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The present invention relates to a fuel cell, which supplies fuel gas obtained by reforming hydrocarbon based raw fuel has been reformed to a fuel cell to generate electric power.
In recent years, due to its cleanness and excellent energy efficiency, a fuel cell (proton exchange membrane type fuel cell) has found attracted as a power source for an electric vehicle or such. The fuel cell can be regarded to as one of a power generator which electrochemically generates power upon supplying fuel gas (hydrogen) for first reactant gas and oxidant gas (air) for second reactant gas.
In a fuel cell powered electric vehicle which carries a fuel cell, mileage of one refueling is required to be as long as possible. For this reason, the fuel cell powered electric vehicle has been developed, which possesses a container for raw fuel liquid such as methanol instead of a hydrogen tank, and the hydrocarbon raw fuel liquid is reformed to produce hydrogen-containing fuel gas to generate power.
Now referring to FIG. 6, a conventional fuel cell system FCS"" possessing a reformer will be described.
A water/methanol mixed liquid (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9craw fuel liquidxe2x80x9d), which is raw material stored in a storage tank for the raw fuel liquid is pumped to an evaporator 102 by means of a pump P. It is noted that why the raw fuel liquid comprises a mixed liquid of water and methanol is that hydrogen is produced from water and methanol by a steam reforming reaction, which will be described later on. Subsequently, in the evaporator 102, the raw fuel liquid is injected from a raw fuel injecting device 102b to a body 102a of the evaporator, and is evaporated due the heat generated by the catalytic combustion in a catalyst combustor 102c. Also, reforming air from an air compressor 104 is supplied to the body 102a of the evaporator. Within the body 102a of the evaporator, the vapor of the raw fuel liquid and the vapor are heated and mixed with each other to form raw fuel gas, which is supplied to a reactor 103.
The reactor 103 is composed of a reformer 103a and a CO remover 103b. A catalyst for an automatic thermal reaction (TAR) is incorporated into the reformer 103a, and the reformer 103a reforms the raw fuel gas supplied to the reactor 103 (reformer 103a) to thereby produce hydrogen-containing fuel gas. In the automatic thermal reaction, the following reactions (1) to (4) takes place to produce hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide (small amount), and water.
(1) Steam Reforming Reaction:
OH3OH+H2Oxe2x86x92H2Oxe2x86x923H2+CO2
(2) Oxidation
xe2x80x83OH3OH+3/2O2xe2x86x922H2O+CO2
(3) Thermal Decomposition
OH3OHxe2x86x922H2+CO
(4) Shift Reaction
CO+H2Oxe2x86x92H2+CO2
It is noted that the reactions (1) and (3) are endothermic reactions and the reactions (2) and (4) are exothermic reactions.
As a result of these reactions (1) to (4), the fuel gas produced in the reformer 103a contains a small amount (approximately 1%) of carbon monoxide. Supplying fuel gas containing carbon to the proton exchange membrane type fuel cell 101 is not preferable, because a platinum catalyst within the fuel cell 101 is poisoned. Consequently, the fuel cell produced in the reformer 103a is supplied to the CO remover 103b at which CO is converted into CO2 and is removed. Into the CO remover is supplied air for selective oxidation, and by the catalytic function of a catalyst disposed in the CO remover, CO is selectively oxidized. In front of the CO remover 103b, a heat exchanger (not shown) is provided for the purpose of controlling the temperature of the fuel gas within a given level to remove CO in an efficient manner.
In conventional, when the automatic thermal reaction is carried out, the amount of the reforming air to be mixed with the raw fuel gas (the amount of the air to be supplied in the body 102a of the evaporator) is set according to the following procedures (1) to (3):
(1) From the demand output from the fuel cell 101, the demand load from the reformer 103 is set. (2) Based on the demand load, the amount of raw fuel liquid (the injection amount of the raw fuel) to be injected to the body 102a of the evaporator is set. (3) Based on the injection amount of the raw fuel, the amount of reforming air required in the reformer 103a from a map for the amount of the reforming air.
In order to stabilize the reaction in the reformer 103a, the temperature of the evaporator 102 or such is controlled so as to supply the raw fuel gas having a prescribed temperature.
However, the temperature of the raw fuel gas varies depending on the variation in the driving conditions of the fuel cell system FCS"" and external factors (such as atmospheric temperature). If the temperature of the raw fuel gas is changed, the temperature of the reforming catalyst is also changed accordingly. Specifically, when the temperature of the raw fuel gas to be supplied to the reformer 103a becomes higher, the temperature of the reforming catalyst becomes higher. Conversely, when the temperature of the raw fuel gas becomes lower, the temperature of the reforming catalyst becomes lower. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, if the temperature of the reforming catalyst is increased, the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO concentration) contained in the fuel gas produced is increased. If the CO concentration is too increased, CO is removed in the CO remover 103b only with an insufficient manner, which possibly has an influence upon the platinum catalyst of the fuel cell 101. On the other hand, if the temperature of the reforming catalyst becomes lower, the CO concentration in the fuel gas produced becomes smaller, but the total hydrocarbon (THC) concentration would be increased (in which case, the reforming reaction takes place slowly and unreacted raw fuel is passed as it is, together with the raw fuel gas not sufficiently reformed). For this reason, the amount of the hydrogen produced is decreased, changing the fuel ratio for the worse. If the amount of the hydrogen produced is too decreased, the fuel cell 101 cannot generate power any longer. Particularly, in the case where the fuel cell system FCS"" is carried on a vehicle like a fuel cell powered vehicle, the driving conditions and the external factors would be severely changed.
