fluids to an original condition for further reuse. This process has obvious advantages of cost control. Fluids that pass through a fluid distribution system may further be subjected to additional actions such as temperature control and other environmental control of the fluids in order to prepare the fluids for specific processing steps. This activity as yet adds further complexity to the requirement that the correct proportion and the correct consistency of the fluids must be controlled at all points in the fluid distribution system.
Prior Art devices and methods that are to assure fluid consistency are typically applied at the point-of-use (POU). This method of control is, in many respects, an xe2x80x9cafter the factxe2x80x9d method of control in that the POU validation method only observes fluid consistency at the point where the fluid is applied rather than at frequent validation points that are strategically placed within the loop or the system that provides the fluids. The reason that makes the POU method attractive is the high cost of the currently used flow control valves. The flow control valves, in applying the POU method of control, are subjected to a relatively heavy duty method of use and are therefore prone to require frequent replacement and/or frequent maintenance support.
An improved method and apparatus of controlling fluid flow in a fluid distribution system is therefore of benefit for a semiconductor manufacturing environment. The invention provides such an improved method and apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,023 (Clark) shows an apparatus for an on-site chemical reprocessing of liquid having tanks.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,123 (McConnell et al.) shows a wafer cleaning station having tanks and a Mace valve.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,357 (Rao et al.) shows a 2-stage in-line acid mixing setup with tanks.
A principle objective of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus that assures constant pressure fluid distribution in a semiconductor processing environment.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus that assures consistent fluid distribution in a semiconductor-processing environment.
Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus to negate effects of random pressure and/or flow variations in a fluid distribution system, enabling consistent fluid distribution in a semiconductor processing environment that is not affected by outside influences.
A still further objective of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus that negates any effects of a sudden surge in demand for fluid at a particular point in the fluid distribution system thus assuring consistent fluid distribution at all points that are supplied by the fluid distribution system.
In accordance with the objectives of the invention a new method and apparatus is provided that assures constant fluid flow of the fluid that is entered into a semiconductor device processing tank or container. A flow meter is set to a particular flow rate, the fluid that comes from the POU is routed through the flow meter. The fluid that leaves the flow meter runs into a processing tank or container. It is the objective of the method and apparatus of the invention to keep the flow of the fluid through this container at a constant flow rate. The fluid is allowed to fill the container up to an overflow point of the container, the fluid is not allowed to go over this level. An overflow basin is therefore provided for the fluid into which the overflowing fluid is allowed to run. Once the fluid reaches the overflow level of the container, the fluid runs into an overflow catch basin (which is part of the fluid container) from where the fluid is drained into a fluid reclaim vessel via a basin conduit. This occurrence of the overflow (the fluid running from the overflow basin to the fluid reclaim vessel) is detected by a sensor, the sensor activates an overflow relieve valve that is mounted in the bottom of the container. The overflow relieve valve is opened and drains fluid from the container thus counteracting the overflow of the fluid into the overflow basin. The interaction between the overflow detector and the overflow relieve valve assures (dependent on the interrelation of the fluid flow through the entry valve and the overflow relieve valve) a constant rate of supply of the fluid to the processing tank or container.


A method for controlling a climate control system is disclosed. In one example, the climate control system includes adjusting an air mixing valve state and adjusting a displacement of a compressor in response to an energy conversion device load. The method may provide improved climate control in a vehicle cabin during high energy conversion device load conditions.

