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Compared to a radial gap type brushless motor, the stator of which is provided on the outer peripheral side, the axial gap type brushless motor is a motor with which larger torque can be obtained with a smaller diameter. Thus, the axial gap type brushless motor is desired for application in automobiles and the like.
Such an axial gap type brushless motor is disclosed, for example, in Patent Literature 1. A DC brushless motor disclosed in Patent Literature 1 uses a band-like material for wires of stator coils. The coils are each formed of a wire which is spirally wound such that the width direction of the wire is parallel to the axial direction. The plurality of coils are stacked one on top of the other in the axial direction and connected in parallel to a power source.
In such an axial gap type brushless motor, although it is desired that losses such as an eddy current loss and a hysteresis loss be reduced, the losses are not sufficiently reduced with the above-described related-art DC brushless motor. | {
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Conventionally, files and directories in a storage subsystem can be backed up with file-level operations. File-level backups yield individual files and directories on backup storage (e.g., tapes) by traversing a file system, which typically employs hierarchical storage structures. File-level backup techniques backup data on a file-by-file basis, because a file is the smallest addressable unit of data that the backup software can handle. File-level backup techniques and protocols generally have limited backup performance due to various file system overheads.
For example, a file system may support deduplication, which is a process in which the file system eliminates redundant data blocks in order to reduce the amount of storage space consumed by its stored data. A “block,” in this context, is the smallest amount of contiguous data that can be addressed by a file system. A file is formed of one or more blocks. In a deduplicated storage system, a single copy of a data block is retained, while the redundant copies are replaced by references to the retained copy. In a file-level backup, the deduplication process is reversed, as the file-level backup system copies individual files to the backup storage without regard to the underlying configuration of the data in the file system. Thus, a file-level backup of a deduplicated system consumes significantly more space on a backup tape than the original data consumed on the storage subsystem.
Further, with file-level backup techniques, the files often have to be backed up in a certain order, such as inode based ordering and directory tree based ordering. For each file, file-level backup techniques have to backup the data from the beginning to the end (i.e., based on the order of the data within the file). The constraints imposed by the ordering requirements limit backup performance. For example, the dump format of Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) UNIX further imposes strict ordering constraints among files, as well as among data blocks of a file.
In addition, file-level backups do not preserve metadata used by the storage system. Although a restore operation will restore user data, it cannot restore the metadata in the original volume. Loss of the metadata may result in the loss of the functionality that users may have had on the original volume.
An alternative method for backing up a storage system is block-level backup, also called image-based backup. Block-level backup techniques generally allow for better performance than file-level backups. A block-level backup creates a backup image in a backup storage facility by using data blocks as the smallest addressable unit of the backup software, rather than files. In general, these techniques are faster to execute, because the backup system does not need to interact with the file system to generate the backup. The backup image can be quickly restored because the restore system can simply copy each data block to the correct position on the storage volume without executing file system operations. However, block-level restores are also limited, because the restore can only be carried out if the storage server is using the same version of the file system as the original backup. If the file system is upgraded, aspects of the new file system (e.g. file or directory metadata configuration) may not be compatible with the backup image. Thus, it would be useful to have a backup system that provides the advantages of block-level backup, such as retaining deduplication, while also being compatible with upgraded or modified file system software. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure relates to the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to a method of manufacturing an FinFET by a damascene process.
2. Description of the Related Art
Metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET) have been increasingly miniaturized for higher performance and integration. For an integration increase of such a device, new techniques have been constantly proposed. This has brought about a development of devices prominent in their aspects of operation and size.
A technique to enhance an integration of a fin field effect transistor (FinFET) has been proposed. In this FinFET, a body region of a transistor is formed by a vertical structure in such a way that a shape of the transistor is similar to a fish's dorsal fin, thus providing the name of a FinFET.
Such a FinFET uses all upper parts and both side faces of a fin as a channel, in comparison with the existing transistor that uses only one face, thus increasing electrical current by three times than that of the existing transistor. A gate has a structure surrounding a fin, thus increasing a current control capability of a gate for a device, and solving problems such as a short channel effect, etc., caused in the existing transistor.
However, there are several problems if such a fin transistor structure is actually applied to a memory device. In a tri-gate structure in which a gate is formed on an upper part and both side faces of the fin, a driving capability of the gate formed on the upper part of the fin is lowered compared with a gate formed on both side faces. In a pre-doping of a gate electrode, to prevent degradation of device current characteristic caused by gate depletion, etc., when forming an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), etc., gate heights of upper portions and both side portions of the fin are different, thus a sufficient doping effect cannot be guaranteed. To solve these problems, a double gate fin transistor in which a gate is formed only on both side faces of the fin has been developed. A conventional technique of forming the double gate fin transistor has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,642,090.
In forming a gate electrode according to the conventional technique, a fin is formed and then an etching process for a device isolation film surrounding the fin is performed to expose a predetermined portion of a fin type active region. Then, a conductive layer is deposited. The conductive layer is etched in a predetermined pattern to form a gate electrode. Such a process of forming the gate electrode not only increases an absolute etch amount necessary for the formation of the gate electrode, but may also bring about a short between gate electrodes caused by a marginal gate electrode separation. An active region is formed in a fin type, thus an area of source and drain regions is reduced and this influences a contact and silicide formation. This also causes a resistance increase, lowering a current improvement of a fin transistor. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to refrigeration/air conditioning equipment, and particularly to refrigeration/air conditioning equipment in which the heating capacity at low outdoor temperature is improved by gas injection, and a defrosting operation is performed efficiently.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-304714 discloses refrigeration/air conditioning equipment including a gas-liquid separator in an intermediate-pressure portion between a condenser and an evaporator. A gas refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator is injected into an intermediate-pressure portion of a compressor to increase the heating capacity.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-274859 discloses another conventional refrigeration/air conditioning equipment without a gas-liquid separator. In this equipment, part of a high-pressure liquid refrigerant is bypassed, is decompressed, is vaporized through heat exchange with the high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The vaporized refrigerant is injected into a compressor to increase the heating capacity.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-263882 discloses still another conventional refrigeration/air conditioning equipment, in which a heater for heating a refrigerant is provided to improve the efficiency in a defrosting operation.
However, these pieces of conventional refrigeration/air conditioning equipment have the following problems.
First, as described in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-304714, when the injection is performed with the gas-liquid separator, the fluid volume in the gas-liquid separator varies with the amount of the injection. This variation causes fluctuations in the distribution of a liquid refrigerant level in a refrigeration cycle and makes the operation unstable.
When the flow rate of a gas refrigerant to be injected is substantially equal to the flow rate of a gas refrigerant in a two-phase refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator, only the liquid refrigerant flows out to an evaporator and therefore the liquid refrigerant level in the gas-liquid separator is substantially constant. However, when the flow rate of the gas refrigerant to be injected is smaller than that of the gas refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator, the gas refrigerant also flows out to the evaporator from the bottom of the gas-liquid separator. Thus, most of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator flows out. Conversely, when the flow rate of the refrigerant to be injected increases and the gas refrigerant becomes deficient, the liquid refrigerant is also injected into the compressor. Thus, the liquid refrigerant flows out from the top of the gas-liquid separator, and the gas-liquid separator is almost filled with the liquid refrigerant.
The injection flow rate tends to vary, for example, with the pressure of the refrigeration cycle, the pressure of the gas-liquid separator, or the operation capacity of the compressor. Thus, the injection flow rate hardly balances with the flow rate of the gas refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator. Actually, the liquid refrigerant level in the gas-liquid separator tends to vary with the operation and be almost zero or full. This variation often causes fluctuations in the distribution of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle, making the operation unstable. Furthermore, the heater as in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-263882 is only used in a defrosting operation and does not contribute significantly to the increase in the capacity during a heating operation. | {
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This invention relates generally to electrical connectors. More particularly, the invention relates to a plug for connecting electrical leads to the terminal posts of a hermetic compressor for use in a refrigeration or air conditioning system.
A large percentage of the hermetic refrigeration and air conditioning compressors in use or being manufactured today have a terminal assembly for conducting electrical power through the shell of the compressor. FIG. 1 shows a typical terminal assembly 40 having a body member 41 with a shoulder 43. At least two, and usually three, axially aligned terminal posts 42 pass through body member 41, with each post 42 having inner end 42I and outer end 42O.
FIG. 2 shows terminal assembly 40 mounted in the upper portion of shell 51 of compressor 50. Body member 41 extends through shell 51 and is welded or otherwise secured to shell 51 with the shoulder 43 extending a short distance beyond the outer surface of shell 51. Electrical leads 62 from the compressor motor (not shown) connect to inner ends 42I by means of connector plug 61. Electrical power is supplied to the compressor by a plug and leads (not shown) connected to post outer ends 42O. Power leads may be individually connected to the terminal posts, or the leads may terminate in a common connector plug that connects to the posts. FIGS. 3 and 4 depict such a plug 80 in which each electrical lead 83 terminates in its own axially aligned connector cavity 82 in plug body 81. As will be seen in FIG. 4, plug 80 does not completely cover terminal posts 42 when it is installed.
Referring again to FIG. 2, some, but not all, compressors have thermal sensor 71, mounted on the top of shell 51 in proximity to terminal assembly 41. Sensor 71 monitors the temperature of shell 51 for purposes of overload protection. An abnormally high shell temperature would indicate that there is an overload condition in the compressor. If the shell temperature reaches such a predetermined value, a signal from sensor 71 initiates a system shutdown to protect the compressor. Stud 52 is secured to and extends from shell 51, and cover 54 fits over terminal assembly 41 and sensor 71 with nut 53 securing the cover in place. Cover 54 engages a portion of the thermal sensor 71 to hold it in place, and also prevents the insertion of foreign objects, such as tools, between plug 80 and terminal assembly 43. Foreign objects could cause an electrical short circuit between or among terminal posts 42. Cover 54 also prevents moisture from reaching terminal posts 42.
If the external power leads do not terminate in a common connector plug, it is easily possible to connect the leads incorrectly. Even if there is a connector plug like plug 80 (FIGS. 3 and 4), because of the configuration and orientation of the terminal posts with respect to each other, it is possible to install the plug incorrectly and therefore connect a lead to an incorrect post. If the leads are installed incorrectly, improper operation or damage to the compressor may result.
In order to simplify assembly, reduce the number of parts and therefore reduce costs, it would be desirable to eliminate the cover 54 (FIG. 2). What is needed is an improved device that reduces the possibility of incorrectly connecting the external electrical power leads to the terminal assembly of a hermetic compressor, protects the terminal posts from exposure to incidental moisture and short circuiting, and eliminates the need for a separate connector cover. If there is a thermal sensor, the device should also be capable of holding it in place. The device should be adaptable for use with a compressor with no modification to the compressor itself. | {
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This invention relates to optical trapping and, more particularly, to the optical trapping of microscopic particles, such as biological cells, for manipulation and experimentation.
A laser beam can interact with microscopic particles to produce radial forces on a particle to trap the particle on the beam axis. These optical traps have been found effective for trapping biological particles, i.e., bacteria, viruses, cells, etc., for experimental manipulation. See A. Ashkin et al., "Optical Trapping and Manipulation of Single Cells Using Infrared Laser Beams," 330 Nature, pp 769-771 (December 1987), incorporated herein by reference. Infrared laser beams with sufficient power to move the biological particles through a surrounding medium do not appear to interfere with normal biological functions. A sample cell is provided with a hollow glass fiber for use in separating and removing selected particles from the sample cell. However, the fiber containing the selected cells must be physically removed from the sample cells for further experimentation.
In another application of optical trapping, a stream of particles is formed in a laser beam and transported through an interrogation chamber for selecting particles with predetermined properties. When a particle is identified with the desired property, a second laser beam acts to remove the particle from the transport beam for removal and subsequent experimental use. See U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/126,156, filed Nov. 30, 1987, for "Laser Particle Sorter," now U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,721, issued Dec. 19, 1989, incorporated herein by reference.
It would be desirable to provide for experimentation on biological cells in a controlled and contained environment that can be suitably isolated from environmental contamination. Accordingly, it as an object of the present invention to provide a chamber that is suitable for biological particle optical manipulation and experimentation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide for introducing particles into a controlled environment for biological experiments.
Yet another object is to provide for optically introducing a plurality of biological particles into controlled compartments which can be selectively interconnected.
One other object is to provide a chamber with compartments that are connected for the introduction and circulation of cell and chromosome suspensions, culture media, and reagents.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a circuit board and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly, to a circuit board and a manufacturing method thereof with effective laser machining depth control.
2. Description of Related Art
Today's market demands electronic products to be designed small, slim, light, and highly portable. Accordingly, electronic parts in these electronic products have to be designed small and thin too. Thereby, a conventional technique for reducing the thickness of a portion of a circuit board is provided.
FIGS. 1A-1C are cross-sectional views illustrating a conventional circuit board manufacturing process, and FIG. 2 is a top view of a circuit substrate in FIGS. 1A-1C, wherein FIGS. 1A-1C are cross-sectional views illustrating the conventional circuit board manufacturing process along line I-I′ in FIG. 2.
First, referring to both FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, a circuit substrate 100 having a first dielectric layer 110, a second dielectric layer 120, a circuit layer 130, a third dielectric layer 140, and a fourth dielectric layer 150 is provided. The second dielectric layer 120, the third dielectric layer 140, and the fourth dielectric layer 150 are sequentially stacked on the first dielectric layer 110, and the circuit layer 130 is disposed on the second dielectric layer 120 and located between the second dielectric layer 120 and the third dielectric layer 140. The circuit substrate 100 has a pre-removing area L.
Then, referring to FIG. 1B, the portions of the third dielectric layer 140 and the fourth dielectric layer 150 located at the periphery of the pre-removing area L are removed through laser machining. Next, referring to FIG. 1 C, the portions of the third dielectric layer 140 and the fourth dielectric layer 150 located within the pre-removing area L are removed to form a removing area L1. Herein a circuit board P is roughly formed. Because the removing area L1 of the circuit board P is thinner than other areas of the circuit board P, an electronic device 200 may be disposed within the removing area L1 in an actual application to reduce the total thickness of the circuit board P and the electronic device 200 disposed thereon.
However, it is difficult to control the depth of the laser machining when the third dielectric layer 140 and the fourth dielectric layer 150 are removed through laser machining. As a result, the second dielectric layer 120 or even the first dielectric layer 110 may be over trenched. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a lens barrel which minimizes an image shifting phenomenon caused by a shifting of the center of a focusing lens group from an optical axis of a lens system.
2. Description of Related Art
A helicoid mechanism has been widely adopted as a focusing mechanism of a lens barrel for moving a focusing lens group along an optical axis thereof. In general, one of two annular members (e.g., a stationary lens barrel) is provided with a male helicoid and the other of the two annular members (e.g., a focusing ring provided with the focusing lens group) is provided with a female helicoid. The male and female helicoids are rotatably engaged with each other. When the focusing ring is rotated with respect to the stationary lens barrel, the focusing ring (i.e., the focusing lens group) moves along the optical axis in accordance with a leading angle of the helicoid to effect a focusing operation.
Another type of focusing mechanism is known in which a helicoid mechanism is not used. In this mechanism, a focusing ring is provided with a leading groove having a predetermined leading angle with which a roller provided on the stationary barrel is engaged.
The above-mentioned focusing mechanisms are similar in that, in both cases, one of the two annular members moves relative to the other along an optical axis when a relative rotational movement occurs between the two annular members, and further in that a focusing lens group is connected to one of the two annular members.
In the focusing mechanisms, a space (clearance) always exists between the engaged annular members. As a result, there is a possibility that the focusing lens group will shift by a small amount in a direction normal to the optical axis in the existing space. There is also a possibility that the optical axis of the focusing lens group will tilt to a certain degree, depending upon the breadth of the space. In particular, in the case of a surveillance camera in which a motor is used for a focusing operation, when a rotational driving power is applied to one of the two annular members through a gear or a gear train, it is impossible to avoid tilting of the focusing lens group and occurrence of deviation of the center of the focusing lens group from an optical axis of the lens system (hereinafter the center of the focusing lens will be referred to as a "principal point", and the deviation of the focusing lens group from the optical axis of the lens system will be referred to as a "shift of principal point"). The shift of principal point tends to occur when the direction of the driving motor is reversed.
The shift of principal point can be neglected in a still camera, as long as the amount of the shift is small. However, in the case of a surveillance camera in which an image formed by a photographing optical system is focused on a solid-state image sensor such as a charge coupled image sensor, and the image is observed on a monitor, when a shift of principal point takes place while an observer is watching the monitor, he or she will notice an "an image shifting phenomenon" on the monitor. The image shifting phenomenon makes the image on the monitor difficult to observe, resulting in low reliability of the system. The image shifting phenomenon tends to occur when the direction of movement of the focusing lens group is changed, i.e., when the direction of the motor is reversed.
Recently, surveillance cameras have become smaller. Originally, the size of a surveillance camera's solid-state image sensor was 1 inch (i.e., approximately 15.9 mm of its diagonal line). Since then, the size has been reduced to 2/3 inches (i.e., approximately 11.0 mm), 1/2 inch (i.e., approximately 8.0 mm), and 1/3 inch (i.e., approximately 6.0 mm). Since the image formed by a small-sized solid-state image sensor is observed while being enlarged, a slight shift of the principal point results in a large shift on the monitor. For instance, a 32 .mu.m image shift on a 1 inch solid-state image sensor results in a 1 mm image shift on a 20 inch (i.e., approximately 500 mm) monitor. An image shift of 22 .mu.m on a 2/3 inch solid-state image sensor, 16 .mu.m on a 1/2 inch solid-state image sensor, or 12 .mu.m on a 1/3 inch solid-state image sensor will also result in a 1 mm image shift on a 20 inch monitor.
In the table below, the amount of image shift on the above-noted types of solid-state image sensors is shown in terms of the distance which the principal point of the focusing lens group shifts from the center of the lens system optical axis. In the present embodiment, a lens in which f=56.3 mm and f.sub.1 =41.5 mm was used for determination of the values in the table, wherein "f" is equal to a composite focal length on the long focal length side of a lens system, and "f.sub.1 " is equal to a focal length of the focusing lens group. An image focusing plane is moved by a ratio of f/f.sub.1. In the above example, this ratio is equal to 1.3566. The shift amount of the principal point of the focusing lens group is calculated by dividing the image shift amount by the above coefficient of 1.3566.
______________________________________ amount of image shift on shift of principal size of solid-state solid-state point of focusing image sensor image sensor lens group ______________________________________ 1" 32 .mu.m 24 .mu.m 2/3" 22 .mu.m 16 .mu.m 1/2" 16 .mu.m 12 .mu.m 1/3" 12 .mu.m 9 .mu.m ______________________________________
The above result implies that the space between the two annular members which are engaged to each other must be made less than 9 .mu.m in order to make the image shift on a monitor less than 1 mm, in the case that a 1/3 inch solid-state image sensor and a 20 inch-sized monitor are used. However, even with the latest manufacturing technology, it would be quite difficult to attain this result.
On the other hand, with the present manufacturing technology, it is possible to reduce the space to about 30 to 60 .mu.m, in the case that two annular members are engaged by helicoid. When the space is reduced by this amount, if a high-viscosity lubricating oil, such as grease, is introduced into the space, the image shifting phenomenon can be substantially eliminated. However, if a high-viscosity lubricating oil is used, the temperature range within which the system can be used is narrow. Accordingly, under severe temperature conditions, a high-viscous lubricating oil cannot be used for eliminating the image shifting phenomenon. | {
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There are many systems in which data is generated by an unknown entity (e.g. a human user) and it would be useful to be able to categorise the entity (e.g. to categorise the user as a child or as an adult) in Order to modify the behaviour of a system with which the unknown entity (e.g. a user) is interacting accordingly (e.g. to provide a simpler user interface to children than to adults, etc.). This is typically done by asking the user/entity for identity information (e.g. asking the user to “log on” to the system). However there may be circumstances where it is preferable to perform the categorisation required for a particular purpose without requesting the information directly from the user (one such example being where the user is not trusted to provide his/her log on credentials honestly, although more normal situations are likely to be just for the user's convenience, where the user interface does not permit a normal typed log-in procedure, or for users or other entities which are not able or willing generally to provide suitable credentials for logging on purposes, or where a group of individuals is involved and all that is required is a categorisation of the group and it would be tedious to determine this by requesting log-on info from each individual and/or still difficult to determine the group correctly even if all of the individuals were known).
There are also many systems which generate lots of data which could be useful for tasks such as identifying a category to which a user of the system belongs, etc. but is too voluminous to be efficiently transmitted and/or stored for subsequent processing and is also possibly too voluminous to be efficiently processed (even if it could be suitably stored and/or transmitted) Known mechanisms for summarising data include attempting to fit the data to a particular well known mathematical distribution (e.g. data which conforms to a normal distribution can be very efficiently summarised by noting details such as the number of data elements (or data points) and the mean and standard deviation of the collection of data. Similar calculations can be performed for a collection of data items corresponding to any other of several well known distributions (e.g. uniform, Poisson, etc.). Another method is to divide time into a series of intervals or “bins” and to count the occurrence of events (by type) and storing the total counts for each recorded event type within a particular bin (i.e. occurring within a particular duration of time corresponding to the bin). (E.g. if storing data about the behaviour of a Digital Subscriber Line, information about the occurrence of forward error corrections, errored seconds and resynchronisations might be summarised and stored as a series of groups of four numbers—e.g. (1251, 230, 10, 0)—i.e. bin No. 1251, 230 forward error corrections, 10 errored seconds and 0 resynchronisations which could be stored in a relational database table).
US2002/0129368 describes a method of profiling a television viewer based on the interactions between each viewer of a television and the television, and using the generated profiles to infer, at a particular time, which specific individual or individuals are actually interacting with the television. Data is stored in time bins and is moved from one bin to another as time passes. The bins include different bins of different durations (i.e. covering periods of time of different lengths). Also sliding windows covering a number of small bins are described. However there is no discussion of the use of fuzzy bins or of how these could be used to produce a multi-scale system in which data is moved only partially from one bin to another.
WO 2007/131069 describes another method of profiling a television viewer based on the interactions between television viewers and a television set, but also describes how fuzzy logic can be used to help to categorise a current user as being one of a plurality members of a household (or of being identified as a guest or visitor user who is not a member of the household). However, there is no disclosure of multiple data summary bins wherein the periods of time covered by respective summary bins include overlapping periods of time and periods of time having different durations.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system controller comprising: a receiver for receiving data about a system to be controlled (e.g. data input to the system, data output by the system or intermediate data generated by the system as a result of some processing of input data, etc.) and for associating the received data with a time factor (e.g. a timestamp or a time interval, etc.); a summariser for updating a set of summary bins, each of which is associated with a respective period of time, and each of which stores a summary of the received data associated with its respective period of time; and a processor for processing the summary bins; and a director for issuing control instructions to the system to be controlled based on the results of the processor; wherein the periods of time associated with respective summary bins include overlapping periods of time and periods of time having different durations.
According to an alternative expression of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system controller comprising: a receiver for receiving data about a system to be controlled and for associating the received data with a time factor; a summariser for updating a set of summary bins, each of which covers a respective period of time, and each of which stores a summary of the received data having a time factor which falls within the respective period of time covered by the summary bin; a processor for processing the summary bins; and a director for issuing control instructions to the system to be controlled based on the results of the processor; wherein the periods of time covered by respective summary bins include overlapping periods of time and periods of time having different durations.
Where the time factor associated with received data specifies a duration of time (as opposed to an instant of time), the phrase “each of which [summary bins] stores a summary of the received data having a time factor which falls within the respective period of time covered by the summary bin” is intended to include the possibility that the two durations of time (i.e. that associated with the received data and that covered by the summary bin) are overlapping rather than one being entirely contained within the other as is apparent from the following.
The use of summary bins which are associated with overlapping and non-equal time durations enables a much better summarisation of event data which is difficult to map to a well understood mathematical distribution (e.g. a normal or Poisson distribution etc.) compared to the use of conventional bins of data associated with non-overlapping equal time durations. Preferably, the bins are also fuzzy bins in the sense that an event may partially belong to a particular time duration (rather than crisply either belonging to a particular duration or not). For example a fuzzy bin of one hour's duration storing the most recent events might ascribe events occurring at a present time (of to) a membership of 1 with events which have occurred up to one hour preceding the present time being given a membership of between 1 and zero according to a linear relationship moving between 1 and 0 between the present time and one hour preceding the present time, such that, for example, an event which occurred 30 minutes prior to the present time would be ascribed a membership value of 0.5 to the fuzzy bin associated with the most recent duration (see FIG. 3 described below). Such bins (i.e. fuzzy bins associated with overlapping, non-equal time durations) are hereinafter referred to as overlapping, fuzzy, multi-scale bins.
Thus, the summary bins are preferably fuzzy bins in the sense that where bins, having the same granularity, cover overlapping periods of time, data associated with a time falling within such an overlap is apportioned between the overlapping summary bins for summarising purposes in accordance with fuzzy membership rules as discussed above. Preferably the total membership of an event at a specified instant of time to two or more fuzzy bins of the same granularity will be one; for example, following on from the example given above, it is preferable if, as membership of the fuzzy bin which stores the most recent events as described above falls linearly from one to zero as time proceeds from the present time to a time one hour in the past, that a second bin has a membership which increases from zero to one during this same period, such that the total membership to these two bins is one for all times between the present time and one hour in the past, with the apportionment between the bins varying across this period from being wholly apportioned to the first bin at the present time to being wholly apportioned to the second bin at one hour in the past.
An alternative manner of specifying fuzzy overlapping multi-scale bins is to associate a few (e.g. four to eight) one hour bins each with a fixed one hour period, for example from 17:30 hours to 18:30 hours, 16:30 to 17:30, etc. such that full membership (of one) to a single one hour bin is ascribed only to events occurring exactly on the hour (e.g. at 18:00 hours) with a linearly increasing membership level between zero and one for events occurring at times between one hour before the hour in question (e.g. from 17:00 hours to 18:00 hours) and a decreasing membership between one and zero for events occurring between the hour in question and one hour later (e.g. from 18.00 hours to 19:00 hours), such that any event occurring at any time will be ascribed a total membership of 1 between two adjacent bins (apart from events occurring exactly on the hour); for example, an event occurring at 18:30 would be ascribed 0.5 membership to the 17:30-18:30 bin and 0.5 membership to the 18:30-19:30 bin; and an event occurring at 18:15 would be ascribed 0.75 membership to the 17:30-18:30 bin and 0.25 to the 18:30-19:30 bin. In this arrangement, when time has passed sufficiently that a bin associated with a relatively short scale time duration (e.g. a one hour bin) is associated with a time period (e.g. 15:30-16:30) which is more than a predetermined length of time in the past (e.g. more than say four hours in the past), it may be assimilated (or number of such fine grain bins may be amalgamated) into a larger scale bin (e.g. after say 19:00 hours the 15:30-16:30 bin may be assimilated into a four hour bin associated with say 12:30-16:30)—this process may be performed as a batch process at intervals related to the duration of the larger scale bin—e.g. after say 19:00 hours four one hour bins (e.g. 12:30-13:30, 13:30-14:30, 14:30-15:30 and 15:30-16:30) may be assimilated/amalgamated at that time to become a new four hour 12:30-16:30 bin, with the next assimilation/amalgamation of four one hour bins 16:30-17:30, . . . , 19:30-20:30 not occurring until after 23:00, etc.). A similar process may be occurring at the next scale—e.g. on an approximate daily basis, groups of six four hour periods may be assimilated into a one day bin, etc.
Preferably, the summariser generates from the received data one or more attribute values and stores these as the summary of the data. Each generated attribute value preferably depends upon the existing value for a particular attribute (which may be null or zero if no “relevant” data has previously been received—where “relevant” here means both that it pertains to the attribute in question and pertains to the time period covered at least partially by the summary bin in question) as well as the received data.
Preferably, the content of each bin is updated from time-to-time (e.g. on a periodic basis or, more preferably on an event driven basis such as whenever a new event which will have an effect on the content of at least one bin is detected—refinements on this may include buffering a predetermined number of events (or the events occurring—or commencing or ending—within a predetermined period of time) and then performing an update based on the contents of the buffer when the buffer is read at a predetermined time (e.g. because the buffer period of time has expired or the buffer is full or has reached a trigger capacity, etc.). When an update is performed it is preferable if all of the bins are also updated at that time. Updating the bins preferably includes ascertaining a portion of one or more bins to be transferred to one or more other bins as well as ascertaining the additional new contents to be added to new bins based on newly detected events/acquired data. In some embodiments, updating bins may additionally involve ascertaining the proportion of the contents of one or more old bins to now be discarded as a result of the contents being associated with data/events which are now so old as to not be relevant to any of the stored bins.
Preferably, transferring some portion of the contents of one bin into another is just a matter of transferring the complete contents from a bin of one scale to a bin of another larger scale/coarser granularity (or possibly sharing the contents of one bin between two adjacent and overlapping coarser grain bins). Alternatively, each time a new event is recorded, the time period with which a bin is associated may be changed (in absolute terms because the bins may be associated with a period of time specified in relation to a time which is changing absolutely—e.g. the time periods could be with reference to a current time which is of course constantly changing) and therefore the contents of the bins must be transferred on each such occasion so that the contents transfer over time from more recent to more distant (in time) bins over the course of time. The different possible ways of transferring the contents of one bin to another (either of the same or of a different scale) may result in different contents being assigned to the bins, but so long as whenever a portion of one bin is taken out from that bin, that same amount is transferred into, another bin (or bins) so that no contents are lost), and so long as the amounts ascribed to each bin are approximately similar regardless of the manner employed for performing the transfer, the bins may still be useful for the principal function of performing a categorisation of the generating entity (or entities) responsible for generating the recorded events/acquired data.
By arranging that, in times of overlap between two fuzzy overlapping bins of the same scale, the total membership of an event to the bins sums to 1, it is possible to easily combine the contents (of several adjacent fuzzy overlapping bins to move the contents of two overlapping bins to a different bin (e.g. so as to enable an update of a later bin (of either the same scale as the original bins, or perhaps of a different—e.g. longer duration—scale bin, at a later time—this updating of bins is described in greater detail below).
By associating bins with overlapping non-equal durations of time different levels of detail can be recovered from the bins in respect of different times. In particular, since it is often more useful to have a finer granularity knowledge of recent events than of older events, it is preferable if there are fuzzy bins covering relatively short durations in respect of more recent events and fuzzy bins covering progressively longer durations in respect of less recent events. By using fuzzy, overlapping, multi-scale bins it is possible to avoid the problems associated with fixed duration, crisp, non-overlapping bins that it can be difficult to determine (in respect of certain types of data such as message activity on a social networking web-site) the optimum window size for each bin—too short and the change from window to window (or bin to bin) becomes noisy or chaotic (and therefore less useful for performing automatic categorisation based on the data), too long and interesting changes may be lost in the smoothing inherently involved in the summarisation process (of storing the data as counts within a bin). The use of fuzzy, overlapping multi-scale bins significantly mitigates these problems enabling interesting changes to be detected relatively rapidly (i.e. not smoothed away) whilst avoiding noisy unpredictable results as a result of having bins associated with too short a time scale.
Preferably the processing performed on the summary bins includes identifying a sub-set of the data associated with a single unknown entity (whether an Individual, a group of individuals or one or more computer systems or programs, autonomous agents, software applications, etc.) and performing a categorisation of the data in order to identify a category with which to associate the entity, such that the system to be controlled can then be modified in order to be tailored for future use by the categorised entity in accordance with the categorisation. For example, in a social networking environment, it may be desirable to categorise users by age and gender so that adults can be excluded from interacting with children in a child oriented social networking environment. To achieve this, a standard categoriser (e.g. a neural network) could be trained on summary bins of data derived from a combination of known children and known adults (possibly including adults pretending to be children) and thereafter, fresh data from unknown entities can be summarised into the summary bins and then processed by the now trained standard categoriser which can, based on its training, attempt to categorise the unknown entities accordingly as either children or adults, and an alert can be generated in respect of entities identified as adults attempting to masquerade as children, etc.
Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system controller according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided wherein the received data is data resulting from interactions between an unknown entity and the system to be controlled and wherein the processor is operable to perform a categorisation of the received data in order to identify a category with which to associate the entity, and wherein the director issues instructions to the system to be controlled to modify its behaviour in order to be tailored to the unknown entity in accordance with the categorisation performed by the processor. Furthermore, where the system to be controlled is a social networking platform, each user of the social networking platform can be considered as constituting an unknown entity to be categorised, and the system can preferably be controlled to disable certain functionality for a particular user if the category identified by the processor disagrees with a categorisation provided by the user (e.g. if a user self-identifying as a child is identified as being an adult).
Similarly, a set-top box associated with a television apparatus may tailor its user interface according to whether it determines that a child or an adult is operating the set top box at any given moment in time, or indeed in accordance with a particular individual or group of individuals which it may determine is currently operating the set-top box (or viewing the television, etc.).
A further aspect of the present invention relates to the summariser of the first aspect of the present invention per se.
A yet further aspect of the present invention relates to a summarised data reconstructer which is operable to provide a (generally lossy) reconstruction of summarised data for a specified time interval, comprising a receiver for receiving an indication of an interval of time of interest for which data is required and optionally an indication of the attributes of interest; a bin identifier for identifying the or each summary bin that is relevant to the received interval of time of interest; an aggregator for, in the event that more than one summary bin is identified by the bin identifier, aggregating the identified summary bins; and an extractor for extracting from the summary bin, or from the summary bins after aggregation where the bin identifier identified more than one bin, attribute values. The extractor may perform some processing of the raw values in order to account for the duration of the interval of time of interest versus the size of the respective bin. For example if the reconstructor is aiming to obtain the amount of time spent by a user viewing news programmes between 16:00 and 17:00 and the only bin, available covering this period is a four hour bin it may be appropriate to extract the value for the amount of time spent viewing news programmes during the entire 4 hour bin period and then divide this value by 4 to obtain an approximation of the amount watched during the requested period (i.e. between 16:00 and 17:00); where the requested interval of time of interest falls within or overlaps a period of time for which two adjacent bins both have some shared membership/association (e.g. the fuzzy overlap period between two adjacent bins) the aggregator preferably aggregates both such bins to generate an aggregated bin and then may consider multiplying the or each summarised attribute value of interest by the ratio of the duration of the interval of time of interest to the duration of time covered by the aggregated bin (e.g. if an interval of time of interest was 15:00-16:00 and there was a one hour bin designatable as (15:00/0, 16:00/1, 17:00/0) and a four hour bin designatable as (11:00/0, 12:00/1, 15:00/1, 16:00/0) then these two bins could be aggregated to a five hour bin designatable as (11:00/0, 12:00/1, 16:00/1, 17:00/0) and the value of an attribute summarised within the aggregated bin could be reduced by multiplying by ⅕ to obtain an estimate of the value for the one hour interval from 15:00-16:00.
Where no indication of desired attributes is given (or in embodiments in which the reconstructer is not designed to receive and process an indication of desired attributes) it is preferable if some default set of attribute values is given which may be user settable, or it may be predefined (e.g. comprising all stored attributes having a non-zero or non-null value, etc.).
In an alternative aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a system, the method comprising: receiving data about the system being controlled (e.g. data input to the system, data output by the system or intermediate data generated by the system as a result of some processing of input data, etc.); associating the received data with a time factor (e.g. a timestamp or a time interval, etc.); generating or updating a set of summary bins and storing the associated values thereof within a suitable data store (preferably computer data store such as a suitable random access memory), each of which summary bins is associated with a respective period of time, and each of which stores a summary of the received data associated with its respective period of time; processing the summary bins; and generating and issuing control instructions to the system being controlled based on the results of the processing of the summary bins; wherein the periods of time associated with respective summary bins include overlapping periods of time and periods of time having different durations.
Further aspects relate to computer processor implementable instructions for causing a processor to carry out the methods of aspects of the present invention, and to carrier media, most preferably non-transient carrier media, carrying such instructions. Preferably the non-transient carrier media include one or more of the following: magnetic or optical storage disks (e.g. a magnetic hard-drive, or a CD ROM or a DVD etc.) or a volatile or non-volatile solid state memory device (e.g. a RAM chip, an EEPROM, an SSD drive, a USB thumb drive, etc.). | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cameras and other imaging devices that include built-in flash lighting devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
As is well known, flash devices which emit light during photographic and other imaging operations often are equipped with a light emitting unit which projects light toward a subject, a capacitor which supplies electric current to the light emitting unit, and a step-up circuit which increases a power-source voltage to charge the capacitor. Often, such cameras are equipped with a body that includes a slide-type lens cover unit. Such slide-type covers are used to cover lenses and the like when not used to take images or photographs. On the other hand, such slide-type covers are slideable relative to the rest of a camera body to cause lenses to be exposed for photographic operations.
Often, cameras incorporating slide-type bodies also include flash devices that are mounted in cover units as described above. Unfortunately, only the light emitting units (e.g., flash tubes) of such flash devices are mounted in the cover. The capacitor and the step-up circuit typically are housed in the camera body and are arranged so that they are connected to each other by lead wires and the like. During photography, electric current is supplied to the light emitting unit from the capacitor via the lead wires.
Although quite popular, such camera and flash device construction has led to serious problems. For example, destructive stresses often are applied to lead wires and the like during times of movement of a slideable cover unit. Moreover, because lead wires and the like are interposed between the slideable cover and the rest of a camera body, there is a possibility that such connecting members break or otherwise become damaged (e.g., partially damaged as a result of frayed wires, etc.) resulting in poor/faulty electrical and data connections. Furthermore, because lead wires often are subjected to high voltage, there is a risk of accidental electric shock to camera operators.
Moreover, because it has been difficult to manufacture a single package to contain the step-up unit and capacitor, lead wires and the like often are placed outside of the slideable cover and are thereby exposed to the elements such as water which may come into contact with a camera, etc. Water penetration and contact with the high voltage devices of the typical flash unit pose a serious risk of accidental electric shock.
Thus, there exists a need to solve the aforementioned problems.
The present invention has as its principal object to solve the aforementioned problems associated with prior cameras and imaging devices that include built-in flash lighting devices. The present invention solves such problems by providing a camera having a built-in and self-contained flash lighting sub-assembly. The camera includes a body having a movable cover member, and a flash device for illuminating a subject to be imaged. The flash device includes a light emitting unit, a capacitor for supplying electric current to the light emitting unit to emit a flash of light, and a step-up circuit which, in accordance with a power source such as a battery, etc., charges the capacitor. The light emitting unit, the capacitor, and the step-up circuit are disposed in the moveable cover member of the body. The flash sub-assembly also may be disposed within a pop-up/out flash type unit supported by a camera body. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for linearly moving a tray in a microwave oven, and more particularly, to a device for linearly moving a tray in a microwave oven in which the tray for loading a foodstuff to be heated thereon has the same rectangular shape as a bottom surface of a heating chamber of the microwave oven and linearly moves.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A microwave oven heats an object (for example, a foodstuff) using a microwave having a constant wavelength. As shown in FIG. 1, the microwave oven includes a heating chamber 2 for heating the foodstuff, and the heating chamber 2 is constructed to be opened and closed by a door 4.
The microwave generated from a magnetron (not shown) is supplied into the heating chamber 2, and causes the foodstuff therein to be heated. At this time, the foodstuff should be uniformly heated by the microwave. However, due to the wavelength characteristic of the microwave, it is difficult to uniformly heat the foodstuff in its stationary state.
Therefore, in order to uniformly heat the foodstuff by using the microwave, a tray 6 for loading the foodstuff thereon should be rotated so that the foodstuff can be uniformly heated by the microwave.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ordinary microwave oven constructed such that the foodstuff is heated while the tray 6 for loading the foodstuff thereon is rotated has the following disadvantages.
Generally, the heating chamber 2 is formed to be rectangular as viewed from the top thereof, whereas the tray 6 for loading the foodstuff thereon is constructed to be circular for its rotation. Therefore, within the heating chamber 2, it can be seen that an area used for actually heating the foodstuff corresponds to a circular area covered by the tray 6. The above means that in view of a structure of the tray mounted within the heating chamber of the conventional microwave oven, there are large dead space that cannot be used for actually heating the foodstuff. That is, when using the structures of the heating chamber and tray of the conventional microwave oven, it can be seen that there is a problem in that the usage efficiency of the space within the heating chamber is bounded to a certain limit.
The conventional microwave oven also has the above disadvantages. Furthermore, in a microwave oven that is also used as a hood and is transversely longer, since its transverse length is much longer, dead space that cannot be used for heating the foodstuff becomes much larger.
The present invention is contemplated to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a device for linearly moving a tray in a microwave oven, by which the space within a heating chamber of the microwave oven can be efficiently used as a whole.
Another object of the present invention is to prove a device for linearly moving a tray in a microwave oven, by which a foodstuff loaded on the tray can be uniformly heated.
According to the present invention, since a bottom surface of the heating chamber of the conventional microwave oven is generally formed to be rectangular, the tray is correspondingly formed to be rectangular. Further, the rectangular tray is constructed such that it can move in the vertical direction to a certain degree while moving linearly in the right and left direction.