A main object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a fuel cell system, which can be operated under appropriate conditions by keeping the temperature of the reforming catalyst at a prescribed level, even if the temperature of raw fuel gas is changed.
As a result of serious studies in light of the object described above, it has been found that as shown in FIG. 9 showing the relation between the temperature of the raw fuel gas to be supplied to the reformer and the amount of the reforming air in the case of keeping the temperature of the reforming catalyst at constant, if the amount (flow amount) of the reforming air to be supplied to the reformer is controlled even when the temperature of the raw fuel gas is changed, the temperature of the reforming catalyst can be kept at a prescribed level, reaching the present invention.
Specifically, the fuel cell system according to the present invention, which attains these and other objects, comprises:
a fuel cell in which first reactant gas and second reactant gas are supplied to generate electricity,
an evaporator for evaporating a raw fuel, which combustor exhaust gas discharged from said fuel cell and makes use of said exhaust gas to evaporate and volatile a raw material for said first reactant gas,
a reformer which reforms the evaporated and volatilized raw fuel vapor by means of a reforming catalyst to produce the first reactant gas, and
an air-introducing device, which introduces air used to be reformed into said evaporator or said reformed in a manner that the flow rate of the air is controlled depending upon the output from the fuel cell and upon the temperature of the raw fuel vapor.
In the embodiments of the present invention, which will be described later on, the first reactant gas is fuel gas, which is produced in the reformer, and then supplied to the fuel cell, while the second reactant gas is cathode air, which is compressed in the air compressor and supplied to the fuel cell. In the embodiments of the present invention, which will be described later on, the reformer reforms the raw fuel gas comprising vapor (raw fuel vapor) of the raw fuel (methanol+water) admixed with the reforming air in the presence of a reforming catalyst by the automatic thermal reaction to thereby produce fuel gas containing hydrogen. The hydrogen-introducing device in the embodiments of the present invention, which will be described later on, is composed of a control unit, a control valve for controlling the flow amount of the reforming air, and the like. It controls the amount of the air used to be reformed (the amount of reforming air) depending upon the injection amount of the raw fuel and upon the temperature of the fuel gas and supplies the reforming air to the body of the evaporator.
The output from the fuel cell includes both the real output from the fuel cell and the fuel cell-demand output (target output). Furthermore, as used herein, the output from the fuel cell includes the output of the reformer (the real amount of the raw fuel gas produced, the demand of the reactant gas to be produced) and the output of the evaporator for the raw fuel (the real amount of the raw fuel gas evaporated, the demand of the raw fuel gas to be evaporated, the injection amount of the raw fuel liquid, . . . ), and it should not be interpreted to be narrower meanings. Incidentally, in the embodiments of the present invention, which will be described later on, the flow amount of the air used for the reformation (reforming air) is controlled on the basis of the injection amount of the raw fuel liquid (the injection amount of the raw fuel), because the injection amount of the raw fuel and the output from the fuel cell have a close relation (the fuel cell generates power utilizing reformed hydrogen), as the liquid fuel is injected in a large amount when the output from the fuel cell is increased, while the liquid fuel is injected in a small amount when the output from the fuel cell is decreased.
In a preferred aspect of the fuel cell system of the present invention, the air-introducing device carries out the correction based on the deviation between the measured temperature of the raw fuel and the set temperature of the raw fuel to control the flow amount of the air used to be reformed.
According to this configuration, the flow amount of the air used to be reformed is controlled based on the deviation between the measured temperature of the raw fuel and the set temperature of the raw fuel to control the flow amount of the air used to be reformed. In the preferred embodiments described later on, when the measured vapor temperature is enhanced to increase the deviation, the flow amount of the reforming air is decreased to prevent the increasing of the temperature of the catalyst. Conversely, if the measured vapor temperature is decreased to increase the deviation, the flow amount of the reforming air is increased to prevent the decreasing of the temperature of the catalyst. Also, in the embodiments, the measurement of the vapor temperature is carried out using a thermosensor disposed in front of the inlet of the reformer.
In the preferred aspect of the fuel cell system just mentioned, in addition to the correction based on the deviation, the air-introducing device carries out the correction based on the output from the fuel cell to control the flow amount of the air used to be reformed.