Climate control systems have long been provided in vehicles to improve driver comfort during driving. A driver may select a desired cabin temperature via a control panel. The climate control system heats and/or cools air in the cabin to provide the driver selected desired cabin temperature. In one example, cabin air is heated by passing air over a heat exchanger that contains heated engine coolant and distributing the air in the vehicle cabin. Cabin air may also be cooled by passing air over an evaporator and directing cooled air to the cabin. Air around the evaporator is cooled when liquid coolant changes to a gas in the evaporator thereby absorbing heat from the surrounding air. The gas in the evaporator is then compressed to a liquid and heat in the liquid is released to an area outside the cabin.
The air that is cooled or heated may be drawn from outside of the vehicle or from inside the vehicle. Air from outside the cabin is often directed to the evaporator or the heat exchanger because the outside air replaces stale cabin air. Nevertheless, during very warm ambient temperature days, it may be desirable to recirculate air within the cabin to provide lower cabin temperatures as compared with when air from outside the cabin is circulated in the cabin.
Climate control systems improve occupant comfort but they may also reduce vehicle performance since a portion of output from an engine and/or motor is used to operate the climate control system. As a result, vehicle performance may be reduced when a climate control system is activated. One way to mitigate a reduction in vehicle performance due to a climate control system is to deactivate or reduce output from the climate control system during high load conditions. For example, when a driver demand a high level of torque from a motor or engine, an air conditioner compressor may be temporarily deactivated in response to the high level of torque requested by the driver. However, cabin comfort may be reduced during high load conditions since air conditioner output is reduced. Thus, there may be competing requirements between increasing vehicle wheel torque and providing comfort for a driver in the vehicle cabin.
The inventors herein have recognized the above-mentioned disadvantages and have developed a method for controlling a vehicle climate system, comprising: adjusting an air mixing valve state and a compressor in response to a energy conversion device load greater than a threshold.
By adjusting an air mixing valve and a compressor in response to a energy conversion device load greater than a threshold, it may be possible to reduce a load on a climate control system and extend the time that cabin air can be cooled. For example, during a humid day, 40% of an air conditioner load may result from dehumidifying air passing over an evaporator rather than cooling the air. Consequently, the cooling capability of an evaporator may be extended when the air mixing valve is adjusted to recirculate a higher percentage of air in a vehicle cabin.
In one example, an air mixing door in the vehicle heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is closed when an engine torque production request is greater than a threshold so that a percentage of air circulating in a vehicle cabin and over an evaporator is increased. In other words, a higher percentage of air that is already in the cabin is circulated over an evaporator. In another example, the air mixing door is closed when engine intake manifold vacuum is greater than a threshold so that a percentage of air circulating in a vehicle cabin and over an evaporator is increased. In these ways, reduction in air conditioner compressor output may be made less noticeable to a driver. Without such operation reduction in air conditioner compressor output may be readily sensed by cabin occupants as an increase in temperature and humidity.
The present description may provide several advantages. Specifically, the approach may improve air conditioning system response. In addition, the approach may simplify system design since a complex system model may be unnecessary. Further, the approach may reduce the possibility of introducing phase oscillations that may be caused by long system delays.
The above advantages and other advantages, and features of the present description will be readily apparent from the following Detailed Description when taken alone or in connection with the accompanying drawings.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.


A server system for providing a plurality of virtual machines constructed on a physical machine with a physical resource is provided. Each virtual machines includes an OS recognizing the physical resource allocated to the virtual machine as a resource in the virtual machine and a software management unit for securing the resource recognized by the OS and allocating the resource to a plurality of pieces of business application software registered in the virtual machine. The software management unit identifies the plurality of pieces of business application software and allocates the resource to the same plurality of pieces of business application software according to a preset policy to allocate the resource. When the software management unit detects an increase or decrease of the resource allocated to the virtual machine, it changes allocation of the resource to the plurality of pieces of business application software according to the change in resources.