According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objects, there is provided a device for linearly moving a tray in a microwave oven, comprising: a tray for loading a foodstuff to be heated thereon; a driving motor for generating a rotational force; a converting means for converting a rotational motion from the driving motor into a linear and reciprocating motion of the tray; a supporting means mounted in contact with a bottom surface of the tray for supporting the tray so as to linearly and reciprocatingly move the tray; and convex portions protruding from a bottom surface of a heating chamber in the fore and aft direction to a predetermined height so that the supporting means can move in the vertical direction when a bottom surface of the supporting means moves in contact with the bottom surface of the heating chamber in the right and left direction.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a device for linearly moving a tray in a microwave oven, comprising: a tray for loading a foodstuff to be heated thereon; a driving motor for generating a rotational force; a converting means for converting a rotational motion from the driving motor into a linear and reciprocating motion of the tray; a vertically moving means for moving the tray in the vertical direction as well as in the right and left direction when the tray linearly and reciprocatingly moves in the right and left direction by the converting means; and a supporting means for supporting the tray so as to move the tray in the right and left direction and the vertical direction.
According to an embodiment of the converting means of the present invention, the converting means comprises a slit formed in the bottom surface of the tray and having a predetermined length, and a rotating member with an eccentric protrusion formed at an eccentric position and inserted into the slit, and wherein the rotating member is rotated by the driving motor so that the tray can linearly and reciprocatingly move depending on an amount of rotation of the eccentric protrusion.
According to an embodiment of the tray of the present invention, when the tray has the same rectangular shape as the bottom surface of the heating chamber, the space within the heating chamber can be efficiently used.
According to an embodiment of the supporting means of the present invention, the supporting means comprises a frame formed to have an smaller than that of the bottom surface of the tray, and a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on the frame, and wherein the tray is supported by the rollers so as to linearly and reciprocatingly move the tray.
According to another embodiment of the supporting means of the present invention, the supporting means comprises a frame formed to have an smaller than an area of the bottom surface of the tray, and a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on the frame, and wherein the vertically moving means comprises convex portions which protrude in the form of arcs in the fore and aft direction from the bottom surface of the heating chamber contacted with the plurality of rollers.
According to an embodiment of the rollers of the present invention, the rollers comprises four rollers comprised of two pairs of two rollers with respect to the fore and aft direction, and the convex portions comprises a pair of convex portions which have a predetermined width in the right and left direction.
According to the present invention, the tray mounted within the heating chamber of the microwave oven covers large space within the heating chamber, and the microwave can be sufficiently and uniformly irradiated onto the foodstuff by means of the right and left motion and vertical motion of the tray. Therefore, first of all, the foodstuff can be uniformly heated by the microwave. Further, it is expected that the space within the heating chamber of the microwave oven can be efficiently used. | {
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In computing, a file system can store and organize data files in order to make the data files easier to find and access. File systems may use a data storage device such as a hard disk or CD-ROM to maintain the physical location of computer files. A file system may provide access to data on a file server by acting as a client for a network protocol. In other words, file system can be a set of abstract data types that are implemented for the storage, hierarchical organization, manipulation, navigation, access, and retrieval of data.
A network file system is a file system that acts as a client for a remote file access protocol, providing access to files on a server. A network file system can be any computer file system that supports access of files over a computer network. A network file system may be distributed over clients, servers, and storage devices dispersed among the machines distributed in an intranet or over the internet. Service activity occurs across the network, and instead of a single centralized data repository, the system may have multiple and independent storage devices. In some network file systems, servers run on dedicated machines, while in others a machine can be both a server and a client. A network file system can be implemented as part of a distributed operating system, or by a software layer that manages the communication between conventional operating systems and file systems. A network file system may appear to its users to be a conventional, centralized file system. The multiplicity and dispersion of its servers and storage devices can be made invisible, and the client interface used by programs should not distinguish between local and remote files. It is up to the network file system to locate the files and to arrange for the transport of data.
A storage delivery network (SDN) may include a network file system that is used for scalable networking applications. SDNs can be composed of one or more storage nodes, each node containing one or more servers for storing data files and at least one transfer server for serving files and/or media over a network. In one embodiment, the transfer server and a storage server may be implemented by a single server. | {
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As smartphones are increased in resolution and calculation speed and as graphic processing devices thereof are enhanced in performance, virtual reality (VR) which operated in only conventional large devices operates in small, lightweight devices such as smart glasses, head mount devices (HMDs), and the like. For example, users view three-dimensional (3D) images watched on conventional 3D televisions (TVs) and watch 360-degree panorama images with low utilization, through their HMDs. Further, an HMD may sense motion of a head of its user via its acceleration sensor and may provide magnificence he or she does not feel on a conventional monitor or a screen of a smartphone to him or her.
If outputting augmented reality (AR), an electronic device according to the related art operates in such a manner as to generate a simple line or graphic symbol based on an input of its user or simply modify a virtual object. In this case, the electronic device may be shaken in a process where an input of the user occurs and may fail to generate a desired input corresponding to intention of the user. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a coffee brewing apparatus, and more particularly to a pour-over type apparatus for brewing coffee by the disposable filter method, which apparatus is specifically adapted for mounting beneath a cabinet or shelf.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One type of coffee-brewing apparatus, representative of the prior art, is designed to have no permanent plumbing connections for its water supply and involves the manual pouring of a selected charge of cold water into the brewing apparatus to cause the discharge of a like amount of hot water. This device utilizes a water reservoir wherein the measured quantity of poured cold water displaces part of an existing pre-heated supply. This fresh charge of cold water will require some time to reach the proper brewing temperature. Thus, some delays in the brewing process will occur. This is particularly disadvantageous where consecutive pots of coffee are desired.
A method of brewing consecutive pots of coffee without relatively long delays is by directly heating the input water supply. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,149 discloses a brewing apparatus having a horizontal tank connected to a cold tap water supply by means of an inlet valve. By automatically controlling the valve, a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the tank for direct heating. Discharge occurs by means of a temperature activated switch. The cumbersome plumbing connections associated with this device are obviously its greatest disadvantage. These connections also add to the cost of fabricating the device as well as prohibit its installation in areas remote from standard water distribution systems.
Another type of apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,693,535 also utilizes a direct heating method and, like the present invention, requires no displacement of a preheated supply. While this particular type also eliminates the need for a residual water reservoir, its fabrication and operation are overly complex. By means of a sophisticated flow valve, an amount of water passed to a heater unit from an inlet reservoir is controlled so as to obtain maximum heat transfer. A series of baffles, arranged in the heater unit also aid in the control of the water temperature prior to discharge. The amount of control that the heated water is subjected to during the heating process makes this apparatus unduly susceptible to maintenance problems. The sophisticated design of this apparatus will clearly involve substantial fabrication costs.
The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by providing a coffee-brewer which is simple, inexpensive and will provide fast yet efficient service. By employing a novel means for rapid heating and discharge of water into a brewing vessel, the problem of maintaining a charge of preheated water in a reservoir is eliminated. Furthermore, because of its simple design, the apparatus can be inexpensively produced and sold at a modest price. The device also lends itself to easy installation and use, not only in the home or office, but in areas remote from permanent plumbing connections, such as trailers, boats and campers. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a ball joint used for a connecting portion in a stabilizer for automobiles and an assembling method therefor.
2. Related Art
FIG. 4 shows such a conventional ball joint. The ball joint has a ball stud 2 having a spherical head 2a at an end thereof, and the head 2a is slidably fitted into a resin ball seat 3 which is contained in a cylindrical housing 4. The ball stud 2 is universally supported by the ball seat 3 so as to swing and rotate around the axis thereof. The ball seat 3 is formed with a rivet-shaped engaging portion 3b at the bottom thereof. The engaging portion 3b penetrates the bottom of the housing 4 and engages with the bottom, whereby the ball seat 3 is secured to the housing 4 and is prevented from rotating and separating with respect to the housing 4. Reference numeral 6 is a lamp shade-shaped dust cover and reference numeral 7 is a supporting bar which is integrally secured to the housing 4.
The above ball joint is assembled in the following manner. As shown in FIG. 5, plural protrusions 3a are integrally formed at the bottom of the ball seat therewith. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom of the housing 4 is formed with through holes 4a into which the protrusions 3a are inserted. In assembling a ball joint, the spherical head 2a of the ball stud 2 is fitted into the ball seat 3; then, the ball seat 3 is fitted into the housing 4 when inserting the protrusions into the through holes 4a. Subsequently, the protrusions 3a projecting from the through holes 4a are heated by a heater, or the like, and are crushed to form an engaging portion 3b as shown in FIG. 6.
According to the ball joint, since the engaging portions 3b of the ball seat project from the bottom of the housing 4, the size in the height direction (axial direction) cannot be short. Moreover, the ball seat 3 is loaded with forces to rotate and pull it out with respect to the housing 4 via the ball stud 2. When the force is too large, the engaging force of the engaging portion may not be sufficient to prevent such movement in some cases. In order to cope with this problem, it may be proposed to thicken the diameter of the protrusion 3a of the ball seat 3 and the engaging portion 3b or the thickness thereof. However, by doing so, disadvantages in which the housing 4 is large and the protrusion 3b is elongated may increase. That is, it has been difficult to reconcile efficient engaging force of the ball seat 3 and compact design of the ball joint.
An object of the present invention is to provide a ball joint and an assembling method therefor, in which the engaging force of a portion which functions for preventing from rotating and pulling the ball seat out can be sufficiently ensured and compact design can be obtained.
The present invention provides a ball joint comprising: a ball stud having a spherical head at an end thereof; a ball seat into which the spherical head is slidably fitted so as to universally support the ball stud; and a housing for accommodating the ball seat. The ball seat and the housing have surfaces opposing each other, and recesses communicated with each other are formed on the surfaces. The recesses are filled with a resin, so that relative movement of the ball seat with respect to the housing is restricted.
According to the ball joint of the invention, since the relative movement of the ball seat with respect to the housing is restricted, rotation and pulling out of the ball seat from the housing can be prevented. Since the resin is filled in the interior of the housing, the size of the ball joint is not increased by the resin. The engaging force with respect to the relative movement can be increased by suitably designing the size, depth, and the shape of the recess and by selecting the material of the resin. Therefore, the engaging force of the ball seat with respect to the housing to prevent from rotating and pulling the ball seat out can be sufficiently ensured and the design can be compact.
The present invention provides an assembling method for a ball joint comprising: a ball stud having a spherical head at an end thereof; a ball seat into which the spherical head is slidably fitted so as to universally support the ball stud; and a housing for accommodating the ball seat. The ball seat and the housing have surfaces opposing each other, and recesses communicated with each other are formed on the surfaces. The recesses are filled with a resin, so that relative movement of the ball seat with respect to the housing is restricted. A resin charging opening for charging the resin in the recesses is formed in the housing. The spherical head is fitted into the ball seat, the ball seat is accommodated in the housing, a liquid resin is charged from the resin charging opening to the recesses, and the resin is hardened. According to the assembling method of the invention, the ball joint of the invention can be suitably assembled. | {
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This invention relates to a new scleral buckle material and more generally to a new synthetic hydrophilic polymer for eye surgery and other in vivo implants.
Synthetic materials have several applications in ophthalmic medicine, including surgical implantation to create a scleral buckle to correct a condition known as retinal detachment, and as contact lenses. Silicone materials, both rubber and sponge, are known for use in scleral buckle procedures. Synthetic organic polymers with hydrophilic properties also have been used as scleral buckle materials, and certain species are the popular materials for contact lenses. Recent developments in correcting retinal detachment with scleral buckling are described in "Sutureless Scleral Buckling", G. A. Calabria, R. C. Pruett, M. F. Refojo, and C. L. Schepens, Archives of Ophthalmology, May 1970, Vol. 83, pp. 613-618; "Further Experience With Sutureless Scleral Buckling Materials", G. A. Calabria, R. C. Pruett, and M. F. Refojo, Archives of Ophthalmology, July 1971, Vol. 86, pp. 77-81; and "Experimental Scleral Buckling With A Soft Xerogel Implant", M. F. Refojo and H. S. Liu, Ophthalmic Surgery, December 1978, Vol. 9, No. 6, pp. 43-50. Materials for contact lenses, and particularly for soft contact lenses, are described in "Contact Lens Materials", M. F. Refojo, International Ophthalmology Clinics, Spring 1973, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 263-277; "Contact Lenses", M. Refojo, Encyclopedia of Polymer Science And Technology, Supplement Volume 1, pp. 195-219; and "Contact Lenses", M. F. Refojo, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Volume 6, Third Edition, pp. 720-742. The polymer chemistry of certain synthetic hydrogels is described in Soft Contact Lenses: Clinical And Applied Technology, M. Ruben, Editor, Published by John Wiley & Sons, Chapter 3, pp. 19-38.
Materials for these ophthalmologic applications are to be non-toxic and otherwise tolerated without causing tissue inflamation or other rejection mechanisms, and they are to be relatively nonabsorbable. The materials are also to be capable of sterilization without deterioration, and are to be permeable to oxygen, water and low molecular-weight water-soluble substances. Implant materials also are often to be non-biodegradable. Another desired property is that the implant material be capable of being cast or otherwise formed into an article of specific configuration, which the article retains. In addition, material for a scleral buckle preferably is soft, pliable and elastic; a specific objective is that it be capable of being compressed by overlying sutures without cutting through the implant or of being applied with sutureless techniques. Materials for ophthalmic surgery in addition are often desired to absorb antibiotics and other drugs for prolonged release after surgical implantation. In addition, it is desired that surgically implantable materials have pores of such small size that they do no form sites for infection by bacteria or other pathogens.
Known materials meet numerous of these properties, but all too often the fulfillment of some properties is attendant with deficiencies with regard to other properties. For example, methacrylate hydrogels known for use as scleral buckles have the disadvantage of being hard and stiff when dry; they become soft and pliable only when wet. The known silicone rubber sponges used in scleral buckle surgery is considered to have pores sufficiently large to provide a site for bacterial infection.
It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide an improved hydrophilic gel, or hydrogel, for in vivo implantation. "Implantation" and "implant" are used in this application in a broad context to include not only surgical implants but also a topical implant such as a contact lens.
A more particular object is to provide an implant hydrogel which attains the properties discussed above to a greater extent than previously available, and further to provide such a hydrogel suitable for ophthalmic use.
Another object of the invention is to provide an implant hydrogel having improved properties in terms of softness, in terms of elasticity, and in terms of resistance to tensile rupture. More specific objects are that the hydrogel be soft, pliable and elastic when dry as well as when wet, and furthermore that it be sufficiently tough, for example, to hold a surgical suture. Thus the objects of the invention include the provision of a scleral buckle hydrogel which is soft and elastic when wet as well as when dry, and which has sufficient resistance to tensile rupture to hold a suture.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for preparing hydrogel implant articles of the above character.
Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
The invention accordingly comprises a composition of matter possessing the characteristics, properties and relation of constituents exemplified in the composition hereinafter described; the article possessing the features, properties, and relation of elements exemplified in the following detailed disclosure; and the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others for the preparation of such a composition of matter and such an article; and the scope of the invention is indicated in the claims. | {
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Variable valve timing (VVT) systems are commonly used with internal combustion engines—such as those found in automobiles—for controlling intake and exhaust valve opening and closing. The VVT systems can help improve fuel economy, reduce exhaust emissions, and enhance engine performance. One type of VVT system employs a variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser. In general, VCT phasers dynamically adjust the rotation of engine camshafts relative to engine crankshafts in order to advance or retard the opening and closing movements of intake and exhaust valves. | {
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The present invention relates generally to memory devices and in particular the present invention relates to dynamic random access memories (DRAM).
Semiconductor memory systems are comprised of two basic elements: memory storage areas and memory control areas. DRAM, for example, includes a memory cell array, which stores information, and peripheral circuitry, which controls the operation of the memory cell array. A DRAM cell is an addressable location that can store one bit (binary digit) of data. In its most common form, a DRAM cell consists of two circuit components: a storage capacitor and an access field effect transistor. The capacitor holds the value of each cell, namely a logic xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d or a xe2x80x9c0,xe2x80x9d as a charge on the capacitor. Because the charge on a capacitor gradually leaks away, DRAM capacitors must be refreshed on a regular basis. A memory device incorporating a DRAM memory includes logic to refresh (recharge) the capacitors of the cells periodically or the information will be lost. Reading the stored data in a cell and then writing the data back into the cell at a predefined voltage level refreshes a cell. The required refreshing operation is what makes DRAM memory dynamic rather than static.
The transistor of a DRAM cell is a switch to let control circuitry either read the capacitor value or to change its state. The transistor is controlled by a row line coupled to its gate connection. In a read operation, the transistor is activated and sense amplifiers coupled to bit lines (columns) determine the level of charge stored in the memory cell capacitor, and reads the charge out as either a xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d or a xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d depending upon the level of charge in the capacitor. The sense amplifier circuitry typically has balanced pull-up and pull-down circuitry.
The read margin of a DRAM memory cell is defined as the difference between a charge level stored on the memory cell and a sensing level, or threshold, of the sense amplifier. In some designs, it may be desirable to increase the data xe2x80x98onexe2x80x99 cell margin. This is typically accomplished by storing more charge on the memory cell or reducing the leakage of the cell. This solution, however, has some drawbacks such as layout, cost and power requirements.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a DRAM in which the memory cell margin can be adjusted.
The above-mentioned problems with DRAM""s and other problems are addressed by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
In one embodiment, a memory device comprises a plurality of memory cell capacitors, digit lines selectively couplable to the plurality of memory cell capacitors, sense circuitry coupled to the digit lines, and a reference cell coupled to the sense circuitry to force a differential voltage between the digit lines.
A DRAM memory device comprises a plurality of memory cell capacitors, row lines selectively couplable to the plurality of memory cell capacitors, and sense circuitry couplable to first and second digit lines. A reference line contains a charge having a voltage of X, where Vss less than X less than xc2xd Vcc. The reference line is couplable to the second digit line. Control circuitry is provided to activate one of the row lines and couple the second digit line to the sense amplifier such that the second digit line voltage is reduced below xc2xd Vcc.
A method of reading a memory cell comprises equilibrating first and second digit lines to a common voltage, accessing the memory cell and coupling the memory cell to the first digit line, and coupling a reference cell to the second digit line. The reference cell decreases a voltage of the second digit line below the common voltage. A differential voltage between the first and second digit lines is then sensed. | {
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(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exerciser, and more particularly, to an adjustable sphincter exerciser (Kegel exercise) that adjustably trains the sphincter and the user is acknowledged the progress of the training.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
A conventional exerciser for training the sphincter generally includes a knob device which adjusts the distance between a flexible plate and a metal block. The user controls the sphincter to make the flexible plate and the metal block be in contact with each other so as to activate the vibration device to acknowledge the user. The required force can be adjustable according to specific conditions of individual users. The required force can be set so that the user can exercise the sphincter to approach the pre-set standard. Although the restriction of the sphincter is maintained within a pre-set range, the muscular strength and the muscular endurance can be trained. Therefore, adding sleeves of different hardness to the tubular body of the exerciser can achieve the purpose to exercise the muscular strength and the muscular endurance of the sphincter. The adjustment of the distance between the flexible plate and the metal block cannot be increased unlimited, so that for the users who use the conventional sphincter exerciser, they cannot know the progress of the muscular strength and the muscular endurance.
The present invention intends to provide an adjustable sphincter exerciser (Kegel exercise) which improves the shortcomings of the conventional sphincter exerciser. | {
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Pets, animals, children, and short persons can benefit by gaining access to elevated points otherwise difficult or impossible to reach under normal circumstances, such as access into cars, trucks, or other vehicles, as well as on and off patios, decks, furniture, or other areas that may be inconvenient to access because of height.
Steps, stairs, ladders, and ramps, are known ways for improving access to elevated positions, and various devices have been made available to help persons, pets, and animals better access elevated positions. For example, US publication 2013/0047937 is directed to a telescoping pet ramp with a ramp segment telescopically extendable from a compact state to an extended state. US publication 2014/0123910 is directed to a folding pet ramp that includes a telescoping handle. US publication 2015/0122581 is directed to a utility ramp that folds onto a collapsible set of steps. U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,082 is directed to a ramp for assisting an animal in inclined walking between two different levels. U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,236 is directed to a pet ramp and step that includes a frame, an upper platform member, and a lower platform member. The leg support member is foldable such that it can fold under the frame to create a storable apparatus. US publication 2012/0060769 is directed to a pet step device including one or more pet steps. U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,440 is directed to a convertible step and ramp combination having a frame and removable steps, which may be converted into a ramp. | {
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Technical Field
The present invention concerns a turbine for a hydroelectric power plant and a hydroelectric power plant.
Description of the Related Art
WO 2010/026072 A2 discloses a hydroelectric power plant with a flow passage and a turbine in the flow passage, the turbine being connected to a generator by way of a shaft. The flow passage has a first portion with a first narrowing and a second portion of a diameter smaller than that of the enlargement, wherein the turbine is provided in the second portion.
U.S. 2009/0214343 A1 discloses a turbine for a hydroelectric power plant. The turbine has a rotor having a plurality of turbine blades and a guide apparatus which is arranged downstream of the rotor and which functions as a support apparatus. The turbine has a substantially spherical hub and the pitch angle of the turbine blades is adapted to be adjustable. | {
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This invention generally relates to data processing systems, and more specifically, the invention relates to data processing systems including hardware accelerators.
Accelerators are special hardware functional units designed to perform certain operations efficiently, as compared to a general purpose processor, and hardware accelerators are often included in processor-based systems such as computer systems to perform specific, predefined tasks in hardware rather than in software. Traditionally, accelerators perform complex parallel transformations on relatively small input data, which makes the accelerators very attractive for performance enhancement. Additionally, in some cases, the hardware acceleration can be more power-efficient than performing the same tasks in software. Power efficiency can be even greater if the hardware accelerators are incorporated on the same semiconductor substrate (“on-chip”) as the processors. Particularly, integrating hardware accelerators onto multi-core chips such as chip multiprocessors (CMP) and/or chip multithreaded (CMT) processors can be efficient, because the accelerator can be shared among the cores/threads.
Currently, there is a large amount of software over-head associated with dispatching a task to a shared hardware accelerator (e.g. on the order of tens of thousands of processor clock cycles). Access to the hardware accelerator is typically managed by the lowest-level and most-privileged layer of software in the system. Managing access in this fashion helps ensure that the hardware accelerator is shared in a secure fashion (preventing one thread/core from disrupting, and particularly corrupting, the task issued by another thread/core to the hardware accelerator), and also in a fair fashion so that various threads/cores have the opportunity to take advantage of the hardware accelerator. The OS can implement the fairness and security in a non-virtualized environment. In a virtualized environment, the Hypervisor implements the fairness and security.
Accelerators suffer from several problems when they have to operate on a lot of data. For example, passing all the data via commands is inconvenient, and accessing the data from memory gets complicated, as this requires proper address translations on behalf of the calling context. Also, handling exceptions during execution of the accelerator requires special provisions, and accelerators sharing memory management hardware with the core, tend to adversely pollute the cache/TLB that may degrade the performance. | {
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Ammonia is generally produced by reacting hydrogen and nitrogen, according to the following reaction equation:3H2+N2→2NH3
The H2 is generally obtained from synthesis gas (normally known as “syngas”), which in turn is obtained from a hydrocarbon feed material, which is subjected to steam reforming, often followed by autothermal reforming (ATR) so as to produce a mixture comprising carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2), usually followed by a water gas shift reaction wherein carbon monoxide reacts with water so as to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen. After removal of CO2 (or otherwise separating H2 from the gas mixture), the hydrogen is available for reaction with nitrogen (N2). The latter is either present in the original gas mixture (as it is inert with respect to all steps preceding the ammonia synthesis conditions), or added later if obtained from air, in a unit separating nitrogen from oxygen. The hydrogen and nitrogen are subjected to compression and conversion into ammonia in a synthesis reactor.
Ammonia is frequently used as a starting material in the synthesis of urea. Urea (NH2CONH2) can be produced from ammonia and carbon dioxide at an elevated temperature of, typically, between 150° C. and 250° C. and an elevated pressure of, typically, between 12 and 40 MPa, in the synthesis zone of a urea plant. In this synthesis, two consecutive reaction steps can be considered to take place. In the first step ammonium carbamate is formed, and in the next step, this ammonium carbamate is dehydrated so as to give urea:2NH3+CO2→H2N—CO—ONH4 (i)H2N—CO—ONH4H2N—CO—NH2+H2O (ii)
A reference process, shown in FIG. 1, for producing ammonia comprises a steam reforming process for producing hydrogen followed by reaction of said hydrogen with nitrogen produced in an air separation unit (ASU). A disadvantage of this process however is that significant energy is used to separate the air into nitrogen and oxygen but no use is made of the oxygen so produced.
Another reference process, such a shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,441, which is incorporated herein by reference, involves the use of two parallel gasifiers, working at different operating conditions, in order to increase the CO2 rate for urea production when a natural gas gasifier is used to produce syngas. By using two gasifiers, it is possible to obtain the correct stoichiometry in the reaction mixture for subsequent production of ammonia. In the process of U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,441, there is a need to produce additional CO2 to obtain the correct stoichiometry for the reaction of ammonia and CO2 to nitrogen. This requires the combustion of additional carbonaceous material, for example natural gas, which consumes more raw materials and energy.
In the production of ammonia, as well as in the production of urea, it is thus desired to be able to present the starting material in the desired stoichiometry, and it is desired to reduce energy and material costs as much as possible. | {
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Sanitary napkins having flaps extending outwardly from the longitudinal side margins are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,876 issued May 20, 1986, to Van Tilburg and U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478 issued Aug. 18, 1987, to Van Tilburg disclose preferred sanitary napkins with flaps and are incorporated herein by reference to illustrate particularly preferred flapped sanitary napkin constructions.
To conserve space during packaging, i.e., the period between manufacture of the sanitary napkin and its intended first use by the wearer, the flaps of such sanitary napkins are typically folded to overlay the backsheet. At the time of the first use by the wearer, the flaps are usually unfolded to facilitate installation of the sanitary napkin into the wearer's undergarment. Typically adhesive, interposed between the backsheet and the flap adhesive release paper, is used for maintaining the flaps in the folded disposition prior to the wearer's first use of the sanitary napkin.
Several attempts have been made to provide alternative means for maintaining the flaps in the desired disposition prior to first use of the sanitary napkin by the wearer. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,754 issued Jul. 26, 1988, to Korpman discloses an adhesive tab which can be used for maintaining the flaps in the desired disposition overlaying the backsheet during packaging. U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,178 issued Oct. 20, 1987, to Glaug et al. discloses a sanitary napkin having a single release strip which covers the centrally located adhesive of the backsheet and over which release strip the flaps are folded.
One successful alternative to maintaining the flaps in the desired position prior to first use is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,654 issued Sep. 1, 1998 to Davis et al., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Davis et al. teaches a sanitary napkin packaged with flaps folded over to the topsheet and a unitary release strip bridging the adhesive of the flaps. As such, the user can first place the sanitary napkin in the crotch area of her undergarment by use of a central adhesive provided. She then simply peels off the unitary release strip bridging the folded flaps and folds the flaps back and around the edges of the crotch of her undergarment.
Not only does the Davis et al. packaging configuration maintain the flaps in the desired position prior to use, it also maintains the clean, sanitary condition and appearance of the sanitary napkin's body contacting sheet. This is important because the user is typically concerned with such cleanliness. This concern for cleanliness extends to more than just the sanitary napkin itself. The user of such a sanitary napkin often finds it necessary or desirable to clean the area of the anatomy associated with the wearing of a sanitary napkin. For example, when changing a sanitary napkin, the user may wish to wipe the vaginal area with a suitable cleaning implement, such as a cloth, or a wipe article such as a disposable towelette.
Several attempts have been made at providing a disposable wipe with a sanitary napkin. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,230 issued Oct. 29, 1996 to Fisher et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses an individually packaged sanitary napkin having a cleansing wipe packaged therewith. The wipe can be packaged in flaps located on various different portions of the wrapper. However, this configuration has certain drawbacks when the sanitary napkin is not configured for individual packaging. Also, the cost of providing such extra wrapper material, as well as the associated processing can be prohibitive for commercially viable products.
Other attempts have been made at providing a pre-wrapped moistened towelette with a sanitary napkin. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,572 issued Jul. 18, 1989 to Herrera teaches a towelette hermetically sealed in an elongate sheath releasably attached to an impermeable member of the sanitary napkin. However, the configuration shown requires the addition of significant material and components be added to the sanitary napkin. Also, the user must remove and use the wipe prior to placing the sanitary napkin for use in her undergarment, thereby causing inconvenience, and making the entire process rather awkward at a time when both ease of use and discreteness are appreciated.
Because of the sensitive nature of changing sanitary napkins, often under less than ideal circumstances, such as in public restrooms, it is desirable to provide a wipe for use with a sanitary napkin that is simple and convenient to use.
Furthermore, it is desirable to provide the wipe for use with a sanitary napkin in a commercially viable manner, that is, in a manner that does not cause the product to be cost prohibitive to market.
Additionally, it is desirable to provide a sanitary napkin having a flap disposition which promotes the cleanliness of the topsheet of the sanitary napkin during packaging and handling by the wearer prior to the first use of the sanitary napkin, and provides means for the user to conveniently and easily use a wipe article, if desired.
Finally, it is desirable to provide a convenient means for manipulating the flaps from the packaged arrangement to the disposition which the flaps will be used during wear, and to be provided with a vaginal wipe, which does not inconvenience the user by introducing additional time-consuming steps. | {
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Manufacturers have developed various techniques for fabricating microstructures that have small feature sizes on substrates. Typically the microstructures form one of more layers of an electronic circuit. Examples of these structures include polymer light-emitting diode (PLED) display devices, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, printed circuit boards and the like. Most of these manufacturing techniques are relatively expensive to implement and require high production quantities to amortize the cost of the fabrication equipment.
Techniques for forming microstructures on a substrate include screen printing. During screen printing, a fine mesh screen is positioned on the substrate. Fluid material is microdeposited through the screen and onto the substrate in a pattern defined by the screen. Screen printing requires contact between the screen and the substrate. Contact also occurs between the screen and the fluid material, which contaminates both the substrate and the fluid material.
Photolithography is another manufacturing technique that is used to manufacture microstructures on substrates. Photolithography is also not compatible with the fabrication of some devices. Manufacturing processes using photolithography generally involve the deposition of a photoresist material onto a substrate. The photoresist material is cured by exposure to light. A patterned mask is used to selectively apply light to the photo resist material. Photoresist that is exposed to the light is cured and unexposed portions are not cured. The uncured portions are removed from the substrate. An underlying surface of the substrate is exposed through the removed photoresist layer. The cured portions of the photo resist layer remain on the substrate. Another material is then microdeposited onto the substrate through the opened pattern on the photoresist layer, followed by the removal of the cured portion of the photoresist layer.
Photolithography has been used successfully to manufacture many microstructures such as traces on circuit boards. However, photolithography contaminates the substrate and the material formed on the substrate. The cost of the photolithography process can be prohibitive when relatively small quantities are to be fabricated.
Spin coating has also been used to form microstructures. Spin coating involves rotating a substrate while depositing fluid material at the center of the substrate. The rotational motion of the substrate causes the fluid material to spread uniformly across the surface of the substrate. Spin coating is also an expensive process because a majority of the fluid material does not remain on the substrate. Additional material is wasted due to the requirement that the entire surface of the substrate must be coated with a uniform layer. While laser ablation can be used to remove material, laser ablation requires expensive equipment. Laser ablation may also create ash, which contaminates the substrate. In addition, the size of the substrate is limited by the spin coating process to less than approximately 12″, which makes spin coating unsuitable for larger devices such as PLED televisions. | {
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This invention relates to processes for producing a 7-isoindoline-quinolonecarboxylic acid derivative represented by the general formula [1] and its intermediate as well as a salt of 7-isoindoline-quinolonecarboxylic acid derivative represented by the general formula [1], its hydrate and a composition comprising the same as an active ingredient:
wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a carboxyl-protecting group; R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heterocyclic group; R3 represents at least one group selected from hydrogen atom, halogen atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy or alkylthio groups, nitro group, cyano group, acyl groups, protected or unprotected hydroxyl groups and protected or unprotected or substituted or unsubstituted amino groups; R4 represents at least one group selected from hydrogen atom, halogen atoms, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkoxy or alkylthio groups, protected or unprotected hydroxyl or imino groups, protected or unprotected or substituted or unsubstituted amino groups, alkylidene groups, oxo group and groups each forming a cycloalkane ring with the carbon atom to which R4 bonds; R5 represents a hydrogen atom, an amino-protecting group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, acyl or aryl group; R6 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy or alkylthio group, a protected or unprotected hydroxyl or amino group or a nitro group; and A represents CH or Cxe2x80x94R7 in which R7 represents a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy or alkylthio group or a protected or unprotected hydroxyl group.
As the process for producing a compound of the general formula [1], there has been known the process described in WO97/29102. That is to say, said publication describes that a compound of the general formula [1] can be produced by subjecting a 5-halogenoisoindoline derivative represented by the following general formula [4] or its salt:
wherein R3, R4 and R5 have the same meanings as mentioned above and X1 represents a halogen atom, to lithiation or Grignard reaction and thereafter to reaction with a trialkyl borate to form an isoindoline-5-boronic acid derivative represented by the following general formula [2c] or its salt:
wherein R3, R4 and R5 have the same meanings as mentioned above and R11 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and subsequently reacting the isoindoline-5-boronic acid derivative or its salt with a 7-halogenoquinolonecarboxylic acid represented by the following general formula [3b]:
wherein R1, R2, R6 and A have the same meanings as mentioned above and X3 represents a halogen atom, in the presence of a palladium complex such as bis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(II) chloride, tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(0) or the like.
Among the compounds of the general formula [1], (R)-1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(1-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-5-isoindolyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-3-quinoline-carboxylic acid represented by the formula:
(referred to hereinafter as T-3811) is a compound excellent in activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the development of a process for industrially producing the same has been desired.
Moreover, T-3811 is low in solubility in the vicinity of neutral, so that the enhancement of solubility at a physiologically acceptable pH has been desired.
In order to develop a process for industrially producing a 7-isoindoline-quinolonecarboxylic acid derivative of the general formula [1] including T-3811, the present inventors have diligently made research to find consequently that a coupling reaction between an isoindoline-5-boronic acid derivative represented by the following general formula [2]:
wherein R3, R4 and R5 have the same meanings as mentioned above and R8 and R9 represent hydrogen atoms or lower alkyl groups or form a ring comprising the boron atom when taken together, and a 7-leaving group-substituted quinolone-carboxylic acid represented by the following general formula [3]:
wherein R1, R2, R6 and A have the same meanings as mentioned above and X2 represents a leaving group, can be easily carried out in the presence of metallic palladium.
Furthermore, it has been found that an isoindoline-5-boronic acid derivative represented by the following general formula [2a]:
wherein R3, R4 and R5 have the same meanings as mentioned above and Z represents an alkylene group can easily be obtained not by the conventional borodation through lithiation or Grignard reaction but by the reaction of a 5-halogenoisoindoline derivative represented by the following general formula [4]:
wherein R3, R4, R5 and X1 have the same meanings as mentioned above, with a dialkoxyborane or an alkoxydiborane in the presence of a palladium catalyst, and further found that the compound of the general formula [2a] can be applied, without being isolated, to the so-called one-pot reaction by which the compound of the general formula [3] is reacted to produce a 7-isoindoline-quinolonecarboxylic acid derivative represented by the general formula [1].
Also, the present inventors have found that a 1-alkylisoindoline-5-boronic acid derivative represented by the following general formula [2b]:
wherein R4a represents an alkyl group and R5, R8 and R9 have the same meanings as mentioned above is an excellent intermediate for producing a 7-isoindoline-quinolone-carboxylic acid derivative represented by the following general formula [1a]:
wherein R4a, R1, R2, R5, R6 and A have the same meanings as mentioned above among the compounds of the general formula [1].
Moreover, it has been found that a 1-alkyl-5-halogenoisoindoline derivative represented by the following general formula [4a]:
wherein R4a, R5 and X1 have the same meanings as mentioned above, can be produced by using a 4-halogenobenzylamine derivative as the starting material.
Furthermore, it has been found that as the process for producing a 7-bromo-quinolonecarboxylic acid derivative represented by the following general formula [3a] which is a useful intermediate for producing T-3811:
wherein R1b represents a carboxyl-protecting group; R7a represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; and R2a represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heterocyclic group, a process in which a 2,4-dibromo-3-hydroxybenzoic acid ester is used as the starting material and which is through various intermediates as mentioned hereinafter is an excellent industrial production process.
As mentioned above, the present inventors have diligently made research on 7-isoindoline-quinolone-carboxylic acid derivatives represented by the general formula [1] including T-3811 and intermediates for producing the same and have accomplished this invention.
In addition, the present inventors have examined various salts of T-3811 which have never been known, and have consequently found that among them, methanesulfonate of T-3811 is much higher in solubility at a physiologically acceptable pH than the other salts of T-3811 and further that T-3811 methanesulfonate hydrate has no polymorphism and is good in stability against humidity, and hence, it has a very high usefulness as a composition, particularly as a starting material for preparation, whereby this invention has been accomplished.
In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, the term xe2x80x9chalogen atomxe2x80x9d means fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom or iodine atom; the term xe2x80x9calkyl groupxe2x80x9d means a straight or branched chain C1-10 alkyl group, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl or the like; the term xe2x80x9calkenyl groupxe2x80x9d means a straight or branched chain C2-10 alkenyl group, for example, vinyl, allyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl or the like; the term xe2x80x9calkylidene groupxe2x80x9d means a straight or branched chain C1-10 alkylidene group, for example, methylene, ethylidene, propylidene, isopropylidene, butylidene, hexylidene, octylidene or the like; the term xe2x80x9ccycloalkyl groupxe2x80x9d means a C3-6 cycloalkyl group, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or the like; the term xe2x80x9ccycloalkane ringxe2x80x9d means a C3-6 cycloalkane ring, for example, cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane or the like; the term xe2x80x9calkylene groupxe2x80x9d means a straight or branched chain C1-10 alkylene group, for example, ethylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, 1,2-dimethylethylene, 1,3-dimethyltrimethylene, 1,1,2,2-tetramethylethylene or the like; the term xe2x80x9calkoxy groupxe2x80x9d means a straight or branched chain C1-10 alkoxy group, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, heptyloxy, octyloxy or the like; the term xe2x80x9calkoxycarbonyl groupxe2x80x9d means an alkoxy-COxe2x80x94 group (in which the alkoxy represents the above-mentioned straight or branched chain C1-10 alkoxy group), for example, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, n-propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, sec-butoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, pentyloxycarbonyl or the like; the term xe2x80x9calkylamino groupxe2x80x9d means a straight or branched chain C1-10 alkyl group-substituted amino group, for example, methylamino, ethylamino, propylamino, butylamino, pentylamino, hexylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, methylethylamino, dipropylamino, dibutylamino, dipentylamino or the like; the term xe2x80x9calkylthio groupxe2x80x9d means a straight or branched chain C1-10 alkylthio group, for example, methylthio, ethylthio, n-propylthio, isopropylthio, n-butylthio, isobutylthio, sec-butylthio, tert-butylthio, pentylthio, hexylthio, heptylthio, octylthio or the like; the term xe2x80x9calkylsulfonyl groupxe2x80x9d means a straight or branched C1-10 alkylsulfonyl group, for example, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, n-propylsulfonyl, isopropyl-sulfonyl, n-butylsulfonyl, isobutylsulfonyl, sec-butylsulfonyl, tert-butylsulfonyl, pentylsulfonyl, hexylsulfonyl, heptylsulfonyl, octylsulfonyl or the like; the term xe2x80x9cacyl groupxe2x80x9d means, for example, a formyl group, a straight or branched chain C2-5 alkanoyl group such as acetyl, ethylcarbonyl or the like or an aroyl group such as benzoyl, naphthylcarbonyl or the like; the term xe2x80x9caryl groupxe2x80x9d means, for example, a phenyl or naphthyl group; the term xe2x80x9carylsulfonyl groupxe2x80x9d means, for example, a phenylsulfonyl or naphthylsulfonyl group; the term xe2x80x9caralkyl groupxe2x80x9d means, for example, a benzyl, phenethyl, diphenylmethyl or triphenylmethyl group; the term xe2x80x9cheterocyclic groupxe2x80x9d means a 4-membered, 5-membered or 6-membered ring containing at least one hetero atom selected from oxygen atom, nitrogen atom and sulfur atom as the hetero atom forming the ring or a condensed ring thereof, for example, an oxetanyl, thietanyl, azetidinyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiazolyl, pyridyl, quinolyl, pyrimidinyl or morpholinyl group.
Moreover, in the present specification, the term xe2x80x9clowerxe2x80x9d means 1 to 5 carbon atoms, provided that the term xe2x80x9clowerxe2x80x9d in the term xe2x80x9clower alkenylxe2x80x9d means 2 to 5 carbon atoms.