For example, when the output from the fuel cell is large, the raw fuel vapor to be supplied to the reformer becomes large accordingly. For this reason, the thermal mass of the raw material vapor also becomes large. In this case, the influences of the thermal mass and the thermal loss (heat loss due to the radiation) upon the reformer become small. Accordingly, in order to decrease the heating-up in the reformer, the flow amount of the air used to be reformed is corrected to be smaller than the usual case. On the other hand, if the output from the fuel cell is small, the raw fuel vapor to be supplied to the reformer becomes small accordingly. For this reason, the thermal mass of the raw material vapor also becomes small. In this case, the influences of the thermal mass and the thermal loss upon the reformer become great. Accordingly, in order to increase the heating-up in the reformer, the flow amount of the air used to be reformed is corrected to be larger than the usual case.
According to another preferred aspect of the fuel cell according to the present invention, the air-introducing device restricts the upper limit of the flow amount of the air used to be reformed based on the output from the fuel cell.
If the flow amount of the air used to be reformed is increased, the exothermic reaction can be accelerated to increase the temperature of the reforming catalyst. However, if the flow amount of the air is too increased, the concentration of the first reactant gas is decreased (i.e., the hydrogen concentration in the fuel gas is decreased), sometimes breaking down the fuel cell. Consequently, with regard to excessively increasing of the amount of the air used to be reformed, for example, when the temperature of the reforming catalyst should be largely increased, it is not preferable to increase the flow amount of the air relative to the output from the fuel cell over a prescribed level. Consequently, the upper limit of the flow amount of the air used to be reformed is restricted based on the output from the fuel cell.
Considering the removal of carbon monoxide, according to still another preferred aspect of the fuel cell of the present invention, the fuel cell system further comprises a CO remover which removes carbon monoxide utilizing the air from the first reactant gas having been reformed in the reformer, and the air-introducing device further introduces the air used for the removal of carbon monoxide into said CO remover in such a manner that the flow amount thereof is controlled based on the output from the fuel cell.
When the air for removing CO is introduced in a controlled flow amount, the performance for removing carbon monoxide to meet the flow amount of the reforming gas can be exhibited. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to a casement defining an opening in a structure, such as a wall, in combination with a closure element that is movable with respect to the casement for opening or closing at least a portion of the casement opening; and, more particularly, to a latch mechanism for fixing the relative position of the closure element with respect to the casement, preferably in the closed position.
2. Related Art
A casement assembly comprising a combination of a casement frame and a closure element is well known and finds common examples in security screens, sliding glass doors, or double hung windows, to name a few examples. Generally, the casement frame is positioned within a wall or similar structural element to define a passage therethrough. The closure element (generally a window, screen or door) is movable (generally slidable or pivotal) with respect to the casement frame for alternatively opening or closing the passageway.
For safety, it is common to provide a latch mechanism for locking the closure element in a fixed position relative to the casement frame, preferably in the closed position. Previous latch mechanisms typically include one or more locking rods mounted to the closure element and laterally movable between a retracted and extended position for inserting and removing an outer end of the bar into and out of engagement with the casement frame to prevent the movement of the closure element with respect to the casement frame. A laterally movable or rotatable handle or knob was directly mechanically coupled to the inner end of the rod for moving the rod between the extended and retracted positions as the handle is slid or rotated. The direct mechanical coupling between the rod inner end and the knob or handle typically included rotatably pinning the end of the rod to the handle or providing an intermediate link having one end pinned to the rod and the other end pinned to the handle or knob. Examples of such latch mechanisms with direct mechanical links are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,708,478, filed May 17, 1955, U.S. Pat. No. 2,883,225, filed Oct. 16, 1953, U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,328, issued Dec. 7, 1982, U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,808, issued Feb. 14, 1989, U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,750, issued Feb. 25, 1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,408, issued Jan. 21, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,353, issued Sep. 15, 1998 to name a few.
A disadvantage of the prior art latches lies in the direct mechanical linkage, which can often be difficult to extend and retract because of the inherent friction or resistance in the mechanical linkages. Many of the mechanical linkages change angular orientation with respect to the handle or knob as it is rotated, resulting in quickly varying relatively small lever arms that require applying relatively large and varying rotational forces to the handle or knob to effect the extension or retraction. The magnitude and varying nature of the operational force results in jerky operation and sometimes a very high initial force. The combination of these effects can often lead to the user having to apply a relatively very large initial force until the inherent friction or resistance is overcome, resulting in the user feeling as if the latch mechanism has broken away. An additional problem lies in that the various components are typically metal and the linkages can rust, increasing the force necessary to overcome the additional resistance and exacerbating the initial force problem. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Solid state multi-layer avalanche diodes, such as silicon or gallium arsenide IMPATT diodes for example, have been used for several years in the microwave industry as active semiconductor devices in microwave oscillators and amplifiers. To a first order approximation, the operational frequency, f, in GHz of these diodes, e.g. single-drift-region IMPATT diodes, is related to the width, W, in micrometers, of the intermediate P or N type layer of three layer avalanche diodes as follows: EQU f(GHz) = (30/W(.mu.m) Eq.1)
In the construction of microwave oscillators and amplifiers, it has been one practice to mount these semiconductor diodes on one surface of a waveguide cavity and thereafter make DC electrical contact to these diodes using a pin or post-like connection. Such contact is necessary to supply the diodes with appropriate DC operating bias for oscillation or amplification of microwave energy.