With a conventional computer system, computer resources (hereinafter referred to as the resource(s)) mounted in a physical server machine are firstly occupied by an OS (Operating System). Then, a software management program operating on the OS secures a specified amount of resources among the resources recognized by the OS in accordance with a predetermined definition. The above-described software management program is software that provides application software with a higher-level and more specific function than that of the OS; and, for example, middleware can be an example of the software program. Furthermore, the software management program allocates the resources to application software operating on the software management program in accordance with a predetermined definition.
However, with the above-described computer system, the OS detects a new resource at the time of activation and occupies the resource, but it has to manually change the definition of the resource amount secured by the software management program. Also, the definition of the resource allocation to the business application software needs to be changed manually. Accordingly, when the resource amount required by the entire system changes, it is necessary to stop the system once and then increase or decrease the physical resource.
Incidentally, with recent computer systems, a virtual machine technique to virtually divide physical resources of a server system by using software and construct a plurality of "virtual machines" on the server is implemented. This virtual machine technique can deploy a plurality of virtual machines on one physical server and operate an OS independently at each virtual machine. Under this circumstance, a resource amount allocated to each virtual machine can be flexibly divided without being bound by the configuration of the physical resources and the resource amount can be changed dynamically without stopping the system. Therefore, even when the resource amount required by the entire system changes, the resource amount which can be used by the OS of each virtual machine can be increased or decreased flexibly without stopping the system once.
However, although the OS of each virtual machine can flexibly increase or decrease the available resource amount as described above, the software management program operating on the OS does not have a function that detects a change of the resource amount or automatically identifies business application software. So, the software management program cannot dynamically manage the resources secured by itself or the resources to be allocated to the business application software.
Therefore, when the resource amount required by the entire system changes, a technique to prepare a virtual machine itself separately, that is, to promptly enhance computer performance by a so-called scale-in/scale-out method is disclosed (for example, Patent Literature 1). According to Patent Literature 1, when the resource amount of the entire system changes, the influence of a change in the settings of the software management program can be reduced by preparing a virtual machine separately and increasing or decreasing the resource amount.

Server system and management unit identifying a plurality of business application software on a virtual machine based on a program boundary for dynamic resource allocation


A hybrid electric automotive powertrain includes an electric machine operable in propulsive and regenerative modes. The machine has positive and negative torque limits for the propulsive and regenerative modes, respectively, to reduce potential thermal damage to the machine due to overheating. The negative and positive torque limits are reduced independently as a temperature of the machine increases. The negative torque limit may be reduced at a greater rate than the positive torque limit.

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a traction motor in a vehicle.
A hybrid powertrain of an automotive vehicle may include an electric machine. The machine may be operated in a propulsive mode, where the machine rotates to produce a torsion force that propels the vehicle. Alternatively, the machine may be operated in a regenerative mode to produce an electrical charge that is stored in a battery. Operation of the machine in the propulsive and regenerative modes produces heat. The heat produced by the machine may be increased when the vehicle is driven in stop and go traffic or on roads with rapid grade changes. Excessive heat may damage the machine. Accordingly, machines typically have a torque limit that is applied to protect the machine from thermal damage due to overheating.

Controlling torque of a vehicle traction motor


A heat exchanger has a container with an outer mantle and pipes positioned in the container for conveying a heat-receiving medium through the container. The heat-transferring medium flows exterior to the pipes in counter flow to the heat-receiving medium in the pipes. A common inlet tube is connected to the container and communicates with the pipes for introducing the heat-receiving medium. A common outlet tube is connected to the container and communicates with the pipes for removing the heat-receiving medium from the pipes. The pipes extend meander-shaped within the container. The common inlet tube penetrates the outer mantle on opposite sides and has an inflow end and a remote end. The inflow end is pressure-tightly connected to the outer mantle. The common outlet tube penetrates the outer mantle on opposite sides and has an outflow end and a remote end. The outflow end is pressure-tightly connected to the outer mantle. First and second receiving chambers are pressure-tightly connected to the exterior of the outer mantle. The remote end of the common inlet tube is received in the first receiving chamber and the remote end of the common outlet tube is received in the second receiving chamber.