The protecting groups for amino group, lower alkylamino group and imino group include all conventional groups usable as amino-protecting groups, and there are mentioned, for example, acyl groups such as trichloroethoxycarbonyl, tribromoethoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, o-bromobenzyloxycarbonyl, (mono-, di-, tri-)chloroacetyl, trifluoroacetyl, phenylacetyl, formyl, acetyl, benzoyl, tert-amyloxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, 4-(phenylazo)benzyloxycarbonyl, 2-furfuryloxycarbonyl, diphenylmethoxycarbonyl, 1,1-dimethylpropoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, phthaloyl, succinyl, alanyl, leucyl, 1-adamantyloxycarbonyl, 8-quinolyloxycarbonyl, pivaloyl and the like; ar-lower alkyl groups such as benzyl, diphenylmethyl, trityl and the like; arylthio groups such as 2-nitrophenylthio, 2,4-dinitrophenylthio and the like; alkyl- or aryl-sulfonyl groups such as methanesulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl and the like; di-lower alkylamino-lower alkylidene groups such as N,N-dimethylaminomethylene and the like; ar-lower alkylidene groups such as benzylidene, 2-hydroxybenzylidene, 2-hydroxy-5-chlorobenzylidene, 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylmethylene and the like; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic alkylidene groups such as 3-hydroxy-4-pyridylmethylene and the like; cycloalkylidene groups such as cyclohexylidene, 2-ethoxycarbonylcyclohexylidene, 2-ethoxycarbonylcyclopentylidene, 2-acetylcyclohexylidene, 3,3-dimethyl-5-oxycyclohexylidene and the like; diaryl- or di-ar-lower alkyl-phosphoryl groups such as diphenylphosphoryl, dibenzylphosphoryl and the like; oxygen-containing heterocyclic alkyl groups such as 5-methyl-2-oxo-2H-1,3-dioxol-4-yl-methyl and the like; substituted silyl groups such as trimethylsilyl and the like; etc.
The protecting groups for the carboxyl group include all conventional groups usable as carboxyl-protecting groups and there are mentioned, for example, lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl and the like; aryl groups such as phenyl, naphthyl and the like; ar-lower alkyl groups such as benzyl, diphenylmethyl, trityl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, bis(p-methoxyphenyl)methyl and the like; acyl-lower alkyl groups such as acetylmethyl, benzoylmethyl, p-nitrobenzoylmethyl, p-bromobenzoylmethyl, p-methanesulfonylbenzoylmethyl and the like; oxygen-containing heterocyclic groups such as 2-tetra-hydropyranyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl and the like; halogeno-lower alkyl groups such as 2,2,2-trichloroethyl and the like; lower alkylsilyl-lower alkyl groups such as 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl and the like; acyloxy-lower alkyl groups such as acetoxymethyl, propionyloxymethyl, pivaloyloxymethyl and the like; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic-lower alkyl groups such as phthalimidomethyl, succinimidomethyl and the like; cycloalkyl groups such as cyclohexyl and the like; lower alkoxy-lower alkyl groups such as methoxymethyl, methoxyethoxymethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl and the like; ar-lower alkoxy-lower alkyl groups such as benzyloxymethyl and the like; lower alkylthio-lower alkyl groups such as methylthiomethyl, 2-methylthioethyl and the like; arylthio-lower alkyl groups such as phenylthiomethyl and the like; lower alkenyl groups such as 1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 3-methyl-3-butenyl, allyl and the like; substituted silyl groups such as trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, triisopropylsilyl, diethylisopropylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl, tert-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl and the like.
The protecting groups for the hydroxyl group include all conventional groups usable as hydroxyl-protecting groups and there are mentioned, for example, acyl groups such as benzyloxycarbonyl, 4-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, 4-bromobenzyloxycarbonyl, 4-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, 1,1-dimethylpropoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, isobutyloxycarbonyl, diphenylmethoxycarbonyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxycarbonyl, 2,2,2-tribromoethoxycarbonyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethoxycarbonyl, 2-(triphenylphosphonio)ethoxycarbonyl, 2-furfuryloxycarbonyl, 1-adamantyloxycarbonyl, vinyloxycarbonyl, allyloxycarbonyl, S-benzylthiocarbonyl, 4-ethoxy-l-naphthyloxycarbonyl, 8-quinolyloxycarbonyl, acetyl, formyl, chloroacetyl, dichloroacetyl, trichloroacetyl, trifluoroacetyl, methoxyacetyl, phenoxyacetyl, pivaloyl, benzoyl and the like; lower alkyl groups such as methyl, tert-butyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 2-trimethylsilylethyl and the like; lower alkenyl groups such as allyl and the like; ar-lower alkyl groups such as benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, diphenylmethyl, trityl and the like; oxygen-containing and sulfur-containing heterocyclic groups such as tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl and the like; lower alkoxy- and lower alkylthio-lower alkyl groups such as methoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzyloxymethyl, 2-methoxyethoxymethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxymethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl, 1-ethoxyethyl, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl and the like; lower alkyl- and aryl-sulfonyl groups such as methanesulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl and the like; substituted silyl groups such as trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, triisopropylsilyl, diethylisopropylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl, tert-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl and the like; etc.
The substituent of the alkyl, alkenyl, cyclo-alkyl, aryl or heterocyclic group for R2; the substituent of the alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkylthio or amino group for R3; the substituent of the alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkylthio or amino group for R4; the substituent of the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, acyl or aryl group for R5; the substituent of the alkyl, alkoxy or alkylthio group for R6; the substituent of the alkyl, alkoxy or alkylthio group for R7; and the substituent of the alkyl for R7a include halogen atoms, cyano group, protected or unprotected carboxyl groups, protected or unprotected hydroxyl groups, protected or unprotected amino groups, protected or unprotected lower alkylamino groups, lower alkyl groups, lower alkoxy groups, lower alkoxycarbonyl groups, aryl groups, cycloalkyl groups, lower alkenyl groups and halogen atom-substituted lower alkyl groups, and the R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R7a groups may be substituted by one or two or more of these groups.
Moreover, as the substituent of the alkyl for R7a, a halogen atom is preferable.
The ring comprising the boron atom which R8 and R9 form when taken together includes 5-membered to 8-membered rings containing at least one hetero atom selected from oxygen atom and nitrogen atom as the hetero atom forming the ring and condensed rings thereof, for example, 1,3,2-dioxaborolane, 1,3,2-dioxaborinane, 1,3,5,2-dioxazaborinane, 1,3,5,2-trioxaborinane, 1,3,6,2-trioxaborocane, 1,3,6,2-dioxazaborocane and the like.
The leaving group for X2 includes halogen atoms such as chlorine atom, bromine atom, iodine atom and the like; halogen-substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyloxy groups such as methylsulfonyloxy, trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy and the like; and arylsulfonyloxy groups such as p-fluorophenylsulfonyloxy and the like.
As the alkyl group for R4a, a lower alkyl group is preferable.
Production Process IA
Production Process IB
wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R8, R9, X1, X2, A and Z have the same meanings as mentioned above.
The compounds of the general formulas [1], [2], [2a], [3], [4], [5a] and [5b] may be in the form of salts. As the salts, there can be mentioned usually known salts at basic groups such as amino group and the like and at acidic groups such as hydroxyl group, carboxyl group and the like. As the salts at basic groups, there can be mentioned, for example, salts with mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid and the like; salts with organic carboxylic acids such as tartaric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid and the like; and salts with sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, mesitylenesulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid and the like. Moreover, the salts at acidic groups, there can be mentioned, for example, salts with alkali metals such as sodium, potassium and the like; salts with alkaline earth metals such as calcium, magnesium and the like; salts with ammonium; salts with nitrogen-containing organic bases such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, pyridine, N,N-dimethylaniline, N-methylpiperidine, N-methylmorpholine, diethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, procaine, dibenzylamine, N-benzyl-b-phenethylamine, 1-ephenamine, N,Nxe2x80x2-dibenzyl-ethylenediamine and the like; etc.
Production Process IA
(1) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [1] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [1] or its salt can be produced by subjecting a compound of the general formula [2] or its salt and a compound of the general formula [3] or its salt to coupling reaction using metallic palladium in the presence or absence of a base.
The solvent which is used in this reaction is not particularly limited as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane and the like; ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, anisole, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dimethyl Cellosolve and the like; esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate and the like; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and the like; nitrites such as acetonitrile and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The base which is used, if desired, in this reaction includes, for example, potassium acetate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, triethylamine and the like. The amount of the base used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 3 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt.
The metallic palladium used in this reaction includes, for example, palladium-activated carbon, palladium black and the like. The amount of the metallic palladium used is at least 0.00001 mole, preferably 0.001 to 0.05 mole, per mole of the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt.
The amount of the compound of the general formula [2] or its salt used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1.0 to 1.5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt.
This coupling reaction may be usually carried out in an atmosphere of an inert gas (for example, argon, nitrogen) at 50-170xc2x0 C. for 1 minute to 24 hours.
Incidentally, the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt can be produced by, for example, the method described in WO97/29102.
Production Process IIA
(2.1) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [2a] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [2a] or its salt can be produced by reacting a compound of the general formula [4] or its salt with a dialkoxyborane of the general formula [5a] or an alkoxydiborane of the general formula [5b] in the presence or absence of a base using a palladium catalyst selected from metallic palladium, palladium salts and palladium complexes.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane and the like; ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, anisole, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dimethyl Cellosolve and the like; esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate and the like; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and the like; nitrites such as acetonitrile and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The base which is used, if desired, in this reaction includes, for example, potassium acetate, potassium tert-butoxide, diisopropylethylamine, pyridine, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-7-undecene, tributylamine, triethylamine and the like. The amount of the base used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 3 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [4] or its salt.
The metallic palladium used in this reaction includes, for example, metallic palladium such as palladium-activated carbon, palladium black and the like; the palladium salt includes, for example, inorganic palladium salts such as palladium chloride and the like and organic palladium salts such as palladium acetate and the like; and the palladium complex includes, for example, organic palladium complexes such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride, 1,1xe2x80x2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenepalladium(II) chloride and the like. The amount of a palladium catalyst selected from metallic palladium, palladium salt and palladium complex used may be at least 0.00001 mole, preferably 0.001 to 0.05 mole, per mole of the compound of the general formula [4] or its salt.
The dialkoxyborane which is used in this reaction includes, for example, 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane, catecholborane and the like, and the alkoxydiborane includes, for example, 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl-4xe2x80x2,4xe2x80x2,5xe2x80x2,5xe2x80x2-tetramethyl-140 ,3xe2x80x2,2xe2x80x2-dioxaborolane and the like.
The amount thereof used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1.0 to 1.5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [4] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out in an atmosphere of an inert gas (for example, argon, nitrogen) at 0-150xc2x0 C., preferably 80-110xc2x0 C., for 1-24 hours.
(2.2) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [1] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [1] or its salt can be produced by adding the compound of the general formula [2a] or its salt produced in the above (2.1) without isolation to the reaction mixture and, if necessary, additionally adding a palladium catalyst, adding thereto the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt in the presence or absence of a base in an atmosphere of an inert gas (for example, argon, nitrogen), and further subjecting them to reaction.
When the compounds of the general formulas [2], [2a], [3] and [4] or their salts in the above-mentioned production process have isomers (for example, optical isomers, geometric isomers, tautomers and the like), these isomers can be used, and their solvates, hydrates and crystals of various forms can be used.
Furthermore, the amino groups of the compounds of the general formulas [2], [2a], [3] and [4] or their salts can be previously protected with a conventional protecting group and the protecting group can be removed in a manner known per se after the reaction.
The thus produced compound of the general formula [1] or its salt can be isolated and purified in at least one conventional manner such as extraction, crystallization, column chromatography or the like.
Among the compounds of the general formula [1] produced by the process of this invention, there can be mentioned, as preferable compounds, compounds of the general formula [1] wherein R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group; R3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or an alkyl group; R4is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R5 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and A is CH or Cxe2x80x94R7 in which R7 is a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl or lower alkoxy group. As representative compounds, there are mentioned, for example, the following compounds:
1-cyclopropyl-7-(isoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
8-chloro-1-cyclopropyl-7-(isoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-fluoro-7-(isoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(isoindolin-5-yl)-8-methyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(isoindolin-5-yl)-8-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(isoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(isoindolin-5-yl)-8-trifluoromethyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
7-(7-chloroisoindolin-5-yl)-1-cyclopropyl-8-methyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(7-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(7-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-methyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(7-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(7-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(7-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-trifluoromethyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-methoxy-7-(7-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(2-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-methyl-7-(2-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-methoxy-7-(2-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(2-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(2-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-8-trifluoromethyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(xc2x1)-1-cyclopropyl-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(xc2x1)-1-cyclopropyl-8-methyl-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(+)-1-cyclopropyl-8-methyl-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(xe2x88x92)-1-cyclopropyl-8-methyl-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(xc2x1)-1-cyclopropyl-8-methoxy-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(+)-1-cyclopropyl-8-methoxy-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(xe2x88x92)-1-cyclopropyl-8-methoxy-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(xc2x1)-1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(+)-1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
(xe2x88x92)-1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(1-methylisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-methyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(4-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-trifluoromethyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(6-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(6-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-methyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(6-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(6-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(6-fluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-trifluoromethyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4,7-difluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4,7-difluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-methyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4,7-difluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid,
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4,7-difluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-difluoromethoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid, and
1-cyclopropyl-7-(4,7-difluoroisoindolin-5-yl)-8-difluoromethoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid.
Furthermore, among the compounds of the general formula [2a] produced by the process of this invention, there can be mentioned, as preferable compounds, compounds of the general formula [2a] wherein R3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or an alkyl group; R4 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R5 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and Z is 1,1,2,2-tetramethylethylene, and as representative compounds, there are mentioned, for example, the following compounds:
5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
7-chloro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
7-fluoro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
7-methyl-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
2-methyl-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
1-methyl-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
(xc2x1)-1-methyl-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
(+)-1-methyl-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
(xe2x88x92)-1-methyl-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
4-fluoro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline,
6-fluoro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline, and
4,7-difluoro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)isoindoline.
wherein R4a, R5, R8, R9 and X1 have the same meanings as mentioned above, R5a represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, acyl or aryl group, and R10 represents a hydrogen atom or a carboxyl-protecting group.
The compounds of the general formulas [2b], [4a], [6], [7], [8], [9] and [10] can also be used in the form of salts, and as the salts, there can be mentioned usually known salts at basic groups such as amino group and the like and at acidic groups such as hydroxyl group, carboxyl group and the like. The salt at basic group includes, for example, salts with mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid and the like; salts with organic carboxylic acids such as tartaric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid and the like; and salts with sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, mesitylenesulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid and the like. Furthermore, the salt at acidic group includes, for example, salts with alkali metals such as sodium, potassium and the like; salts with alkaline earth metals such as calcium, magnesium and the like; salts with ammonium; salts with nitrogen-containing organic bases such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, pyridine, N,N-dimethylaniline, N-methylpiperidine, N-methylmorpholine, diethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, procaine, dibenzylamine, N-benzyl-b-phenethylamine, 1-ephenamine, N,Nxe2x80x2-dibenzylethylenediamine and the like; etc.
(1) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [9] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [9] or its salt can be produced by reacting a compound of the general formula [10] or its salt with carbon dioxide, a halogenated formic acid ester or a carbonic acid ester in the presence of a base.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane and the like; ethers such as diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The base which is used in this reaction includes, for example, alkyl metal or aryl metal reagents such as n-butyllithium, tert-butyllithium, phenyllithium, methyllithium and the like; and amide bases such as lithium diisopropylamide, lithium bistrimethylsilylamide and the like.
The halogenated formic acid ester includes, for example, methyl chloroformate, ethyl chloroformate and the like.
The carbonic acid ester includes, for example, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, diphenyl carbonate and the like.
The amounts of the base and carbon dioxide, halogenated formic acid ester or carbonic acid ester used are at least 2 moles, preferably 2 to 3 moles, per mole of the compound of the general formula [10] or its salt.
This reaction may be usually carried out at xe2x88x9270 to 20xc2x0 C., preferably xe2x88x9250 to 0xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The obtained compound of the general formula [9] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
(2) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [8] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [8] or its salt can be produced by subjecting the compound of the general formula [9] or its salt to halogenation reaction.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, carboxylic acids such as acetic acid and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride and the like; inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and the like; water; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The halogenating agent which is used in this reaction includes, for example, halogens such as chlorine, bromine, iodine and the like; organic halogen compounds such as N-bromosuccinimide, halogenated isocyanuric acids such as sodium N-bromoisocyanurate and the like; etc.
The amount of the halogenating agent used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 1.5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [9] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out at xe2x88x9210 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 0 to 30xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The obtained compound of the general formula [8] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
(3) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [4a] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt can be produced by reducing the compound of the general formula [8] or its salt to produce a compound of the general formula [6] or its salt and thereafter subjecting the compound of the general formula [6] or its salt to ring-closing reaction or alternatively by ring-closing the compound [8] or its salt to produce a compound of the general formula [7] or its salt and thereafter subjecting the compound of the general formula [7] or its salt to reduction reaction.
The solvent which is used in this reduction reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and the like; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like; nitrites such as acetonitrile and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; water; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The reducing agent which is used in this reaction includes, for example, alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium and the like; alkaline earth metals such as magnesium, calcium and the like; metals and their salts such as zinc, aluminum, chromium, titanium, iron, samarium, selenium, sodium hydrosulfite and the like; metal hydrides such as diisobutylaluminum hydride, trialkylaluminum hydride, tin hydride compound, hydrosilane and the like; borohydride complex compounds such as sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, potassium borohydride, calcium borohydride and the like; aluminum hydride complex compounds such as lithium aluminum hydride and the like, etc.; boranes; alkylboranes; and the like.
The amount of the reducing agent used in this reaction is varied depending upon the kind of the reducing agent; however, at least 0.25 mole is required and, for example, in the case of the boron hydride complex compound, the above amount is at least 0.25 mole, preferably 0.25 to 2 moles, per mole of the compound of the general formula [8] or [7] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out usually at xe2x88x9220 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 0 to 50xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The solvent which is used in this ring-closing reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like; nitrites such as acetonitrile and the like, amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; water; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
When the compound of the general formula [8] or its salt is subjected to ring-closing reaction to produce a compound of the general formula [7] or its salt, or when the compound of the general formula [6] or its salt is subjected to activation of its hydroxyl group and thereafter to ring-closing reaction to produce a compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt, the base which is if desired used includes, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium tert-butoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydride and the like, and the amount of the base used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 1.5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [8] or [6] or its salt.
Furthermore, as the catalyst which is if desired used, a usually known phase transfer catalyst of quaternary ammonium salt is used; however, preferable are tetra-n-butylammonium bromide, tetra-n-butylammonium hydrogen-sulfate and the like. The amount of the catalyst used is 0.01 to 0.2 mole per mole of the compound of the formula [8] or [6] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out at usually 0 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 0 to 30xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The obtained compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
(4) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [2b] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt can be produced by subjecting the compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt to borodation.
Specifically, according to, for example, the method described in Jikken Kagaku Koza, 4th edition, Vol. 24, pages 61-90 (1992), it can be obtained by subjecting a compound of the formula [4b] or its salt to lithiation or Grignard reaction and thereafter to reaction with a trialkyl borate.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane and the like; ethers such as diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The lithiating agent which is used in this reaction includes, for example, alkyl metal reagents such as n-butyllithium, tert-butyllithium, phenyllithium, methyllithium and the like; and amide bases such as lithium diisopropylamide, lithium bistrimethylsilylamide and the like. Moreover, the Grignard reagent can be obtained by reacting metallic magnesium with the compound represented by the general formula [4a] or its salt.
The trialkyl borate which is used in this reaction includes, for example, trimethyl borate, triethyl borate, triisopropyl borate, tributyl borate and the like.
The amount of the lithionizing agent, metallic magnesium or trialkyl borate used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 2 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out usually at xe2x88x9270 to 50xc2x0 C., preferably xe2x88x9260 to 0xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The obtained compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
The thus obtained compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt can be subjected to, for example, protection or deprotection to be converted to the other compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt.
When the compounds of the general formula [2b], [4a], [6], [7], [8], [9] and [10] or their salts in the above-mentioned production process have isomers (for example, optical isomers, geometrical isomers, tautomers and the like), these isomers can be used, and their solvates, hydrates and crystals of various forms can also be used.
When the compounds of the general formulas [4a], [6], [7], [8], [9] and [10] or their salts have an amino group, a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, it is also possible to previously protect these groups with a conventional protecting group and remove the protecting group after the reaction in a manner known per se.
Next, the process for producing a compound of the general formula [1a] or its salt using the compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt as the starting material is explained.
Production Process IIB
wherein R1, R2, R4a, R5, R6, R8, R9, X3 and A have the same meanings as mentioned above.
The compound of the general formula [1a] or its salt can be obtained by subjecting a compound of the general formula [3b] or its salt and the compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt to coupling reaction using a palladium complex catalyst in the presence or absence of a base.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane and the like; ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, anisole, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dimethyl Cellosolve and the like; esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate and the like; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and the like; nitrites such as acetonitrile and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The base which is used, if desired, in this reaction includes, for example, sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, triethylamine and the like.
The palladium complex catalyst which is used in this reaction includes, for example, inorganic palladium salts such as palladium chloride and the like; organic palladium salts such as palladium acetate and the like; and organic palladium complexes such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride, 1,1xe2x80x2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenepalladium(II) chloride and the like.
The amount of the compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1.0 to 1.5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [3b] or its salt.
This coupling reaction may be carried out usually in an atmosphere of an inert gas (for example, argon, nitrogen) at 50 to 170xc2x0 C. for 1 minute to 24 hours.
The salt of the compound of the general formula [1a] includes, for example, the same salts as those mentioned as to the compounds of the general formulas [2b], [4a], [6], [7], [8], [9] and [10].
The compound of the general formula [3b] or its salt can be produced by, for example, the method described in WO97/29102.
Production Process IIIA
wherein R4a, R5 and X1 have the same meanings as mentioned above; R5b, R5c and R5d may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group; and Y represents a leaving group.
The leaving group for Y includes, for example, halogen atoms; lower alkylsulfonyloxy groups such as methylsulfonyloxy, ethylsulfonyloxy, isopropylsulfonyloxy and the like; arylsulfonyloxy groups such as phenylsulfonyloxy, naphthylsulfonyloxy and the like; etc.
Furthermore, as the alkyl groups for R5b, R5c and R5d, lower alkyl groups such as methyl group and the like are preferable.
The compounds of the general formulas [12] and [11] can also be converted to their salts, and as the salts, there can be mentioned usually known salts at basic groups such as amino group and the like. As the salts at the basic groups, there can be mentioned, for example, salts with mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid and the like; salts with organic carboxylic acids such as tartaric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid and the like; salts with sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, mesitylenesulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid and the like; etc.
Furthermore, the salts of the compounds of the general formulas [6] and [4a] in the present production process include the same salts as mentioned as to Production Process IIA.
(1) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [6] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [6] or its salt can be produced by reacting the compound of the general formula [12] or its salt with a formaldehyde or its derivative in the presence of an aryllithium.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane and the like; ethers such as diethyl ether, n-dibutyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The aryllithium which is used in this invention includes, for example, phenyllithium, biphenyllithium, naphthyllithium and the like.
The formaldehyde or its derivative includes, for example, formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, trioxane and the like.
The amounts of the aryllithium and the formaldehyde or its derivative used are at least 2 moles, preferably 2 to 5 moles, per mole of the compound of the general formula [12] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out at usually xe2x88x9270 to 50xc2x0 C., preferably xe2x88x9230 to 30xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The obtained compound of the general formula [6] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
Moreover, the amino-protecting group may be subjected to elimination reaction after the reaction and a new amino-protecting group may be introduced.
(2) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [11] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [11] or its salt can be produced by reacting the compound of the general formula [6] or its salt with a halogenating agent, a sulfonylating agent or the like in the presence or absence of a base.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform and the like; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, dioxane and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide and the like; esters such as ethyl acetate and the like; nitrites such as acetonitrile and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
Moreover, the base which is used, if necessary, includes, for example, organic and inorganic bases such as triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), pyridine, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydride and the like.
The halogenating agent includes, for example, phosphorus oxychloride, phosphorous oxybromide, phosphorus trichloride, phosphorus pentachloride, thionyl chloride and the like.
The sulfonylating agent includes, for example, methanesulfonyl chloride, p-toluenesulfonyl chloride and the like.
The amount of the halogenating agent or sulfonylating agent used and the amount of the base which is used, if necessary, are at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [6] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out at usually xe2x88x9210 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 0 to 50xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The salt of the obtained compound of the general formula [11] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
(3) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [4a] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt can be produced by subjecting the compound of the general formula [11] or its salt to ring-closing reaction in the presence of a base and in the presence or absence of a catalyst.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and the like; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, di-n-butyl ether and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform and the like; nitrites such as acetonitrile and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; water; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The base which is used in this reaction includes, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydride and the like.
As the catalyst which is used, if necessary, there are used phase transfer catalysts of usually known quaternary ammonium salts. However, preferably, there are mentioned tetra-n-butylammonium bromide, tetra-n-butylammonium hydrogensulfate and the like.
The amount of the base used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 10 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [11] or its salt, and the amount of the catalyst which is used, if necessary, is 0.01 to 0.2 mole per mole of the compound of the general formula [11] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out at usually 0 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 0 to 40xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
Furthermore, if necessary, after the removal of the protecting group of R5, a new protecting group may be introduced into the compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt taking the subsequent production route into consideration.
When the compounds of the general formulas [4a], [6], [11] and [12] or their salts in the above-mentioned production process have isomers (for example, optical isomers, geometrical isomers, tautomers and the like), these isomers can be used. Also, solvates, hydrates and crystals of various forms can be used.
Moreover, when the compounds of the general formulas [4a], [6], [11] and [12] or their salts have an amino group, a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, it is possible to previously protect these groups with a conventional protecting group and remove the protecting group after the reaction in a manner known per se.
Next, a process for producing a compound of the general formula [1a] or its salt using the compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt as the starting material is explained.
Production Process IIIB
wherein R1, R2, R4a, R5, R6, R8, R9, A, X1 and X have the same meanings as mentioned above.
(1) Process for Pproducing Compound of the General Formula [2b] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt can be produced by subjecting the compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt to borodation.
Specifically, it can be obtained by subjecting the compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt to lithiation or Grignard reaction according to, for example, the method described in Jikken Kagaku Koza, 4th edition, Vol. 24, pages 61-90 (1992), and thereafter to reaction with trialkyl borate.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane and the like; ethers such as diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The lithiating agent which is used in this reaction includes, for example, alkyl metal or aryl metal reagents such as n-butyllithium, tert-butyllithium, phenyllithium, methyllithium and the like; and amide bases such as lithium diisopropylamide, lithium bistrimethyl-silylamide and the like. Moreover, the Grignard reagent can be obtained by reacting metallic magnesium with the compound represented by the formula [4a] or its salt.
The trialkyl borate which is used in this reaction includes, for example, trimethyl borate, triethyl borate, triisopropyl borate, tributyl borate and the like.
The amounts of the lithiating agent, metallic magnesium and trialkyl borate used are at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 2 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [4a] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out at usually xe2x88x9270 to 50xc2x0 C., preferably xe2x88x9260 to 0xc2x0 C., for 10 minutes to 24 hours.
The obtained compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
(2) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [la] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [1a] or its salt can be obtained by subjecting the compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt and the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt to coupling reaction using a palladium catalyst in the presence or absence of a base.
The solvent which is used in this reaction is not particularly limited as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane and the like; ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, anisole, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether and the like; esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate and the like; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and the like; nitriles such as acetonitrile and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The base which is used, if desired, in this reaction includes, for example, sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, triethylamine and the like, and the amount of the base used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 2 to 5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt.
Moreover, the palladium catalyst which is used in this reaction includes, for example, metallic palladium such as palladium-activated carbon, palladium black and the like; inorganic palladium salts such as palladium chloride and the like; organic palladium salts such as palladium acetate and the like; and organic palladium complexes such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride, 1,1xe2x80x2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenepalladium(II) chloride and the like.
The amount of the palladium catalyst used is at least 0.00001 mole, preferably 0.001 to 0.05 mole, per mole of the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt.
The amount of the compound of the general formula [2b] or its salt used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1.0 to 1.5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [3] or its salt.
This coupling reaction may be carried out usually in an atmosphere of an inert gas (for example, argon, nitrogen) at 50 to 170xc2x0 C. for 1 minute to 24 hours.
The salts of the compounds of the general formulas [1a], [2b] and [3] in Production Process IIIB include the same salts as explained above.
The compound of the general formula [3] or its salt can be produced by, for example, the method described in WO97/29102.
Production Process IVA
wherein R1b, R2a and R7a have the same meanings as mentioned above; R1a represents a carboxyl-protecting group; and X represents a halogen atom.
As the compounds of the general formulas [3a] and [13] to [19] can be converted to their salts, and as these salts, there can be mentioned usually known salts at basic groups such as amino group and the like and at acidic groups such as hydroxyl group, carboxyl group and the like. The salts at the basic groups include, for example, salts with mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid and the like; salts with organic carboxylic acids such as tartaric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid and the like; and salts with sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, mesitylenesulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid and the like. Also, the salts at the acidic groups include, for example, salts with alkali metals such as sodium, potassium and the like; salts with alkaline earth metals such as calcium, magnesium and the like; salts with ammonium; salts with nitrogen-containing organic bases such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, pyridine, N,N-dimethylaniline, N-methylpiperidine, N-methylmorpholine, diethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, procaine, dibenzylamine, N-benzyl-b-phenethylamine, 1-ephenamine, N,Nxe2x80x2-dibenzylethylenediamine and the like; etc.
(1) Process for Producing Compound of the Ceneral Formula [15] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [15] or its salt can be produced by reacting a compound of the general formula [13] or its salt with a compound of the general formula [14] in the presence or absence of a base.
The solvent which is used in this reaction may be any solvent as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; ethers such as diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; nitrites such as acetonitrile and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide and the like; water; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture. Moreover, when water is used as the solvent, the use of a usually known phase transfer catalyst is effective.
The phase transfer catalyst used includes, for example, quaternary ammonium salts such as tetramethylammonium bromide, tetrabutylammonium bromide, tetrabutylammonium chloride, tetrabutylammonium hydrogensulfate and the like. When the phase transfer catalyst is used, the amount thereof used is at least 0.1 mole, preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mole, per mole of the compound of the general formula [13] or its salt.
As the base which is used, if desired, there are mentioned sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydride and the like.
The amounts of the base and the compound of the general formula [14] used is each at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 10 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [13] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out usually at 0 to 180xc2x0 C. for 5 minutes to 30 hours.
The obtained compound of the general formula [15] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
(2) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [16] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [16] or its salt can be obtained by subjecting the compound of the general formula [15] or its salt to conventional elimination reaction of carboxyl-protecting group.
(3) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [17] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [17] or its salt can be obtained by subjecting the compound of the general formula [16] or its salt to ketoesterification reaction usually known in this field.
(3-a) The compound of the general formula [17] or its salt can be obtained by activating the carboxyl group of the compound of the general formula [16] or its salt according to the method described in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., Vol. 18, page 72 (1979), for example, by converting the carboxyl group to an active acid amide form or the like using N,Nxe2x80x2-carbonyldiimidazole, and thereafter reacting the activated species with a magnesium salt of a malonic acid monoester.
The solvent which is used in this reaction is not particularly limited as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane and the like; and amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The amount of the magnesium salt of a malonic acid monoester used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 2 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [16] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out at usually 0 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 10 to 80xc2x0 C., for 5 minutes to 30 hours.
(3-b) Alternatively, the compound of the general formula [17] or its salt can be obtained by, for example, converting the carboxyl group of the compound of the general formula [16] or its salt to an acid halide using a halogenating agent such as thionyl chloride or the like, thereafter reacting the acid halide with a salt of a malonic acid diester with a metal such as sodium, ethoxy-magnesium or the like, and then subjecting the reaction product to partial removal of the carboxyl-protecting group and decarbonization reaction using p-toluenesulfonic acid or trifluoroacetic acid in a water-containing solvent.
The solvent which is used in the reaction of the acid halide with the metal salt of a malonic acid diester is not particularly limited as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and specifically includes the same solvents as in (3-a) above.
The amount of the metal salt of a malonic acid diester used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 3 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [16] or its salt.
This reaction may be carried out usually at xe2x88x9250 to 100xc2x0 C. for 5 minutes to 30 hours.
(4) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [19] or its Salt
(4-a) The compound of the general formula [19] or its salt can be obtained by reacting the compound of the general formula [17] or its salt with an orthoester such as methyl orthoformate, ethyl orthoformate or the like in acetic anhydride and thereafter reacting the reaction product with a compound of the general formula [18] or its salt.
The solvent which is used in this reaction is not particularly limited as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and include, for example, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, anisole, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, methyl Cellosolve and the like; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The amount of the orthoester used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 10 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [17] or its salt. These reactions may be carried out at usually 0 to 150xc2x0 C., preferably 50 to 150xc2x0 C., for 20 minutes to 50 hours.
In order to subsequently react the compound of the general formula [18] or its salt, it is sufficient to use this compound of the general formula [18] or its salt in an amount at least equal to the molar amount of the compound of the general formula [17] or its salt and it is sufficient to carry out the reaction at usually 0 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 10 to 60xc2x0 C., for 20 minutes to 30 hours.
(4-b) Alternatively, the compound of the general formula [19] or its salt can also be derived by reacting the compound of the general formula [17] or its salt with an acetal such as N,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal, N,N-dimethylformamide diethylacetal or the like in the presence or absence of an acid anhydride such as acetic anhydride or the like and thereafter reacting the reaction product with the compound of the general formula [18] or its salt.
When the acid anhydride is used, the amount thereof used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1 to 5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [17] or its salt.
The solvent which is used in this reaction is not particularly limited as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and specifically includes the same solvents as in (4-a) above.
The amount of the acetal used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably about 1 to 5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [17] or its salt.
These reactions may be carried out at usually 0 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 20 to 85xc2x0 C., for 20 minutes to 50 hours.
In order to subsequently react the compound of the general formula [18] or its salt, it is sufficient to use this compound of the general formula [18] or its salt in an amount at least equal to the molar amount of the compound of the general formula [17] or its salt and it is sufficient to carry out the reaction at usually 0 to 100xc2x0 C., preferably 10 to 60xc2x0 C. for 20 minutes to 30 hours.
(5) Process for Producing Compound of the General Formula [3a] or its Salt
The compound of the general formula [3a] or its salt can be obtained by subjecting a compound of the general formula [19] or its salt to ring-closing reaction in the presence or absence of a fluoride salt or a base.
The solvent which is used in this reaction is not particularly limited as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; ethers such as dioxane, anisole, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, dimethyl Cellosolve and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and the like; water; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The fluoride salt which is used, if desired, in this reaction includes, for example, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride and the like.
The base which is used, if desired, in this reaction includes, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydride and the like.
The amounts of the fluoride salt and base used is each at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1.0 to 3.0 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [19] or its salt. This reaction may be carried out usually at 0 to 180xc2x0 C. for 5 minutes to 30 hours.
The obtained compound of the general formula [3a] or its salt may be used as it is without isolation in the subsequent reaction.
The thus obtained compound of the general formula [3a] or its salt can be converted to the other compounds of the general formula [3a] or their salts by subjecting the former to protection reaction and/or deprotection reaction.
When the salts of the compounds of the general formulas [3a] and [13] to [19] or their salts in the above-mentioned production process have isomers (for example, optical isomers, geometrical isomers, tautomers and the like), these isomers can be used, and solvates, hydrates and crystals of various forms can also be used.
Furthermore, when the compounds of the general formulas [3a] and [13] to [19] or their salts have an amino group, a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, it is possible to previously protect these groups with a conventional protecting group and remove the protecting group after the reaction in a manner known per se.
Next, a process for producing a compound of the general formula [lb] or its salt using the compound of the general formula [3a] or its salt as the starting material is explained.
wherein R1, R1b, R2a, R3, R4, R5, R7a, R8 and R9 have the same meanings as mentioned above.
The compound of the general formula [1b] or its salt can be produced by subjecting the compound of the general formula [2] or its salt and the compound of the general formula [3a] or its salt to coupling reaction using a palladium catalyst in the presence or absence of a base.
The solvent which is used in this reaction is not particularly limited as far as it does not adversely affect the reaction, and includes, for example, water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and the like; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and the like; halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, dichloroethane and the like; ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, anisole, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, dimethyl Cellosolve and the like; esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate and the like; ketones such as acetone,.methyl ethyl ketone and the like; nitriles such as acetonitrile and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide and the like; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and the like; etc. These solvents may be used in admixture.
The base which is used, if desired, in this reaction includes, for example, sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, triethylamine and the like.
The palladium catalyst which is used in this reaction includes, for example, metallic palladiums such as palladium-activated carbon, palladium black and the like; inorganic palladium salts such as palladium chloride and the like; organic palladium salts such as palladium acetate and the like; and organic palladium complexes such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride, 1,1xe2x80x2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenepalladium(II) chloride and the like.
The amount of the palladium catalyst used is at least 0.01% by mole, preferably 0.1 to 1.0% by mole, based on the amount of the compound of the general formula [3a] or its salt.
The amount of the compound of the general formula [2] or its salt used is at least equal to the molar amount of, preferably 1.0 to 1.5 moles per mole of, the compound of the general formula [3a] or its salt.
This coupling reaction may be carried out usually in an atmosphere of an inert gas (for example, argon, nitrogen) at 50 to 170xc2x0 C. for 1 minute to 24 hours.
The salts of the compound of the general formula [1b] include the same salts as the above-mentioned salts of the compounds of the general formulas [3a] and [13] to [19].
The compound of the general formula [2] or its salt can be produced by, for example, the method described in WO97/29102 and the above Production Processes IB and IIA.
The salts of the compound of the general formula [2] include the same salts as the above-mentioned salts of the compounds of the general formulas [3a] and [13] to [19].
In order to produce (R)-1-cyclopropyl-8-difluoromethoxy-7-(1-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-5-isoindolyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid (T-3811) methanesulfonate, it is sufficient to produce the same by a usually known process for producing a salt of a compound. Specifically, T-3811 methanesulfonate can be obtained by suspending or dissolving T-3811 in, for example, an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol or the like; N,N-dimethylformamide; a methanol-ether mixed solvent; or the like, adding methanesulfonic acid to the resulting suspension or solution to react with T-3811.
Moreover, T-3811 methanesulfonate can also be produced by dehydrating T-3811 methanesulfonate monohydrate in a solvent, for example, an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol or the like; N,N-dimethylformamide; a methanolether mixed solvent; or the like.
In order to produce T-3811 methanesulfonate monohydrate, it is sufficient to produce the same by a usually known method for producing a hydrate of salt of a compound. Specifically, T-3811 methanesulfonate monohydrate can be produced by, for example, suspending or dissolving T-3811 in a water-containing alcohol such as water-containing ethanol, water-containing isopropanol or the like; water-containing acetonitrile; water-containing acetone; water-containing tetrahydrofuran; water-containing acetic acid; water-containing N,N-dimethylformamide; water; or the like, adding methanesulfonic acid to the resulting suspension or solution to react with T-3811.
When T-3811 methanesulfonate or its monohydrate is used as an active ingredient to prepare a composition thereof with an inactive ingredient, it is preferable to prepare a preparation composition in which the inactive ingredient is a carrier acceptable as preparation.
The carrier acceptable as preparation which is used in this invention includes specifically excipients such as lactose, corn starch, crystalline cellulose, mannitol, erythritol, sucrose and the like; disintegrators such as sodium carboxymethyl starch, calcium carmellose, sodium croscarmellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose of a low substitution degree, crospovidone and the like; binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone, methyl cellulose and the like; lubricants such as magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, light anhydrous silicic acid and the like; coating agents such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, methacrylic acid copolymer, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose acetate succinate and the like; plasticizers such as macrogol, glycerine triacetate, triethyl citrate and the like; coloring agents such as iron sesquioxide, yellow iron sesquioxide, food yellow No. 5, titanium oxide and the like; sweetening agents such as sodium saccharate, aspartame, hydrogenated maltose starch and the like; viscosity improvers such as gelatine, sodium alginate and the like; tonicity agents such as mannitol, glucose, xylitol and the like; pH-adjusting agents such as methanesulfonic acid, sodium lactate solution and the like; solvents such as water for injection and the like; surface active agents such as polysorbate 80, sorbitan aliphatic acid ester, macrogol 400 and the like; ointment bases such as white vaseline, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, cetanol and the like; etc.
Furthermore, the amount of the T-3811 methanesulfonate or its monohydrate contained in the composition is usually 0.05 to 70% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 20% by weight, based on the weight of the composition.
The composition of this invention can be prepared in various dosage forms, for example, internal solid and liquid dosage forms such as tablet, capsule, granule, pilule, grain, powder, syrup and the like; solutions such as injection, eye drop and the like; hemi-solid dosage forms such as ointment, cream, gel, jelly and the like.
The dosage regimen, dose and number of administrations of the composition of this invention can be appropriately selected depending upon the symptom of patient, and it is usually sufficient to administer the composition in a proportion of 0.1 to 100 mg/kg per day per adult in terms of T-3811 in one to several portions.
Next, the solubility of various salts of T-3811 is explained.
The solubility of each salt of T-3811 was determined by the following method:
To about 50 mg of each salt of T-3811 is added 2 ml of distilled water and they are stirred and mixed. This sample solution is exposed to ultrasonic wave irradiation (SOLID STATE 1,200, Cho-onpa Kogyo) in cold water for 3 hours and then filtered through a filter with a pore size of 0.45-xcexcm (MILLEX-HV13, MILLIPORE). The T-3811 content in this filtrate is determined by a liquid chromatography.