As the maximum operating frequency requirements for these semiconductor diodes were increased, especially with the interest in increasing the operational frequency of solid state oscillators and amplifiers into the millimeter wavelength range, it became necessary to reduce the geometry of these diodes, e.g. IMPATT diodes, to produce a corresponding reduction in the width of the P and N type layers forming the diodes, as specified by Eq. 1. This requirement for reducing the geometry of these solid state diodes obviously produced a corresponding reduction in their structural strength and ability to withstand contact pressures, such as the contact pressures produced when a DC bias pin is brought directly into contact with one surface of the diode.
To alleviate the latter problem, workers in this art began to mount the diodes in a manner that would eliminate the requirement for directly contacting one surface of the diode with the DC bias pin. One of the approaches used to accomplish this involved mounting one surface of the diode on a conducting substrate forming part of an insulating package and extending a conductive ribbon from the tab of the vertical insulator down into electrical contact with the second surface of the diode. Now the upper portion of the package could be utilized for making direct pressure contact to a DC bias pin, and the diode itself was removed from any direct pressure from such a pin. This type of package structure is disclosed, for example, in an article by N. B. Kramer entitled "IMPATT Diodes and Millimeter Wave Applications Grow Up Together" Electronics, Oct. 11, 1971, at page 79.
The electrical characteristics of the above and other similar packaging techniques can be represented by a lumped element equivalent circuit of parasitics near the active diode. In the simplest form, this parasitic equivalent circuit consists of a lead inductance in series with the active diode, and this series combination is shunted by a parallel combination of a conductance, G, and capacitance, C, of the remainder of the package. Thus, the total parasitic equivalent capacitance C and inductance L causes the package to have a natural resonant frequency f.sub.pack, which is inversely proportional to the square root of LC, that is: EQU f.sub.pack .varies. (1/.sqroot.LC) (Eq. 2)
The above-described package must not only provide an arrangement to remove mechanical pressure from the diode as mentioned, but the electrical properties of the package must be such that they do not greatly detract from the interaction between the diode and the microwave cavity in which the diode is mounted. This is accomplished by making G small to reduce the conductance loss of the package, and by either making f.sub.pack much higher than the operating frequency f of the diode (minimizing the impedance transformation from the diode chip to the package terminals) or by making f.sub.pack close to the operating frequency of the cavity in order to use the package transformation as part of the diode/waveguide impedance matching network. However, at frequencies .gtoreq. 100 GHz, the parasitic inductance and capacitance associated with these packages produces a natural resonance f.sub.pack which is below the desired operation frequency, making it difficult to realize the proper device circuit interaction. In any event, it is desirable from the point of view of circuit design to provide a package arrangement with reproducible parasitics so that the circuit configuration can be designed to compensate for these parasitics as much as possible.
Another difficulty that arises in the construction of diodes for operation above 100 GHz is the mechanical damage that occurs to the diode during the fabrication of the package arrangement. That is, the size (area) of these diodes becomes reduced to such an extent that the strength of the metal contact bond to the diode is weakened and contact bonding failures often occur.
In the fabrication of high frequency semiconductor devices of the type described, it is also important to control the DC electrical characteristics for optimum device performance. A feature common to certain such device structures formed with a mesa geometry is the exposure of their p-n junctions to an uncontrolled environment. The electrical characteristics of these devices, notably the reverse-bias leakage currents associated with exposed or unpassivated junctions, are most difficult to control when compared to junctions that are passivated. It is desirable, therefore, to develop a package arrangement that not only has mechanical strength and low-losses at high frequencies, but one that also provides complete passivation of the p-n junction.
One prior art approach for fabricating semiconductor devices that have uniform avalanche breakdown junction characteristic of mesa device structures while providing the desirable junction passivation is described in a U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,386 issued to B. T. Murphy. In Murphy's approach, a dielectric layer, such as silicon dioxide, is formed around the edges of the mesas, so that the top surface of the dielectric layer is substantially coplanar with the top surfaces of the individual semiconductor mesas. This oxide provides surface passivation of the p-n junction as well as structural support for the mesas in a subsequent contact bonding operation. The silicon dioxide dielectric has a low conductance G and thus produces a minimum amount of resistive loss at high frequencies. To minimize the parasitic inductance L associated with this planar-mesa package, the top and bottom surface of the planarized mesas can be bonded directly to layers of contact and heat sink metallization. Such metallization completes the package for the diode, and the top and bottom metal surfaces of the above package may be contacted directly to a DC bias pin in a microwave cavity or the like.