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, especially for devices operated with great load and/or temperature changes, for example, as a cooling air cooling device for gas turbines, with tubes for separating the heat-transferring medium, especially air, and the heat-receiving medium, especially water. The heat exchange is carried out in counter flow. The flow channels for the heat-receiving medium in the form of tubes extend meander-shaped between a common inlet pipe and a common outlet pipe, and the heat-transferring medium flows along the exterior of the meander-shaped tubes.
The cooling of gas turbine blades is carried out conventionally with an air stream which is often branched off the compressed combustion air for the gas turbine furnace chamber as a partial air stream. The heat energy that has been introduced into the partial air stream by compression must be removed from the air stream before being guided to the gas turbine blades in a cooling air cooling device. Due to frequent start-up and shut-down operations as well as due to the high pressure and temperature differences, this heat exchanger is subjected to extreme load changes which may result in a premature failure of the heat exchanger. A cooling air cooler of the aforementioned kind is known from European document 0 203 445. In this heat exchanger the common inlet and outlet pipes are fixedly connected with the clean gas inlet, respectively, clean gas outlet lines so that load changes and the resulting stress can be compensated only to an insufficient degree.
A further cooling air cooler for gas turbines is known from German Offenlegungsschrift 41 42 375.5. In this known heat exchanger, massive tube plates serve to partition the air-filled chambers from a chamber containing a heat-receiving medium. The air to be cooled is guided through tubes that connect the massive tube plates at the upper and lower end of the heat exchanger and that are fixedly mounted therein. For compensation of the occurring pressure and temperature stresses in these known heat exchangers, one of the massive tube plates is clamped only at one side so that pressure and temperature stresses can be compensated to a certain extent. Furthermore, the outer mantle of the heat exchanger is provided with bellows-type compensators for damping occurring length changes. This known heat exchanger allows to a certain extent a compensation of the pressure and temperature fluctuations resulting from frequent and fast load changes; however, the rigid clamping of the heat exchanger tubes between the two massive tube plates prevents an effective damping of these stresses. Furthermore, the use of the massive tube plates is disadvantageous due to their high weight and their inflexibilty relative to temperature stresses.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a heat exchanger of the aforementioned kind such that the resulting frequent and fast load changes and the resulting pressure and temperature fluctuations can be compensated in a secure and reliable manner. Furthermore, the heat exchanger should be inexpensive to manufacture.


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for implementing biased bonding. In one aspect, a method includes estimating an offered load. Data are transmitted over a first communications link of two or more different types of communications links while the estimated offered load is less than or equal to a specified amount. A determination is made that the estimated offered load has exceeded the specified amount. In response to the determination data are transmitted over both of the first communications link and a second communications link of the two or more different types of communications links in response to determining that the estimated offered load has exceeded the specified amount.

This specification relates to data communications.
Telecommunications systems can use multiple different physical communications links (e.g., multiple sets of twisted pair wires, different spectrum bands, or other communications links) to create a single logical link that provides higher bandwidth than the individual physical communications links. For example, Ethernet frames (or other frames of data) can be broken into fragments that are transmitted over the different physical communications links. At a receiver, the fragments can be recombined into the Ethernet frames (or other frames of data).


A method for providing medical therapy treatment includes steps for preparing an electrically activated substance, and for using and applying the electrically activated substance internally to a human or animal subject. The electrical activation process of the substance includes making changes in a physical property thereof, as demonstrated by the results.