The results obtained are shown in Table 1. | {
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In the preparation of tacos, a type of Latin-American dish in some ways related to a sandwich, it is necessary to bend a tortilla about its diameter to a generally U-shaped configuration, and to fry this tortilla in this configuration so that it becomes a crisp and edible shell. It is possible to fry a tortilla in this general shape using a common type pan, such as the skillet, and using a hand-manipulated instrument such as a fork. This general type of procedure is somewhat disadvantageous for several reasons. One of these is that it is comparatively difficult to adequately hold a tortilla to its desired final shape during the frying operation. Another disadvantage of this essentially manual procedure is that an individual carrying out the process of frying the tortilla is apt to become burned with splattering grease or the like. It is also comparatively difficult to remove the cooked taco shell from a pan once the frying operation has been completed.
In order to simplify the frying of tortillas for tacos a number of different types of tortilla holders have been heretofore developed. These devices tend to be undesirable because of a number of different factors. Frequently these devices are comparatively complex and, hence, are comparatively expensive when sold. Also, frequently these tortilla holders are mechanically somewhat complex to operate. The average individual preparing tacos desires to use a tortilla holder which is as simple to operate as possible. Further, many of the prior tortilla holders are disadvantageous because of problems pertaining to the manner in which a tortilla is held in place with them, and pertaining to the manner in which a tortilla is removed from them while the tortilla itself is exceedingly hot immediately following the frying operation.
Another disadvantage of the prior tortilla cooking and forming devices is that they generally require frying in a deep-sided pan. While deep-fat frying is entirely practical in commercial establishments where the volume warrants the use of deep-fat frying apparatus, quite often it is desirable to prepare the tortillas into taco shells in a much smaller scale, such as in the home. | {
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Simple Network Protocol Management (SNMP) provides a simple protocol for managing devices in a network. FIG. 1 illustrates a network management station 120 communicating with agents 124 in managed devices 126 via an SNMP protocol. The network management station 120 executes network management applications 122 that monitor and control the managed devices 126. The interface 128 allows users 130, such as network administrators, to access the network management station 120.
The managed devices 126 have agents 124, which are typically software modules that collect and store management information and provide an interface between the network management station 120 and the managed device(s) 126. The network management station 120 and the agents 124 communicate via a simple set of commands and employ a Management Information Sase (MIS) 132. A MIS 132 describes various managed objects associated with its managed device 126. To retrieve or modify information, the network management station 120 sends a request to the managed device 126, identifying a managed object in the MIS 132.
Principals may make requests to access the managed objects via the network management station. A principal may be a user acting in a particular role, a set of users each acting in a particular role, an application, a set of applications, or a combination of these. SNMP has an access control mechanism that controls the access privileges a principal has to managed objects. For example, one principal may only have read access to certain managed objects, while another principal may have read/write access to those managed objects. Furthermore, access control may be used in connection with SNMP notification messages.
SNMP has a specification for an engine that comprises an access control subsystem that checks whether a specific type of access (e.g., read, write, notify) to a particular managed object (instance) is allowed. The access control subsystem may use an access control model that specifies sets of access control rules that pertain to respective groups of principals. In the SNMP viewbased access control model (VACM), a group is a set of principals that have certain access privileges to managed objects. In an SNMP view-based access control model, the combination of a securityModel and a securityName maps to at most one group. A securityName is the principal on whose behalf access is requested and a securityModel is a security model under which access is requested. Some SNMP access control models are known as “view-based.” However, other than “view-based” models are contemplated.
The relative simplicity of SNMP has led to its proliferation. However, SNMP's simplicity constrains its flexibility and functionality. For example, an ultimate determination of access to a managed object may involve additional factors to those already discussed, including: securityLevel (Level of Security under which access is requested), viewType (view to be checked (read, write or notify)), contextName (context in which access is requested), and variableName (object instance to which access is requested). Because many factors are involved in determining access to a managed object in a networked device, it would be possible for complexity to increase greatly if individual portions of the overall process are made even slightly more complex. Moreover, it is difficult to foresee where a benefit of adding complexity to the process may outweigh a cost of the added complexity.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and system for management of networked devices that is simple and flexible. It would be advantageous if this method and system were compatible with an SNMP protocol. | {
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The present invention is directed to the field of dispersion compensation as applied to co-transmitted optical signals having different wavelengths, in optical communications networks.
In optical communications networks set up in known methods heretofore, one installed, almost exclusively, standard single-mode fibers having an attenuation of about 0.4 dB/km and a dispersion minimum at 1310 nm.
To an increasing degree, the wavelength range of around 1550 nm is used for optical communications. This is due to the lower attenuation of approximately 0.2 dB/km, the increasing use of wavelength division-multiplex transmission, and the availability of a virtually perfected optical-fiber light amplifier, the EDFA (erbium doped fiber amplifier), which can be used to amplify several channels simultaneously within a broad range of around 1550 nm.
One deficiency of the above approach is that the transmission bandwidth and the amplifier distances are limited by the high dispersion of standard single-mode fibers of about 17 ps/nmxc3x97km at 1550 nm. Therefore, for longer transmission routes and bandwidths in the Gb/s range, it is necessary to install dispersion-compensating elements.
It is generally known to use dispersion-compensating fibers (DCF) which exhibit a high negative dispersion. xe2x88x92100 ps/nmxc3x97km is given as a typical value for the dispersion of a DCF. Accordingly, 17 km of DCF are needed to compensate for the dispersion of a 100 km long standard single-mode fiber. The compensation fibers are wound onto spools, which must be at least 10 cm in diameter to avoid loss of curvature. There are several drawbacks associated with using a dispersion-compensating fiber DCF for dispersion compensation:
A substantial length of a relatively expensive, special fiber is needed.
The fiber spool has large dimensions. This can lead to problems in line repeater stations or in cable jointing chambers, particularly when working with multi-core optical cables.
A supplementary attenuation is added. Due to their special core structure, dispersion-compensating fibers exhibit an attenuation of about 0.5 dB/km, i.e., a fiber length of 17 km yields an attenuation of about 9dB.
The above described properties and possible applications of dispersion-compensating fibers DCF, as well as the wavelength division-multiplex transmission and optical-fiber light amplifiers are described in detail in xe2x80x9cOptische Telekommunikationssystemexe2x80x9d by H. Hultzsch, Damm Publishers, Gelsenkirchen (1996) p. 123 and pp. 296-298.
Another dispersion compensation method is based on the use of optical fiber gratings (see likewise in xe2x80x9cOptische Telekommunikationssystemexe2x80x9d by H. Hultzsch, Damm Publishers, Gelsenkirchen (1996) pp. 152-153). However, optical fiber gratings of about one meter length are required to compensate for dispersion over broad wavelength ranges, e.g., the EDFA range of 1530 nm-1570 nm. The manufacturing of very long optical fiber gratings having the necessary tolerances with respect to the grating constants and the requisite long-term stability is expensive and is still in the development stage.
The technical objective of the present invention is directed to an economical approach that requires little overall space to compensate for the dispersion of co-transmitted optical signals having different wavelengths xcex.
The achievement of the objective in accordance with the present invention is based on the use of photonic crystals Photonic crystals are periodic arrays of dielectric materials having high and low dielectric constants, alternately disposed as one-, two-, or three-dimensional gratings having periods of xcex/3 and rod or cubic diameters of xcex/6. See J. D. Joannopoulus et al.: Photonic Crystals: Molding the Flow of Light, ISBN 0-691-03744-2 (1995).
In accordance with the present invention, co-transmitted optical signals of different wavelengths which, after propagating through a line section, exhibit dispersion-induced transit-time differences, are coupled via an optical fiber input E into an arrangement configured as a network, which is made up of photonic crystals K1 through Kn positioned one after another on an optical waveguide 2. Photonic crystals K1 through Kn are, therefore, optically connected to one another. Photonic crystals K1 through Kn are formed in such a way that they reflect or divert signals of a specific wavelength and allow signals having other wavelengths to pass through, unattenuated. For example, the formation of first photonic crystal K1 is such that it exclusively reflects the signals of a first wavelength. Optical signals of other wavelengths pass through photonic crystal K1, unattenuated, and are coupled into the downstream photonic crystal K2. Of those signals transmitted through first photonic crystal K1, the subsequent, second photonic crystal K2 reflects, in turn, only those signals having a second wavelength. It likewise permits the signals having other wavelengths to pass through. In accordance with this principle, the signal continues to be passed on by a photonic crystal to a further photonic crystal until the signals of all wavelengths have been reflected by photonic crystals K1 through Kn assigned to them.
Since the positive dispersion value of the signals coupled into the optical fiber input is known for the individual wavelengths, path lengths, which are afflicted by negative dispersion in the array made up of successively ordered photonic crystals K1 through Kn, are defined in accordance with the individual wavelengths, are dimensionally designed to alter or completely cancel the dispersion differences of the signals of the individual wavelengths. Before the signal of a defined wavelength is reflected in one of the successively ordered photonic crystals K1-Kn, it has already traveled a path length up to the element reflecting the defined wavelength in the photonic crystal and acted upon by such a negative dispersion This path length is defined by the distance between optical fiber input E and the reflecting mirror in photonic crystal K1 through Kn in question.
The dispersion-compensated signals of different wavelengths reflected by the photonic crystals are again coupled into a shared optical fiber output A to be retransmitted by a suitable module, such as an optical circulator 1.
The method of the present invention shall now be explained in greater detail on the basis of five exemplary embodiments.
Assuming the case where optical signals transmitted with different wavelengths xcexi, e.g., three wavelengths xcexi, xcexi+1, xcexi+2, exhibit dispersion-induced transit-time differences after propagating through a line section, the specific embodiments are especially directed to once again compensating for these transit-time differences. However, these approaches also include the option of setting a predistortion including defined transit-time differences for the signals of the individual wavelengths, for example for the wavelengths xcex1, xcexi+1, xcexi+2.
FIG. 1 depicts an arrangement for compensating for dispersion, where the optical signals afflicted by transit-time differences are coupled via a shared optical fiber input E into an optical circulator 1. The optical signals afflicted by transit-time differences are coupled by optical circulator 1 into a module made up of photonic crystals KS1 through KSn which are disposed one after another as selective reflection filters on a waveguide 2.
In this context, each of photonic crystals KS1 through KSn is tuned to only reflect the signals having a specific wavelength of those signals coupled in via optical circulator 1, but to allow the signals of the other wavelengths to pass through. It, is the actual transit-time difference of the signals of the particular wavelength that determines which photonic crystal KS1 through KSn is designed as a reflection filter for which wavelength. The greater the transit-time difference is, the longer the optical path must also be that the signal needs to travel until complete dispersion compensation is attained.
This path can be precisely calculated. In one exemplary embodiment including, for example, three different wavelengths, this would signify that photonic crystal KS1 only reflects the signals of wavelength i to optical circulator 1. The light of wavelengths xcexi+1, xcexi+2 is transmitted through photonic crystal KS1, unattenuated, to photonic crystal KS2. Photonic crystal KS2 is tuned to only reflect the signals of wavelength xcexi+1. The signals of wavelength xcexi+2 pass through, unattenuated, to photonic crystal KS3. Photonic crystal KS3 is tuned to only reflect the signals of wavelength xcexi+2. Consequently, all signals coupled in via optical circulator 1 are re-reflected to optical circular 1. The now dispersion-compensated signals having the three wavelengths xcex1, xcexi+1, and xcexi+2 are again coupled by optical circulator 1 into the shared, optical fiber output A, and retransmitted via appropriate downstream devices.
FIG. 2 illustrates the transmission as a function of the wavelength for the three photonic crystals KS1-KS3 designed as selective reflection filters.
The specific embodiment pictured in FIG. 3 differs from the approach according to FIG. 1 in that tunable dispersion shifters NLO1-NLOn are additionally interposed in waveguides 2 between photonic crystals KS1-KSn designed as selective reflection filters. The tunable dispersion shifters NLO1-NLOn make further dispersion compensation possible in addition to the fixed path distances encumbered by negative dispersion. In this context, dispersion shifters NLO1-NLOn are preferably tuned to enable the sum of fixed and adjustable dispersion shifting to compensate for the dispersion differences among the individual wavelengths.
If The dispersion-compensating arrangement reproduced in FIG. 4 is directed to a specific embodiment that functions without optical circulator 1. In this example, photonic crystals KD1 through KDn are tuned to deflect signals of a particular wavelength. Photonic crystals KD1 through KDn, which are successively ordered on waveguide 2, are specifically designed as drop filters, which laterally deflect optical signals of a desired wavelength out of waveguide 2 and allow optical signals of other wavelengths to pass through to the downstream photonic crystal. The signals, which are filtered out laterally in dependence upon their wavelength by photonic crystals KD1 through KDn designed as drop filters, are optically transmitted via waveguide sections to photonic crystals KA1 through KAn designed as adders and are mutually coupled again via optical fiber output A to be further transmitted. The described arrangement eliminates the need for optical circulator 1 that is still required in the first exemplary embodiment. The signals of the various wavelengths are again present, without transit-time differences, at the output of photonic crystal KA1 designed as an adder. The dispersion-compensation arrangement pictured in FIG. 4, including photonic crystals KD1 through KDn designed as drop filters and photonic crystals KA1 through KAn designed as adders, is set up to compensate for the dispersion of the signals of the various wavelengths, in accordance with the dispersion to be expected at suitable geometric distances 3. In this instance, the arrangement is set up to include variable transmission (wavelength 1 through wavelength n), which is selected on the basis of the design and the period intervals of waveguides 2. Waveguides 2 are interrupted by regions in which the signals are coupled out of photonic crystals KD1-KDn in dependence upon their wavelength xcex1, due to the geometry of the three-terminal region, and are coupled again into the corresponding photonic crystals KA1-KAn designed as adders, and are summed All signals are then coupled again into optical fiber output A. In this manner, the transit-time displacement caused by dispersion is compensated for all signals. It is necessary to manufacture and install specially adapted components for the various paths of the network, as is the case in all dispersion-compensation techniques. A certain standardization can be achieved, for example, also by employing standardized distances between the stations where the dispersion compensation is carried out.
FIG. 5 shows an arrangement which essentially corresponds to that of FIG. 4. This arrangement is likewise made up of optical fiber input E, of photonic crystals KD1 through KDn designed as drop filters and configured on waveguide 2, of photonic crystals KA1-KAn designed as adders, and of the shared optical fiber output A.
Additionally situated on the optical paths between the deflecting outputs of photonic components KD1 through KDn designed as drop filters and the inputs of the photonic components KA1 through Kan designed as adders are dispersion shifters NLO1 through NLOn, whose dispersion-shifting effect is able to be individually tuned for each wavelength before the signal is fed back via photonic crystals KA1 through KAn, designed as adders, into shared optical fiber output A. The desired dispersion is set by applying different voltages at dispersion shifters NLO1-NLOn or through the action of other physical parameters, such as temperature, magnetic field, etc. In the process, dispersion shifters NLO1-NLOn can be loaded with one or a plurality of voltages and be made of a plurality of nonlinear optical materials. Dispersion shifters NLO1 through NLOn are preferably connected via planar waveguides 4, or also via photonic crystal waveguides, in each case to photonic crystals KA1 through KAn assigned to them as adders. By selecting appropriate materials and rating the voltage for the individual wavelengths one can roughly or even finely tune the desired additional dispersion. Nonlinear optical elements NLO of this kind make it possible for the set-up according to FIG. 5 to be adapted within certain limits to the particular conditions of the application. Thus, an arrangement in accordance with FIG. 5 has universal applicability. Non-linear, optical dispersion shifters NLO1-NLOn can be made, for example, of photonic crystal structures which are filled with liquid crystals. Also conceivable is the use of crystal rod or hole structures filled with non-linear, optical polymers. These structure are constructed in an electrical field that is tuned as a function of the required, non-linear optical dispersion shifting. In this context, the specific, optically non-linear dispersion shift is determined as a function of the compensation path length for the individual wavelengths.
If dispersion shifters NLO1 through NLOn are optically inserted between photonic crystals KD1-KDn, formed as drop elements, and photonic crystals KA1 through KAn functioning as adders, then the tuning is carried out separately for each wavelength. Therefore, this arrangement makes it possible to individually adjust the required dispersion shift for each individual wavelength.
Alternatively, in another advantageous specific embodiment in accordance with FIG. 6, dispersion shifters NLO1 through NLOn can be positioned in the optical path (waveguide 2) between the individual photonic crystals KD1-KDn designed as drop filters. In this case, dispersion shifters NLO1-NLOn act on different wavelengths simultaneously. The action of dispersion shifters NLO1 through NLOn adds up in the process for the various wavelengths from dispersion shifter to dispersion shifter. The signals are fed back again via the waveguides between photonic crystals KD1-KDn designed as drop filters and photonic crystals KA1-KAn designed as adders, which sum up the signals and feed them back again into optical fiber output A.
The approach of the present invention makes it possible to assemble high-quality, photonic-crystal add-drop filters, which are approximately 1000 times shorter than conventional diffraction gratings that are configured as chirped gratings at a length of approximately 100 cm. The approach of the present invention makes it possible to construct a dispersion-compensation arrangement that is accommodated on a chip of a few centimeters in size. This chip component has the go advantage of a greater temperature stability, so that it can also be used for larger temperature ranges. In addition, in the specific embodiments according to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the need is eliminated for cost-intensive circulator 2. Besides improving operation, the present invention provides a much more economical approach than one based on the known, conventional structures. The electrically tunable dispersion shifters NLO1 through NLOn make it possible to adapt the approach on an individual basis to the particular requirements, even given different path lengths. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector which can connect with the electric product firmly.
2. The Related Art
As electronics industry develops, connectors are widely used in the electric products. The traditional connector includes an electrical shell, an insulating body and terminals. The insulating body is received in the electrical shell. The terminals are received in the insulating body and are used to transmit signal. The insulating body usually has fixing pillars extending downwards from the bottom thereof for being connected with a PCB.
When the traditional connector is connected with the electric product, the fixing pillars and the terminals are welded on the PCB. However, because of the manpower for inserting and pulling out, the terminals and the fixing pillars can not connect with the PCB firmly, therefore, the connector is placed in the electric product unfirmly. | {
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1. Technical Field
The field of the present invention is healthcare management systems for healthcare enterprises. More specifically, the present invention relates to providing software applications for use by healthcare enterprises having a plurality of facilities.
2. Background Art
Modernly, primary healthcare is often times provided by healthcare enterprises. A healthcare enterprise is a group of healthcare facilities including, for example, hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, and others. Healthcare enterprises can be expansive, encompassing hundreds of doctors and many geographically widely dispersed point of care facilities. Alternatively, they can be more modest in size having just a few facilities.
However, no matter what the size of the enterprise, all healthcare enterprises are coming under increased pressure to improve patient care without incurring undue additional expense. Indeed, successful healthcare enterprises must become more efficient and effective in providing patient services to remain viable. Thus, enterprises are striving to increase efficiency, while maintaining or improving patient care. For example, healthcare facilities are merging to form larger enterprises. In such a manner, the larger healthcare enterprises hope to improve efficiency through economy of scale.
Most healthcare enterprises have computer systems, and many have established local area networks within their facilities. The established computer systems typically perform a variety of particular and discrete functions. For example, a facility may have a clinical information system as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/977,522 for managing and presenting patient care management plans. The hospital may have other systems for financial and administrative functions. However, many of these established computer systems are unable to provide the information required to support healthcare enterprises in the modern managed care environment in an efficient and economical manner.
Further, each facility may have computer systems that operate differently and store information in diverse formats. Thus, information from different facilities of the same enterprise may not be readily usable by another facility within the same enterprise. For example, if a patient has been seen at two or more different facilities of an enterprise, the medical number assigned to the patient may be different for each facility. Therefore, associating a person with a complete medical record is not always readily conceivable, or in some cases even impossible using current known computerized healthcare systems.
Thus, the current computer, network, and application systems used by healthcare enterprises are incapable of providing sufficient uniform decision support with their existing computer facilities. Unfortunately, to remain viable, healthcare enterprises must upgrade their existing computer systems, and expand networks.
Such problems are made even more complex in the present merger environment. For example, merged facilities have existing medical information stored in incompatible formats. Planned economy of scale benefits can not be fully realized when data is not readily shareable between facilities. Further, healthcare practitioners from remote facilities now must have easy and efficient access to information on patients in other facilities, and even in other enterprises. For example, a practitioner requires an effective process for associating a patient with a medical file in an accurate and efficient manner. If such a positive identification can not be made, then proper medical treatment may be delayed, or worse, an incorrect treatment may be provided to the patient.
A healthcare enterprise having multiple facilities may encounter several problems when admitting a patient. For example, it would be helpful to know whether or not the patient to be admitted is a current patient or had been previously admitted at any of the facilities of the same enterprise. Since each of the facilities may be using record management features incompatible with the other facilities, there is no efficient manner to find if a patient had been previously admitted to the same enterprise.
Confidently identifying the to-be-admitted patient can be a daunting task. However, it is critical that the patient be positively associated with their true and complete medical record, if available. Such an identification task is exacerbated if the patient is unconscious. In such a manner, the person admitting the patient must rely solely on anecdotal information to establish the identity of the patient. Thus, the actual identity of the patient may not be established, or an incorrect identity made. Either way, providing treatment for the patient is difficult and may even result in harmful delays or treatment for the patient.
Once a patient has been successfully admitted to a multi-facility enterprise, then it is typical for several practitioners to become involved in providing healthcare to that patient. For example, doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, radiologists, and pharmacists are needed to implement a successful treatment plan. However, these healthcare providers may be located in separate facilities, which may be widely dispersed geographically.
In providing healthcare to a patient, it is highly desirable that a complete medical history be available to healthcare practitioners. However, in the modern healthcare environment, patients routinely are transferred to different facilities of the same enterprise. Thus, over a period of years a patient's medical record becomes fragmented and dispersed among the various facilities of an enterprise.
Therefore, in general, it would be highly desirable to have a new computerized system for more efficiently and effectively communicating patient information among the various facilities of a healthcare enterprise.
The new system further needs to be quickly and confidently installed without burdensome expense to the enterprise. It is also desirable that existing legacy applications, computers, and networks cooperate with the new system. In such a manner the enterprise preserves prior information technology investments. | {
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The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of regal pelargonium (Pelargonium.times.domesticum) called `Fantasy`. The cultivar is characterized as being compact and self-branching (without pinching), early flowering and florifarous. The flowers have a maroon blotch on the upper petals that fades to a blush pink or near white margin in contrast to blush pink to near white lower petals.
The cultivar was developed from an organized, scientifically designed breeding program conducted at the Department of Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. The objective was to produce a new regal Pelargonium gentoype with excellent propagation characteristics, compact growth habit, predictable and consistent flowering response, and acceptable postharvest quality. `Fantasy` resulted from selection from the progeny of the cross-pollination of regal pelargonium cultivars `Miss Cherryvale` and `Virginia`. `Fantasy` maintained the maroon color of `Miss Cherryvale` in the upper petals and the two-color flower color and early flowering ability of `Virginia`, a commercial standard. The cultivar flowers a few days later than `Virginia` in early spring trails and equal to `Virginia` in late spring trials. The selection was asexually propagated by cuttings and the reproductions ran true.
`Fantasy` is similar to the patented cultivar Lucy in flower part coloration, floriferousness, early flowering ability, and warm temperature flower initiation. In comparison to Lucy, `Fantasy` has diverse parentage, has a blush pink flower color background as opposed to lilac or lavender, has different leaf numbers and floret confirmation, and is not characterized as vigorous in growth habit.
With reference to the detailed description of the cultivar which follows, the test plant was potted in soilless medium and grown in a greenhouse under natural sunlight, at a night temperature of approximately 58.degree. F. and a day temperature of approximately 68.degree. F. Fertilizer was applied in every watering with 200 ppm nitrogen provided in the forms of 15-16-17 (two consecutive waterings) and 20-0-20 (every third watering) in a repeating cycle.
Color readings were taken under incandescent light at approximately 200 foot candles and color identification was by reference to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Charts, except where common terms of color definition are employed. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to laser diodes, and more particularly to nitride based semiconductor laser diodes and methods for fabricating same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A laser is a device that produces a beam of coherent light as a result of stimulated emission. Light beams produced by lasers can have high energy because of their single wavelength, frequency, and coherence. A number of materials are capable of producing a lasing effect and include certain high-purity crystals (such as ruby), semiconductors, certain types of glass, certain gasses including carbon dioxide, helium, argon and neon, and certain plasmas.
More recently there has been increased interest in lasers made of semiconductor materials. These devices typically have a smaller size, lower cost, and have other related advantages typically associated with semiconductor devices. Semiconductor lasers are similar to other lasers in that the emitted radiation has spacial and temporal coherence, and like other lasers, semiconductor lasers produce a beam of light that is highly monochromatic (i.e. of narrow bandwidth) and is highly directional. Overall, semiconductor lasers provide very efficient systems that are easily modulated by modulating the current directed across the devices. Additionally, because semiconductor lasers have very short photon lifetimes, they can be used to produce high-frequency modulation.
One type of semiconductor laser diode is referred to as an edge emitting laser where the stimulated emission is from the side surface or edge of the laser diode. These devices typically have epitaxial layers in the form of waveguiding or reflective elements (cladding layers) with a light generating active region between the reflective elements. Additional layers can be included between the reflective elements to form a laser cavity. The edges of the laser diode can be cleaved during manufacturing to form edge reflective surfaces. A total reflectivity (TR) material can cover one edge, and an anti reflectivity (AR) material can cover the opposite edge. Light from the active region is reflected between the edges and within the cavity by the reflective elements, with stimulated emission emitting from the edge with the AB material.
A known characteristic of laser diodes (and light emitting diodes) is that the frequency of radiation that can be produced by the particular laser diode is related to the bandgap of the particular semiconductor material. Smaller bandgaps produce lower energy, shorter wavelength photons, while wider bandgaps produce higher energy, shorter wavelength photons. One semiconductor material commonly used for lasers is indium gallium aluminum phosphide (InGaAlP), which has a bandgap that is generally dependant upon the mole of atomic fraction of each element present. This material, regardless of the different element atomic fraction, produces only light in the red portion of the visible spectrum, i.e., about 600 to 700 nanometers (nm).
Laser diodes that produce shorter wavelengths not only produce different colors of radiation, but offer other advantages. For example, laser diodes, and in particular edge emitting laser diodes, can be used with optical storage and memory devices (e.g. compact disks (CD) digital video disks (DVD), high definition (HD) DVDs, and Blue Ray DVDs). Their shorter wavelength enables the storage and memory devices to hold proportionally more information. For example, an optical storage device storing information using blue light can hold approximately 32 times the amount of information as one using red light, using the same storage space. There are also applications for shorter wavelength laser in medical systems and projection displays. This has generated interest in Group-III nitride material for use in laser diodes, and in particular gallium nitride (GaN). GaN can produce light in the blue and ultra violet (UV) frequency spectrums because of its relatively high bandgap (3.36 eV at room temperature). This interest has resulted in developments related to the structure and fabrication of Group-III nitride based laser diodes [For example see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,592,501 and 5,838,786 to Edmond et al].
Group-III nitride laser diodes can require relatively high threshold currents and voltages to reach laser radiation because of optical and electrical inefficiencies. These elevated current and voltage levels can result in heat being generated during laser diode operation. In certain applications, laser diodes are driven by a pulsed signal that results in pulsed laser light being emitted from the laser diode. The heat generated within the laser diode typically does not present a problem during pulsed laser diode operation because the laser diode has the opportunity to cool during the lows of the signal. For other important applications, however, it can be desirable to drive the laser diode with a continuous wave (CW). CW operation is particularly applicable to operation with optical storage devices that can require a continuous light source for data storage and retrieval. Driving many current Group-III based laser diodes with a CW having the threshold current and voltage necessary for laser emission can result in heating that can damage or destroy the laser diode. Heat sinks or other cooling methods/devices can be employed to reduce operating heat within these laser diodes, but the methods/devices can increase the cost and complexity of the devices and can require additional space. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a light emitting layer-forming solid material, an organic electroluminescent device (hereinafter may be referred to as “organic electroluminescence device” or “organic EL device”) and a method for producing the organic electroluminescent device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, in formation of a white light emitting layer having a single layer structure, the dopant concentration must be controlled to be 1% by mass or less, and thus, a large-scale production of the white light emitting layer cannot be attained by a generally used co-evaporation method (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,823 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2004-228088).
Then, JP-A No. 2004-228088 discloses a method for producing a white light emitting layer by combining a plurality of light emitting layers formed from the corresponding light emitting layer-forming solid materials. As compared to the co-evaporation method, the layer formation is improved by this method. Nevertheless, this method requires separate solid materials corresponding to the light emitting layers, and also requires separate evaporation cells. As a result, the evaporation system becomes complicated and a time-consuming step is required in which the cells are filled with the materials.
In addition, an evaporation film formed from a pellet of several materials mixed may have a different composition from that being expected, since the materials have different sublimation temperatures. This problem has not yet been addressed by prior arts, and the compositions of solid materials have not yet been designed satisfactorily. Especially when powders of phosphorescent light-emitting materials (serving as light-emitting materials) are co-evaporated, device characteristics are not stable due to water or oxygen adsorbed on the surfaces of the powders, which is problematic.
Furthermore, JP-A No. 2003-249359 discloses that an organic light-emitting material and a thermally conductive material are pelletized into a solid. However, this literature has no description about the use of a phosphorescent light-emitting material as the organic light-emitting material. According to Examples thereof, a green-light emitting material Alq is used, and a white light-emitting layer having a single layer structure cannot be formed through evaporation of only one type of solid material.
Therefore, at present, keen demand has arisen for a light emitting layer-forming solid material, an organic electroluminescent device and a method for producing the organic electroluminescent device in which the heating temperature for the evaporation source (evaporation cell temperature) is changed while using only one type of light emitting layer-forming solid material, thereby controlling the composition of the resultant evaporation film, requiring no difficult-to-control co-evaporation, reducing variation in device performances and improving repetitive reproducibility. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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In the design of non-volatile memories, such as flash memory, there is a continuing process of improving these memories by increasing their storage density, increasing their performance, and reduce power consumption. Improvements in one of these requirements will often negatively affect one of the others. For example, to improve storage density, flash memory with multiple levels per cell can be used to replace the binary chips; however, the speed of operations can be slower in multi-state memories, such as in the case of writing data where the tolerances between states become stricter. Consequently, the performance level of memories having multi-level cells has much scope for improvement.
These and related problems, along with additional background information, is given in the Background section of US patent application publication numbers US-2006-0221704-A1 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,206,230) and US-2007-0109867-A1 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,577,037). The following US patent application publication numbers also provide additional background information: US 2006-0233023-A1 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,619,922); US 2006-0233021-A1 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,609,552); US 2006-0221696-A1 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,447,078); US 2006-0233010-A1 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,480,181); US 2006-0239080-A1 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,463,521); and US 2007-0002626-A1 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,486,558). As noted below, all of these are fully incorporated herein by reference.
Therefore there is a general need for high performance and high capacity non-volatile memory. In particular, there is a need for a compact non-volatile memory with enhanced read and program performance having an improved processor that is compact and efficient, yet highly versatile for processing data among the read/writing circuits. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates generally to character and pattern recognition machines and methods, and more particularly, to feature extraction systems for use with optical readers for reading characters which have been hand printed without any constraints, such as, surrounding box limits, red center lines, or similar artificial devices. One novel feature of this invention is in the method of choosing the features and the highly normalized method of measuring the individual feature parameters. The invention can be said to perform a crude simulation of a little known psychological phenomenon occuring in primates called the "saccadic flick".
The present invention also relates generally to bank check, drafts and the like financial document processing machines and method incorporating character and pattern recognition systems and, more particularly, to systems for reading numeric characters and symbols (e.g., "xx", fraction lines, etc.) and recognizing dollars and cents in the courtesy amount field (CAF) of a bank check, draft and like business documents and which have been typed or printed, particularly hand printed without any constraints, such as surrounding box limits, red center lines, or similar artificial devices.
While there are generally different views on the definition of the features of patterns, many studies made on the recognition of characters as well as the recognition of patterns have proved that the so-called quasi-topological features of a character or pattern such as the concavity, loop, and connectivity are very important for the recognition. To date, many different methods have been proposed for the purposes of extracting such quasi-phasic features. Up until this invention these methods all use analysis of the progressive slopes of the black pixels. Mori et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,808 classifies those analyses into three types. The first is the pattern contour tracking system developed by Grenias with IBM. Mori calls this a serial system. The second type is Mori's preferred, the earliest patented example of which is Holt called the "Watchbird". In this type of analysis sequential rows and columns are compared. Another example of the sequential rows and column type is Holt's Center Referrenced Using Red Line. Mori's third type is a parallel analysis system which Mori dismisses as either taking too long or costing too much. All systems involving the sequential analysis of the slope of black pixel groups suffer severely from smoothing and line thinning errors. Worse yet, they are very likely to produce substitution errors when the lines have voids or when unwanted lines touch. A comprehensive survey of prior art handprint recognition systems is found in an article by C. Y. Suen et al. entitled "Automatic Recognition of Handprinted Characters--The State of the Art", Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 68, No. 4, April 1980, which is incorporated herein by reference. The preferred handprint character recognition technique of this invention uses none of the methods mentioned by Suen et al. or Mori et al.
The character recognition system of the present invention, while using quasi-topological features, employs a novel method of measuring and scoring such features, resulting in great improvement in performance of the reading machine.
Briefly, the character recognition system of this invention employs measurement of the enclosure characteristics of each white pixel independently of other white pixels. Since the measurements are made in two (or more) dimensions rather than in one dimension (such as slope), the results are insensitive to first order aberations such as accidental voids, touching lines and small numbers of black pixels carrying noise only. In the preferred embodiment, no noise processing is performed at all since all forms of noise processing are done at the expense of accuracy in recognition. As used herein, a pixel is defined as an image information cell constituted by the binary states "on" and "off" or "black" and "white", respectively.
The financial document processing portion of this invention locates the courtesy amount field (CAF) bank check and then locates the division between the dollars portion of the CAF and the cents portion and then reads the dollar and cents amounts. Overlapping characters, overlapping and touching characters, symbols (e.g., "xx") "100" and characters touching the fraction line, in the CAF and treated as a character unit. | {
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This invention relates to a closure device for a sample vial, and a sample vial incorporating such a device, for containing a gaseous sample or a headspace gas which is to be analysed present above a liquid or solid sample. In particular it relates to a vial and vial closure device especially suitable for containing aqueous samples and methods of determining the isotopic composition of oxygen or hydrogen comprised in aqueous samples contained in such vials by mass spectrometry.
Conventional sample vials for automatic samplers typically comprise a small glass vessel which may be closed by a rubber septum held in place by a cap attached to the vessel by a screw thread or by crimping. After sealing, a number of such vials may be loaded into an autosampler which extracts a sample from each vial in turn and sends it for analysis by any desired analytical instrument, for example a chromatograph or spectrometer. Both gaseous and liquid samples may be analysed in this way. In some cases, the vial may be partially filled with a liquid sample but only gas present in the space above the liquid (the headspace gas) may be sampled. Typically, the autosampler will comprise a syringe whose needle, under computer control, is caused to pierce the septum of a selected vial so that a sample of gas or liquid can be withdrawn through the needle and analysed. The septum maintains a gas-tight seal around the needle during this process to prevent contamination. Means are provided to align a second vial with the syringe after the first one has been sampled so that many vials may be sampled automatically in sequence. Means may also be provided for cleaning the syringe between samples.
For the majority of samples, silicone rubber septa may be used to close the vial, but where there is a possibility of reaction of the vial contents with a conventional septum, a septum lined with an inert material, such as PTFE or Teflon, may be employed. These are used with the PTFE lining in contact with the vial contents so that the contents are protected from contact with the rubber septum while the rubber portion still provides a good seal around the needle. A septum made from a solid material such as PTFE is generally incapable of providing an adequate seal around the needle. Unfortunately, lined septa of this type have a limited lifetime because the lining is usually damaged by insertion of the needle, leaving an area of silicone rubber in contact with the vial contents.
This problem has been addressed by the provision of sample vial closure devices which incorporate a shut-off valve as well as a septum. When the valve is opened, a syringe needle may be passed through it to allow the vial contents to be sampled. A silicone rubber septum or seal, through which the needle must also pass, is also provided to seal the vial while the needle is inserted because the valve itself is unable to seal to the needle. Vial closure devices of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,757,981 and 3,603,471, and are commercially available (for example, xe2x80x9cMininertxe2x80x9d valves available from Sigma-Aldrich Company Ltd.).
The vial closure device taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,603,471 comprises a first tube fitted to the screw cap of a conventional glass vial, through which tube a syringe needle may be inserted. A valve stem comprising a second tube is disposed in a bore perpendicular to the axis of the first tube and may be rotated therein by means of an external handle. The second tube comprises a hole perpendicular to its axis which may be aligned with the bore of the first tube by rotation by the handle to open the valve and allow unobstructed passage of a syringe needle through the first tube into the vial. A plug type rubber septum is inserted into the bore of the second tube so that it is pierced by the syringe needle as it is inserted through the device when the valve is open. In this way the contents of the vial are exposed to the septum only for the short time that the valve is open, minimising contamination. U.S. Pat. No. 3,757,981 teaches a variation on this design in which the second tube is replaced by a rod having a bore perpendicular to its axis which may be aligned with the bore of the first tube by sliding the rod. In this device, the septum is placed in the entrance of the first tube. The currently available xe2x80x9cMininertxe2x80x9d valves are of this general design.
In some analyses it is necessary to sample only the headspace gas from a vial. One example of this is the measurement of the isotopic composition of hydrogen and/or oxygen in samples of water. In this method a sample of water is placed in a vial which is then sealed. A quantity of carbon dioxide (for oxygen analysis) or hydrogen (for hydrogen analysis) of accurately known isotopic composition is then injected into the vial and allowed to equilibrate with the water. After a suitable time has elapsed, a sample of the headspace gas is withdrawn and its isotopic composition is determined by mass spectrometric analysis. The original isotopic composition of the hydrogen or oxygen present in the water can then be determined from the change in the isotopic composition of the headspace gas during equilibration. Unfortunately, prior attempts to automate this process have not been successful because of losses or contamination of the headspace gas arising from contact with the rubber septum (or a lined septum after it has been punctured to admit the equilibration gas) during the equilibration process. Prior types of valved vials have also proved unsatisfactory, firstly because they cannot easily be used with conventional autosamplers, requiring manual operation of the valve handle, and secondly because the surface area of the material from which the devices are made (PTFE) is so large that contamination or loss of the headspace gas can still occur.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved vial closure device incorporating a valve which is suitable for closing a vial from which a gaseous sample is required, and which is suitable for use with conventional autosamplers. It is another object of the invention to provide a vial comprising such a closure device. It is another object of the invention to provide a method of using such a vial for the determination of the isotopic composition of a sample contained in it, and apparatus for carrying out that method.
The invention therefore provides a vial closure device for closing the mouth of a vial which may contain a gas or vapor to be analyzed by extraction through a gas sampling means connected to an analytical instrument, said vial closure device comprising:xe2x80x94
a) a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a said vial; and
b) first sealing means for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and a said vial;
said hollow body member further comprising:xe2x80x94
a) an aperture through which gas present in a said vial may pass into the interior of said hollow body member;
b) aperture closing means for closing said aperture when required; and
c) second sealing means, through which a said gas sampling means may be inserted into said interior, for allowing a said gas sampling means to enter said interior while maintaining a seal around it;
characterised in that said aperture closing means is operable to open said aperture by the insertion of a gas sampling means through said second sealing means and is operable to close said aperture when said gas sampling means is withdrawn.
In preferred embodiments, the aperture comprises a valve seat and the aperture closing means comprises a valve body which is maintained in engagement with the valve seat, thereby closing the aperture, by the action of a spring. The valve seat and body may be disposed so that when a gas sampling means is inserted sufficiently far into the interior of said hollow body member it contacts and displaces a valve spindle, which action displaces the valve body from the valve seat and opens the aperture. On withdrawal of the gas sampling means, the spring restores the valve spindle and body to their former positions and closes the aperture. Preferably the valve body and seat are further disposed so that it is also possible to insert a gas sampling means far enough through the second sealing means to allow gas to be withdrawn from the interior of the hollow body member but not far enough to displace the valve spindle. Typically, a gas sampling means suitable for use with the invention will comprise a hollow syringe needle closed at one end which may be inserted into the interior of the hollow body member through the second sealing means and which has a side aperture adjacent to the closed end through which gas may pass into the needle.
It will be appreciated that valuable features of the invention are that the gas sampling means can contact the aperture closing means to open it and that the gas sampling means need not pass through the aperture.
In one preferred embodiment the second sealing means may operate to close the interior of the hollow body member in the absence of a gas sampling means. For example, the hollow body member may comprise a tube, closed at one end with a plate having the aperture and at the other end with the second sealing means which may comprise a conventional rubber septum secured by a screw cap which engages with a thread on the exterior of the hollow body member. In this way the interior of the hollow body member may be made substantially gas-tight. In operation, a syringe needle of the type described above may be inserted through the septum into the interior of the hollow body member, allowing gas to be withdrawn from it, and if further inserted will contact the valve spindle, displacing the valve body to open the aperture so that gas may be introduced into or withdrawn from the vial as well as the interior of the hollow body member.