The above planar-mesa approach to semiconductor diode packaging has, however, several distinct disadvantages, among which include the difficulty in adjusting the oxide thickness to the exact height of the mesa in order to obtain an oxide surface which is coplanar with the mesa height. Additionally, the high temperatures necessary for the thermal oxide growth cause a significant diffusion of the previously established doping profiles, resulting in degradation of device performance.
When Murphy's approach in U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,386 to junction passivation is combined with an additional etching step that produces another mesa in the oxide surrounding the previously formed semiconductor mesa, a passivated structure is formed that can be directly bonded to a heat sink, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,478 by R. Henry. The major disadvantage of this approach for high frequency devices designed to operate at millimeter-wavelengths is the large shunting reactance associated with the thin silicon dioxide layer that surrounds the p-n junction of the semiconductor mesa. Furthermore, reduction to practice of structures similar to the one purposed by Henry necessitates several complicated processing steps that result in low device yields.
Another approach for fabricating passivated semiconductor diodes of the general type described without requiring ribbon bonding and its associated housing support members is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,558,366 to M. P. Lepselter. Lepselter's approach is to bombard selected regions of a silicon crystal with gold ions in order to raise the resistivity of the silicon crystal around the active diode regions therein. The Lepselter approach has several disadvantages, among which include the very high acceleration energies necessary to accelerate gold ions (of heavy mass) to the required depth into the silicon crystal. Other disadvantages of the Lepselter approach include the requirement for accelerating these gold ions through an oxide layer on the surface of the silicon crystal and also the ion implantation damage to the silicon crystal; in Lepselter's process this damage must either go unannealed in the fabrication of the ultimate device structure, or if annealed the annealing temperatures produce significant lateral and horizontal diffusion of the implanted gold ions, which result in either degradation or destruction of the device's PN junction geometry and performance.
Another prior art approach to fabricating devices of the general type described herein is disclosed in an article by Foyt et al entitled "Isolation of Junction Devices in GaAs Using Proton Bombardment" in Solid-State Electronics, vol. 12, 1969, pp. 209-214. In the above Foyt et al process, protons are utilized to bombard and raise the resistivity of certain layers of gallium arsenide IMPATT diodes in order to define the active device region of these structures and provide passivation therefor. By using proton bombardment, the Foyt et al approach does not require the high acceleration potentials required in the above Lepselter approach. But the Foyt et al approach, like the Lepselter approach, produces an ultimate device structure in which proton bombarded high-resistivity (semi-insulating) regions must necessarily be unannealed, thereby leaving the semiconductor crystal damaged in that portion of the structure bombarded by protons and immediately surrounding the active device regions of the diode structure.
Thus, the above-described Foyt et al and Lepselter approaches are similar in that both of these processes first introduce conductivity type determining impurities into the semiconductor crystal to establish the doping profiles of the active device regions and define the PN junctions therein, and thereafter utilize particle bombardment and implantation to control the exact geometry and current limiting necessary for the active device regions. Thus, this prior art sequence of processing steps leaves the particle bombardment damage present in the ultimate device structure.
Summarizing, therefore, in all of the Lepselter, Foyt et al and planar-mesa approaches described above, the impurity concentration and PN junctions for the active device regions are formed first, and thereafter geometry control, passivation and current limiting for these regions (and PN junctions) are provided last. Obviously, any attempt to anneal the semiconductor structures thus formed and remove implantation damage after completion of these implantation steps would adversely lower the resistivity of the semiconductor crystal which was intentionally raised by ion implantation in the first place. Although the passivation feature is retained in these approaches, the lower resistivity of the semiconductor leads to significant degradation of the microwave characteristics of the active device. And if annealing is attempted in the Lepselter approach described above, significant degradation of the active PN junction area is produced by the above-described enhanced diffusion effects. | {
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1. Field
The present invention relates generally to data communication, and more specifically to a novel and improved method and apparatus for utilizing (full or partial) channel state information to provide improved performance for a wireless communication system.
2. Background
Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication such as voice, data, and so on. These systems may be based on code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division modulation (OFDM), or some other modulation techniques. OFDM systems can provide high performance for some channel environments.
In a terrestrial communication system (e.g., a cellular system, a broadcast system, a multi-channel multi-point distribution system (MMDS), and others), an RF modulated signal from a transmitter unit may reach a receiver unit via a number of transmission paths. The characteristics of the transmission paths typically vary over time due to a number of factors such as fading and multipath.
To provide diversity against deleterious path effects and improve performance, multiple transmit and receive antennas may be used. If the transmission paths between the transmit and receive antennas are linearly independent (i.e., a transmission on one path is not formed as a linear combination of the transmissions on other paths), which is generally true to some extent, then the likelihood of correctly receiving a transmitted signal increases as the number of antennas increases. Generally, diversity increases and performance improves as the number of transmit and receive antennas increases.