The present invention relates generally to providing cosmetic/medical therapy and more particularly to a method of preparing and using an electrically activated substance obtaining advantagous qualities for use in such therapy.
The use of transcutaneous electrotherapy to treat medicinal conditions is known. Transcutaneous electrotherapy involves the passage of an electrical current from one electrode to another, such that the therapeutic current is caused to pass through a target tissue of the patient. Some exemplary devices used in the performance of transcutaneous electrotherapy are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 397,474; 3,794,022; 4,180,079; 4,446,870; 5,058,605; in French Patent 2621-827-A; and European Patent Application EP-377-057-A.
Although the use of transcutaneous electrotherapy has been around for a while, in many ways there are undesirable aspects. For example, transcutaneous electrotherapy causes electrical current to pass through the target tissue of the patient. Many patients may find this unsettling, painful or otherwise undesirable. Additionally, too much current, usually over about 1 milli-amp, can also become uncomfortable, painful, and harmful to the patient. Current also tends to concentrate near the electrodes or along current paths, which is often not desirable when trying to control the current density in tissue. In addition, the highly variable impedance nature of tissue makes it difficult to try to determine and repeat the proper treatment duration and settings.
In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide an effective alternative to transcutaneous electrotherapy techniques wherein electric current is not required to flow through the tissue of the patient, which is also easier and simple to apply, can more evenly distribute it""s benefits, provide more accurate results, and is more effective.
Other existing medical procedures, including such procedures as surgical cut and lift, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels damage the outer layers of skin, which must then be renewed. This takes time, and there is risk of burning and scaring. Angioplasty for treatment of coronary circulation impairments is expensive, localized, and requires surgical techniques. Also, this procedure is expensive, requires skilled professional administration, and carries a certain degree of risk, as well as inconvenience, and generally requires a healing period.
Various existing inhalants are available for relief of symptoms of pulmonary conditions, but they often do not correct them, as so consequently require continual usage.
Other existing medical drug therapy techniques have limitations which may be undesirable. Drugs work by altering, interfering with, supplementing or reacting in chemical means in the body. As such, they may exhibit potent results, but will generally require a variety of different compounds to provide a useful range of therapies. There may also be side effects. Thus it is desirable to provide a substance with drug like action, for use in a medicinal way, that is relatively simple to make, simple in structure, is easy to make and apply, has a wide range of uses, more permanent results, can provide more effective results than existing medications for many conditions, and does not cause electrical current to directly flow through the tissue of the recipient, whether a human or an animal. This invention provides such a means.
The present invention provides a method for preparing a substance or solution which has unique properties. Furthermore, the substance or solution is uniquely adapted for simple, effective use. The unique physical properties are particularly useful when used in the manners described, and exhibit uniquely useful results. More specifically, molecules of the substance are thought to be forced to take on a random or unformed structure through the use of disclosed electrical energy. A technique for initiating this randomizing is disclosed. The spin, valence, structure, magnetic coupling, or bonding of the atoms is likely affected. Also disclosed is a technique for allowing very high current and energy level concentrations to occur in a solution without instigating electrolysis of the solution. Also disclosed are process time parameters, and a technique for use of the solution.
The solution herein is generally termed xe2x80x9celectrically activexe2x80x9d.
One advantageous use of the electrically activated substance herein is in the treatment of various diseases and biological conditions. The electrically activated substance per this disclosure is able to cause or trigger a molecular or chemical action. The electrically activated substance disclosed tends to exhibit catalyst type properties when injected in biological tissue. That is to say, it tends to trigger pre-existing response mechanisms in the tissue, rather than reacting with the in a direct manner in the way a conventional drug would.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrically activated substance herein largely comprises ordinary tap water, or possibly distilled water. Although water has many unusual properties, this invention is not necessarily limited to using water as a base or component of the solution. Various other compatible substances, particularly liquids, may potentially be used for an activation solution. This might include various classes of alchohols or other chemicals.
Additional materials may be included or added to the substance. In particular, placental, amniotic, serum, and stem cell types of structures may be added, either before, during, or especially after the application of the electrical signal. However, the addition of these or any biological or living or post-living cells are not an important or essential requirement for the practice of this invention. Also vitamins, analgesics, and other additives may be used.
In addition, other materials may be used or added to the water or substance without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a thickening agent, such as PEG-150 Distearate or auramidopropyl beatine may be added to provide thickening into a paste or gel or semi-solid consistency for easier application, especially when using the substance topically.
One step of electrically activating the substance comprises applying an electrical signal to the substance. The type of signals used are important to obtaining useful results.
The use of an alternating or at least heavily pulsating direct (DC) current is an important part of the invention. An alternating current, and more particularly, a high frequency alternating current (HFAC or just AC) has been found to be a beneficial part in the process of re-structuring or randomizing the molecules or activating the solution. This is enhanced by the flow of electrons in both directions through the solution.
For example, on the + portion of the waveform, one electrode is positive (+) and one electrode is negative (xe2x88x92). Current will flow through the solution and, if electrically activating water, hydrogen gas will evolve at one electrode, with oxygen at the other. By reversing the polarity of the current flow (using an AC waveform) on a periodic basis, the current flow will be reversed, and the gasses evolved at each electrode will also reverse. A direct current (DC) signal current does not initiate the activation process.
In fact, a DC component in the signal will cause electrolysis to occur, which is not a desired feature of this invention. This invention does not rely on conventional electrolysis of the solution to create its activation qualities. With a DC component in the signal, there would be rapid production of hydrogen and oxygen gas, and the substance will vaporize away in a matter of minutes,xe2x80x94before sufficient activation occurs. There will also be undesired changes in the PH level of the solution, which is not necessary when practicing this invention.
When practicing the invention optimally, the PH balance of the medium will not change substantially during the activation process. This may be observed with a hand-held type digital PH meter. A typical reading is 7.2 at the start of the activation cycle, and a value of 7.1-7.3 at the end. (The electrical energy should be removed when making a measurement.) Of course, if the PH level should shift, as would occur with a non-symmetrical AC waveform, the shift does not necessarily mean that the solution can not be used.