In other preferred embodiments, however, the second sealing means may seal only to a gas sampling means inserted into the hollow body member, and may not close the interior of the hollow body member when the sampling means is not present. Typically, the second sealing means may then comprise one or more xe2x80x9cOxe2x80x9d rings located in grooves on the interior of the hollow body member which seal to a gas sampling means when it is inserted, to make the interior of the hollow body member substantially gas-tight.
In other preferred embodiments the exterior portion of the hollow body member is provided with a flange which overlaps the top of a sample vial when the hollow body member is located in the mouth of that vial. In such a case the first sealing means may comprise a rubber or plastic washer disposed between the top of the vial and the flange, and the hollow body member may be secured to the vial by a threaded retaining ring passed over the hollow body member and engaged with threads on the exterior of the vial, so that on tightening the retaining ring the flange is pressed down on the washer against the top of the vial to provide a gas-tight seal.
Alternatively, the first sealing means may comprise a standard tapered joint, optionally fitted with an xe2x80x9cOxe2x80x9d ring. Typically, the exterior of the hollow body member may be formed into a taper to engage a suitable tapered socket on the sample vial. Such an arrangement permits the use of a closure device according to the invention with any vial having a suitable tapered joint. Further preferably, in order to prevent the joint separating in the event of the pressure inside the vial exceeding atmospheric pressure, the vial may be provided with an external lip at the entrance to the tapered joint under which a third sealing means, for example an xe2x80x98Oxe2x80x99 ring, may be located. The hollow body member may then be secured to the vial by means of a flanged retaining ring which engages with the hollow body member. The retaining ring is preferably such that it will pass over the lip (and/or the vial body) in the absence of the third sealing means but is capable of securing the third sealing means between its flange and the lip. The retaining ring may conveniently engage the exterior of the hollow body member by a screw thread.
Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a sample vessel which may contain a gas or vapor to be analyzed by extraction through a gas sampling means connected to an analytical instrument, said sample vessel comprising a vial fitted with a vial closure device as defined above.
Preferably the hollow body member and the valve seat of the invention are made from stainless steel and the valve body is made from polychlorotrifluoroethylene or a similar inert polymeric material. The vials may be conventional glass or quartz vials.
The chief advantage of a vessel and vial closure device according to the invention is that the contents of the vial are exposed only to a minimal area of rubber or polymeric material, that is, only a part of the valve body which can be made very small. This is in contrast with prior valved vials in which the whole of the closure device is typically made from PTFE, presenting a large surface area to the vial contents. Also, the valve itself is operated automatically by insertion of a gas sampling means (needle), permitting their use with a suitably programmed conventional autosampler.
Use of a vial and closure device according to the invention facilitates the automatic isotopic analysis of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous or other liquid samples. This may be done by equilibrating the sample in a vial with a sample of an equilibration gas (carbon dioxide for oxygen isotope determination or hydrogen for hydrogen isotope determination) of accurately known isotopic composition, and subsequently withdrawing a sample of the headspace gas and determining the new isotopic composition of the carbon dioxide or hydrogen using an isotopic ratio mass spectrometer. Viewed from another aspect, therefore, the invention comprises a method of using a vial closure device as defined above for the isotopic analysis of a liquid sample contained in a vial closed by a device as defined above, said method comprising the steps of:xe2x80x94
a) inserting a gas sampling means into the interior of said hollow body member through said second sealing means;
b) removing residual gas in said vial and the interior of said hollow body member;
c) introducing through said gas sampling means into said vial an equilibration gas of known isotopic composition;
d) removing said gas sampling means from said interior of said hollow body member and allowing the sample contained in said vial to equilibrate with said equilibration gas;
e) inserting a gas sampling means into the interior of said hollow body member through said second sealing means;
f) removing residual gas from the interior of said hollow body member through said gas sampling means;
g) sampling headspace gas from the interior of said vial through said gas sampling means;
h) conveying a said sample of headspace gas to an isotopic ratio mass spectrometer and determining its isotopic composition;
i) calculating the isotopic composition of an element comprised in said sample from the change in the isotopic composition of said equilibration gas caused by the equilibration of said equilibration gas with said sample.
In this method, the steps of removing residual gas may comprise either evacuating the gas through the gas sampling means or purging the space occupied by the gas to be removed with a gas which does not contain the element to be analysed. In the latter case, the gas sampling means may comprise a twin-needle device so that gas can be introduced though one needle and extracted through the other. Preferably the needles are coaxially disposed.
In preferred embodiments of the method, the gas sampling means is inserted according to step a) so that gas may be removed from the interior of the hollow body member but the aperture closing means is not actuated by the insertion means. When this is done by evacuation, the pressure in the hollow body member may be monitored to ensure that a leak-tight seal has been made between the gas sampling means and the second sealing means. When this has been established, the gas sampling means may be further inserted so that the aperture between the vial and the interior of the hollow body member is opened, and residual gas removed in accordance with step b), again monitoring the pressure to ensure that the vial does not leak. Similarly, in steps e) and f), the gas sampling means is inserted only as far as necessary to allow gas to be removed from the interior of the hollow body member, after which it is further inserted to open the aperture and allow gas from the interior of the vial to be sampled in accordance with step g).
In a further preferred embodiment, after the equilibration gas has been introduced in the above method, the gas sampling means may initially be withdrawn sufficiently to operate the aperture closing means to close the aperture but so that it remains in communication with the interior of the hollow body member. Any residual gas may then be removed before the gas sampling means is completely withdrawn from the second sealing means. Inclusion of this step minimises the risk of a slight leak across the aperture closing means contaminating the headspace gas during the equilibration step.
It will be appreciated that the method of the invention may be automated so that the gas sampling means may comprise the syringe needle of an autosampler connected by suitable automatically controlled valves to a vacuum pump to remove residual gas and to an isotopic ratio mass spectrometer. The autosampler may be programmed to insert the needle into the vials in the manner described above. In this way many different samples, each contained in vials fitted with a closure device according to the invention, can be analysed without operator intervention. Defective vials may be automatically rejected by monitoring the pressure during the gas removal steps of the method without disrupting the analysis of the remaining samples.
Also, in the event that the second sealing means is found to be defective when the interior of the hollow body member is evacuated with the aperture closing means closing the aperture, the vial comprising the defective sealing means may be rejected for analysis at that time, but a replacement second sealing means can be fitted to the vial and the sample subsequently analysed without affecting the integrity of the sample it contains.
The gas sampling means used in steps a) and e) may conveniently comprise the same apparatus, but different assemblies may be used if desired.
Viewed from another aspect the invention provides apparatus comprising a plurality of sample vials for containing a gaseous sample to be analyzed and fitted with a vial closure device, autosampler means comprising a gas sampling means, and means for aligning each of said sample vials with said gas sampling means to allow a said gaseous sample to be taken from each vial in turn by the insertion of said gas sampling means through said vial closure device into said vial, and means for conveying to an analytical instrument at least some of said sample of gaseous sample so taken; said apparatus being characterised in that each said vial closure device comprises:
a) a hollow body member located in the mouth of a said vial; and
b) first sealing means making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial;
said hollow body member further comprising:xe2x80x94
a) an aperture through which gas present in a said vial may pass into the interior of said hollow body member;
b) aperture closing means for closing said aperture when required; and
c) second sealing means, through which a said gas sampling means may be inserted into said interior, for allowing a said gas sampling means to enter said interior while maintaining a seal around it;
wherein said aperture closing means is operable to open said aperture by the insertion of a gas sampling means through said second sealing means and is operable to close said aperture when said gas sampling means is withdrawn. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to communication systems used by individuals for general tele-writing, sketching and drawing of hand written information, to be transmitted to other individuals via computer systems. In particular it relates to computer workstations comprised of electrical and mechanical devices for the input, computation, and output of data, resulting an integrated ergonomically designed human-computer interface system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the following, a computer workstation is defined to be a combination of devices and apparatus, which may include computer hardware and software, that a person uses or operates during the performance various computing and communication tasks. These tasks includes, but is not limited to, technical calculations, business computations and local/remote communications. Prior art in this field includes many computer workstations and personal computers. Henceforth, a computer workstation will include personal computers, computer terminals, computer consoles, and like devices.
The person operating the workstation will be referred to as the user. Display devices used in computer workstations can be classified into two broad categories. The first category is often referred to as direct-view display devices, in which the user, looks directly at the actual display screen, not projected light image from other components. Most of the display devices in the prior art belong to this category, examples include the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), liquid crystal, and plasma panel displays. The other category is referred to as non-direct view or projected image displays, where examples include the optical CRT projector and some laser addressed liquid crystal projection devices.
There are presently many computer workstations on the market, many having similar components and physical arrangements. The available workstations are very well known to those skilled in the workstation art. The majority of computer workstations have a CRT display device placed on the table or desk, a mouse unit, a computer unit, and an alphanumeric keyboard. The prior art CRT or other direct-view displays usually have the display screen at near vertical or near 45 degree screen inclinations. A graphic tablet is defined to be an electrical device, which repeatedly measures the position of a stylus, pen or a user's finger over a defined area, encodes the positions into a digital signal, and transmits the data to a computer. A stylus is defined to be any elongated pen-like object that can be used for writing or sketching, including the user's finger. The writing stylus is typically used to point, write, sketch, or draw onto the graphic tablet's active area, referred to as the encoding area.
Prior art in computer workstations exist in various combinations of computers, display devices, and peripheral devices. However, the prior art fails to anticipate the importance of computer workstation with computer, graphic tablet, and display device, with inclined screen angle and its adjustability through large angles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,721 of Dagnelie discloses a teletext device having a graphic tablet and a CRT display at a screen inclination fixed near 45 degrees. However, the disclosure does not recognize display screen angle adjustability and does not teach a computing means of any type, which severely limits the usefulness of the device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,482 of Brown discloses a computerized executive workstation having a CRT display with a screen inclination angle of 50 degrees from the horizontal, during workstation operation. Although the CRT display can be retracted to a stored position below the work surface area, the teachings of Brown do not disclose a graphic tablet and do not disclose screen angle adjustability. These shortcomings restrict the workstation an operation without graphic input. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,026 of Lapeyre and Gundlach discloses a computer terminal cabinet for glare reduction, having a CRT display at an acute angle with the horizontal, a keyboard, and a printer. The reference teaches adjustable mounting only for glare reduction, and does not disclose a graphic tablet or a computer; thus also restricting the terminal to non-graphic input. U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,789 of Pemberton discloses a computer user's desk having a CRT monitor at about 60 degrees from the horizontal, a keyboard, and dual disk drives. This reference does not disclose a graphic tablet or screen angle adjustability to inclinations near the horizontal. Again, the prior art does not anticipate graphic input or screen angle adjustability for optimal stylus control.
All the prior art of computer workstations, terminals or cabinets, of which the above is representative, disclose either display screens near vertical orientation, disclose fixed acute inclinations, or limited screen angle adjustability for glare reduction. No prior art can be found that disclose screen angle adjustability from horizontally to vertical, with a graphic tablet and computer. The prior art workstations can be used in either the conventional manner or at a fixed acute screen angle, but not both. The prior art fails to recognize the importance of an ergonomically design graphic input workstation capable of adjusting between conventional orientation and graphic input mode of operation with stylus data entry and screen angle near the horizontal (about 30 degrees for horizontal).
Although several graphic tablet and stylus devices are available in the market, they usually have been combined with a display device by electrical means only. The typical display and graphic tablet combination has an opaque tablet laying horizontally on the desk or table next to the display device, connected by an electrical cable. Some graphic tablet prior art includes a transparent tablet placed over the display screen, but typically the screen orientation is near vertical. Although this arrangement works satisfactory for general purpose computer processing, it has some definite shortcomings when high resolution graphic processing is attempted. This is important because today software is becoming more graphic intensive than ever before.
An important problem exists if the screen angle is near vertical. The user's hand and wrist must bend to an uncomfortable position to write or sketch on the tablet-display surface. In addition, if the screen is at eye level, as with most prior art, the user's arm must be raised and held at position that will become very tirersome to the user, if used for a significant amount of time. The above is not just a matter of convenience. These shortcomings have severely restricted the use of standard graphic tablet input devices in the marketplace. This is one reason that the mouse input device has found wide spread use as a graphic input device for computer workstations and personal computers. Specifically, the mouse unit slides over the work table or desk, providing a support for the user's hand and arm. However, the mouse graphic input devices also have several disadvantages. First, it is difficult for the user to write, sketch, or draw with a mouse, because the device is too large and bulky to act as a pen or stylus. Secondly, the device must have a clear area on the table or desk for the unit to slide. This is valuable work space that some workstations cannot afford to lose.
Prior art workstations are inherently limited in their graphic interaction capabilities. The use of mice, joysticks, trackballs, and touch panels all have limitations for entering positional and functional data. For example, Computer-Aid Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) applications require precise and natural drawing and pointing means. An engineer or draftsman must be able to work at their workstation all day without great mental or physical fatigue. The prior art also does a poor job at providing a fatigue free workstation. In the area of teleconferencing applications, the computer workstation must be capable of real-time graphic and voice communications. The prior art workstations do not provide the means to accomplish that type of communications. In addition, conventional prior art workstations do not provide the ergonomically designed hardware support necessary for real-time electronic mail communications, while connected to either in Local Area Network communication means or remote communication means. | {
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1. Field of Invention
The present invention pertains generally to communications technology and more particularly to the synchronization of the transmission of data in time slots.
2. Background of the Invention
Currently, there are three common approaches for transferring data over a wireless communication link. The first approach uses a contention system that operates such that any mobile or fixed unit which is transmitting a data message over a wireless communication link can do so at any time. In this type of wireless communication system, if any two or more devices transfer information over the wireless communication link at the same time, the data transmitted from these two or more devices will interfere with each other such that data messages will most likely be lost. This can occur even though busy link detect logic is utilized since both the mobile and fixed units may test the link at the same time and transmit data believing that the link is clear.
The second approach uses a poling system that employs queuing. In a poling system, the base station sends a data message over the wireless communication link which queues a particular mobile unit to transfer data in the next time slot. The fixed unit transmits a data message that contains an identification number of the mobile unit indicating that the mobile unit should communicate data during the next time slot. The mobile unit decodes the data message and determines that it has been queued and then transfers data over the wireless communication link. The fixed unit will delay transmission of a queue data message to another mobile unit for a predetermined time in order to allow the first mobile unit to send messages. After a delay timer has expired, the fixed unit then sends the next queue data message to the next mobile unit. The process repeats until all of the mobile units have been queued. Hence, the poling system prevents units from using the same wireless communication link at the same time so that data throughput is increased. However, for each data message sent by the mobile unit, there must be a queue message sent by the base station, thus doubling the required amount of air time needed for communicating.
The third approach uses internal clock systems and pre-assigned time slots. In accordance with this approach, each mobile unit and base station utilize an internal time clock to determine the time at which that particular unit can transmit data (transmit time). This technique maximizes channel efficiency since collisions do not occur and poling is not required. Using this method, each mobile unit and base station is assigned a time slot of a given duration during which that unit can use to transmit data. However, such systems require complex clock synchronization techniques to insure that each unit is synchronized with the other units in the system and to prevent data collisions.
Various techniques have been used to synchronize the transmission of data in time slots that employ GPS synchronization such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,524 issued Nov. 22, 1994 entitled xe2x80x9cMethod for Sequential Data Transmission,xe2x80x9d U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,797 issued Apr. 23, 1996 entitled xe2x80x9cProvision of SPS Timing Signals,xe2x80x9d and U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,402 issued Feb. 22, 1999 entitled xe2x80x9cTime-Synchronous Communication Systemxe2x80x9d, all of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that they disclose and teach. Although each of these references discloses the use of GPS synchronization signals to transmit data in assigned time slots, none of these systems discloses the use of empirically derived synchronization signals to remove error skew that may exist within the system so as to ensure proper sampling of data.
Hence, it would be advantageous to have a simple technique for synchronizing the transmission of data between various units and a base station in a system where mobile units are used that are continuously changing location and ensure that proper sampling can occur by using both GPS synchronization and empirically derived synchronization.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by providing a system that synchronizes the transmission of data between multiple units and a base station by using a GPS synchronous clock signal. The GPS synchronous clock signal is transmitted to mobile units and a base station and is capable of providing a synchronized universal time clock that is independent of the location of the mobile unit. The internal bit clocks of the mobile units and the base station are synchronized with a GPS sync pulse. Each mobile unit then calculates the transmission delay between the mobile unit and the base station using the GPS location coordinates of the mobile unit and the GPS location coordinates of the base station to determine a transmission distance. The channel delay of the mobile unit, which is the delay of the internal circuitry of the unit is then combined with the distance delay to calculate a transmission time. The mobile unit can be calibrated at the factory and stored in the mobile unit. Alternatively, the channel delay can be calibrated in the field periodically. The channel delay and the calculated distance delay are then combined to determine the time at which date should be transmitted in accordance with the assigned time slot of the mobile unit. A time slot for each mobile unit can be assigned during log-on of the mobile unit to the system or can be pre-assigned.
The present invention also corrects any additional error skew that may be encountered in the system. Error skew is corrected by transmitting a preamble with each data burst that is transmitted from the base station to the mobile unit that comprises a series of ones and zeros. The error skew is then determined by detecting the skew that exists between the delay data pulse and the bit clock that has been synchronized with the GPS sync pulse. In this fashion, synchronization of the bit clock of each of the mobile units with the actual data received from the base station is insured.
The present invention may therefore comprise a method of synchronizing the transmission of information in assigned time slots between mobile transceiver units having GPS receivers and a base station having a GPS receiver comprising: using the GPS receiver in the mobile units for receiving GPS synchronization data; using the GPS receiver in the base station to receive the GPS synchronization data; using a GPS synchronization pulse generated from the GPS synchronization data to synchronize internal bit clocks in the mobile units and the base station to provide GPS synchronized internal bit clocks in the mobile units and the base station; transmitting base station synchronization pulses from the base station to the mobile units that are synchronized with the GPS synchronized internal bit clock of the base station; further synchronizing the GPS synchronized internal bit clocks of the mobile units with the base station synchronization pulses to produce empirically synchronized internal bit clocks of the mobile units; transmitting data from the mobile units in assigned time slots using the empirically synchronized internal bit clocks of the mobile units.
The present invention may further comprise a system for synchronizing the transmission of data in assigned time slots comprising: mobile units that have communication transceivers; a base station having a communication transceiver for communicating with the mobile units; GPS receivers disposed in the mobile units and the base station that receive GPS synchronization data and generate GPS synchronization pulses and GPS coordinate information from the GPS synchronization data; internal bit clocks disposed in the mobile units and the base station that are calibrated to the GPS synchronization pulses to produce GPS synchronized internal bit clocks; logic control devices disposed in the mobile units that are programmed to control the transmission of data from the mobile units to the base station in assigned time slots and that are programmed to further synchronize the GPS synchronized internal bit clocks of the mobile units with base station synchronization pulses, the base station synchronization pulses being synchronized with the GPS synchronized internal bit clock of the base station.
The advantages of the present invention are that the GPS sync pulse is used to synchronize each of the mobile units and the base station. Additionally, each of the mobile units, which may be moving and changing locations, can utilize its GPS coordinates to determine the distance between the mobile unit and the base station. The transmission delay can then be calculated in a simple and easy fashion and as frequently as several times a second. In this manner, each mobile unit can be assured that data transmitted from the mobile units arrive at the base station during the assigned time slots for each mobile unit. Hence, mobile units that contain GPS receivers can utilize those receivers in a very advantageous fashion to synchronize transmissions in a time division multiplexed communication system. Further, empirically detected error skew can be eliminated using synchronization pulses transmitted from the base station to the mobile units. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a golf club. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf club head having a deep undercut.
2. Description of the Related Art
Golf club heads come in many different forms and makes, such as wood- or metal-type, iron-type (including wedge-type club heads), utility- or specialty-type, and putter-type. Each of these styles has a prescribed function and make-up. The present invention relates to golf club heads that have a predominantly solid material area located near the heel of the club head.
Iron-type and utility-type golf club heads generally include a front or striking face, a hosel, and a sole. The front face interfaces with and strikes the golf ball. A plurality of grooves, sometimes referred to as “score lines,” is provided on the face to assist in imparting spin to the ball. The hosel is generally configured to have a particular look to the golfer, to provide a lodging for the golf shaft, and to provide structural rigidity for the club head. The sole of the golf club is particularly important to the golf shot because it contacts and interacts with the ground during the swing.
In conventional sets of iron-type golf clubs, each club includes a shaft with a club head attached to one end and a grip attached to the other end. The club head includes a face for striking a golf ball. The angle between the face and a vertical plane is called the loft angle.
The set generally includes irons that are designated number 3 through number 9, and a pitching wedge. One or more additional long irons, such as those designated number 1 or number 2, and wedges, such as a lob wedge, a gap wedge, and a sand wedge, may optionally be included with the set. Each iron has a shaft length that usually decreases through the set as the loft for each club head increases from the long irons to the short irons. The overall weight of each club head increases through the set as the shaft length decreases from the long irons to the short irons. To properly ensure that each club has a similar feel or balance during a golf swing, a measurement known as “swingweight” is often used as a criterion to define the club head weight and the shaft length. Since each of the clubs within the set is typically designed to have the same swingweight value for each different lofted club head or given shaft length, the weight of the club head is confined to a particular range.
The length of the shaft, along with the club head loft, moment of inertia, and center of gravity location, impart various performance characteristics to the ball's launch conditions upon impact and dictate the golf ball's launch angle, spin rate, flight trajectory, and the distance the ball will travel. Flight distance generally increases with a decrease in loft angle. However, difficulty of use also increases with a decrease in loft angle.
Iron-type golf clubs generally can be divided into three categories: blades and muscle backs, conventional cavity backs, and modern multi-material cavity backs. Blades are traditional clubs with a substantially uniform appearance from the sole to the top line, although there may be some tapering from sole to top line. Similarly, muscle backs are substantially uniform, but have extra material on the back thereof in the form of a rib that can be used to lower the club head center of gravity. A club head with a lower center of gravity than the ball center of gravity facilitates getting the golf ball airborne. Since blade and muscle back designs have a small sweet spot, which is a term that refers to the area of the face that results in a desirable golf shot upon striking a golf ball, these designs are relatively difficult to wield and are typically only used by skilled golfers. However, these designs allow the skilled golfer to work the ball and shape the golf shot as desired.
Cavity backs are modern designs that move some of the club mass to the perimeter of the club by providing a hollow or cavity in the back of the club, opposite the striking face. This produces a more forgiving club with a larger sweet spot. Having a larger sweet spot increases the ease of use. The decrease in club head mass resulting from the cavity also allows the size of the club face to be increased, further enlarging the sweet spot. The perimeter weighting created by the cavity also increases the club's moment of inertia, which is a measurement of the club's resistance to torque, for example the torque resulting from an off-center hit. These clubs are easier to hit than blades and muscle backs, and are therefore usable by less-skilled and beginner golfers.
Modern multi-material cavity backs are the latest attempt by golf club designers to make cavity backs more forgiving and easier to hit. Some of these designs replace certain areas of the club head, such as the striking face or sole, with a second material that can be either heavier or lighter than the first material. These designs can also contain deep undercuts, which stem from the rear cavity, or secondary cavities. By incorporating materials of varying densities or providing cavities and undercuts, mass can be freed up to increase the overall size of the club head, expand the sweet spot, enhance the moment of inertia, and/or optimize the club head center of gravity location. However, due to construction limitations or requirements, some of these designs inadvertently thicken the heel or hosel area portion of the club head. Still, these improvements make the multi-material cavity back design the easiest of all styles to hit, and are ideally suited for the less adroit or novice golfer. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to setting tabs. More specifically, this invention relates to changing the location of one set tab and causing a change in the location of following set tabs.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore, the setting and clearing of tabs, and the handling of text, including columns, relative to set tabs, have been accomplished in numerous ways. For example, on the IBM Mag Card II and the IBM Memory Typewriter, tabs are automatically set every five units upon power "on." The operator can then escape the carrier and clear the set tabs and set other tabs. The locations of the set tabs are stored in a random access memory. Text codes and tab codes are then keyed and stored in an included electronic dynamic shift register memory. Upon playout of the text from the stored text and tab codes in the shift register memory, the text is properly aligned relative to the set tabs.
Other known art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,625,335; 3,812,945; 3,832,697; and 3,885,663. These patents were developed during a patentability search in the U.S. Pat. and Trademark Office. From a review of these patents, no disclosure appears which is particularly pertinent to this invention. That is, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,335 there is disclosed apparatus for inhibiting printing and causing backspacing for keyed characters from a tabulation position. The characters are stored during keying. Upon release, there is a justified printout of the stored characters against a tabulation position. U.S. Pat. No. 3,812,945, as far as tabulation is concerned, discloses a system for aligning a column of numbers with respect to decimal points. U.S. Pat. No. 3,832,697 deals with handling digits within a column. A tabulating system is disclosed in which the number of digits to be printed out in respective columns can be set in order that information stored in a register can be tabulated. U.S. Pat. No. 3,885,663 deals with vertically aligning columnar text relative to set tabs.
An important point to note with respect to the above is that the resetting or repositioning of one set tab will in no way affect any other set tab. With this invention, not only will the resetting of one tab affect other set tabs, the relative spacing of following set tabs will be maintained upon the resetting of a tab. | {
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The present invention relates to devices for suspending articles, and more particularly, to labels including hangers and securable to articles.
It is often necessary or desirable to hang various articles from supports for storage and convenient access. For example, IV bottles and bags often must be suspended from stands for gravitational feed of the contents of the bottles or bags. Similarly, consumers often wish to hang bottles of shampoo, soap, suspension oils and the like in their showers or elsewhere. A number of hanging devices for such purposes have been proposed, including self-adhesive labels including integral hangers. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,125 to Andel et al. Additionally, some hanger devices are mechanically secured to an article, such as in the container and retractable hanger system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,497 to Davis.
It is desirable to minimize the cost of any such hanger, particularly in the case of relatively low cost consumer products such as shampoos and the like. However, it is also desirable to provide a hanger which will reliably suspend the article. In the case of hangers consisting of an open hook, there is the risk that the hanger will become dislodged from a support through the open portion of the hook. While closed loop hangers may obviate this risk, they limit the choice of supports to those having a free end over which the hanger may be looped. Commonly, consumers have a number of items in their shower which they wish to hang, but only a few suitable supports for closed loop hangers. Notably, a support having a free end (e.g., a shower head) presents a risk that the hanger may fall off the support.
The present invention is directed to a label for suspending an article from a support. The label has a lower surface and includes an adhesive on the lower surface to secure the label to the article. The label further includes a hanger defining an opening therein and an interlock tab. The interlock tab is adapted to selectively engage the opening to interlock with the hanger to form a hanging loop including the hanger and the interlock tab.
The label may include a hanger anchoring portion having a lower surface and connected to the hanger, and an interlock tab anchoring portion having a lower surface and connected to the interlock tab. The adhesive is disposed on the lower surfaces of the hanger anchoring portion and the interlock tab anchoring portion to secure the hanger anchoring portion and the interlock tab anchoring portion to the article. Alternatively, the label may include: a base layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the first adhesive is disposed on the lower surface of the base layer; a suspension layer overlying the base layer, the hanger forming a part of the suspension layer; a hanger anchoring portion forming a part of the suspension layer and being connected to the hanger; and a second adhesive securing the hanger anchoring portion to the upper surface of the base layer.
The present invention is further directed to a suspendable assembly including an article and a label as described above. The adhesive secures the label to the article. The article may include first and second sides, the hanger being mounted on the first side and the interlock tab being mounted on the second side, whereby the hanging loop extends from the first side to the second side. Alternatively, the hanger and the interlock tab may be mounted on the same side of the article.
The present invention is further directed to a method for suspending an article from a support. A label is applied to the article. The label has a lower surface and includes an adhesive on the lower surface securing the label to the article. The label further includes a hanger defining an opening therein, and an interlock tab. The interlock tab is adapted to selectively engage the opening. The hanger is looped over the support and down to the interlock tab. The interlock tab is interlocked with the hanger to form a closed hanging loop extending about the support and to the article.
The step of applying may include: supplying a web of hanger material having the adhesive thereon; applying a portion of the web to the article such that the portion of the web is secured to the article by the adhesive; and simultaneous with or following the step of applying a portion of the web to the article, cutting through the web to form the label.
The present invention is further directed to method for forming a molded suspendable assembly. The method includes molding an article and applying and securing a label to the article during the step of molding. The label includes a hanger defining an opening therein.
The present invention is further directed to a molded suspendable assembly. The molded suspendable assembly includes a molded article and an in-mold label secured to the article. The label includes a hanger defining an opening therein.
Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the Figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention. | {
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Extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) is the most common gram-negative pathogen in humans, and can cause various infections outside of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to diverse and serious diseases, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Increasing multidrug resistance among ExPEC strains is an obstacle to treatment and leads to increasing numbers of hospitalizations and deaths and increasing healthcare costs associated with ExPEC infections.
A vaccine against ExPEC is therefore urgently needed. The O-antigen, a component of the surface lipopolysaccharide, has been identified as a promising vaccine target, and is used as antigen in a glycoconjugate vaccine that is currently under development (see, e.g. Poolman and Wacker, 2016, J. Infect. Dis. 213: 6-13).
The glycoconjugate vaccines against ExPEC that are currently under development comprise O-glycans of different serotypes of ExPEC, each coupled to a carrier protein, such as exoprotein A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (EPA) (see e.g., WO2015/124769, and WO 2017/035181). Such a vaccine comprising O-glycans of the E. coli serotypes O25B, O1A, O2 and O6A is for instance in an ongoing phase 2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02546960).
It was found by the instant inventors that while the existing ExPEC vaccine formulation (25 mM Tris pH 7.4, 2.7 mM KCl, 137 mM NaCl) is acceptable for short-term storage at 2-8° C. and in-use stability, it is not robust upon freeze/thaw and under agitation stress. Accidental freezing, accidental heating, and agitation (e.g., during storage or transportation) has a detrimental impact on product integrity of the ExPEC formulations. For pharmaceutical products that are intended for use in large populations, such as a glycoconjugate vaccine against ExPEC, it is beneficial to have a formulation that can be frozen in bulk at low temperatures, and after thawing can be stored at about 2-8° C. before usage (i.e., where the drug substance is frozen for large scale and long term storage, but the drug product that is being used is stored at about 2-8° C., so at least one freeze-thaw cycle is inevitable for the product). Further, the formulation would preferably also be compatible with different materials, such that the product (e.g., the glycoconjugate) can be stored in different formats (e.g., bags, bottles, vials, prefilled syringes, and/or applicable devices).
There is a need in the art for formulations of vaccines against ExPEC, that can withstand multiple environmental stresses (e.g., freeze/thaw, agitation, elevated temperature, light exposure, metal oxidant exposure, etc.) and result in a longer stability and longer shelf life of the compositions, and preferably are compatible with multiple processing (e.g. container) materials. Any of the degradation routes resulting from an environmental stress can lead to lowered biological activity, and can potentially also result in the formation of by-products or derivatives of the components of the formulations, thus resulting in increased toxicity and/or altered immunogenicity of the ExPEC vaccine. Therefore, a tailored approach is needed to find a robust formulation for glycoconjugate vaccines ensuring stability over a wide range of conditions. Buffer type, pH, and specialized excipients will need to be selected, specifically combined, and subsequently meticulously optimized to keep glycoconjugate vaccines chemically, physically, and biologically stable. In view of all the factors that can vary, finding optimal conditions for formulating glycoconjugate vaccines against ExPEC is burdened with challenges, and the composition of a good formulation is a priori unpredictable.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for formulations of glycoconjugate vaccines against ExPEC that ensure that the vaccine compositions can withstand multiple environmental stresses and have an improved stability and longer shelf life. It is the aim of the present invention to provide such formulations. | {
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The present invention relates to digital microprocessing facilities for use in printers, enabling the printer to generate cursive writing, with particular emphasis on output devices for data processing facilities, and with further emphasis on utilization of the facility in conjunction with matrix printers, having print elements such as needles, styli, hammers or the like, arranged in one or several columns.
Printing facilities of the type to which the invention pertains generally include a symbol or character generator, a processing facility that calls on the symbol generator in a sequence for purposes of readout of digital representation of particular characters and symbols, and a driver circuit for driving the various print elements in accordance with a program that uses the character representing bits to generate the respective character or symbol. Each of the character is composed on a dot column by dot column basis under utilization of one or a plurality of the individual print elements as they are arranged in a column. They are actuated sequentially as the print process moves from column to column.
The columnar arrangement of the print elements on one hand, and the concurrency of print elements actuation entail a generally vertical oriented appearance of each character. However, if one interposes (e.g. by means of variable length shift registers) delays for triggering of the several print elements, one can generate an oblique character appearance--a cursive writing style.
Data output devices generally and matrix printers in particular are usually required to process a large amount of data furnished to them by a computer. This processing must occur in a relative short period of time whereby it has to be borne in mind that from the point of view of computer operation the physical print process, no matter how fast it appears to be, is a relatively slow process, and a high speed operation is desired in order to avoid unnecessary pauses in computer operation.
Generally speaking, the processing of raw data may involve the processing of information which permits display, for example, on a monitor screen in a terminal or printout of such data in order to obtain a permanent record, whereby the latter is, of course, a relatively slow process. The matrix printers that are used in many instances pose in addition certain problems of slowness, simply on account of composing characters individually out of a multiple of dots. On the other hand, economic considerations have led to a widespread adoption of matrix print technology.
A computer generally, will transmit binary signals from its working memory or a memory extension, including relatively slow external data storage facilities, to an output device generally and in particular to a matrix printer. Herein then lines and columns of a character matrix to be printed are determined as stated by the function, operation, and design of the symbol or character generator. The binary signals, moreover, will also control a certain enhancement of printing, for example, in case of high quality print operation, and this increase is either produced in the data station or directly on the print medium.
An interpositioning of digital micro-processors between the computer generating the data to be printed out generally and the print process proper is generally known in order to obtain certain autonomy on part of the print facilities, so that the printer does not tie up to the computer operation directly.
After this general background, reference is made to German printed patent application No. 24 57 884, which is a representative example of a buffering type digital microprocessor. The reference particularly refers to the utilization of a micro-processor for purposes of generating cursive writing. As stated, cursive writing basically requires a transposition of the printing process such that originally envisioned (as far as the character generator is concerned) vertical lines are converted into lines of oblique orientation. Generally speaking, this requires a controlled delay in the printing process as carried out by dot printing elements and on an element for element basis as far as the vertical column of print elements is concerned.
Under normal circumstances (vertical line printing), elements participating in the printing of a vertical line are triggered and operated simultaneously. For purposes of cursive writing these elements have to be actuated in sequence with a non-zero time interval being interposed in between the actuation of two vertically juxtaposed print elements. One has to provide, therefore, individual delay devices to be effective between the character generator on one hand and the driver circuit for the electromagnetic operation of the print element on the other hand. These delay devices, shift registers and logic circuitry permit the selective operation of cursive or normal writing.
The known micro-processor, however, does not satisfy requirements for fast control and at speed sufficient to meet speed requirements as they are necessary in some processing stations in matrix printers. The known method of cursive writing does not consider the fact that matrix printers and other printout and readout stations operate bidirectionally for reasons of avoiding seemingly unnecessary return trips of equipment, towards a given starting position. In other words, the known solution of obtaining cursive writing will be able to work only for printing oblique symbols, when the print process runs, for example, from left to right. In the case of any subsequent printing from right to left these known devices simply are not capable of consistently presenting a cursive letter image. Consequently, the known cursive writers are tied to a significant speed cut. Another disadvantage of the known method is a fixed angle of obliqueness. | {
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The invention is directed to a system and method for controlling a moisture level in a gas, and in particular to controlling the moisture level in a circulating gas flow.
There are a variety of systems which utilize a flowing gas, such as a circulating gas. Such a system includes a Differential Mobility Spectrometer (DMS) system, for example. In some of such systems, it is desired or needed to control the moisture level in the flowing gas. There are known systems for controlling the moisture level in flowing gases. However, known systems fail to provide an arrangement by which the moisture may be controlled in an efficient and effective manner. The invention provides such a system. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to both a driving method and a driving apparatus for a display apparatus, and more particularly, to both a driving method and a driving apparatus capable of reducing a response time of a display apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An image displaying principle of a liquid crystal display (LCD) lies in externally inputting driving voltages for rearranging liquid crystal molecules of each pixel so that both a polarization state and a transmittance of lights are changed to lead in various luminances. However, liquid crystal molecules are inert to changes of external driving voltages, therefore, in comparison to a conventional cathode ray tube display, a liquid crystal display may incur image blurs while displaying animation.
For neutralizing the defect, voltage overriding may be used. For example, luminance having a gray scale G1 is originally expected to be retrieved by inputting an external driving voltage V1 for having crystal molecules to rotate with an angle θ1, however, for raising a response velocity of crystal molecules, an overdriving voltage V2 higher than the driving voltage V1 is provided as a transition driving voltage, then a stable driving voltage V1 is provided for displaying the gray scale G1. Besides, provided overdriving voltages should be changed corresponding to changes of initial states of the liquid crystal molecules. For example, an overdriving voltage V3 for having a pixel be changed from the gray scale G2 to the gray scale G1 should be different from an overdriving voltage V4 for having the same pixel changed from a gray scale G3 to the gray scale G1. Therefore, an overdriving voltage signal table may be built in the display apparatus for providing different and appropriate overdriving voltages with respect to various changes of gray scales.
Please refer to FIG. 1, which illustrates an overdriving voltage signal table. Fields in the overdriving voltage signal table having a value of 0 indicate a condition that appropriate overdriving voltages may be used for various changes of gray scales, whereas other fields having a value other than 0 indicate a condition that the provided overdriving voltage should exactly follow the value of the field. However, while referring to the table, voltage overdriving may merely be used for changes between intermediate gray scales. In other words, since the driving voltage for changing an intermediate gray scale to a highest gray scale, which has a value of 255 in the table shown in FIG. 1, has reached its maximum, a corresponding overdriving voltage cannot be provided so that the response time cannot be reduced by changing the overdriving voltage according to the overdriving voltage signal table. As a result, some technique has to be come up for performing voltage overdriving for the highest gray scale so as to reduce the response time, during which an intermediate gray scale is changed to a maximal gray scale. | {
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1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the wireless telecommunications field and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for a mobile communications terminal to acquire and synchronize with a low duty-cycle beacon signal.
2. Description of Related Art
Mobile radio system base stations, such as the base stations used in wide area cellular phone systems or for indoor cordless phones, transmit a fixed frequency control signal on a beacon or control channel. A beacon channel serves the following purposes: (1) it provides a time, frequency, and signal power reference for mobile terminals; (2) it provides network broadcast information; and (3) it is used to facilitate access control. The beacon channel's reference function is particularly important for locking a mobile terminal to a fixed base station channel for communications therebetween.
Typically, when a mobile terminal is first turned on, it powers up with no prior knowledge about the frequency or timing of any radio base station. Consequently, the mobile terminal is required to search both in frequency and time for a proper reference signal pattern which the terminal can then lock onto. In prior analog communications systems, these time and frequency uncertainties at power up were separated by transmitting a continuous wave (CW) carrier from the base station. The mobile terminals were able to derive a frequency reference from the CW signal. Currently, in the more advanced digital radio systems, such as the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) in Europe, the Personal Digital Communications (PDC) System in Japan, the Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System (D-AMPS) in North America, the Digital European Cordless Telephone (DECT) System, and the new Personal Communications System (PCS), the timing and frequency reference signals are combined in a single reference burst, which is broadcast periodically on a single carrier frequency. The mobile terminal has to find this burst, in both time and frequency, in order to synchronize (lock) with it.
Generally, two techniques are used in existing digital systems to acquire a reference burst and synchronize with it. With the first technique, a mobile terminal uses a plurality of on-line correlators to continuously search the received signal for a fixed reference pattern. Each correlator is used to search at a different frequency offset. With the second technique, a mobile terminal samples a reasonable portion of the received signal, and then processes the sample data off-line in order to search for the fixed reference pattern at the different frequency offsets.
The first of the above-described acquisition techniques is technically straightforward, but it requires a considerable amount of hardware to implement in case a large frequency uncertainty exists, because each correlator being used can cover only a limited frequency uncertainty range. Additionally, the first technique is relatively inflexible, because it requires major hardware changes in the terminals whenever a new base station reference signal is used.
The second acquisition technique is much more flexible than the first technique, primarily because the second technique can be implemented in software. Consequently, once the terminal has sampled a received signal, a digital processor in the terminal can store the samples in memory and test them during a relatively large time and frequency window. However, the second technique is still limited in the sense that by lowering the duty cycle of the reference signal, the signal sampling time is lengthened. Lengthening the sampling time places greater storage and processing requirements on the terminal hardware. Namely, for a reasonably fast signal acquisition time, the sampled data should contain at least one complete reference burst. In order to ensure that a complete reference burst is sampled, the duration of the sampled signal should be longer than the period between two successive reference bursts, plus the period of the reference burst itself.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,428,668 and 5,535,259 describe a recently developed private radio system that has been adapted for use with cellular mobile phones. The reference signal transmitted from the private radio system's base station has a very low duty-cycle and can have a very large frequency uncertainty. Consequently, a substantial amount of data can be sampled during the relatively long period between successive reference bursts. In that regard, existing terminal memory and processing constraints make the existing time and frequency synchronization techniques implausible. | {
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The present invention is directed to a leak testing device to be positioned between two adjacent conduits.