A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system employs multiple (NT) transmit antennas and multiple (NR) receive antennas for data transmission. A MIMO channel may be decomposed into NC independent channels, with NC≦min {NT, NR}. Each of the NC independent channels is also referred to as a spatial subchannel of the MIMO channel and corresponds to a dimension. The MIMO system can provide improved performance if the additional dimensionalities created by the multiple transmit and receive antennas are utilized.
There is therefore a need in the art for techniques to utilize channel state information (CSI) to take advantage of the additional dimensionalities created by a MIMO system to provide improved system performance. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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a) Field of the Invention
For tasks appertaining to the biotechnical analysis (screening) of large quantities of samples, e.g. for genetic analysis (e.g. viral diagnosis), the use of so-called microtiter plates and associated manipulation technology (e.g. automatic machines for filling the individual cavities in the microtiter plate) is an established technology (pharmacological research, clinical practice etc.).
b) Description of the Related Art
This technology is distinguished by the fact that in a microtiter plate with a size of 8 cmxc3x9712 cm, depending on the embodiment, 96 (most common type), 384 or 1536 (probably the maximum possible value for microtiter plate technology with only minor application heretofore) different sample substances can be accommodated. In order to fill the individual cavities, sample quantities of the order of magnitude of 100 xcexcl are necessary depending on the type of microtiter plate.
In the course of increasing the effectiveness, international research and development work is currently underway with the aim of significantly increasing the number of cavities (that can be processed in parallel) in conjunction with significantly reducing the required sample quantities and significantly increasing the sample throughput. These aims are intended to be achieved by the transition from microtiter plates to biochips (e.g. manufactured using microphotolithographic technologies) and fast read-out and processing (high throughput screening, HTS) of the biochips.
An individual biochip may comprise spots (comparable with the cavities in the microtiter plate) numbering tens of thousands on an area of a few mm2 to cm2, sample quantities of the order of magnitude of a few nanoliters being necessary altogether over all the spots.
In order to read biochips (and also microtiter plates or any other chemical sample carriers), the sample material is irradiated with light in the UV through to the NIR region, depending on the type of samples, and the influence on the radiation by the sample material (e.g. absorption) or the effect of the illumination radiation on the sample material (e.g. excitation of a luminescent radiation) is measured.
In order to read the matrix-type arrangement of the pixels on a biochip, the following two techniques are known in principle:
1. Serial illumination by means of a laser scanner and read-out of the individual sample images (pixels) of the sample carrier using a single optoelectronic photoreceiver, e.g. photon counter/secondary electron multiplier (SEM)/photo multiplier tube (PMT).
2. Parallel illumination and simultaneous read-out of many or all of the pixels of the sample carrier using an optoelectronic receiver matrix (e.g. CCD).
Reading units that have been disclosed for microtiter plates operate (due to the dimensions of these plates) practically exclusively according to the scan principle. In the case of this principle, the individual samples (cavities) of the sample carrier are each excited separately (successively in time). Laser scanners are used for this purpose because narrowband coherent laser radiation, in contrast to broadband incoherent radiation, can be focused without difficulty onto small pixel areas (a few xcexcm2).
The narrowband nature of the laser radiation used is advantageous, on the one hand, since narrowband excitation is necessary in order to excite a specific marker (e.g. fluorescent marker) in a targeted manner, which is disadvantageous on the other hand, if different excitation wavelengths are required for different markers and it is thus necessary to change the laser light source (or use cost-intensive tunable lasers).
In the case of the camera principle, it is fundamentally possible also to use cost-effective broadband (thermal) light sources for the illumination, with the result that only one excitation filter has to be exchanged when the marker is changed. Using broadband light sources is expedient for a host of applications, which speaks in favor of the use of the camera principle for cost reasons.
One example of the application of the camera principle is a nanotiter plate read-out unit described in the technical paper xe2x80x9cOptische Mikrosysteme fxc3xcr die Umweltmexcex2technikxe2x80x9d [Optical microsystems for environmental metrology] (in: Laser und Optoelektronik, 30(1), 1998, pp. 33-35).
On the other hand, the scan principle is recommended on account of the use of highly sensitive SEMs, which results, in particular, in especially good detection sensitivity in the case of weak secondary radiation, which is regularly absent from the camera principle owing to the less sensitive matrix receivers used and has to be compensated for by relatively long integration times (a few tens of seconds through to a few minutes) and the use of costly cooled receiver matrices (for largely suppressing the generation of thermal charge carriers during the integration time).
From this standpoint there have also been endeavors to combine a broadband radiation source with a sensitive SEM as radiation receiver in a measuring apparatus which has been disclosed, in terms of equipment engineering, as an ultrahigh throughput screening system (from Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH) for processing 96-type microtiter plates with 96 optical transmission channels and an SEM for each channel. However, this solution leads to very high costs and seems inconceivable for pixel numbers of the order of magnitude of several thousands to tens of thousands of pixels.