The method of generating the electrical signals is known and consists generally of a power source, a signal generator and a high power amplifier.
Biological currents (electron transport functions) operate at very small currents in mammals, on the order of nanoamps and less, and so are easily overloaded at currents as small as about 1 milliamp. This limits the amount of excitation energy that is useable with existing transcutaneous devices. However, if a large amount of power is used on a bio-compatible material, new beneficial properties are obtained.
In order to overcome the power limitation, a medium, functioning as an intermediate transfer solution,xe2x80x94is employed. Electrical signals are applied to the medium, which is then applied to the patient after removal of current therethrough. In this way more power may be used than would normally be comfortable or safe for the patient if current were to flow through the patient.
In order to excite the solution adequately enough to become activated, it is necessary to use a relatively large amount of power. The minimum power density required is about 10 milliwatts per milliliter. Thus, if a 100 milliliter (about 4 oz.) batch is prepared, at least 1 watt and preferably 100 watts of power should be used.
If a simple 60 hertz AC line waveform were used, it is not possible to activate the solution. This is because at the high power levels required, the solution exhibits strong electrolysis action at low frequencies and the solution vaporizes away before the solution can become sufficiently active.
In order to allow the solution to absorb high power levels and yet prevent premature electrolysis of the solution, a specific novel technique is employed. This comprises using an electrical signal that preferably comprises an alternating current signal operating in the frequency range of between approximately 10 KHz and approximately 1 MHz, with between approximately 25 KHz and approximately 100 KHz being optimum. When operating at the specified frequency, the gassing away of the solution is reduced by about 100 to 1000 times that of a lower frequency or DC signal. There are also substantially more phase reversals of the current flow per unit of time, and orders of magnitude more current and power may be used. The electron agitation is also increased over lower frequencies.
By switching the polarity of the current on a sufficiently quick periodic basis, the atoms may be partially electrolyzed (separated), yet recombined back together again before any gas escapes. This partial electrolysis, current phase reversal, then recombining and then re-separating again may be what contribute to the substance becoming electrically activated. At this frequency, the current reverses direction faster than molecules can be atomized, broken up, and escape, and little gassing is released. The new properties that the solution takes on at the specified frequency and power levels then allow it to absorb significantly more energy than at lower frequencies. In fact, the solution can now absorb enough energy to cause electrical conduction heating of the solution. This is the ideal condition for creating the activated substance. The temperature rise of the substance during activation will be approximately at least 3, 4, or 5 degrees and up to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient, depending on the actual power level used.
The frequency used is critical to the success of the device. The substance will not become properly electrically activated if the correct frequency is not used. The frequency range called for is the one that allows the most bio-compatible activation. For example, if a frequency of 60 hertz is used, the substance will electrolyze away in only a few minutes at the power levels called for in this invention. Additionally, the substance will just not generate the biological response that frequencies in the range specified will. At frequencies above about 1 Mhz, the present medium will not take on the biological activation qualities, although there may be other mediums which will respond at that frequency. For example, applying microwave frequency energy to water will not result in biologically active activation of the substance. Thus the frequencies specified are found to work best.
It is thought the current and frequency range of this invention causes the molecules or atoms to become more fully dissociated and unformed. This means groups of atoms or molecules that normally gather together are broken apart into the smallest possible units. They may also take on a random spin, where electrons are not shared between atoms of a molecule in a familiar and stabilized manner. The bonding levels may also be affected. When partially separated molecules are reformed, the atomic structure may take on slightly different formations in the presence of the applied power. It is thought this random state reforming is what makes the substance active.
Preferably, the alternating current has approximately minimal direct current bias to prevent PH shift and gassing. In order to mitigate direct current bias, the electrical signal is preferably applied to the substance via a capacitor-resistor network. Alternatively, the electrical signal is applied to the substance via an isolation transformer.
The electrical signal preferably has a voltage of between approximately 50 volts rms and approximately 150 volts rms.
The electrical signal is applied to the substance to be electrically activated via at least one pair of electrodes. A plurality of pairs of electrodes may be utilized, if desired. For optimum results, the electrodes are comprised of an electrically and biologically inert, non-reactive metal or a non-metallic material having a low atomic number and low resistance. For example, gold, carbon, and graphite-carbon material are suitable. It has been found that lead, aluminum, copper, and other metals are not recommended for the practice of this invention, as they can cause lead ions, for example, to leach into the solution, potentially poisoning the patient. Silver provides possible antibiotic, antiseptic properties to the substance, and may optionally be used or added to the substance when this is desirable.
Additionally, multiple pairs of electrodes may be used with various different phase relationships. In this case, it may not be necessary for there to be minimal DC bias at all, as if one pair of electrodes has a positive DC bias, and another pair has a negative DC bias, the net charge bias into the solution may be near zero, thereby effectively eliminating the undesired electrolysis effect.
When distilled water is to be electrically activated, then a substance must often be added to the water to introduce impurities therein, so as to facilitate current flow therethrough. According to one embodiment of the present invention, sodium chloride (salt) or minerals are added to form an electrolyte from distilled water.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the additive substance, e.g., sodium chloride, is added to the distilled water while monitoring current flow therethrough, until the desired current is obtained. This process makes it easier for the operator, and provides more consistent results.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, approximately 1 amp rms of current is caused to flow through the substance to be electrically activated. Typically, a voltage of approximately 100 volts rms is required to effect a current of 1 amp rms. It has been found that currents as low as 1 milliamp may be used, if desired. Preferably, at least 10 milliwatts of power per milliliter of substance are utilized. When a large amount of power is used in the activation process, new beneficial properties are obtained. Those skilled in the electrical art will appreciate that the voltage required to effect the desired current is dependent upon the conductivity of the substance being electrically activated.
Topical application of the electrically activated substance of the present invention has been found to be effective in mitigating wrinkles on human skin.
Additionally, the substance may be taken orally to obtain additional benefits. When taken orally, approximately 2 ml of the electrically activated substance is preferably ingested per day for approximately 6 weeks.
Furthermore, the substance has also been found to provide useful qualities for the treatment of internal conditions if applied correctly.
These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings.