In the plumbing industry, it is common to test pipes for leaks prior to use. In particular, in the installation of new plumbing systems in buildings, or the replacement of an existing pipe, the government regulations require that a pipe be leaked-tested prior to its use as part of the overall plumbing system. The current practice is to install a T-fitting between the new pipe and an existing adjacent pipe. The two arms of the T-fitting are vertically connected to the ends of the new and existing pipes with a conventional split-clamp assembly. The side-arm of the T-fitting includes a screw-on cap which can be removed for allowing access to the inside of the T (FIG. 1).
The testing procedure involves a plumbing professional to manually insert a pneumatically inflatable plug through the side-arm of the T-fitting and into the end opening of the new pipe. The plug is then inflated to seal-off the new pipe opening leading into the T-fitting. The new pipe, which in many instance extends to one or more floors of a building, is then filled with a fluid, typically water, and is left in this condition until a government official visually inspects the new pipe for any leaks. Upon completion of the inspection, the fluid from the new pipe must be discharged for final assembly of the plumbing system. The fluid discharge involves deflating the plug by actuating a valve located on the plug which is completely hidden inside the T-fitting. The access to the valve is typically gained through the side-arm of the T-fitting.
The current practice of deflating the plug and removing it from inside the T-fitting is not very desirable in that severe physical injury, including death, or property damage may result if the plug fails for any reason, or due to improper handling thereof. The inflation of the plug to a desired pressure of 30 PSI, and its deflation at the completion of the testing procedure, requires additional equipment and proper training of the associated technician. This procedure further involves the use of a T-fitting which adds to the overall expense of the testing procedure. Finally, in many instances, the inflatable plug weakens or gets damaged due to inflation and deflation and can not be reused.
In view of the above, there is a need in the industry for a leak testing device which is safe for the plumbing professional and the surrounding property, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, and simple in construction.
Examples of various valves and pipe testing devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,133,714; 2,823,887; 3,232,577; 3,941,349; 3,945,604; 4,194,721; 5,076,095; and 5,197,324. | {
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A technique for forming a thin film transistor (TFT) by using a semiconductor thin film formed over a substrate having an insulating surface has attracted attention. The thin film transistors have been used in display devices typified by a liquid crystal television. A silicon-based semiconductor material is known as a material for a semiconductor thin film that can be used in thin film transistors. Besides, an oxide semiconductor has attracted attention as another material.
As a material for the oxide semiconductor, zinc oxide or a substance containing zinc oxide is known. Thin film transistors each of which is formed using an amorphous oxide (an oxide semiconductor) having an electron carrier concentration of lower than 1018/cm3 are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3. | {
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The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in firearm locks, particularly for guns, revolvers and automatic pistols.
Prior art known to applicant consists of U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,327,334; 2,479,107, 2,887,807, 3,022,598, 2,478,098, 3,360,880 and 4,023,294.
Although the prior art discloses several different ways in which to lock a gun, there is still considerable room for improvement. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to dual-channel nanowire FET devices and more particularly relates to an apparatus, system, and method for dual-channel nanowire integration.
2. Description of the Related Art
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) are widely used for amplifying or switching electronic signals. A typical MOSFET has a substrate with a source and drain region doped into the substrate. A gate stack, which includes an insulator and a metal (or polysilicon) is then placed on the substrate between the source and drain. The area of the substrate between the source and drain is sometimes referred to as the depletion region.
Advances in technology have allowed the MOSFET to become smaller, faster, have lower leakage current, and have lower output resistance. As a conventional planar MOSFETs are scaled down, it becomes more difficult to control the channel in these devices because they have shorter gate lengths. One advance to enable further MOSFET scaling has been to use nanowires as the semiconductor channel. Nanowires have the advantage of having a gatestack that wraps around the channel. This, in part, improves the performance by enabling devices with short gate lengths to have better control of the channel than a conventional planar device. Some nanowire FETs have been manufactured by having stacked nanowires. Multiple nanowires help increase the current capacity of the FET device. | {
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With motor vehicles the internal combustion engine is started using a battery-fed electrical machine known as the starter, with the electrical circuit of the starter able to be completed by an ignition switch operated by an ignition key. The ignition lock is connected to the plus pole of the battery, with the circuit being routed onwards from the ignition lock to the solenoid of the starter and from there to the minus pole of the battery. In a normal operating mode the circuit can only be completed when the ignition key suitable for the relevant ignition lock is available. With an intended theft of the motor vehicle, breaking into the vehicle is in many cases followed by short circuiting the starter switch (or the ignition lock) so that the starter can then be operated. To prevent this from being done many anti-theft systems are offered which are designed to prevent unauthorized starting of the motor vehicle. Such anti-theft systems are also referred to as immobilizers.
With a very simple embodiment of such an immobilizer an interrupting switch arranged in the circuit is used, located at a position in the vehicle known only to the driver. The disadvantages such a device lie in the fact that on the one hand in many cases the driver often forgets to activate the switch and on the other hand that a potential thief very frequently knows where such interrupting switches are installed. In both cases this means that this form of anti-theft device is ineffective.
In German Patent DE 43 30 733 C1 a further simple anti-theft device in a motor vehicle is described via which the motor vehicle can be put into a drivable state using resistive encoding. Resistive including in this case consists of resistors which are arranged in load lines at the ignition lock in a mechanically defined sequence. The evaluation of the drop in voltage at the resistance encodings allows any unintentional short-circuiting of the motor vehicle to be identified. A disadvantage of the arrangement described in DE 43 30 733 C1 is that it only allows the situation to be detected of whether the voltage drop measured at the relevant resistors deviates from the expected voltage drop. With the arrangement described in DE 43 30 733 A1 it is not however possible to establish whether the incident involved was actually an attempt at unauthorized short-circuiting (theft) or a fault in the lines or in the power supply, for example with a short circuit or open circuit. A diagnosis of this fault source compared to a theft is thus not possible.
Modern anti-theft devices in motor vehicles use electronic immobilizers, for example with transponders. With such electronic immobilizers there is data communication between a transceiver arranged in the motor vehicle and a transponder arranged for example in a key or a key fob of the vehicle user. Before the motor vehicle is put into use there is first an exchange of encoded data which ensures that the vehicle use is authorized, by the vehicle owner for example.
Such electronic anti-theft systems are however expensive and thus cost-intensive. Despite this such anti-theft systems are required in many countries for insurance reasons. In other countries in which these insurance conditions to not exist motor vehicles are frequently not fitted with such electronic anti-theft systems. There manipulation of the first switch and/or resistance network. | {
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Storage tanks and containment structures commonly used to store quantities of petroleum, waste, water, etc. may be used in combination with rigid or floating covers. Rigid covers can be difficult to remove and may require complex support mechanisms, such as cables or trusses. Although flexible and semi-rigid covers can be easier to position and maneuver, such covers are prone to lateral shifting and vulnerable to displacement by wind. | {
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This disclosure is generally directed to layered imaging members, photoreceptors, photoconductors, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to multilayered flexible, belt imaging members, or devices comprised of an optional supporting medium like a substrate, a photogenerating layer, a charge transport layer, including a plurality of charge transport layers, such as a first charge transport layer and a second charge transport layer, an optional adhesive layer, an optional hole blocking or undercoat layer, and an overcoating layer. In embodiments, the overcoating layer contains and is generated from an acrylated polyol, a polyalkylene glycol, a crosslinking component, a charge transport component, and a suitable alcohol mixture, such as a mixture of an alkyl alcohol and DOWANOL®, a series of glycol monoethers, such as 1-methoxy-2-propanol, available from Dow Chemicals.
The photoconductors illustrated herein, in embodiments, have excellent wear resistance, extended lifetimes, elimination or minimization of imaging member scratches, and which scratches can result in undesirable print failures where, for example, the scratches are visible on the final prints generated, and more specifically, increased crack, abrasion, and scratch resistance, minimal leaching of hole transport molecules from the charge transport layer, and the like as compared to similar photoconductors wherein only a glycol monoether is used to formulate the photogenerating dispersion. Additionally, in embodiments the photoconductors disclosed herein possess excellent, and in a number of instances low Vr (residual potential), and allow the substantial prevention of Vr cycle up when appropriate; high sensitivity; low acceptable image ghosting characteristics; low background and/or minimal charge deficient spots (CDS); and desirable toner cleanability.
Also included within the scope of the present disclosure are methods of imaging and printing with the photoresponsive or photoconductors illustrated herein. These methods generally involve the formation of an electrostatic latent image on the imaging member, followed by developing the image with a toner composition comprised, for example, of thermoplastic resin, colorant, such as pigment, charge additive, and surface additives, reference U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,560,635; 4,298,697 and 4,338,390, the disclosures of which are totally incorporated herein by reference, subsequently transferring the image to a suitable substrate, and permanently affixing the image thereto. In those environments wherein the device is to be used in a printing mode, the imaging method involves the same operation with the exception that exposure can be accomplished with a laser device or image bar. More specifically, flexible belts disclosed herein can be selected for the Xerox Corporation iGEN3® machines that generate with some versions over 100 copies per minute. Processes of imaging, especially xerographic imaging and printing, including digital, and/or color printing, are thus encompassed by the present disclosure. The photoconductors are in embodiments sensitive in the wavelength region of, for example, from about 400 to about 900 nanometers, and in particular from about 650 to about 850 nanometers, thus diode lasers can be selected as the light source. Moreover, the photoconductive members of this disclosure are useful in high resolution color xerographic applications, particularly high speed color copying and printing processes. | {
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Description of the Prior Art
The medical catheters of the prior art include among others an extremely flexible soft catheter attached to a coupler including a generally rigid housing suitable for grasping between the thumb and forefinger. The coupler housing has an exterior rigid tube or bushing for insertion within the lumen of a soft flexible catheter tubing leading to a patient. Flow through the flexible tubing is controlled by a finger operated clamp.
The coupler housing also includes an exterior female luer connector having a central passage which is in communication with the rigid tube and flexible tubing. An outer peripheral lipped area on the female luer connector is designed for interlocking with a male luer connector of a protective cap or with a male luer connector on a syringe or other device. The male luer connector includes a tubular member which is axially disposed within an interiorly threaded member for seating tightly within a female luer connector for communication with the central passage of the coupler. Alternately, the female luer connector is exteriorly threaded.
The female luer connector on the coupler is interlocked with the male luer connector on the syringe or other device by insertion, followed by a twist action. Separation of the female luer connector of the coupler from the male luer connector on the cap or syringe can be achieved by a reverse twist and then pulling apart. The locking assembly which has just been described is generally known in the art as a luer lock assembly.
This design has been extremely well received due to the ease with which a syringe or other male luer connectors containing needed medicines can be secured and later removed.
In recent years, however, it has been found that pathogens have been introduced into the catheter by means of injection, by touch, or perhaps by the spilling of a medicine or a nutritional fluid onto the female luer connector on the coupler. Also, occasionally the needle will damage or perforate the flexible tube during insertion risking the introduction of contaminated air or loss of fluids.
Generally, the female luer connector of the coupler and the male luer connector of the syringe are each provided with a protective cap prior to joining. That is, there is a cap over the female luer member of the coupler. Also, there is a cap over the male luer connector on the syringe. Prior to the joining of the two respective parts, the caps are removed. This reduces but does not eliminate the possibility of introducing pathogens into the body of a patient.
This has led to the addition of an injection cap containing a self-sealing material through which a needle is inserted. The material seals itself after removal of the needle. The injection cap is joined to the female luer connector and can be removed if desired for other direct connection to the female luer connector. It was found, however, that pathogens were still entering the catheter is spite of the provisions to prevent such occurrence. This was especially true with respect to the threaded areas within connecting parts.
In an effort to further minimize the possibility of introducing pathogens into a catheter, applicant has invented a new catheter assembly having several provisions for avoiding the introduction of pathogens and also for avoiding damage to the flexible catheter tubing.
As a consequence, it is an object of the invention to provide a capped catheter assembly having a coupler formed in two major separable pieces, one of which includes a self-sealing septum.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a means for preserving the self-sealing septum and the connection between the major pieces in an aseptic condition.
It is another object of the invention to provide a catheter assembly having a coupler embodying a standard female luer lock fitting with a removable interlocking male luer connection having a self-sealing septum.
It is an object of the invention to provide a catheter assembly having an interlocking two part coupler which permits the removal and replacement of an outer connecting part of the coupler.
It is another object of the invention to provide a catheter assembly having a coupler of two separable interconnecting major parts including a self-sealing septum. An outer protective cap has an antiseptic means disposed within the protective cap so that when the coupler is capped the antiseptic means is in contact with the self-sealing septum and with the interconnection between the major parts of the coupler.
It is a final object of the invention to provide a catheter assembly having a coupler of two separable, interconnecting major parts including an injection cap having a self-sealing septum and an outer protective cap containing antiseptic means which at the same time provides a low profile shape having a smooth exterior surface which will not catch on clothing or cause discomfort to the patient. The unique flattened configuration avoids twisting and facilitates taping.
As used herein and in the appended claims with respect to the catheter assembly, the term "distal" refers to the forward end of the catheter which is inserted into the patient's body. The term "proximal" refers to the trailing, exposed end of the catheter assembly which is external to the patient's body. | {
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Computers are commonly used to present a variety of digital media, including images, audio samples (sounds), and video media, as well as text and geometric shapes. Each of these media types can be presented individually, or a number of such media elements can be presented together in what is known as a composite multimedia presentation.
The ability to create and distribute composite multimedia presentations is very important for the dissemination of information based on various media types. In addition, standardized means of representing composite multimedia presentations have been created to enable many authors to create presentations that can be reproduced on a variety of computer platforms, such as personal computers, set-top boxes, and other devices.
Two well-known standardized formats of composite multimedia presentation developed by the Motion Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) are an Extensible MPEG-4 Textual (XMT) format and a binary coded MPEG-4 (mp4) format. The XMT format is well suited for authoring composite multimedia presentations, while the mp4 format is well suited for compact storage and transmission of composite multimedia presentations. Thus, it is desirable to efficiently convert XMT-formatted presentation to an mp4-formatted presentation. | {
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The application claims priority benefits under 35 USC xc2xa7119 of Japanese Patent Application Serial No. 2000-303967 filed on Oct. 3, 2000, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tilt steering apparatus capable of adjusting the height of a steering wheel.
2. Description of Related Arts
In this type of tilt steering apparatus, there is an antinomic request to desire to eliminate backlash at a support of a tilt and make reflection to be resistance in operation as low as possible at the time of operating the tilt.
For example, there is a case where a tilt pivot shaft is inserted through a connection hole of a bracket provided in a steering column, and the steering column is swung around the pivot shaft so that the tilt is adjusted. In this case, it is preferable that a clearance between an outer peripheral surface of the pivot shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the connection hole is as small as possible in order to eliminate the backlash at the support of the tilt, while a large clearance is preferred in order to reduce the friction to be resistance in operation at the time of adjusting the tilt.
In order to satisfy the antinomic request, significantly strict dimensional tolerance is required with respect to the pivot shaft and the connection hole, resulting in increased fabrication cost.
An object of the present invention is to provide a tilt steering apparatus which is low in cost and in which there is no backlash at a support of a tilt and friction at the time of adjusting the tilt is low.
In order to attain the above-mentioned object, in one aspect of the present invention, a tilt steering apparatus comprises a pivot fixed to a vehicle body; a steering column swung around the pivot at the time of tilt adjustment; a connection hole which is provided in the steering column and through which the pivot is inserted; and a projection formed on either one of an inner peripheral surface of the connection hole and an outer peripheral surface of the pivot opposite thereto so as to extend in a substantially circumferential or axial direction and brought into contact with the other peripheral surface.
In the present embodiment, the pivot and the connection hole are brought into contact with each other at the projection, thereby making it possible to reduce the contact area therebetween. As a result, it is possible to reduce friction created therebetween at the time of operating the tilt. Further, even when the pivot is pressed into the connection hole due to the variation in dimensional tolerance, the projection is easily deformed at the time of the pressing, thereby making it possible to minimize the increase in the friction at the time of relative rotation between the pivot and the connection hole. As a result, the dimensional tolerance need not be strict, thereby making it possible to reduce the fabrication cost.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to novel intermediates useful for the production of cephalosporin derivatives which are useful in the pharmaceutical fields, and a process for the production of the intermediates.
2. Discussion of Background
Since .beta.-lactam antibiotics exhibit selective toxicity only against bacteria and present no substantial effects against animal cells, they have performed important roles as antibiotics with no substantial side effects in the prevention or treatment of diseases caused by the infection of bacteria.
Particularly, cephalosporin derivatives are generally stable against penicillinase and have a broad antibacterial spectrum, and thus they are frequently employed for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by the infection of bacteria.
On the other hand, however, a cephalosporin derivative having a more potent and broader antibacterial spectrum is desired in that few existing cephalosporins are adequately active for the curing of obstinate infectious diseases caused by resistant Staphylococci, or glucose non-fermentative Gram-negative rods such as resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Acinetobacter calcoaceticus which have various resistant mechanisms.
Under the circumstances, the present inventors have conducted extensive researches on cephalosporin derivatives, and as a result, have found that a group of cephalosporin derivatives having an isoindolinium methyl group substituted by two hydroxyl groups at adjacent positions, introduced at the 3-position of the cephem nucleus, exhibit remarkably strong antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria, particularly against glucose non-fermentative Gram-negative rods such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas cepacia and the like (Japanese patent application No. 292183/1985). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Thrombosis is characterized by excessive blood clotting. The condition plays a significant role in cardiovascular and related diseases, and thrombotic events underlie a significant proportion of the mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular disease. Thrombosis can cause a range of disease states which are characterized by the location of the blood vessel in which the clot is formed.
Thrombin is a trypsin-like serine protease that plays a key role in the blood coagulation cascade by catalyzing the conversion of fibrinogen to insoluble fibrin. This enzyme also activates Factor V and Factor VIII for its own production and potently activates platelets as well. Therefore, thrombin has long been recognized as a central regulator in thrombosis and hemostasis, and its inhibition has become a major therapeutic target in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, unstable angina, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Indirect thrombin inhibitors such as heparin and warfarin (coumarin) have been used as antithrombotic therapies with, however, several limitations. Heparin demonstrates low bioavailability and is associated with side effects such as bleeding problems, moreover, it is not able to inhibit clot-bound thrombin. Warfarin is an effective oral anticoagulant but it has a narrow therapeutic window and also requires patient monitoring. A natural protein inhibitor, hirudin, has been associated with bleeding complications.
Most of the low molecular weight thrombin inhibitors are broadly based upon peptides or peptidomimetic templates which operate by a direct mechanism of action against the target enzyme. Early examples are tripeptidic aldehydes such as D-Phe-Pro-Arg-H and Me-D-Phe-Pro-Arg-H that have been reported to be effective thrombin inhibitors (Bajusz et al. J. Med. Chem. 1990, 33, 1729).
Recently, D-Phe-Pro-Agmatine and its derivatives have been described as thrombin inhibitors in U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,078 and WO93/11152 (agmatine=1-amino-4-guanidinobutane). These compounds are different from the earlier tripeptidic compounds in that the agimatine compounds lack a carbonyl moiety found in similar compounds containing an Arg side chain.
More recently, certain tripeptidic thrombin inhibitors in which 4-amidinobenzylamaine was incorporated at the P1 position in place of agmatine have been disclosed (WO 94/29336). These amidine-based compounds have been reported to possess good antithrombotic activity (WO 95/23609). However, this class of compounds has generally poor or low oral bioavailability.
Certain thrombin inhibitors bearing the unique amino acid D-diphenylalanine at P3 position have been disclosed (WO 93/11152, U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,369, WO 97/15190). These compounds have been reported to have higher potency against thrombin compared to the corresponding D-phenylalanine alalogs (J. Med. Chem. 1992, 35, 3365; J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 830). In addition, some of this class of compounds exhibited good oral bioavailability (J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 3687; J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 3726).
In certain thrombin inhibitors and Factor Xa inhibitors, the amidinothiophene groups have been shown to be better para-benzamidine surrogates (WO 95/23609, WO98/24784, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 1998, 8, 1683). In addition, 2,5-thiophene and other 5-membered heterocyclic moieties have effectively served as a para-phenylene isostere in the inhibitors of other drug-targeting enzymes such as thymidylate synthase and glycinamide riobonuceotide formyltransferase (J. Med. Chem. 1991, 34, 1594; Cancer Research 1994, 54, 1021; WO 97/41115).
Therefore, there is a need in the art for thrombin inhibitors which have improved oral bioavailability and stablility as compared to those described supra. We have found that the compounds of the present invention, as defined below, are potent inhibitors of thrombin in vitro and in vivo. In particular, certain compounds of this invention exhibit high bioavailability after oral administration. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a center floor panel assembly for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a center floor panel assembly for a vehicle, which can integrally assemble a center muffler unit.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a vehicle in the related art, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a muffler unit 60 is arranged on a bottom portion of a floor panel 10 in a vertical direction.
The muffler unit 60, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, is positioned in a lower portion of a tunnel portion 15 that is formed on a plate surface of the floor panel 10 in the vertical direction, and is connected to the floor panel 10 through a muffler hanger 20 and hanger bars 30 and 40.
The muffler hanger 20 is made of a rubber material having elasticity to absorb vibration and noise of a vehicle exhaust system, and serves to connect the muffler unit 60 to the floor panel 10 together with the hanger bars 30 and 40.
A muffler bar includes the muffler side hanger bar 30 having one end that is fixed to the muffler unit 60 and the other end that is connected to the muffler hanger 20, and the vehicle body side hanger bar 40 having one end that is fixed to the floor panel 10 and the other end that is connected to the muffler hanger 20.
In the vehicle in the related art, however, the muffler unit 60 is not integrally constructed with the floor panel 10, but is spaced apart from the floor panel 10 for a predetermined height, and thus it cannot contribute to the vehicle body stiffness.
Further, in order to prevent the heat injury caused by the muffler unit 60 through which high-temperature exhaust gas passes, it is required to form the tunnel portion 15 with a great height. Accordingly, it is disadvantageous in securing the indoor space and the layout is restricted.
The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Some modern telephone station sets are designed either to be wall mounted or placed on a desk stand. This requires that both a wall mounting and a desk stand mounting be provided for these alternate telephone mounting positions. It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for use as a wall mounting or as a desk stand for a telephone station set. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Recently, fluorescence observation using further longer wavelength than that in a conventional microscope has become to be carried out, so that an optical system having excellent optical performance in near-infrared wavelength range has been desired. For example, in a multi photon observation such as a two photon observation, in order to observe fluorescence in visible light by exciting a sample with longer wavelength illumination light, a microscope objective lens that excellently corrects chromatic aberration both in near-infrared light and in visible light has been increasingly desired. Moreover, in application in an optical tweezers also, the optical system is necessary to be excellently corrected in near-infrared range as well as in visible light range. There has been known an objective lens whose chromatic aberration is corrected in wavelength range from 400 nm to 1000 nm disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-065030.
However, since a bright observation image with high resolution is necessary in fluorescence observation, such an objective lens has been required to have a large numerical aperture. Accordingly, in a conventional objective lens, there has been a problem that a numerical aperture thereof is not sufficient. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Government regulations continue to reduce the allowable noise levels produced from the tires of passenger vehicles. One source of road noise is resonance within the air chamber enclosed by the innermost surface of the tire and the rim. One type of effort to reduce tire noise is damping the sound from the air vibration in the air chamber, which efforts have focused mainly on altering the innerliner that is disposed as the innermost layer of the tire adjacent the tire carcass. Shortcomings in these previous efforts, as well as new stricter regulations regarding noise reduction, have provided a need for further improvements to the innerliner to reduce sound transmission due to vibrations within the air chamber. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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When a drug solution or the like is administered to a patient, a drug solution that is different from the principal drug solution may be coinjected into a liquid feed passage for drug solution supply, or a liquid flowing through the above-described liquid feed passage may be sampled. In such cases, conventionally, a plug made of rubber is provided in the liquid feed passage as a coinjection port, and the plug is pierced with an injection needle or the like to coinject the drug solution or to collect the liquid.
However, there has been a problem in that if a region of the plug other than a predetermined region to be pierced is pierced with the needle, liquid leakage from that position may occur. In addition, there has been a problem of contamination of the needle due to, for example, a mistake in operation. Recently, a medical port whereby an inserting body whose tip is not sharp can be inserted and held in an insertion hole formed in a valve has been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example of a medical port such as this, a medical port having a valve that is adapted so that when, for example, a luer (an inserting body) constituting a syringe tip is pushed into an insertion hole, a liquid can be injected and/or collected, and when the luer is withdrawn from the insertion hole, the insertion hole closes due to its elasticity (see Patent Document 1, for example). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to an electrophotographic imaging member having an improved hole blocking layer.
Typical electrophotographic imaging members comprise a photoconductive layer comprising a single layer or composite layers. One type of composite photoconductive layer used in xerography is illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,990 which describes a photosensitive member having at least two electrically operative layers. The disclosure of this patent is incorporated herein in its entirety. One layer comprises a photoconductive layer which is capable of photogenerating holes and injecting the photogenerated holes into a contiguous charge transport layer. Generally, where the two electrically operative layers are supported on a conductive layer the photogenerating layer sandwiched between the contiguous charge transport layer and the supporting conductive layer, the outer surface of the charge transport layer is normally charged with a uniform charge of a negative polarity and the supporting conductive layer is utilized as an anode.
As more advanced, complex, highly sophisticated, electrophotographic copiers, duplicators and printers were developed, greater demands were placed on the photoreceptor to meet stringent requirements for the production of high quality images. For example, the numerous layers found in many modern photoconductive imaging members must be uniform, free of defects, adhere well to to adjacent layers, and exhibit predictable electrical characteristics within narrow operating limits to provide excellent toner images over many thousands of cycles. One type of multilayered photoreceptor that has been employed as a drum or belt in electrophotographic imaging systems comprises a substrate, a conductive layer, a charge blocking layer, an adhesive layer, a charge generating layer, and a charge transport layer. This photoreceptor may also comprise additional layers such as an overcoating layer. Although excellent toner images may be obtained with multilayered photoreceptors, it has been found that the numerous layers limit the versatility of the multilayered photoreceptor. For example, these photoreceptors often comprise a metal substrate having a roughened surface to avoid imagewise constructive interference effects, known as plywooding, that can occur with laser exposure systems. This surface is coated with a typical film forming hole blocking layer such as nylon, zirconium silane, and the like, to provide the charge blocking function. These materials, especially nylons, depend on water content to provide sufficient conductivity to bleed off negative charge residual in the charge generating layer. Although many electrophotographic imaging members perform well under normal ambient atmospheric conditions, they are sensitive to relative humidity such that their performance degrades in low and high humidity conditions. This is due to insufficient bleeding off of charge under low humidity conditions. Under high humidity conditions, the layer becomes more conductive and too much charge bleeds off between the uniform charging step and image developing step leading to print defects which appear as black spots in the background areas with a discharge area development printer, copier or printer. For high quality precision copiers, duplicators and printers, it is important to have a photoreceptor which maintains the same excellent print quality throughout the entire range of ambient environmental conditions.
For electrophotographic imaging systems which utilize uniform negative polarity charging prior to imagewise exposure, it is important that the charge blocking layer bleeds off negative charge while preventing positive charge leakage.
Although insulating type polymers can efficiently block hole injection from the underlying ground plane, their maximum thickness is limited by the inefficient transport of the photoinjected electrons from the generator layer to the substrate. If a charge blocking layer is too thick, resistivity of the layer increases and blocks passage of both negative and positive charges. Thus, the charge blocking coating must be very thin and this thin blocking layer coating often presents still another problem, the incomplete coverage of the underlying substrate due to inadequate wetting on localized unclean substrate surface areas. Coating thickness non-uniformity will lead to charge leakage. Further, blocking layers that are too thin, e.g. less than about 0.5 micrometer in thickness, are more susceptible to the formation of pinholes which allow both negative and positive charges to leak through the charge blocking and result in print defects. Also, when charge blocking layers are too thin, small amounts of contaminants can adversely affect the performance of the charge blocking layer and cause print defects due to passage of both negative and positive charges through the layer. Defects in hole blocking layer which allow positive charges to leak through lead to the development of charge deficient spots associated with copy print-out defects.
Moreover, alteration of materials in the various photoreceptor layers such as the charge blocking layer can adversely affect overall electrical, mechanical and other electrophotographic imaging properties such as residual voltage, background, dark decay, adhesion and the like, particularly when cycled thousands or hundreds of thousands of times in environments where conditions such as humidity and temperature can change daily. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Conventionally, in the field of the semiconductor device, a hole forming method using a mask including a fine opening pattern has been studied. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-238998 discloses the hole forming method. In this method, a film, a metal film, and a resist mask are formed on base material. Then, the metal film is subjected to dry etching using the resist mask, and, at the same time, the retreat amount of the resist mask by the dry etching is controlled, resulting in forming opening with side surface which has first and second tilt angles.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-198991 discloses the hole forming method. This method comprises forming a first pattern, forming spacers on a side wall of the first pattern, forming a second pattern by filling with an insulating film into a gap between the spacers, removing the spacer in a contact hole region, and forming a contact hole by etching using the first and second patterns and the spacer.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-335628 discloses the method for forming the contact hole. In this method, a first resist film is formed on an insulating film, and, then, a second resist film is formed on the first resist film. Next, a first opening is formed in the second resist film using a first photolithography method and a second opening is formed in the first resist film using a second photolithography method, resulting in forming an overhang portion in the second resist film. Thereafter, a mortar-shape contact hole is formed in the insulating film by selectively removing the insulating film using a reactive ion etching method. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Camera equipment has evolved through the years from the old pinhole cameras to the very sophisticated equipment of today. During this time there has been an ever increasing desire to produce photographic, videographic or cinematic special effects, while keeping cost effectiveness of the equipment and technique in mind.
Various camera techniques including chromakeying, luminous keying, and double exposures. These techniques involve the use of two cameras simultaneously, the images of which are combined into a single image. Alternatively, the seperate images can be shot with the same camera with the images combined into a single image.
Before now the equipment needed for these functions have been extremely complicated and expensive. These techniques were limited to those commercial production houses that had sufficient finances and trained personnel for expensive and complex equipment. What is needed in the industry is a simplified piece of equipment and methodology for carrying out these various filming techniques. The simplified method and equipment should be designed to be used by the amateur or beginning enthusiast, yet maintain the high quality of production experienced by the commercial production houses. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The invention relates to a lens system.
The German publication 24 36 230 discloses a lens system or objective containing a prism which rotates images. To minimize the size of the objective, the prism is integrated between two groups of lenses. Each group constitutes a converging lens group, and the prism lies on the optical axis. The structure of the German publication requires a real intermediate image, and hence an additional optical arrangement to produce the intermediate image. Accordingly, the cost and length of the objective are relatively great.
Another optical system for effecting image rotation is known from the European patent application 0 157 325. Here, the image is produced by a normal objective. A Porroprism arrangement is used for image rotation, and such arrangement is located outside of the objective, and thus also outside of the focal point. This requires the prisms to be greatly oversized relative to the focal point, particularly for larger projection angles and for the avoidance of vignetting, thereby causing the optical system to be large. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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This invention relates generally to planers and infeed tables. More specifically, this invention relates to position and pressure control of planer and infeed table press rolls.
A planer provides a smooth finish on up to four sides of rough lumber that has been produced by a saw mill. Referring to FIG. 1, a typical high speed, high production planer 10 includes multiple press rolls 20. The press rolls 20 drive the wood through high speed blades, called xe2x80x9ccutter heads,xe2x80x9d which cut a smooth surface on the wood. These press rolls 20 must be accurately positioned in order to appropriately engage wood being fed into the planer 10. The press rolls 20 must also apply a significant amount of downward force on the wood passing underneath them to create the traction required to push the wood through the planer""s cutting heads.
A common way to provide positional and pressure control over the press rolls 20 is to use either a stacked hydraulic cylinder 30 or a jack screw and spring (not shown). These methods, however, do not provide position or force indication and require manual intervention when the roll 20 position or tension forces need to be adjusted. As a result, using these methods, the force exerted on the wood is difficult to accurately control and adjusting the pressure settings during operation is unreliable. In addition, these prior designs allow excessive forces to be experienced by the components in the press roll tower assembly 21 during operation, resulting in undue wear and premature failure of the roll tower 21 components.
The ideal function of an infeed table is to present a continuous ribbon (end to end) of wood into the planer 10. Referring to FIG. 2, a typical infeed table 110 also includes multiple press rolls 120. The center press rolls are arranged in a powered hold down 124. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in operation, wood transitions horizontally into the deck area 126 of the infeed table 110, where it is grabbed by the first set of press rolls 122, called xe2x80x9cpineapple rolls,xe2x80x9d and directed lengthwise towards a planer entrance 12 (see FIG. 1). The feed rolls 120 on the table run faster than the press rolls 20 in the planer 10 to allow the wood to xe2x80x9cbutt upxe2x80x9d end to end before entering into the planer 10 through its entrance 12. Unfortunately, conventional infeed tables, such as infeed table 110, require operator intervention to adapt to various board thicknesses. Conventional infeed tables also lack a reliable way to control the position and pressure of the press rolls.
Referring to FIG. 3, a conventional hydraulic actuation system for modifying the position and pressure of the press roll 20 of FIG. 1 includes a double hydraulic cylinder 30 and various control components. Four way directional control valves 34 are provided for each cylinder. A flow control valve 37 and a dual pilot operated check valve 33 are mounted inline with the four way directional control valve 34 for the bottom cylinder. A pressure reducing valve 35 is mounted inline with the four way directional control valve for the top cylinder. An accumulator 32 and pump 39 are also provided. Fluid flow is directed between the bottom 38 and top 36 of each cylinder to control actuation of the press roll 20.
One aspect of the present invention is to enable a press roll assembly that provides reliable control over press roll position and pressure.
Another aspect of the present invention is to enable a press roll assembly that automatically adapts to various board thicknesses.
According to the foregoing aspects of the present invention, a press roll assembly includes a press roll adapted to exert a pressure on wood passing through a device, such as a planer or an infeed table. A controller is configured to control a position of the press roll and the pressure exerted by the press roll. A position sensor senses the position of the press roll and transmits a signal corresponding to that position to the controller. A pressure sensor measures the pressure being exerted by the press roll and transmits a signal corresponding to that pressure to the controller. A press roll actuator, preferably comprising a single hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic servo valve, can also be provided to move the press roll based on electrical signals from the controller. The press roll assembly of this invention can be automated to automatically adjust the position of the press roll and the pressure exerted by the press roll on wood. A planer or infeed table preferably comprises a plurality of these press roll assemblies, wherein each of the press roll assemblies can be independently controllable.
A method of automatically controlling a position and pressure of a press roll is provided by another aspect of this invention. The position of the press roll is sensed and the position can then be automatically and dynamically adjusted toward a desired position. The desired position can be based on user-defined set points. The desired position can also be automatically determined based on sensed board thickness. Similarly, the pressure being exerted by the press roll is sensed and the pressure can then be automatically and dynamically adjusted toward a desired pressure.
Upgrading an existing device, such as a planer or infeed table, to provide automatic control of press roll position and pressure is accomplished by retrofitting the existing device with a force and position controller. A position sensor is also provided to measure the position of the press roll and to communicate the position of the press roll to the controller. A pressure sensor is provided to measure the pressure exerted by the press roll on wood travelling through the device and to communicate the measured pressure to the controller. A communications interface is provided to permit communication between the controller and existing circuitry. The existing circuitry, for example, could be a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and an Operator Interface, including both a Human Machine Interface (HMI) and switches.
Once configured, the force and position controller can control the position and pressure of the press roll based on signals received from the position and pressure sensors. Pressure and position adjustment of the press rolls can be accomplished, for instance, through use of an actuator that adjusts the position and pressure of the press roll based on controller signals. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator comprises a single hydraulic cylinder and a servo valve, wherein the servo valve is arranged in electrical communication with the controller. dr
The foregoing objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed descriptions of various preferred embodiments, made with reference to the following figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view, with cutaways, of a planer according to the prior art.
FIG. 1A is a side elevation view, with cutaways, of a planer according to one aspect of the invention.
FIG. 1B is an enlarged perspective view of a hydraulic cylinder attached to a press roll for adjusting the position and pressure of the press roll.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an infeed table according to the prior art.
FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of an infeed table according to another aspect of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a somewhat schematic illustration of an actuation system for adjusting a position of and pressure exerted by a press roll according to the prior art.
FIG. 3A is a somewhat schematic illustration of an actuation system for adjusting a position and pressure exerted by a press roll according to yet another aspect of this invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electrical control system for the planer of FIG. 1A according to a further aspect of this invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electrical control system for the infeed table of FIG. 2A according to a still further aspect of this invention. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a method for analyzing probe data, and more particularly to a method of matching probe traces to a digital vector map.
Related Art
Roads in reality, like that illustrated in FIG. 1, are used to sustain traffic flow over land. Traffic flow may be either all in one direction, or bi-directional as shown in FIG. 1. Electronic maps (also known as digital maps or digital vector maps) are increasingly used by travelers to assist with various navigation functions, such as to determine the overall position and orientation of the traveler and/or vehicle, find destinations and addresses, calculate optimal routes, and provide real-time driving guidance. A digital map is configured to store a plurality of line segments spatially associated within a coordinate system. Each line segment, like that shown in FIG. 2, is composed of a sequence of edges connected together by shape points.
When associated with a road in reality, the line segment typically represents the road centerline as shown in FIG. 3. Within the digital map, the plurality of line segments are respectively topologically related or unrelated to one another. In general, related line segments adjoin one another so that traffic along the roads in reality is free to pass directly from one line segment to the next. Topologically unrelated line segments, on the other hand, are not directly connected and thus it is generally not possible for traffic along the roads in reality to pass directly between unrelated line segments. For example, FIG. 9 depicts overlapping line segments L1 and L4 that are topologically unrelated. Line segments L1, L2 and L3 on the other hand are topologically related to one another.
Digital maps are expensive to produce and update, since collecting and processing road information is very costly. Once a digital map has been created, it is costly to keep map information up to date, due to road geometry changes over time. Vehicle probe data may be used to hold road networks up-to-date. Vehicle probe data, also known as a probe trace, is a sequence of position data together with a timestamp and maybe additional data like speed, acceleration, heading, accuracy, etc. The individual position data are called trace points. A probe trace usually represents the movement of a car, bicycle, pedestrian, etc. The trace points are usually represented in a two or three dimensional coordinate system. The timestamp can be represented in an implicit way or can be omitted from the probe data. Often equidistant time intervals are used, in which case it is only necessary to store the time of the first trace point. If the time is not of interest the time information is maybe omitted. Thus, in the simplest case, a probe trace contains only the position data. With different approaches it is possible to generate a new network from probe data. New probe data which are available can be used in this manner to easily refine and extend a road network in a digital map system, provided the traces from such data can be suitably matched to a map.
Map matching algorithms are a key technology for digital map producers. They are necessary for nearly all applications of probe data, including attribute mining (e.g., speed profiles), network generation, network refinement and the detection of changes. Moreover map matching algorithms are needed in every navigation device in order to detect its current position on the navigation map. There exist already different map matching methods. One can distinguish on-line and off-line map matching algorithms. For on-line algorithms, only the current and the previous GPS points are available. On the contrary, off-line algorithms can use additionally some or even all future GPS points.
Furthermore one can distinguish between complete and incomplete map matching algorithms. A complete map matching allocates each trace point to any line segment. With this approach it is possible that a trace point is far away from the matched line segment. Therefore one has to assure that the digital vector map is complete. If this is not the case, one has to allow that a trace point is not allocated to a line segment in any case. Algorithms which allow such unmatched points are categorized as incomplete map matching techniques.
For different classes of algorithms, there exists different map matching methods. For the incremental network generation, the Applicant has developed the n-points map matching technique, described more fully in PCT/EP2009/063937, filed 22 Oct. 2009. This technique, known also as the Viae Novae algorithm, works very quickly and in the most cases we get very good results. However on complex crossings or intersections with short intermediate road elements the Viae Novae algorithm is sometimes not able to deliver always the correct result. Therefore a new and improved map matching algorithm is needed. Such an improved algorithm must exhibit a high matching quality, work well with incomplete road networks (e.g., missing roads, missing or wrong topological connections, etc.), and be very robust against GPS traces with insufficient quality (i.e., bad probe data) such as traces with point clouds (FIG. 4), traces with loops (FIG. 5), traces with zig-zags (FIG. 6) and outlier traces (FIG. 7), all of which occur frequently in probe data collections. Furthermore, an improved map matching algorithm must works with uni-directional and bi-directional networks. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to or food products which comprise encapsulated meat soup or juice. These foods with meat soup capsules can be usefully applied to the production of a variety of foods such as jiaozi (Chinese meat dumplings), shaomai (steamed meat dumplings), wonton (Chinese Meat-stuffed dumplings served in soup), shaoronpo (steamed dumplings stuffed with meat and soup), hamburger, sausage, meat-filled buns, or the like, thereby improving their taste.