The invention is based on the object of finding a new possibility for optically reading out the information from matrix-type substrates having a multiplicity of individual samples which allows a fast read-out of a radiation which is characteristically influenced by the individual sample substances with a high degree of sensitivity. In addition, the intention is to find a possible way of departing from the storage of a complete (image) file of the local distribution of the radiation intensities on the matrix-type substrate and, for specific objectives (e.g. comparison of the present radiation distribution with a catalog of possible distributions), of performing, as early as in the optical channel, a suitably adaptable data reduction or an initial evaluation situated upstream (with respect to the subsequent digital evaluation by means of a PC or the like).
The object is achieved according to the invention, in the case of an arrangement for optically reading out the information from a matrix-type substrate having a multiplicity of individual samples, which represent metrically ordered pixels on the substrate and emit a radiation which is characteristically influenced by the respective sample substance, having a transfer optical arrangement for separately transferring the radiation emitted by individual substrate pixels to a receiver, by virtue of the fact that the receiver is an individual receiver which has high sensitivity and a uniform receiver area and is able to take up the radiation from each substrate pixel, that the transfer optical arrangement has an electrooptical matrix, which has the function of a variable light valve for separately transferring radiation from each substrate pixel to the receiver, and also an imaging optical system, each substrate pixel being assigned to a matrix region, comprising at least one matrix pixel, by means of the imaging optical system, and that the matrix can be driven in such a way that matrix regions of such a size which allow exclusively the feeding of radiation from a substrate pixel to the receiver can be switched separately, radiation quantities from in each case at least one substrate pixel successively impinging on the receiver over a suitably chosen time interval, with the result that it is possible to evaluate a series of measured radiation quantities from selected sequences of substrate pixels at the output of the receiver.
Intensive illumination is preferably provided for generating the radiation which is characteristically influenced by the substrate pixels. This illumination is expediently chosen such that the substrate pixels emit a luminescent radiation, preferably a fluorescent radiation, which is generated by the illumination. Furthermore, the illumination may expediently be used for reading out the transmissivity or reflectivity as the characteristically influenced radiation from the substrate pixels. For the illumination, provision may advantageously be made of an illumination device having a parallel pencil of rays which, with optical components arranged downstream being taken into account, is suitable for the large-area uniform illumination of all the substrate pixels.
Another suitable possibility for generating the radiation which is characteristically influenced by the substrate pixels is afforded by causing a chemical reaction in a targeted manner by contact of the substrate pixels with a surrounding medium, preferably with a liquid. In this case, too, the luminescent radiation excited by an energy input will be detectable.
For all of the aforementioned cases of generating radiation from the substrate pixels to be evaluated, it is advantageous, in the arrangement according to the invention, that the transfer optical arrangement is arranged between the substrate and the receiver, it being possible for the characteristic radiation from each substrate pixel to be detected individually on the receiver by assigned matrix regions of the electrooptical matrix being switched to be transparent.
In this case, each substrate pixel is expediently imaged by means of the imaging optical system on a respective matrix pixel, it being possible in each case for the characteristic radiation from the assigned substrate pixel to be detected on the receiver by an arbitrary matrix pixel being switched to be transparent. In many cases, however, when the imaging scale is altered, it proves to be favorable if each substrate pixel is imaged by means of the imaging optical system on a respective group of matrix pixels which is geometrically similar to the area of the substrate pixels, it being possible likewise for only the characteristic radiation from an assigned substrate pixel to be detected on the receiver by such a group of matrix pixels being switched to be transparent.
In another advantageous variant, the transfer optical arrangement is arranged upstream of the substrate in the parallel pencil of rays from the illumination device, the matrix pixels of the electrooptical matrix being illuminated uniformly by the illumination device and it being possible for the substrate pixels to be illuminated individually with the illumination light by activation of defined matrix regions of the electrooptical matrix, and the substrate being connected to the receiver in such a way that the radiation coming from any arbitrary substrate pixel can be taken up by means of the receiver essentially without any losses. In this case, a respective matrix pixel is imaged by means of the imaging optical system on a substrate pixel, the assigned substrate pixel, for generating the characteristic radiation, being illuminated by activation of the respective matrix pixel. In this case, too, it may be expedient for the abovementioned reasons for a respective group of matrix pixels which is geometrically similar to the substrate pixels to be imaged by means of the imaging optical system on a substrate pixel in order once again to illuminate the assigned substrate pixel by activation of respective group of matrix pixels.
The electrooptical matrix that is provided is expediently a ferroelectric-based liquid crystal matrix (that is to say an LC matrix having bistable switching states, high contrast and short switching times). However, it is also possible to use any other arbitrary liquid crystal matrices having a high contrast ratio between the transparent and nontransparent states, if they have a sufficiently high switching speed.