Method of providing cosmetic/medical therapy


An improved weight estimation apparatus includes a closed elastomeric bladder filled with fluid and installed in the foam cushion of a vehicle seat bottom, with at least one pressure sensor installed in a closed exit port of the bladder. A temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the bladder provides a temperature signal, and a controller estimates the weight of the occupant based on the temperature and pressure signals. The pressure sensor is preferably configured to sense the gage pressure--that is, the differential pressure between the fluid and atmospheric pressure--at the center of gravity of the fluid in order to provide a stable output independent of changing atmospheric pressure and changing orientation of the bladder due to vehicle pitch and roll.

Vehicle occupant detection systems are useful in connection with air bags and other pyrotechnically deployed restraints as a means of judging whether, and how forcefully, to deploy the restraint. One fundamental parameter in this regard is the weight of the occupant, as weight may be used as a criteria to distinguish between an adult and an infant or small child.
One prior weight estimation technique is to install an array of variable resistance pressure sensitive elements in the seat, and to sum the individual pressures to determine occupant weight. A restraint system based on this technique is shown and described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,327, issued on Dec. 12, 1995, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In practice, however, such systems tend to be relatively costly to implement, and require a significant amount of signal processing for proper calibration and weight estimation.
Another possible technique is to instrument the seat frame with strain detectors, for example. However, this technique is also costly to implement, and cannot be readily applied to existing seat structures not designed for strain sensing.
Accordingly, a simple weight estimation apparatus is desired. Ideally, the apparatus would be easy to install in existing seat designs, and would require a minimum amount of processing to arrive at a weight estimation sufficiently accurate to enable occupant-appropriate restraint deployment decisions.