2. Prior Art
Hitherto, chopped or minced meat has been used as a raw material in the production of foods such as jiaozi, shaomai, wonton, shaoronpo, hamburger, sausage, meat-filled buns and similar foods. The above-listed foods are generally produced by mixing and kneading the chopped meat with other raw materials such as vegetables and the like. The mixture is then used as an ingredient and wrapped with a film or dough of wheat flour or, alternatively, the mixture is molded into any desired shape. After wrapping or molding, the product is roasted on a frying pan, fried in an edible oil, boiled or steamed.
The above-described type of foods, however, have an important drawback which is a loss of their specific flavor and hence their reduced taste. This drawback is believed to result caused by the fact that when the food are heated in any subsequent step, meat juice of the chipped meat flows out from the foods and thus only a flesh structure of the meat having no extract component remains in the foods. In addition, for the meat-filled buns, they suffer from a tendency of rupture of their outer covering, because the dough of the wheat flour forming the covering is excessively expanded in the presence of the meat juice flowed out from the meat.
Recently, food products utilizing capsules having incorporated therein many different materials have been suggested. As an example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 56-42536 suggests to encapsulate additives such as fruit jam, honey, butter or the like. The encapsulated additives are then incorporated into breads or confectioneries. However, it does not teach to utilize such encapsulization technique in the production of jiaozi, shaomai, wonton, shaoronpo, hamburger, sausage, bun with meat filling or similar foods for the purpose of improving their taste. In fact, none of the prior arts discloses the use of the capsules in the production of these specified foods in order to improve their taste.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to retain the meat soup or juice in the jiaozi, shaomai, wonton, shaoronpo, hamburger, sausage, meat-filled buns or similar food products and, as a result, to improve their taste. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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This invention relates to an apparatus which permits quick removal of high capacity disk drive units from a receiving unit of a host computer system. The apparatus further provides quick, simple installation of the disk drive units into the computer system.
In order to provide greater flexibility in the operation of a computer system it is often desirable to incorporate several disk drive units into the system. Further, many applications permit the disk drive unit to be removed or interchanged for reasons of data security, backup purposes or for expanding a system. While this is a desirable feature, previous systems have required the computer operator to manually remove a number of connecting cables and to unscrew two thumb nuts to release the disk drive unit from its mounting in the host computer system.
Also in previous designs an occasional misalignment of ribbon cable connectors during installation of the disk drive unit improperly connected the drive unit and or damaged pins on the disk drive controller. Further, extended cable lengths used in these systems could result in some data validity problems. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of inspection, and more particularly, to the field of ultrasonic inspection of metals.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Non-destructive test (NDT) methods, such as ultrasonic, X-ray, die penetrant, and magnetic inspection, are highly developed for inspecting parts during manufacture and prior to their use. A more difficult and a less developed art is the in-place inspection of large structural items, such as gas and oil pipelines, during their lifetime of use. These pipelines carry flammable products under high pressure, frequently near populated areas, and it is important that their integrity be assured during their many years of use.
Conventional ultrasonic inspection techniques utilize a narrow beam of longitudinal or transverse type waves which is generated in a transducer outside the part to be inspected. The narrow ultrasonic beam is injected into the part by actual contact of the transducer with the part or by contact with a transmitting medium, such as water, which also contacts the part. These prior art techniques are not suitable for inspecting installed pipelines because of the inaccessibility of the pipe and because of the tremendous areas of pipe which must be scanned by the relatively narrow ultrasonic beam. Additionally, wear of the transducer as it moves along the pipe is a serious problem.
Recently, techniques have been developed for generating an ultrasonic Lamb wave in a metal as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,850,028, entitled, "Method for Ultrasonic Inspection", by the same inventors as the present disclosure. Unlike the commonly used longitudinal or transverse wave, the Lamb wave fills the entire cross section of the object being inspected and is not just a narrow beam of ultrasonic energy. Thus, it can be used to rapidly inspect large areas.
In prior ultrasonic inspection with Lamb waves, the amplitude and phase of beams reflected from defects in the material are analyzed to determine the size and location of the defects causing the reflection. No use is made of the beam which is transmitted past the defect. Because of the large wavelength of the Lamb wave, the reflected wave cannot clearly resolve the shape of small defects causing the reflection. Neither can the reflected wave detect a generalized or nonlocalized uniform decrease in the thickness of an object. Thus, it is not possible to determine the type of defect and the effect of the defect on the integrity of the material utilizing only reflected waves. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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In addition to scanning common reflection documents (i.e., opaque documents), a scanner can also scan transparent documents. A transparent document is a slide (also called positive) or a negative. When a scanner is used to scan a transparent document, a backlight module is required to provide backlight illumination so that the scanner can acquire image data when scanning the transparent document.
Further, because the transparent document is made of transparent material, if a user wants to view the image or text content of the transparent document before scanning, an extra illumination light is required. For instance, he can put the transparent document under a light to view its content. However, this way of viewing the content of the transparent document is inconvenient because it is necessary to find another illumination light.
Accordingly, the present invention aims to propose a backlight module used as a light source for preview of a transparent document to solve the problems in the prior art. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Amongst various types of display device, a practical application of a liquid crystal display device (Hereinafter, LCD) has been developed in recent years. This is because the LCD which uses liquid crystal is capable of performing a screen displaying with a low power consumption. As a display mode of the LCD and as a driving method, two methods are suggested. These methods are a simple matrix method and an active matrix method. Meanwhile, along with a progress in the development of multimedia technology for information communications, there is an increasing needs for a higher resolution, a higher contrast, and a wider view-angle of a display, and an ability to display multiple grayscale levels (i.e., an ability to perform multiple color displaying or full color displaying). Under such circumstances, it appears that such needs are difficult to be satisfied by using the simple matrix method. In view of that, there is suggested the active matrix method in which a switching element (active element) is provided to each pixel, for increasing the number of drivable scanning line electrodes.
With this technology of active matrix method, the resolution, contrast, and view-angle of the display have been improved, and the number of grayscale levels to be produced has been increased. A liquid crystal display device of the active matrix method includes: pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix manner; scanning lines extended nearby the pixel electrodes, the scanning lines electrically connected with the pixel electrodes via switching elements. The switching element can be a nonlinear element having two terminals, or a nonlinear element having three terminals. A representative switching element currently adopted is a thin film transistor (Hereinafter, TFT) which is a three terminal element.
Further, in recent years, the active matrix LCD is rapidly growing its popularity amongst mobile devices such as a mobile phone.
Incidentally, a conventional transmissive LCD performs a transmissive display by using a backlight unit arranged on a back surface of a liquid crystal display panel. This method results in a good screen displaying, when used under an indoor environment or the like, where surrounding light is relatively weak. However, when using such a transmissive LCD under an outdoor environment or nearby a window, where the transmissive LCD is directly exposed to strong surrounding light such as the sunlight, the surrounding light is reflected from a surface of the liquid crystal display panel and/or internal wiring. Since an amount of the reflected light surpasses the light emitted from the backlight unit and transmitted through the liquid crystal display panel, it has been virtually impossible to view a displayed item (i.e. to obtain a good visibility) under an environment where the surrounding light is strong.
In view of that problem, a reflective LCD device and semi transmissive LCD device have been developed, so as to obtain a good visibility even under the strong surrounding light environment. The reflective LCD device and the semi transmissive LCD device have a reflecting section (reflecting plate) which performs the screen displaying by reflecting the surrounding light within the liquid crystal panel. In such a configuration, the brightness is acquired, but the color purity is deteriorated. Further, the brightness will become inadequate, if a density of a color filter corresponding to the reflecting section is raised. Accordingly, it has been virtually impossible to realize a beautiful displaying of an image, by using the reflecting section.
For example, Patent document 1 (hereinafter, referred to as conventional example 1) or Patent document 2 (Hereinafter, referred to as conventional example 2) discloses an LCD device with a light converging mechanism. This LCD device includes means for converging external light (surrounding light) on to a light-guiding plate which is provided on a back surface of the transmissive LCD device. Each of the LCD devices disclosed in these patent documents has a light converging section (light inlet section) which is formed, in a lens-like shape, on an end portion of the light-guiding plate.
In the LCD device of conventional example 1, a first light irradiating section serving as a wedge-shaped converging section and a second light irradiating section serving as a wedge-shaped light source section are laminated on an LCD panel, so that the respective thicknesses are complemented. On the other hand, the LCD device of the conventional example 2 is provided with a light-guiding section behind an LCD, and the light converging section for connecting the light path with this light-guiding section. The light-guiding section has on its periphery a mirror finished surface, except for (a) a surface from which light is emitted toward the LCD and (b) an aperture to which light from the light converging section enters. In both of the LCD devices of the conventional examples 1 and 2, the external light converged by the light converging section is guided and diffusely reflected by the light-guiding section (light-irradiating section). Thus the external light is irradiated as a plane light source to the LCD.
Further, as a liquid crystal display device which performs a displaying process by using the surrounding light, there is an LCD device (Hereinafter, conventional example 3) whose back surface side is made transparent by removing a reflection sheet arranged on an opposite side (back surface side to) to the side of a liquid crystal panel in the light-guiding plate, used in the transmissive LCD device. In this configuration, sufficient aperture for taking in the light is acquired, because the surrounding light enters from the back surface of the liquid crystal display panel. As a result, a good display can be performed under a strong surrounding light environment.
Further, for example, Patent document 3 discloses another example of the LCD device which performs the displaying operation by using the surrounding light, the LCD device including a semi-transmissive plate on a back surface of a light-guiding member. The LCD device disclosed in the Patent document 3 (Hereinafter, conventional example 4) is a transmissive LCD device which performs the displaying operation by using a backlight. In this transmissive LCD device, a semi-transmissive plate (semi-transmissive member) and a light-shielding-use liquid crystal element (TN type liquid crystal element) are arranged at the back of the light-guiding member. That is, in the LCD device, the light-shielding-use liquid crystal element is provided on an opposite side to the side of the light-guiding member in a semi-transmissive plate, so as to allow switching over operation between (i) a light-transmitting mode which transmits the external light, and (ii) a light-shielding mode which blocks the external light. By switching over the light-shielding-use liquid crystal element to the light-transmitting mode, the external light from the back surface can be used. Further, by switching the light-shielding-use liquid crystal element to the light-shielding mode, viewing of a displayed item from the back surface side is prevented, thus protecting privacy of a user. Further, with the use of the semi-transmissive plate, it is possible to use the light emitted from the back surface side of the light-guiding member.
(Patent document 1)
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-52374/1999 (Tokukaihei 11-52374; published on Feb. 26, 1999)
(Patent document 2)
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-95199/1999 (Tokukaihei 11-95199; published on Apr. 9, 1999)
(Patent document 3)
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-265069/1997 (Tokukaihei 9-265069; published on Oct. 7, 1997)
However, in the above described LCD devices, there are following problems.
First, in the LCD device of the conventional examples 1 and 2, a lens-like shape is formed on the end portion of the respective light-guiding section (light irradiating section). As such, an amount of the surrounding light taken in by using the lens is proportional to an area of the lens section. Accordingly, the area of the lens section must be increased, in order to take in a larger amount of the surrounding light. This necessitates an increased thickness of the light-guiding section having the lens section. However, since an actual thickness of the light-guiding section can be increased up to several millimeters, it is impossible to use sufficient amount of surrounding light. Accordingly, the LCD devices are not capable of effectively using the surrounding light for performing a good screen displaying.
Further, in the LCD device of the conventional example 3, the back surface side of the liquid crystal display panel is transparent. Thus, it is possible to view, from the back surface side, the displayed screen on the liquid crystal display panel. This is disadvantageous in terms of privacy protection.
On the other hand, the LCD device of the conventional example 4 includes the light-shielding-use liquid crystal element, so as to use the surrounding light while protecting the privacy. However, under the environment where the surrounding light is strong, the problem regarding the privacy is not solved when the light-shielding-use liquid crystal element is switched to the light-transmitting mode. That is, the LCD device of the conventional example 4 is not able to protect the privacy, while improving visibility under the environment of the strong surrounding light at the same time. Further, the LCD device of the conventional example 4 includes the semi-transmissive plate arranged between the light-guiding member and the light-shielding-use liquid crystal element, so as to more efficiently use, while the light-shielding-use liquid crystal element is in the light-shielding mode, the light emitted from the light-guiding member in a direction toward the back surface. However, the transmissivity of the semi-transmissive plate is low. Accordingly, the efficiency of using the surrounding light is deteriorated, while the light-shielding-use liquid crystal element is in the light-transmitting mode.
In view of the above problems, the present invention is made, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device which allows a good screen displaying even under a strong surrounding light environment, while protecting privacy of a user. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates exclusively to the field of processing mail, and it relates more particularly to a new method of printing mail items, with said method making it possible to produce postage meters or “franking machines” that are more compact.
2. Brief Description of Related Developments
At present, numerous constraints exist in designing higher-performance franking machines that are capable, in particular, of achieving printing rates greater than 10,000 envelopes per hour, and that have dimensions that are reasonable, or indeed compact. Amongst said constraints is the possibility of implementing more and more value-added services associated with any particular mail item, thereby making it necessary to take into account and process additional data for printing. The time factor is thus very important, and all the more so since the mail item is weighed “on the fly”. It is necessary to process all the data more quickly, and in particular to calculate the enciphered or signed postal imprint more rapidly. | {
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Implantable permanent and temporary medical electrical stimulation and/or sensing leads are well known in the fields of cardiac stimulation and monitoring, including cardiac pacing and cardioversion/defibrillation, and in other fields of electrical stimulation or monitoring of electrical signals or other physiologic parameters. In the field of cardiac stimulation and monitoring, the electrodes of epicardial or endocardial cardiac leads are affixed against the epicardium or endocardium, respectively, or inserted therethrough into the underlying myocardium of the heart wall.
It has become possible to reduce endocardial lead body diameters from 10 to 12 French (3.3 to 4.0 mm) down to 2 French (0.66 mm) presently through a variety of improvements in conductor and insulator materials and manufacturing techniques. The lead bodies of such small diameter, 2 French, endocardial leads are formed without a lumen that accommodates use of a stiffening stylet to assist in implantation.
These small diameter endocardial pacing and cardioversion/defibrillation leads are advantageously sized to be advanced into the coronary sinus to locate the distal electrode(s) adjacent to the left atrium or into coronary veins branching from the coronary sinus to locate the distal electrode(s) adjacent to the left ventricle. The distal end of such a coronary sinus lead is advanced through the superior vena cava, the right atrium, the valve of the coronary sinus, the coronary sinus, and, if employed to pace or sense the left ventricle, into a cardiac vein branching from the coronary sinus.
Typically, such small diameter endocardial leads are formed with an active fixation helix that extends distally and axially in alignment with the lead body to a sharpened distal tip and that has a helix diameter substantially equal to the lead body diameter. The fixation helix does not necessarily increase the overall diameter of the endocardial lead and is relatively robust, once the helix is screwed into the myocardium. Typically, but not necessarily, the fixation helix is electrically connected to a lead conductor and functions as a pace/sense electrode. In some cases, the lead body encloses one or more helical coiled or stranded wire conductor and lacks a lumen.
The lead bodies of such small diameter endocardial screw-in leads can be so supple and flexible that it is difficult to rotate the lead distal end by application of rotary torque to the lead proximal end unless the lead body remains relatively straight and not confined by contact with vessel walls. This diminished “torqueability” prevents the rotation of the fixation helix at the lead distal end or renders the rotation difficult once the lead body is advanced through a tortuous pathway and confined by contact against the vessel walls. In addition, such lead bodies may also possess little if any column strength and lack “pushability”, that is the ability to advance the lead distal end axially when the lead proximal end is pushed axially, particularly when the lead body extends through the tortuous transvenous pathway. Thus, it has been found necessary to use implantation instruments or tools that compensate for the lack of pushability and torqueability of the lead body.
Once the implantation site is reached in coronary vasculature, it is difficult to aim the distal fixation mechanism toward myocardial tissue, and the fixation mechanism may inadvertently be aimed at and deployed away from the myocardium. The pace/sense electrodes may not be sufficiently in contact with excitable cardiac tissue, resulting in unduly high stimulation thresholds and diminished sensing. | {
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The present disclosure relates to content clustering. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the clustering of content posts on a social network service.
On microblogging and social network services, users often provide a metadata tag or “tag” to messages. One common tag notation is with the ‘#’ character followed by a string of alpha-numeric characters. A tag allows grouping of similarly tagged messages and helps users of microblogging or social network services to find content of a given topic.
Tags are often used in un-curated discussions to help route users to interesting content. Since tags are usually not controlled by a moderator, sometimes different content subject matter may inadvertently be labeled with the same tag. For instance, especially for homonyms, the tag ‘#ram’ may be applied to posts by computer hardware enthusiast discussing the latest advances in computer memory. The same tag ‘#ram’ may also be applied to posts by users discussing how durable and powerful their trucks are.
Tags are also sometimes used in conjunction with content rankings. Users can often affirm posts. By affirming a post, the post may be ranked higher in content rankings. Additionally, tags themselves sometimes may be ranked higher compared to other tags based on affirmations. Content posters sometimes may try to take advantage of highly ranked tags to get more viewership. This incentive to get more content viewers can cause different content subject matter to be labeled with the same tag and may make it more difficult to route users to the content they wish to consume. | {
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In recent years, a multi-purpose apparatus or an integrated apparatus used for both a biochemical analysis and an immunological analysis, obtained by equipping a biochemical analyzer with modules handling various kinds of immunological assay menu; and a composite apparatus obtained by installing a biochemical analysis module and an immunological analysis module into an automatic analyzer, have been developed along with the trend of labor saving in testing rooms.
However, the immunological assay menu has an extremely large difference in numerical values between normal values and abnormal values. Even with a minute amount of carry-over between samples, which is not considered to be problematic in a biochemical assay menu, there is a possibility of causing a false positive judgment due to the carry-over. Thus, in order to prevent carry-over between samples in such a multi-purpose apparatus or an integrated apparatus for a biochemical analysis and an immunological analysis, an automatic analysis system is disclosed which performs an immunological analysis first and a biochemical analysis subsequently, and which inserts a dispensing probe in the interior of a sample to reduce the influence of carry-over when there is a necessity of performing a retest in immunological assay menu (e.g., see Patent Reference 1).
Further, an analysis method is disclosed in which a disposable nozzle tip is used for the dispensing of assay menu with a high carry-over avoiding level, a repeatedly used nozzle is used for the dispensing of assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level, and the analysis of the assay menu with a low carry-over avoiding level is performed when it is judged that a retest is not necessary from an analysis result of the assay menu with a high carry-over level (e.g. see Patent References 2 and 3).
Patent Reference 1: Japanese Patent No. 3845301
Patent Reference 2: Japanese Patent No. 3380542
Patent Reference 3: Japanese Patent No. 4101466 | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to a personal safety alarm and light that can either be worn by a user or concealed in a handbag. There are numerous occasions when a person may find himself or herself alone in areas or situations where he/she is the potential target of attacks. For example, there have been many reported cases of muggings in darkened parking lots and garages and against joggers running alone. The carrying of chemicals intended to disable an attacker may not be a totally satisfactory solution to this problem since there is a potential that the chemical can be used against the carrier. In addition, there are numerous occasions when a person simply needs a handy flashlight.
The prior art includes a number of devices designed to illuminate the interior of a lady's purse or pocketbook. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,742,438; 4,654,763; and 4,638,412. The prior art also includes anti-theft devices for handbags that generate both an audible and visual alarm upon unauthorized attempts to open the handbag. An example of such a device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,692.
The present invention combines the features of a portable audible and visual alarm that can be activated in a threatening situation and which, in addition, can function as a flashlight. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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In a shared nothing architecture, each machine in a database cluster owns a portion of the data stored in the database cluster. This ownership is controlled by data partitioning. This data ownership needs to be altered in certain scenarios. For example, a business may need to expand the capacity of its database by adding more physical machines when the capacity of the database does not meet present or future need or when the existing data distribution does not meet business requirements.
When data ownership needs to be changed, existing data needs to be redistributed among machines in an operation referred to as data redistribution. The data redistribution operation becomes more frequent with data warehouse customers as the amount of data accumulates over time. In addition, as acquisitions and merges are becoming more popular, the need for more capacity also increases.
After data redistribution, data ownership is changed. As a result, records are moved from the sending machine to the receiving machine. After the records are removed from the sending machine, free space is left in the sending partition. This free space not only unnecessarily takes up storage but may also result in sub-optimal query performance. Therefore, another database operation referred to as table reorganization may be performed to utilize the free space. As a result, the overall cost of data redistribution in terms of both time, storage, and usability is negatively impacted by requiring table reorganization operations. This is an additional step that requires addition time and system resources to execute.
Accordingly, what is needed is an improved method and system for redistributing data. The present invention addresses such a need. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention relates to wheelchairs. In particular it relates to an improved wheelchair especially suitable for geriatric purposes.
Wheelchairs of many designs are known. Generally some wheelchairs are structured for severely disabled persons, and relatively little thought has been given to refined aesthetics associated with the chair. Geriatric users and particularly persons in homes and skilled nursing facilities are confined to relatively unsightly chairs for most of their waking hours.
In hospital critical-care-type wheelchairs, part of the unsightliness arises from the harsh frame structures associated with these chairs. The seating may be of a commode type form for medical purposes, and generally there is extensive use of exposed metal surfaces for handles, foot rests, support structures, mechanical features and attachments. Also, the support from the seating section and back rest is generally of a rigid nature, not necessarily taking comfort into account. Such chairs accordingly do not address fully the needs of geriatric patients who would prefer to sit in more comfortable chairs with a more aesthetic appearance than has previously been available.
This form of permanent non-collapsible kind of wheelchair has a complicated unsightly physical structure, with the components themselves being visually unrefined mechanical elements specifically addressing the needs of chronic care situations.
In wheelchairs of the foldable type, the seat section and the backrest section consist of a foldable material which permits the chair to collapse director-chair style when not in use. During use, this material is stretched loosely between the two sides of the chair. Since there is inadequate tensioning, the foldable material sags in the center in both the seat and the backrest portion. This form of chair therefore rotates the hips inwardly, creating seating discomfort, and provides inadequate lower back support as well.
Comfortable supporting seats for a chair are generally disclosed as part of a regular non-wheeled chair as the subject of patents by the applicant, such patents being U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,529,246, 4,595,235 and 4,555,139 and also application Ser. No. 937,485 filed Dec. 3, 1986, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Such structures have, however, not been applied in a wheelchair structure.
There is thus no chair available for long-term sitting needs which by itself provides adequate comfort or enhanced aesthetic characteristics.
There is accordingly a need to provide wheel chairs with improved comfort and more aesthetic configurations and mechanical detailing. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a controller for a 3-phase brushless DC motor, and in particular to a controller for detecting a position of a rotor in a 3-phase brushless DC motor by sensor-less detection, in order to perform a commutation operation of the motor.
2. Description of Related Art
In driving a 3-phase brushless DC (referred to as BLDC, hereinafter) motor, a position of a rotor of the motor should be detected in order to perform the commutation. Basically, there are two methods for detecting the position of the rotor: with or without a sensor; the former is referred to as “sensor detection” and the latter is referred to as “sensor-less detection”.
In sensor detection, since a position sensor is required, the sensor and the associated wiring and assembly greatly increase the cost and also consume space; the whole dimension of the motor package can not be reduced. In addition, while the position sensor is integrated with the motor, the reliability of the sensor may be adversely affected by high temperature, high pressure, and so on.
In view of the above problems of the sensor detection approach, the sensor-less detection is a better approach since it requires no position sensor. The sensor-less detection detects the position of the rotor, according to a back electromotive force (referred to as BEMF, hereinafter) induced when the motor is rotating. The BEMF is a terminal voltage induced in an unexcited (floating) winding by change of a magnetic field when the rotor of the motor is rotating. The information on the position of the rotor in the BLDC motor can be achieved by detecting a zero crossing point (referred to as ZCP, hereinafter) of the BEMF.
FIG. 4 illustrates a typical example of a power driver circuit 400 for a BLDC motor. As shown in FIG. 4, the BLDC motor may be driven in a desired phase sequence by turning on/off the sets of transistors Qa+ and Qa−, Qb+ and Qb−, andQc+ and Qc− to switch the power supply to different phases (phases A, B, and C) of the motor. The on/off operations of the transistor sets in the driver circuit 400 for the commutation operation are typically controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM) signals.
There are two types of PWM control schemes for the driver circuit 400: upper arm driving and lower arm driving. In the upper arm driving scheme, the switching devices Qa+, Qb+, and Qc+ on the upper side are turned on/off under control of PWM signals, while the corresponding switching devices Qa−, Qb−, and Qc− on the lower side are fixedly connected to a negative power supply (for example, 0V). In the lower arm driving scheme, the switching devices Qa−, Qb−, and Qc− on the lower side are switched under control of PWM signals, while the corresponding switching devices Qa+, Qb+, and Qc+ on the upper side are fixedly connected to a positive power supply (for example, +Vdc).
The ZCP and an operation for generating a ZCP signal will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates, by way of example, a waveform of the BEMF signal in a certain phase such as phase B when the motor operates in the lower arm driving scheme, and also illustrates a waveform of a corresponding PWM signal. In FIG. 2, PWM AL in the lower part of the figure denotes the waveform of the PWM signal (AL), which is used to control the lower arm power transistor Qa− for phase A in the driver circuit for the BLDC motor, and BEMF_B in the upper part denotes the waveform of the BEMF in phase B of the motor corresponding to the PWM signal. As shown in FIG. 2, transient states (noises) occur in the BEMF_B signal in correspondence to the falling edge and rising edge of each duty cycle of the PWM signal. Further, the BEMF_B signal is at low level but in a rising trend when the PWM signal is on, while it is high and remains constant when the PWM signal is off. The low level BEMF_B signal gradually rises to cross a zero crossing point (ZCP), which is (½)Vdc in FIG. 2. Therefore, the ZCP can be obtained by detecting the voltage value of the corresponding BEMF signal during the on-time of every PWM cycle. However, the transient states should be ignored so as not to cause any incorrect judgment in detecting the voltage value of the BEMF signal, because only the voltage level of the BEMF signal between transient states are meaningful. That is, in FIG. 2, a sampling operation for extracting the voltage value of the signal BEMF_B should be performed on the part of the signal BEMF_B after the transient state caused by the rising edge of the duty-on period and before the transient state caused by the falling edge of the duty-on period during every PWM cycle. The extracted value of the BEMF signal thus obtained is compared with a preset value so as to generate a ZCP signal. For example, a low level ZCP signal is generated when the BEMF value is less than the preset value, and a high level ZCP signal is generated when the BEMF signal value is greater than the preset value. The information of the position of the rotor can be obtained from a change of the phase of the generated ZCP signal (for example, a change from low level to high level).
FIG. 5 shows an example of a ZCP detection circuit 500 for detecting the ZCPs of BEMFs in 3 phases of a BLDC motor, according to prior art. The ZCP detection circuit 500 shown in FIG. 5 uses a hardware circuit to process the BEMF signals. The ZCP detection circuit 500 is provided with low-pass filters 506a, 506b, and 506c for filtering PWM chopping signals and commutation interference signals. However, because the low-pass filters cause phase delay and cannot completely filter the PWM chopping signals, it is likely to cause the succeeding comparison circuits 504a, 504b, and 50c4 to output incorrect comparison results, i.e., the incorrect ZCP signals, due to incorrect input signals. To eliminate such incorrect output results, a complicated hybrid PWM signal is required to control the switching operations in either the upper arm driving scheme or the lower arm driving scheme.
FIG. 6 shows an example of a 3-phase BLDC motor controller 600 according to the prior art, and FIG. 7 shows a comparison circuit used in the controller 600 for generating a ZCP signal by comparing a BEMF signal and a reference value. The controller 600 operates by sensor-less detection and it includes a control chip 602 to perform the control operation. In upper arm driving scheme, the controller 600 operates in synchronization with the off period of the PWM signal, and the comparison circuit shown in FIG. 7 compares the reference voltage and the BEMF signal to produce a ZCP signal. However, since the off period of the PWM is very short when the BLDC motor rotates in a high speed, and the transient states of the BEMF signals of the BLDC motor have a long settling time due to the high inductance of the motor, it is difficult to determine the sampling point for extracting a stable voltage value of the BEMF signal, and accordingly a correct ZCP signal for the BEMF may not be produced when the motor is rotating in a high speed. Therefore, the rotating speed of the motor is limited if an accurate control is desired. In the other case where the controller 600 operates in synchronization with the on period, the comparison circuit still may produce an incorrect ZCP signal when comparing the voltage of the BEMF signal and the reference voltage, because of the overshoots or undershoots of the BEMF signal.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a controller that is able to reliably and correctly detect the ZCP even if the motor rotates in a high speed, and preferably without using any hardware comparison circuit. | {
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An instrument panel provides a variety of functions within a vehicle. Gauges mounted within the panel are the primary interface between the driver and the vehicle. For example, a speedometer indicates the speed of the vehicle; a tachometer shows the rotational speed of the engine; while other gauges monitor and show engine temperature, fluid levels and various other parameters.
Typically in a vehicle, a factory installed instrument panel is designed to present a particular arrangement, e.g. a cluster of gauge-type instruments in a pre-set design. These instruments generally include sensors or senders positioned at appropriate points within the vehicle. Each sensor monitors one of numerous parameters and electrically or mechanically transmits a proportional output to an associated instrument. A needle or pointer is mounted on the rotary output shaft of a gauge motor and assumes different positions based on the control signal received by the instrument. The needle is positioned near a display that bears markings relevant to the condition being measured, and the needle points to various indicia as it turns. For example, if the gauge is part of a speedometer, the indicia on the gauge display will indicate various rates of speed in miles or kilometers per hour.
Accurate readings of the factory installed instruments often require the driver to divert attention from the road for extended time periods. Steering wheel or seat positioning may cause a portion of the gauges to become obstructed from clear view, extending the time it takes a driver to accurately read a cluster of instruments. Because many of the instruments must be read while the vehicle is in motion, the time required to complete a reading of the instruments may create a dangerous situation. A vehicle traveling at 60 miles per hour moves 88 feet per second, thus a driver takes his eyes off the road for 88 feet every second he/she diverts their attention to the instrument panel.
An instrument panel also functions as a key component to the interior design of a vehicle. Through the selection of surface material and contour as well as types of displays, backlighting and switches, the instrument panel can change the personality of a vehicle. Vehicle owners often install aftermarket gauges to enhance the attributes of the vehicle, either for actual performance measurement or to dress-up the vehicle for competition. Competition has always been popular among car enthusiasts and has included contests of speed, endurance, detailing, etc., each of which require the vehicle to assume a different personality.
Aftermarket gauges are mounted in various positions within the passenger compartment of the vehicle, generally within peripheral view of the driver. Often the aftermarket gauges are mounted in groups or clusters within gauge pods on the A-pillar of the vehicle or within gauge cups or panels mounted on top or under the dash of the vehicle. The cluster mounts allow the driver to view multiple gauges in a single glance. One common type of gauge, often called a panel meter gauge, is housed in a small cylindrically shaped housing having a lens at one end and lead-in terminals at the other end. The housings are generally available in various standard diameters, with 2 1/16″ and 2⅝″ being the most popular. The standard diameters of the gauge housings correspond to apertures provided in the gauge pods, cups and panels to allow the instrument panels to be customized according to the vehicle owner's preference. However, once the gauge layout and theme are chosen and installed, a change requires replacement and/or reconnection of the gauges.
Generally, the aftermarket gauges are connected in one of two ways. In the first, the car enthusiast locates the correct wiring and splices the new gauge wiring into the existing sensor wiring. Locating the correct wires and following them to a convenient splice point is a difficult task and requires knowledge, time, patience, and skill that some individuals simply do not have. Moreover, this greatly complicates the task of writing comprehensive instructions because many models and makes of automobiles require individually tailored instructions to account for differences in vehicle configurations. In addition, if the splice is not correctly performed and properly sealed, the gauge will fail to work, and the connection between the sensor and the gauge may be degraded, resulting in the possible malfunction of that sensor, and possibly affecting operation of the internal combustion system. In addition, over time the splice connection might fail due to the constant vibrations within the automotive environment. The second common way to connect additional gauges is to add additional sensors to the automobile. Adding additional sensors is a complicated process, which involves mounting the sensor, connecting power to the sensor, and routing the wire to the new gauge. The skill that is required to perform this task is beyond that of many individuals.
Modern vehicles are generally equipped with numerous sensors, such as, for example, oil pressure, coolant temperature, transmission temperature, engine temperature, steering position, air/fuel ratio, etc. Typically, the sensors are connected to an on-board computer control module that continually monitors the sensors and regulates the vehicles functions accordingly. Generally the information generated by the sensor is continually passed along the vehicle data link as part of the vehicle diagnostic system. The vehicle diagnostic system cooperates with the factory installed gauge cluster to provide failure fault indications to the driver in the form of a “service engine” light. The vehicle diagnostic system typically includes one or more separate computer control modules. Examples of such computer control modules (also known as just “modules”) are: a powertrain control module (PCM), an engine control module (ECM), a transmission control module (TCM), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module, and an air bag control module. Typically the computer control modules are connected together by a data link, forming the vehicle diagnostic system. The data link typically has a connection point, or data link connector (DLC) that is normally located under the dash of the vehicle. The vehicle diagnostic system is generally used to provide relevant information to repair technicians. The DLC provides repair technicians with a place to connect off-board vehicle diagnostic devices, such as scan tools and code readers for communication with the vehicle diagnostic system.
“Off-board devices,” such as scan tools and code readers are known in the art. Scan tool and code reader testing devices interface with vehicle diagnostic systems to access, display, and/or print vehicle diagnostic information. On-Board Diagnostics Version II (OBD II) Scan Tools are one commonly known type of scan tool and are governed by a number of standards, e.g., SAE J1978 Rev. 1998-02, SAE J1979 Rev. 1997-09, ISO9141/KWP2000, CAN/IS015765, SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW or the like.
A “Manufacturer-Specific Scan Tool” is a scan tool that accesses and displays proprietary manufacturer-specific data (and possibly also additionally accesses and displays OBD II data). Examples of proprietary manufacturer-specific data include Device Controls on General Motors, On-Demand Tests in Ford, Actuator Tests, Sensor Tests, Interrogator, and Read Temporary Codes in Chrysler. In general, air bag data, ABS data, cruise control data, and climate control data are also considered to be proprietary manufacturer-specific data and are typically included only in Manufacturer-Specific Scan Tools.
Typically, scan tools are capable of performing at least some of the following major functions: “View Data,” also known as “Live Data,” “Data,” and “Data Test, DTC” (viewing and displaying in real-time live changing data from a plurality of module sensors), display of textual diagnosis descriptions corresponding to the various diagnostic codes, recording and playback of data, device control (manually controlling modules for diagnostic purposes), and reading and displaying vehicle information from the vehicle's computer (e.g., VIN information, controller calibration identification number, etc.).
However, the scan tools are often large, cumbersome wheeled devices that set outside of the vehicle with cables extending into the vehicle. Portable scan tool devices are also known; these devices are generally not constructed for permanent installation within a vehicle, nor are they generally equipped for connection to, and collection of data from, peripheral devices. Still yet, scan tools do not include software that allows a user to customize gauges for display on the monitor of the scan tool.
Therefore, there exists a need for a display device that collects information from multiple busses and senders, and can display the information on the screen of the display in a user configured format. The device should also be capable of recording the signals received from the busses and senders as well as signals from peripheral devices simultaneously to single or multiple file(s) with matching timestamps. The system should be configured so that the user can design his/her own gauge displays “skins” in the form of graphics, graphs, fonts, needles, buttons, program generated objects, and backgrounds. The system should store multiple user created skins which can be recalled for use by the user. The system should also allow the user to reassign a gauge skin to a different signal received from one of the busses or peripheral devices. The system should also be configured for automatic skin changes in response to ambient light conditions. The system should also be configured to change background color, font size and shape, and sound alarms or signals based on the signal values being received from the busses. The system should also capable of displaying data from multiple busses and peripheral devices simultaneously on the same display. The system should also configured for bi-directional communication with the vehicle's on-board computer(s) for diagnostics as well as reprogramming of the on-board computer(s). The system should also be configured to integrate with or function as a GPS. The system should also be configured to store and display a commercial that illustrates the functions and capabilities of the device. The software utilized in the system should also be adapted for use in aviation, marine, and industrial devices.
Thus, the present invention provides a gauge display system which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art scanners and gauges. The gauge display system of the present invention not only provides for relative ease in installation of the system, it also permits customization of the display/interface as well as connectivity to peripheral devices. | {
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Motion compensated inter-frame coding has been widely adopted in various coding standards, such as MPEG-1/2/4 and H.261/H.263/H.264/AVC. While motion-compensated inter-frame coding can effectively reduce bitrate for compressed video, intra mode coding is still required to process an initial picture or to periodically insert I-pictures (or Intra-coded picture, I-picture), and the I-pictures are inserted periodically to allow quick access to the compressed video data or to alleviate error propagation. Intra prediction exploits the spatial correlation within a picture or within a picture region. In order to further improve coding efficiency, the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard being developed exploits block-based spatial prediction extensively. In HEVC, multiple intra prediction modes are used to exploit spatial features and the number of intra prediction modes depends on the block size of a Prediction Unit (PU). The size of PU for intra coding can be 64×64, 32×32, 16×16, 8×8, or 4×4. The number of intra prediction modes can be as many as 35, including 33 directional prediction modes, one DC mode and one Planar mode as shown in FIG. 1. In HEVC, the number of luma intra prediction modes depends on the PU size as shown in Table. 1. For PU size 4×4 or 64×64, only a subset of the 35 luma intra prediction modes is used. In order for a decoder to operate according to the luma intra prediction mode selected by the encoder, the luma intra prediction mode information has to be incorporated in the bitstream. The side information associated with the luma intra prediction mode may be substantial and therefore, it is desirable to develop schemes to improve the efficiency for coding luma intra prediction mode.
TABLE 1Number ofBlock sizeLuma ModeLuma Modes64 × 6440~3 32 × 32350~3416 × 16350~348 × 8350~344 × 4180~17
In the current HEVC, a luma intra prediction mode is coded for each PU in a predictive manner based on neighboring PUs. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of neighboring PUs for predictive coding of the luma intra prediction mode adopted by the current HEVC. When the intra prediction mode of the current PU (ModeC) is coded, the mode of the left PU (ModeL) and the mode of the above PU (ModeA) are used to generate the most probable mode (MPM) for the current PU.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of predictive coding of the luma intra prediction mode according to the current HEVC. First, the luma intra prediction mode for the left block, ModeL and the luma intra prediction mode for the above block, ModeA are utilized to generate two MPMs, i.e., MPM0 and MPM1 as shown in step 310. A variable ModeC' is initialized to be ModeC. A test is performed in step 312 to determine whether ModeC is equal to MPM0 or MPM1. If ModeA is not equal to ModeL, MPM0 and MPM1 are set to min(ModeL, ModeA) and max(ModeL, ModeA), respectively. If ModeA is equal to ModeL, MPM0 is set to ModeL, MPM1 is equal to 0 or 3, where if ModeL is not equal to 0, MPM1 is set to 0 and if ModeL is equal to 0, MPM1 is set to 3. If the test result in step 312 is “Yes”, i.e., ModeC is equal to MPM0 or MPM1, prev_pred_mode_flag is set to 1 and mpm_idx is utilized to indicate whether ModeC is equal to MPM0 or MPM1. A test is performed in step 314 to check if ModeC is equal to MPM0. Accordingly, mpm_idx is set to 0 if ModeC is equal to MPM0 and mpm_idx is set to 1 if ModeC is not equal to MPM0. The syntax elements prev_pred_mode_flag and mpm_idx are encoded in step 316.
If ModeC is not equal to MPM0 or MPM1, prev_pred_mode_flag is set to 0 and the syntax is encoded as shown in step 320. In this case, ModeC is equal to one of the remaining mode as indicated by rem_intra_luma_pred_mode. Steps 322 through 328 derive rem_intra_luma_pred_mode. The rem_intra_luma_pred_mode is then coded in step 330 using CABAC with fixed length binarization. ModeA or ModeL may not be directly applied when the neighboring PU and the current PU have different block sizes. In this case, ModeA or ModeL will be mapped to a value corresponding to a subset of the luma intra prediction modes. When ModeA or ModeL is unavailable, ModeA or ModeL is set to DC mode.
The probability distribution of remaining modes usually is not uniform. The fixed length binarization or coding for rem_intra_luma_pred_mode is not suitable due to poor coding efficiency. Therefore, it is also desirable to design a new coding method to indicate which the remaining mode is the current mode.
Intra prediction mode is also applied to the chroma components. Similar to luma intra prediction, intra prediction can be applied to chroma blocks (PUs) having size from 4×4 to 32×32. Since the luma component is usually processed before the chroma components, the chroma intra prediction may take advantage of coded luma information. Accordingly, the chroma intra prediction modes being considered by a current HEVC system utilize coded luma intra prediction mode as shown in Table 2.