Vehicle occupant weight estimation apparatus having fluid-filled seat bladder


A postage meter provided with a credit register is also provided with a debit register. When credit value in the credit register is insufficient for a postage charge to be applied to a mail item in a franking operation, the debit register is incremented by an amount equal to the excess of the postage charge amount over the credit value. Accordingly the postage meter is enabled to be operated even when there is insufficient credit.

This invention relates to postage metering apparatus for metering of value for use in postage or other charges for handling of items such as mail items.
Postage meters are known which operate in a so-called pre-payment mode. In the pre-payment mode of operation, a user the meter makes a payment to the postal authority and the postal authority then authorises the entry of a credit value into the meter which is then available for use in carrying out postage metering operations. During each postage metering operation, the credit value is checked to ensure that it is sufficient to meet the cost of a postage charge to be applied to a mail item and the credit value is incremented by the amount of the postage charge applied. If the credit value is less than the postage charge to be applied, the meter is inhibited from completing the postage metering operation. When the credit value remaining in the meter is zero, or is less than any required postage charge, the meter is inhibited from effecting any further postage metering until such time as an additional increment of credit is entered into the meter and added to the credit value in the meter. In another manner of operation of a postage meter in pre-payment mode described and claimed in our co-pending GB application 9609614.4 the credit value is incremented by each entry of new credit into the postage meter but is not decremented by the amount of the postage charge applied. In each postage metering operation the accumulated credit value in the meter is compared with an accumulated total amount of postage charges applied to mail items by the meter. If the credit value exceeds the total amount of postage charges by at least the amount of postage charge to be applied, the meter is permitted to complete the postage metering operation and the accumulated total amount of postage charges is incremented by the amount of the postage charge applied. Otherwise the meter is inhibited from completing the postage metering operation. Continued operation of the meter is permitted when further credit value is entered into the meter and the accumulated credit value in the meter is incremented by the further credit value so as to exceed the accumulated total amount of postage applied.
It is usual in postage meters operating in pre-payment mode to provide a warning to the user of the meter when the value in the meter is such that only a small limited amount of further postage metering is possible. However a user may overlook the warning and the meter will become inhibited. If a large batch of mail is being processed the warning may occur during processing of the batch of mail and the credit value in the meter may be such that the meter is unable to complete the processing of the batch of mail.
In order to enter further credit value into the meter it may be necessary to take the meter to a postal authority office and hence processing of mail may be disrupted by unexpected inhibition of the meter. As an alternative to taking the meter to a postal authority office the meter may be provided with a facility to permit further credit value to be entered into the meter by remote resetting of the credit value in the meter under the control of a remote resetting centre. The provision of remote resetting of the credit value in the meter aids in avoiding or reducing the disruption provided communication can be established with the remote resetting centre. However, if there is a failure in communication with the resetting centre, processing of the mail would be inhibited or disrupted.


A semiconductor device includes a plurality of logical elements and a plurality of wiring lines. The plurality of wiring lines have a wiring line which connects the logical elements to each other, and a wiring line which is disconnected on one end from one of the logical elements and connected on the other end to another one of the logical elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit designing apparatus, a semiconductor integrated circuit designing method and a semiconductor device.
2. Related Background Art
In the manufacture of a semiconductor integrated circuit device, an instruction may be given to change its specification or add a function thereto after the making of a mask.
For signal wiring lines of a net added due to a change in a circuit after mask making, two wiring layers are generally used instead of changing all the layers in order to minimize the number of masks changed. The reason is that added logical elements are placed on the basis of global wiring in order to increase the wiring efficiency of signal line and to apply priority wiring directions in the context of the increase of layers in a semiconductor integrated circuit.
However, the problem of conventional techniques is that signal wiring lines of at least two layers are required and the number of masks changed often increases accordingly.

Semiconductor integrated circuit designing apparatus, semiconductor integrated circuit designing method and semiconductor device