TABLE 2IntraPredMode[xB][yB]Xintra_chroma_pred_mode0 (PL)1 (V)2 (H)3 (DC)(4 <= X < 35) 0 (PL) 7 0 (PL) 0 (PL) 0 (PL) 0 (PL)(VER + 8) 1 (V) 1 (V) 7 1 (V) 1 (V) 1 (V)(VER + 8) 2 (H) 2 (H) 2 (H) 7 2 (H) 2 (H)(VER + 8) 3 (DC) 3 (DC) 3 (DC) 3 (DC) 7 3 (DC)(VER + 8)35 (LM)35 (LM)35 (LM)35 (LM)35 (LM)35 (LM)36 (DM) 0 (PL) 1 (V) 2 (H) 3 (DC)X
IntraPredMode[xB] [yB] in Table 2 is the intra prediction mode previously derived for adjacent blocks of a corresponding block at (xB, yB). Luma-based chroma prediction Mode (LM) is the luma to chroma prediction mode where the reconstructed pixels of the luma block is used to predict the chroma intra prediction mode. DM represents Direct Mode where IntraPredMode[xB] [yB] is used directly as the chroma intra prediction mode. Besides LM and DM, four other modes are included in the chroma intra prediction mode set: Planar, Vertical, Horizontal and DC. When DM equals to any of these four modes, the mode corresponding to VER+8 is used to replace the redundant DM. VER+8 represents the intra prediction mode generated by rotating the Vertical mode clockwise by 8 positions. The six modes in the chroma prediction mode set are then coded with Exp-Golomb code as shown in Table 3.
TABLE 3intra_chroma_pred_modeCodeword 0 (Planar)110 1 (Vertical)1110 2 (Horizontal)11110 3 (DC)1111135 (LM)1036 (DM)0
Since the luma intra prediction mode derived from for adjacent blocks may be highly correlated to the chroma intra prediction mode, a shorted codeword “0” is assigned to the DM to achieve high coding efficiency. Codewords are assigned to the other five modes, including LM, Planer, Vertical, Horizontal, and DC modes, based on an estimated probability of occurrence, so that the more popular mode is assigned with a shorter codeword. | {
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In the mobile communication, the workstation has to identify their clients by means of synchronization process. From both parties (client and server), they have to perform the same mechanism and the server can verify the identity of each client. In order to execute this synchronization process, a random sequence of arbitrary n-bits length is to be generated at client-end through a linear operator with client's personnel data and then the server has to validate the generated random sequence. When multi-precision integers are used in client-server communication, the protocol becomes heavy and then it is difficult for implementation as well as performance degradation. All mobile processors won't support high-end computation while using multi-precision libraries.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,097 by London et al. discloses that a system and method for generating random data without using devices such as gas discharge tubes, leaky capacitors, noise generators or keyboard strokes, and without occupying UNIX timers and/or signals.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,402 by Chiu discloses that a process for generating a needed serial number for use from random number. In most devices nowadays, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) is installed; therefore it will not be a problem to generate a random number. The invention can save time and the expense of related components, and can at the same time avoid the interference of the same serial numbers; thereby devices of the same kind can be installed on the same bus.
United States Patent Application 20090150467 by Neumann et al. discloses that methods of generating pseudo-random numbers. This process done by means of an iteration, comprising at least two iteration steps, applied to a one-way function, wherein the one-way function, based on a start value and a key, generates part of the pseudo-random number and wherein the iteration is initialized with a random start value and a random key, and wherein, in each iteration step, both the start value and the key for an iteration step are determined from the part of the pseudo-random number determined in the previous iteration step using the one-way function.
United States Patent Application No. 20090193065 by Vijayarangan et al. teaches that a deterministic random number generator for Cryptography and Digital watermarking. It is based on an infinite Pi series that undergoes shuffling, nonlinear and LFSR operations.
None of the above mentioned prior arts provide a system and method for a lightweight and high speed secure synchronization protocols, which occupy less memory space for storage, for mobile and wireless communications and also provide secure synchronization protocols which are suitable for wireless communication devices enabled with 2G, 3G or 4G networks.
Thus, in the light of the above mentioned prior art, it is evident that, there is a need to system and method which: Designs secure synchronization protocols for secure synchronization between at least one wireless communication device and a server at an affordable cost; Provides an efficient way of producing a random sequence generated by wireless communication device without using multi-precision integers; Provides two way authentication in comparison to the current one way authentication standards for secure synchronization between at least one wireless communication device and a server; and Provides secure synchronization protocols which are easy to deploy on existing wireless communication devices. | {
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In recent years there has been a trend of decreasing the volume of antenna arrangements in devices such as radio transceiver devices. It is important that while the volume of the antenna arrangement is decreased the antenna arrangement has an operational bandwidth which is wide enough to enable the antenna arrangement to operate efficiently. Efficient operation occurs when the insertion loss of the antenna arrangement is better than an operational threshold such as −6 dB. | {
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The most common hitch employed for securing a recreational trailer to a towing vehicle utilizes a trailer ball mounted on the rear of a towing vehicle releasably coupled to a trailer ball socket housing typically mounted on the trailer tongue. When the trailer is small and of light weight, the job of coupling the trailer to the towing vehicle is easily accomplished simply by moving the trailer to the vehicle. However, when a recreational trailer is itself extremely heavy and particularly when it is carrying a heavy load such as a heavy boat or camper, it is normally not practical to attempt to pull the trailer to the towing vehicle for the purpose of coupling the trailer to the vehicle. Therefore, with heavy trailer equipment, the common practice is to support the tongue with an adjustable jack and maneuver the vehicle until the ball and trailer coupler are aligned and suitably positioned for engagement.
A common practice for aligning a towing vehicle with a detached trailer is for one person to monitor the progress of the vehicle towards the trailer while another person operates the towing vehicle. Another practice has been to attach some type of elevated visible marker to the trailer at the location of the trailer ball to assist the driver of the towing vehicle in aligning the vehicle with the trailer and once aligned the driver alone completes the coupling. Appropriately positioned auxiliary mirrors have also been employed. While it is possible for the vehicle driver to carry out this process alone, engagement under these circumstances is difficult since the vehicle driver is normally required to alternate between operating the towing vehicle and monitoring its progress towards the trailer. It would therefore be desirable to provide a trailer hitch which would enable the driver of the towing vehicle to bring the coupling elements of the vehicle and trailer into coupling alignment and also to automatically couple the towing vehicle with the trailer, once so aligned.
Various attempts have been made in the past to provide an automatic trailer hitch. U.S. Pat. No. 2,062,788 discloses a trailer hitch which requires initial alignment of the coupled parts but which will automatically couple after this initial alignment has been accomplished. There is illustrated a tapered shank with a probe for guiding the shank into the bore of a receiving unit. The shank is mounted on the trailer ball which in turn is mounted on the towing vehicle. The receiving unit is mounted on the trailer. Once the shank has been fully inserted into the receiving unit, it is secured by means of lock dogs.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,671,673 discloses a trailer hitch for use with a farm tractor. The tongue of the towed farm implement mounts a flat shank piece with a hole and the draw bar of the tractor mounts both a receiving unit with a wide mouth ramp for guiding the shank and a spring-loaded locking pin which passes through the hole in the shank to complete the coupling. Since the driver of a farm tractor normally has substantially unobstructed vision of the tractor drawbar, it would appear that the tractor hitch illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,671,673 depends on the mentioned shank and ramp being brought into essentially perfect alignment prior to the described automatic coupling operation. When it is desired to uncouple the hitch described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,671,673, it is also necessary that the coupling pin be manually held in a raised position while the tractor moves forward to disengage the trailer from the tractor.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,237 an elongated shank extends rearwardly from the towing vehicle and has one end formed with a socket secured to a ball mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle. The opposite end of the shank has a notch for entering a bell-shaped flange forming part of a receiving unit secured to the tongue of the trailer. The bell-shaped flange guides the vehicle-mounted shank into the trailer-mounted receiving unit and the notch of the shank is automatically received and interlocked with a spring-loaded pawl to complete the coupling. A bolt is illustrated which is manually passed through mating holes formed in the receiving unit and the shank to complete the coupling. The towing vehicle-mounted shank is positioned on the vehicle by means of a spring supported on the rear of the vehicle. This type of hitch requires the receiving unit to be on the trailer and the pawl to be manually held in a raised position when the towing vehicle and the trailer are uncoupled.
An arrangement known in the prior art for facilitating change of hitch size is a square hollow tube receiver fixed to the towing vehicle in which is received a mating manually-installed removable pin secured shank of square cross-section on which a towing ball of selected size is mounted. The ball socket housing on the trailer is brought to the ball on the pin-secured shank after the shank has been installed in its receiver and the ball and socket housing are aligned to effect coupling in a conventional manner. Therefore, this arrangement does not lend itself to automatic coupling.
The described examples are believed sufficient to illustrate the state of the art prior to applicant's invention of the improved hitch described in copending application Ser. No. 674,524 and the need for an improved automatic trailer hitch useful with a standard modern-type of conventional trailer ball coupler. The invention disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 674,524 provides an improved automatic self-coupling type trailer hitch which: (a) employs a spring-positioned shank on the towed trailer adapted to be detachably secured to but requring no modification of the conventional and widely-used recreational metal-formed trailer ball socket housing; (b) employs a receiver unit on the towing vehicle requiring only a one-time installation modification to the towing vehicle on which the receiver unit is mounted; (c) enables the coupling operation to be completed without requiring precise alignment of the trailer-mounted shank and vehicle-mounted receiving unit; and (d) does not require manual holding or positioning of the coupling pin during either the coupling or uncoupling operation.
While the improved self-coupling trailer hitch disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 674,524 met the objectives set forth above, the present invention seeks to provide even further improvements specifically with regard to an improved spring-loaded locking pin, an improved locking pin support and latching structure, an improved easily removable spring-leveling sub-assembly for the trailer-mounted shank member of the hitch assembly, an improved arrangement on the vehicle-mounted receiving unit for holding the locking pin either fully retracted for withdrawal of the shank and uncoupling of the hitch or partially inserted for the automatic self-coupling operation, and improved means for locking the hitch apparatus, both for safety and anti-theft purposes, and an improved construction in which the improved trailer hitch of the present invention is incorporated as a built-in part of a rear bumper such as used on a truck. The achieving of these improvements thus becomes the principal object of the present invention. Other objects will become apparent as the description proceeds. | {
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The present invention relates to fluid-pressure apparatus such as a pump or motor.
In particular, the present invention relates to a radial type of fluid-pressure apparatus wherein pistons are circumferentially distributed about the axis of a crankshaft projecting substantially radially therefrom in the manner of spokes of a wheel.
The present invention is particularly applicable to hydraulic pumps or motors utilizing a liquid such as oil.
Although the following description relates to a radial type of hydraulic apparatus wherein the pistons have a star arrangement, the invention is also applicable to an in line arrangement of the pistons.
In conventional fluid-pressure apparatus of the above type the circumferentially distributed pistons are connected to a crankpin of the crankshaft by way of a spherical coupling structure. Each piston is tubular and extends into the interior of a sleeve which has an inner surface slidably engaging the outer surface of the piston. The sleeves are coupled by way of ball joints to the housing and the oil under pressure which circulates therein flows into the interior of the sleeves as well as into the interior of the pistons which are formed with axial bores for this purpose.
Conventional structure of the above type suffers from a number of drawbacks. Thus such conventional structures have undesirably high manufacturing costs particularly because of the precise fit required between the pistons and the sleeves in which they slide as well as because of the ball joints which are required to connect the outer ends of the sleeves to the housing. These conventional structures result in a high degree of friction during operation with a resulting undesirable reduction in efficiency. When operating at pressures on the order of 200-250 atmospheres, there is a considerable deformation of the components as well as an undesirably high degree of wear, leakage of oil, and seizing is not uncommon. In addition, because of the large mass of the pistons and sleeves and the relatively great distance between the crankpin and the part of the casing to which the outer ends of the sleeves are connected by the ball joints, it is not possible to achieve speeds greater than 400-500 r.p.m. | {
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In patients with normal kidney function, calcium and phosphorous balance is maintained through the interaction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol, an active metabolite of vitamin D. PTH provides a mechanism for controlling extracellular calcium and phosphate concentrations by regulating intestinal reabsorption, renal excretion, and exchange of these ions between the extracellular fluid and bone.
With progressive renal insufficiency, however, there is increased phosphorus retention by the failing kidney. In order to restore phosphorus balance, compensatory elevation in PTH levels is triggered, which increases renal resorption of calcium, while decreasing tubular resorption of phosphorus. The net effect of compensatory hyperparathyroidism in this early stage of renal disease is that serum phosphorus levels are maintained within the normal range.
The retention of phosphorus as a result of the decreased ability of the diseased kidney to excrete the filtered phosphate leads to a decrease in serum free calcium, which in turn stimulates the secretion of more PTH. With each progressive reduction in kidney function, a new steady state is achieved in which serum phosphate is restored to normal at the expense of a sustained high level of PTH. The cycle is repeated as renal function declines until sustained and severe hyperparathyroidism is present; eventually the compensatory mechanism is not able to control the increasing serum phosphorous levels. Once the glomerular filtration rate has decreased to <20% of normal, overt hyperphosphatemia becomes evident. In end-stage renal disease patients (where the compensatory mechanism mediated by PTH is no longer effective), the increase in plasma phosphate results not only from decreased excretion but also from continual high levels of PTH, which further exacerbates the problem by releasing calcium and phosphate from the bone.
The clinical manifestations of hyperphosphatemia are varied and have considerable mortality risks. Severe hyperphosphatemia can induce hypocalcemia, which aggravates the imbalance in PTH levels further by increasing the production of this hormone. Hyperphosphatemia inhibits renal synthesis of calcitriol, which causes an exacerbation of the hypocalcemia condition. The occurrence of severe hypocalcemia with tetany and ectopic calcifications is the most severe manifestation of hyperphosphatemia. Calcification may occur in the joints, soft tissues, lungs, kidney, and conjuctiva. Soft tissue calcification has been linked to cardiovascular risk, and cardiovascular disease is the cause of death in more than 45% of all dialysis patients. Renal osteodystrophy with effects on the bones and muscles is common in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, as well as severe pruritis. The high PTH level associated with developing and severe renal disease has indirect actions on the central and peripheral nervous system, and the myocardial tissues, creating further disorders such as hyperlipemia, muscle growth retardation, arteriosclerosis, bone loss, and immunodeficiency.
Prevention and treatment of hyperphosphatemia is achieved by a variety of means, including dietary control of phosphorus intake, dialysis and oral phosphate binders. Dialysis, however, does not remove phosphate ions well from the serum because of the slow equilibrium between intracellular and extracellular phosphorus. The treatments of choice focus instead on a phosphorus controlled diet and the administration of phosphate binders taken at meals. A low phosphorus diet is not a long-term option, however, since patient compliance is difficult and the daily dietary phosphorus intake cannot be lowered below ˜1000 mg/day, without restricting protein intake even further than the 1.2 g/kg/day of protein recommended for hemodialysis patients.
Oral phosphate binders comprise two main classes: inorganic metal salts and polymer resins, often referred to as metal-free binders. Examples of the former category include compounds such as aluminum carbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium acetate (PhosLo), and lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol). While aluminum and calcium salts have been the treatment of choice for years, they produce soluble metal ions that cross the gastrointestinal membrane and enter the blood stream, producing toxic effects. For instance, aluminum carbonate salts have been shown to be involved in cases of encephalopathy and aluminum osteopathy due to aluminum bone absorption. Calcium binders also generate large amounts of soluble calcium cations, the absorption of which can cause hypercalcemia. Further, although the causative effect is not fully demonstrated, high calcium x phosphate product has been held responsible for soft tissue calcification and cardiovascular disease. Lanthanum carbonate seems to produce less metal absorption, but bone accumulation of lanthanum has been established and the long-term effect of such accumulation in humans is still unclear.
Metal free binders include ion exchange resins and crosslinked polyallylamine resins. Ion exchange resins include cholestyramine, colestipol hydrochloride, and Dowex. These resins have been proposed as an alternative to metal salts, but their low capacity and their lack of palatability have precluded their wide use in the clinic. Crosslinked polyallylamine, like sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel), was introduced as the next generation of metal-free phosphate binder resins. However, the phase 1 clinical trials performed on healthy volunteers indicate that the in vivo binding capacity of Renagel is much lower than anticipated from in vitro studies. As a consequence ESRD patients still need a high dosage of Renagel to meet clinical end-points, leading to adverse effect such as gastrointestinal discomfort and problems with patient compliance.
Accordingly, there is a need to develop better phosphate binding therapies, with reduced side effects for patients with hyperphosphatemia. | {
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The present invention relates to processes for softening cellulose pulp using chemical softening agents, including debonders such as compositions containing lower alkyl acid esters or cyclic esters of polyhydroxy compounds and polyhydroxy-functional plasticizers, products thereof, and the like.
Highly engineered absorbent articles such as premium baby diapers, adult incontinence devices, and feminine napkins are typically made with a cellulose fiber fluff-based absorbent core positioned below a liquid pervious top sheet and a low density acquisition or surge layer. The acquisition layer allows the temporary storage and unobstructed passage of fluid to the absorbent core while acting as a barrier to the retransfer of liquid back to the skin of the user. A liquid impervious backing sheet, usually of plastic material, is also provided to contain the absorbed fluid and prevent it from passing through the absorbent core and soiling the undergarments of the wearer of the absorbent article. The acquisition layer typically includes chemically stiffened cellulose fluff or bonded synthetic fibers, wherein the fibers are bonded with thermoplastic binder fibers or powder, or via the application of a latex binder.
The absorbent core of these absorbent articles is usually constructed of defiberized wood pulp with or without superabsorbent polymer granules. The absorbent core is typically formed on a pad forming unit of a converting machine on a carrier tissue to facilitate processing.
Some absorbent core forming units are equipped with a layering capability in which a second discrete fluff layer may be laid over a primary fluff-based absorbent layer to form a multi-layer absorbent structure. In these absorbent structures, the primary layer may include superabsorbent polymer granules. Examples of conventionally produced absorbent structures include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,009,650; 5,378,528; 5,128,082; 5,607,414; 5,147,343; 5,149,335; 5,522,810; 5,041,104; 5,176,668; 5,389,181; and 4,596,567.
The manufacture of disposable absorbent hygienic products, particularly diapers and adult incontinence products, is usually performed on a continuous production line in which the cellulose fluff absorptive material is supplied as a roll of comminution pulp. The pulp is manufactured by conventional wet-laid techniques, wherein the pulp sheet is unrolled and fed into a hammer mill or similar mechanical apparatus to separate the cellulose fibers in the sheet into cellulose fluff. A drying stage may or may not be needed ahead of the hammer mill, depending on the needs of the skilled artisan employing the process of the invention. The fluff is then conveyed to the forming area where it is air-laid in the amount and shape desired in the final product.
To soften the sheeted product for efficient comminution, cationic surfactants have been used traditionally as debonders to disrupt interfiber associations, thereby producing a softer and weaker sheeted product. Examples of debonders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,432,833; 4,425,186; and 5,776,308. A common drawback to the conventional cationic debonders is a loss of wettability or absorbency of the comminution pulp due to the relatively long alkyl chain of the cationic surfactant. Blocking hydrogen-bonding sites softens the pulp sheet so it is more easily comminuted into individual fibers. Debonders also encourage the formation of lofty, low density airlaid structures which resist permanent densification since the hydrogen bonds between fibers are blocked by the debonder molecules. Thus, it would be advantageous to produce a comminuted pulp product which is easily densified for use in a final air-laid or woven product, without loss of wettability or absorbency.
Plasticizers for cellulose, which can be added to a pulp slurry prior to forming wetlaid sheets, can also be used to soften pulp, although they act by a different mechanism than debonding agents. Plasticizing agents act within the fiber, at the cellulose molecule, to make flexible or soften amorphous regions. The resulting fibers are characterized as limp. Since the plasticized fibers lack stiffness, the comminuted pulp is easier to densify compared to fibers not treated with plasticizer.
Plasticizers include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol; low molecular weight polyglycols such as polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols; and other polyhydroxy compounds. These and other plasticizers are described and exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,098,996; 5,547,541; and 4,73 1,269. Ammonia, urea, and alkylamines are also known to plasticize wood products, which mainly contain cellulose (A. J. Stamm, Forest Products Journal 5(6):413, 1955.
Plasticizing provides for easier densification of airlaid nonwovens made from treated pulp after comminution. A method of softening a cellulose composition that effectively debonds pulp fibers for efficient comminution, thereby making it easier to refiberize and subsequently densify without decreasing wettability would be highly beneficial, but is lacking in the art.
The present invention provides a novel process, and products thereof, for softening cellulose pulp by using a new combination of chemical softening agents, which includes both a debonder and a plasticizer. This softening treatment converts ordinary fluff pulp sheets into softened sheets of limp fibers having little affinity for each other (i.e., plasticized and debonded pulp). Thus, the resulting pulp is both easier to fluff (refiberize) and subsequently densify into airlaid pads formed from the individualized fibers after comminution. In addition, the absorbency and wettability of the cellulose fibers is not compromised by the softening process of the invention.
Practice of the invention using both a debonder and a plasticizer considerably lowers the energy requirement for converting pulp fiber sheets into absorbent products. Thus, the process of the invention reduces the cost of manufacturing products produced from refiberized comminuted pulp as a result of lower energy demand, higher throughput, and decreased wear on equipment. These are surprising and unexpected benefits of the present invention which could not previously be obtained from using either a conventional debonder or plasticizer alone to soften pulp.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a process for softening cellulose pulp comprising the step of contacting the pulp with an aqueous solution containing a debonder and a plasticizer in combination.
In another embodiment the invention provides a novel debonding agent, propylene carbonate, for use as a debonder alone, or together with a plasticizer in accordance with the process of the invention for softening cellulose pulp.
The invention further provides a softened pulp produced according to the processes of the invention for use in an absorbent product. | {
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Computing systems often include graphical user interface-based operating systems. A user may interact with the operating systems in a variety of ways, including using a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a touch screen, etc. | {
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Low-molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder with a molecular weight of 600,000 or less (also called PTFE micropowder) not only has excellent chemical stability and extremely low surface energy, but particle fibrillation is also unlikely to occur therein. As a result, PTFE micropowder is used as an additive to enhance the gliding properties and texture of coated surfaces in plastics, inks, cosmetics, paint, grease, and the like (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
Examples of known methods for producing low-molecular weight PTFE include a method in which high-molecular weight PTFE is brought into contact with a specific fluoride and reacted under high temperature conditions to thermally degrade the same (e.g., see Patent Document 2) and a method in which a high-molecular weight PTFE powder or formed body is irradiated with an ionizing radiation (e.g., see Patent Document 3).
However, methods involving thermal degradation of high-molecular weight PTFE and methods involving the exposure of high-molecular weight PTFE to radiation are not always advantageous from the standpoint of equipment costs and convenience.
A process involving direct polymerization of the TFE monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent is also known as a method for producing low-molecular weight PTFE. For example, Patent Document 4 proposes performing polymerization using a C1-3 fluoroalkane or chlorofluoroalkane as a chain transfer agent (telogen).
As in the case of the method of Patent Document 4, it is not always clear which process is to be used as the industrial polymerization method, but such industrial methods can be roughly divided into suspension polymerization and emulsion polymerization.
In suspension polymerization a polymerization initiator is dispersed in an aqueous medium in the presence of a chain transfer agent using little or no surfactant, TFE is polymerized either with TFE or a monomer copolymerizable therewith, and a low-molecular weight PTFE granular powder is directly isolated from the reaction (e.g., see Patent Documents 5 and 6). In suspension polymerization the initially formed polymer is solidified at an early stage of polymerization by high-shear stirring, and polymerization continues to occur on the solid particles in a gas-solid reaction wherein the water functions mainly as a thermal conduction medium (e.g., see Patent Document 7). Little or no surfactant is used in suspension polymerization, and low-molecular weight PTFE powder can be obtained directly, but the particle size is difficult to control.
In contrast, in emulsion polymerization a fluorine-containing surfactant that functions as a polymerization initiator and emulsifying agent is dispersed in an aqueous medium in the presence of a chain transfer agent, and TFE is polymerized either with TFE or a monomer copolymerizable therewith to obtain low-molecular weight PTFE. Unlike suspension polymerization, because of the presence of the fluorine-containing surfactant, with emulsion polymerization an aqueous dispersion containing emulsified particles (also called micelles or primary particles) of 1 μm or smaller are obtained (e.g., see Patent Document 8). The resulting aqueous dispersion can either be used as is, or can be enriched and used in a water-based coating material, etc.
When the low-molecular weight PTFE obtained by emulsion polymerization is to be used as a powder, it can be coagulated from the above aqueous dispersion and made into powdered particles (micropowder).
Low-molecular weight PTFE powdered, particles obtained by emulsion polymerization have the following characteristics: the specific surface area is greater than those obtained by suspension polymerization at 7 to 20 m2/g (rarely, 5 to 20 m2/g), and because the particles are soft, they are very effective for surface modification, e.g., improving the texture of a coated surface. Moreover, they have greater oil absorption, and a stable dispersion in a matrix material can be obtained thereby. In addition, low-molecular weight PTFE powdered particles obtained by emulsion polymerization are preferred because it is possible to control particle size by adjusting the conditions of the coagulation process noted above.
However, the cost is higher with the emulsion polymerization described above because a fluorine-containing surfactant or other expensive material must be used as an emulsifier. In addition, residual surfactant can cause discoloration, etc., of the PTFE particles.
As a result, a process for producing PTFE wherein polymerization is performed without the addition of these fluorine-containing surfactants is needed.
A TFE suspension polymerization process is known wherein the reaction is performed in an aqueous medium using TFE and a water-soluble peroxide (e.g., see Non-Patent Document 1) as a method of carrying out polymerization without the addition of a fluorine-containing surfactant. Patent Document 9 also discloses that TFE polymerization was performed in an aqueous medium without the addition of a surfactant by using disuccinic acid peroxide as the polymerization initiator, and an aqueous dispersion of PTFE was obtained thereby.
However, the aqueous dispersions disclosed in the examples of Patent Document 9 have a very dilute concentration of polymer solids at only 6.5 wt %, which is entirely impractical in terms of productivity. In addition, Patent Document 9 does not mention the addition of a chain transfer agent, and it discloses no data indicating the size and molecular weight of the resulting emulsified polymer particles.
Furthermore, a process has been disclosed wherein emulsion polymerization is carried out between TFE and either TFE or a monomer copolymerizable therewith in an aqueous medium using a chain transfer agent and a water-soluble peroxide as a method for performing polymerization without the addition of a fluorine-containing surfactant (e.g., see Patent Document 10). Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H10-147617 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. S48-78252 Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. S51-41085 Patent Document 5: WO 2004/050727 Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-2322 Patent Document 7: Japanese Translation of PCT Application No. 2006-509072 Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H7-165828 Patent Document 9: U.S. Pat. No. 2,534,058 Patent Document 10: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2009-1745 Non-Patent Document 1: Takaomi Satogawa “Handbook of Fluoropolymers” The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd. (1990), page 27.
There was room for improvement, however, with polymers obtained by the kind of emulsion polymerization disclosed in Patent Documents 8 and 10 in properties such as dispersibility, viscosity, and the like when used as an additive in a coating material, etc. Moreover, there was room for improvement with polymers obtained by the kind of suspension polymerization disclosed in Patent Documents 5 to 7 in properties such as the appearance, transparency, texture, and the like of a coating film obtained thereby. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more specifically, a charging connector.
2. Discussion of Background Information
A connector includes a coupler socket connected to a flexible cable and a connector outlet integral to a utilization apparatus. The coupler socket is connected by its cable to a power supply source. In order to be a charging connector, the outlet should be connected to or form part of the apparatus to be charged. The apparatus to be charged can, for example, be an accumulator battery for vehicles or other electric systems. Moreover, the expression charging connector must be understood as a connector, such as previously defined, except that the outlet connected to accumulators can also be current-carrying.
The known connectors are often impractical to use and require difficult coupling maneuvers with translational and/or coaxial rotational movements of the socket in the outlet. In addition, it is often necessary to exert substantial forces, which complicate the maneuvers.
These difficulties are major disadvantages for the above mentioned charging application of an electrical vehicle, since it must be capable of being accomplished by the user himself. In addition, if one can provide slow charging connectors in order to ensure charging at the user's residence, for example, one must also envision connectors capable of supporting a quick charging, undertaken, for example, at a special supply station.
Generally, a charging connector is provided with pilot contacts intended to control a disconnection apparatus located upstream from the connector outlet and/or the coupler socket so as to control an interrupter. Indeed, in addition to any problem in protecting the contacts, it is advantageous that the connection and separation of the power contacts be undertaken when idle. For that, it suffices that the pilot contacts act upon the interrupter such that the latter closes the circuit after the connection of the power contacts, and inversely, opens the circuit after the separation of the contacts. Such a measure is not simple to obtain.
When seeking to improve an aspect of a connector, the solution adopted often presents disadvantages for the other aspects to be treated. This is why the inventor has sought a device which is entirely practical and safe.
Certain connection devices are also known, which comprise two connection elements of which one is mobile, and which are arranged to enable mutual coupling and uncoupling and connect, or reciprocally separate, the opposing contacts with which they are provided. The contacts of at least the non-mobile element having contact pieces that extend parallel to one another and define a connection direction, whereas the coupling and uncoupling are undertaken by rotation of the mobile element in the other element about an axis arranged geometrically in a manner perpendicular to the connection direction.
This is for example, at least partially, the case of the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,668,605. However, these devices are neither provided nor arranged to include a connector such as defined hereinabove, and even less a charging connector. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to magnetic heads and methods of manufacturing the same, and more particularly to protecting read sensors from damage due to electrostatic discharge (ESD) during the manufacture of magnetic heads.
2. Description of the Related Art
Read sensors of magnetic heads are sensitive devices which may be easily damaged during manufacturing by electrostatic discharge (ESD). During manufacturing, a plurality of magnetic heads are formed on a wafer. For each magnetic head, a read sensor is formed over a first gap layer (G1) which has a first shield layer (S1) formed beneath it. Above the read sensor is a second gap layer (G2) which has a second shield layer (S2) formed over it. The first and second gap layers and are made of an insulating material, such as alumina, whereas the first and second shield layers are made of a conductive material, such as Permalloy. Since these conductive materials are separated by the insulating materials, different electrical potentials may exist between the read sensor and shield layers. From the constant handling of the magnetic heads during manufacturing, electrostatic charge may undesirably build up and damage the read sensors. This may result in serious yield losses, especially as the sensor element becomes smaller in both film thickness and areal dimension.
One known method of preventing ESD damage to read sensors forms a temporary electrical connection between the read sensor and the first and second shields. Conventional photolithography and patterning techniques are used during head formation to form holes through the gap layers and extend sensor materials through the holes to make electrical contact with the first and the second shields. Relatively low resistances inherent to the nature and the amount of materials utilized in the connection are created. This temporary connection crosses over a contemplated air bearing surface (ABS) line of the wafer, which is eventually cut and lapped along the ABS line.
This method advantageously prevents ESD damage to read sensors during early phases of manufacturing. However, it fails to prevent ESD damage to the read sensors during later phases of manufacturing (i.e., after cutting and lapping the ABS). Since this single connection is buried within the read sensor, it is difficult if not impossible to sever it late in the manufacturing process.
Accordingly, what are needed are methods and apparatus for protecting read sensors from damage caused by ESD during manufacturing, even after the wafer is cut and lapped along the ABS.
Methods and apparatus for protecting read sensors from damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD) during manufacturing are described. Advantageously, two electrical connections are formed and utilized for ESD protection: one primarily for early protection of the sensors (i.e. prior to cutting and lapping the wafer to form the ABS) and the other primarily for later protection of the sensors (i.e. after cutting and lapping the wafer to form the ABS).
More particularly, a first electrical connection between a read sensor and first and second shields is created during manufacturing for each one of a plurality of magnetic heads being formed on a wafer. Each first electrical connection crosses over a contemplated air bearing surface (ABS) line of the magnetic heads. A second electrical connection is additionally created between sensor leads and the first and the second shields for each one of the plurality of magnetic heads. Each second electrical connection is exposed on an outside surface of a magnetic head. ESD protection is advantageously provided by the first and the second electrical connections until the wafer is cut and lapped along the contemplated ABS line to form the ABS, which severs each first electrical connection. Thereafter, the wafer is cut to separate the plurality of magnetic heads from each other where each head is then processed individually. During the separation and individual processing, ESD damage is advantageously prevented by each second electrical connection. Each exposed second electrical connection is eventually severed, preferably by laser-deletion, so that each magnetic head can be used as intended. | {
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The present invention relates generally to processing data in a data warehouse, and more specifically, to a method and system that allows a user to perform operations on subsets of data that are not defined by the structure of the data warehouse.
Contemporary database environments store and manage data, such as the sale and inventory of products sold by a retailer. Such a database environment may include a data storage system responsible for storing the data, with data encryption, data redundancy, backup facilities, data compression, or the like, as specified by an administrator. Similarly, the database environment may include a user interface that allows one or more users to access and process the data in the data storage system in a meaningful way (e.g., for preparing sales reports, inventory reports, etc.).
The representation of data displayed to a user may differ significantly from the logical or physical representation of the same data elsewhere within the database environment. The database environment thus serves, on the one hand, to store the data in an efficient and secure manner and, on the other hand, to process and present the data to a user in a meaningful way without overly encumbering the user.
Database environments typically include one or more data tables, i.e., logical arrays of data, with each data table containing a plurality of identically structured records. For example, in a data table relating to sales transaction data, the data table may include a plurality of rows, with each row containing the data associated with an individual record, for example, an individual sales transaction. In such cases, a row of data is synonymous with a record of data. Each column of the data table typically contains data relating to an aspect of a record. In the given example, each column contains data relating to an aspect of the respective sales transaction, for example, the date of the transaction, the time of the transaction, the location, the sold product, the sales price, etc. In cases where the data in a particular column is selected from a limited set of values, where the set of values is defined in the database environment (e.g., a set of product identification codes or date identification codes), the column and the data therein is typically termed a “dimension.” In cases where the data in a particular column is selected from an essentially continuous range of values (e.g., a sales price), the column and the data therein is typically termed a “measure.” Typically, the database environment will comprise a plurality of data tables, each relating to a different type of data, such as sales transactions, inventory, customers, etc. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a high gloss paper having a superior printability and to a process for the production thereof.
2. Prior Art
Paper having a coating composed of pigment and binder are used as high grade printing paper when the surface gloss is an important factor, in addition to printability, including ink absorbency, coated layer strength, etc. For enhancing the gloss, however, smoothing the coated layer with a press causes the destruction of voids therein, thereby lowering the ink absorbency. For enhancing the gloss, the use of a large amount of water soluble or dispersible polymer, such as polymeric latex, which is used as the binder for pigment, increases strength and gloss of the coated layer, but lowers its ink absorbency by decreasing the voids. The type and amount of pigment and binder, the amount of coating material, the degree of smoothing treatment and the like are determined based on a consideration of an appropriate balance of gloss and printability. Therefore, other techniques are required for the production of a high gloss paper having a superior printability.
The gloss value of the coated printing paper is generally increased in the following order: slightly coated paper, coated paper, art paper, superart paper and cast coated paper. The term "high gloss" as used herein means a higher gloss value than that of superart papers. Accordingly, "a high gloss paper" means a coated printing paper having a higher gloss value than that of superart paper. Conventionally, a cast coater is used for the production of high gloss papers. The cast coater applies a wet layer composed of pigment and binder by press contacting the paper with a cast drum having a mirror finish. The coated paper is dried by heating. This method has disadvantages including a remarkably slower production speed compared with methods used for the production of conventional art papers, coated papers, and slightly coated papers.
Further, a method using a heated calender without using cast drums is well known. For example, Japanese Patent Laid Open Application No. 56-68188, Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 64-10638 and 64-11758 disclose a method for coating a mixture of pigment and polymeric latex or water soluble polymer, drying the resultant coated layer, and further treating the coated layer with a heated calender. In this case, the polymeric latex having a glass transition temperature of a least 5.degree. C. or at least 38.degree. C. is used as the latex, and the temperature of a heated calender is set at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the latex. Since this method uses a calender treatment of a latex, it is simplified and superior in productivity, but it has as a defect an insufficient gloss. This method does not provide a higher gloss than that of superart papers, and, therefore, it does not provide the same gloss as that of cast coated papers.
Another paper coating is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open Application No. 59-22683. This method comprises coating a combination of at least two polymeric latexes having various minimum film-forming temperatures on an uncoated sheet, or on a coated sheet, drying the coated sheet, and optionally smoothing the sheet with a calender. In this case, drying of combined latexes having various minimum film forming temperatures causes fine cracks on the surface of the coated paper, thereby resulting in a superior ink absorbency without impairing the gloss. The important feature of the above technique is in causing fine cracks on the surface of the coated sheet, wherein special care must be exercised in the drying step. That is, the drying condition must be set so as to completely melt the latex having a higher minimum film forming temperature and, only partly melt the latex having a lower minimum film forming temperature. However, as is well known, the drying conditions are easily varied by many factors. Considering industrial application of this technique, it is practically impossible to keep the drying conditions uniform and constant over an entire production system. Therefore, it is very difficult to maintain a constant stable quality. | {
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Audience measurement of media (e.g., content or advertisements) delivered in any format (e.g., via terrestrial, cable, or satellite television and/or radio, stored audio and/or video played back from a memory such as a digital video recorder or an optical disc, a webpage, audio and/or video presented (e.g., streamed) via the Internet, video games, etc.) often involves collection of media identifying data (e.g., signature(s), fingerprint(s), code(s), tuned channel identification information, time of exposure information, etc.) and people data (e.g., user identifiers, demographic data associated with audience members, etc.). The media identifying data and the people data can be combined to generate, for example, media exposure data indicative of amount(s) and/or type(s) of people that were exposed to specific piece(s) of media. | {
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The problems encountered in producing foam-based sheets or pads designed to meet household cleaning needs have been addressed by a variety of products. Polyurethane foam-based sponge products which have been disclosed fall into two general classes, which may be designated as dry and moist. Dry sponge products are disclosed by Strickman et al in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,271,272 and 4,421,526. These products are formed by reacting isocyanate-capped polypropylene glycol resins with small amounts of water and organic catalysts, followed by stirring powdered detergents and/or abrasives into the foaming resin. Since the molar ratio of water to free isocyanate groups on the resin is generally adjusted to about 0.5 or less, the cured foam which is obtained is dry. This results in additives such as abrasives and detergents being largely deposited in the cell voids, thus reducing the sponge's absorbency. When the sponges are remoistened, the additives must re-emulsify prior to becoming available for application in a cleaning operation.
The preparation of open-called, hydrophilic or "moist" polyurethane foams by the reaction of specially-formulated prepolymer isocyanate resins with large molar excesses of water without the need for added catalysts or cross-linking agents is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,890,254; 4,137,200 and 4,160,076. These resins permit the introduction of large amounts of solids into the form matrices via preformed aqueous slurries of solid particles which are subsequently reacted with the prepolymer resin in order to foam it into the desired specialty product. The finished foams are very hydrophilic, or water-absorbent, due to the entrapment of excess water within the cell walls.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,833,386; 4,066,394; 4,066,578; 4,309,509; and 3,343,910 describe the incorporation into hydrophilic forms of sinterable ceramic materials, water-softening minerals such as zeolites, flame retardants, ordorant-containing waxes and fine abrasives, respectively. In order to produce solids-loaded foams for use as polishing pads, sachets, water-softening sponges, cushions and the like, the weight ratio of aqueous phase to resin must be maintained at a value low enough so that the foam matrix exhibits satisfactory overall integrity. Increasing the weight of additives in foamed products formed by this method necessarily requires the use of higher ratios of water to prepolymer resin, which in turn attenuates the polymeric cellular matrix which is further embrittled by the introduction of the solids. Surfactants which result in a highly reticulated, open-celled matrix also reduce the absolute strength of the foam due to the removal of cell window membranes. Although reticulated, open-celled, hydrophilic polyurethane foams which are highly loaded with particulate abrasives are desirable due to their optimal cleaning power, when the weight ratio of dispersed abrasives in the aqueous phase to the presently-available prepolymer resins exceeds a certain value, the resultant foams will become friable. These foams are unsuitable for use as cleaning pads and sheets due to their low tensile strength which causes the cured foams to flake or crumble during use.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide cleaning pads or sheets comprising a moist, hydrophilic polyurethane foam which incorporates a large amount of particulate abrasive and which further incorporates effective amounts of detergent surfactants.
It is another object of the present invention to provide resilient cleaning pads or sheets suitable for cleaning a wide variety of surfaces comprising open-celled, highly-reticulated, hydrophilic polyurethane foams of low tensile strength which comprise abrasive particles and detergents integrally incorporate within the cellular matrix of the foam.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims. | {
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} |
Cytokines are a diverse group of soluble factors that mediate various cell functions, such as, growth, functional differentiation, and promotion or prevention of programmed cell death (apoptotic cell death). Cytokines, unlike hormones, are not produced by specialized glandular tissues, but can be produced by a wide variety of cell types, such as epithelial, stromal or immune cells.
The γc-family cytokines are a group of mammalian cytokines that are mainly produced by epithelial, stromal and immune cells and control the normal and pathological activation of a diverse array of lymphocytes. These cytokines are critically required for the early development of T cells in the thymus as well as their homeostasis in the periphery. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
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