In addition to the imaging optical arrangements normally used, it is also advantageously possible to use fiber optical arrangements, preferably a fiber plate, as the imaging optical system, a light-guiding connection being established between the substrate pixels and the assigned matrix pixels as a result of direct contact of the fiber optical arrangement with the substrate, on the one hand, and the electrooptical matrix, on the other hand, in order to avoid losses of light due to scattering effects in the air. Depending on the embodiment of the invention, any arbitrary beam-guiding optical elements (e.g. microchannel plate, image-guiding cable with or without fiber taper) or imaging optical elements (e.g. lenses, lens arrays or the like) can be used for all the transfer paths of the radiation from the substrate pixels (both between the substrate and the switchable matrix and between the switchable matrix and the receiver and the substrate and the receiver).
Furthermore, the arrangement according to the invention affords diverse possibilities for optical data reduction. For this purpose, the electrooptical matrix can advantageously be activated in suitably chosen matrix regions, with the result that radiation quantities from a plurality of selected substrate pixels can be detected simultaneously on the receiver and are combined (integrated) to form a receiver measured value, it being possible to compare measured values that have been obtained in this way with radiation values of specimen substrates which have been measured under the same preconditions. Real-time comparison of integrated measured values with a specimen database is thus possible without complicated (image) data evaluation of all the substrate pixels. Likewise, the integral treatment of the entire substrate means that certain exclusion analyses can be carried out, e.g. whether a specific substance is actually present in any of the substrate pixels. For the cases of reading out the substrate pixels based on luminescence (or specifically fluorescence) generated by an energy input, the illumination device advantageously contains an incoherent light source and a narrowband excitation filter tuned to the excitation wavelength of the luminescent material of the substrate pixels. The excitation filter can expediently be exchanged for adaptation to different luminescent materials. For this reason, in particular, the illumination device has a relatively broadband powerful light source. Any arbitrary commercially available radiators from halogen lamps through mercury vapor lamps, xenon lamps to powerful light-emitting diodes can be used as suitable light sources. In principle, there is also no obstacle to using a coherent light source (laser) provided with beam-expanding optics for the proper functioning of the arrangement according to the invention, if the wavelength of the laser is adapted to the excitation wavelength of the luminescent materials of the substrate pixels or a tunable laser is used. This is detrimental, however, to the costs and to overcoming the limitations known in the prior art when any arbitrary luminescent materials are used.
With regard to its geometrical arrangement, the illumination device may advantageously be configured in different variants. It is designed in a transmitted-light bright-field configuration in particular for evaluations of the transmission of the substrate pixels. Reflected-light dark-field and transmitted-light dark-field configurations are particularly advantageous for luminescence excitation but can likewise be used in measurements of the transmissivity and reflectivity of the substrate pixels. In order to increase the efficiency of the luminescence excitation, the two dark-field configurations can expediently be combined by arranging a mirror in the light path of the parallel pencil of rays which transmissively passes through the substrate, the reflected light of which mirror falls onto the substrate again as an additional reflected-light dark-field light pencil.
If the electrooptical matrix is usedxe2x80x94as described abovexe2x80x94in the illumination beam path for the purpose of controlling the successively separate illumination of the individual substrate pixels, a reflected-light dark-field configuration is likewise expedient, in which case the activation of the matrix pixels must then result in a change to their reflectivity. In all the variants of the invention which operate with illumination of the substrate pixels, a rejection filter for eliminating the illumination light is expediently arranged in the beam path upstream of the receiver, in particular for the evaluation of the excited luminescent radiation.
Owing to the mainly very weak radiation from the substrate pixels, a secondary electron multiplier (SEM/PMT) is advantageously used as the individual receiver. Radiation-concentrating optical elements which concentrate (focus) the characteristically influenced radiation from all the substrate pixels onto the active light-sensitive area of the receiver are expediently provided upstream of the receiver, if the light-sensitive area of the individual receiver is smaller than the area of the substrate to be read or of the upstream electrooptical matrix. For this purpose, a converging optical arrangement, a lens array or a radiation-concentrating cross-section converter are preferably inserted upstream of the receiver. Said converter may be e.g. a truncated glass cone.
In order to configure the arrangement according to the invention such that it is robust in the face of thermal and other environmental influences (such as, for example, vibrations in the course of mobile operations), an electromechanical actuating unit is advantageously provided for regularly readjusting the transfer optical arrangement relative to the substrate. For this purpose, it may be beneficial, on the one hand, for the substrate to be able to be displaced two-dimensionally, by means of the actuating unit, relative to the entire transfer optical arrangement in an orthogonal plane with respect to the optical axis and to be able to be rotated at least about one axis (preferably that of the longest extent of the substrate). On the other hand, it is virtually equivalent, but more convenient, to configure the electrooptical matrix such that it can be displaced, by means of the actuating unit, relative to the imaging optical system and the substrate in two directions of an orthogonal plane with respect to the optical axis and can be rotated at least about one axis.
The mechanical actuating unit that is used is advantageously a piezoelectric x,y,"PHgr" actuator whose driving and regulation are based on maximizing the luminescent light efficiency for defined substrate pixels, in particular edge pixels, of a specimen substrate.
The fundamental idea behind the invention is based on the consideration that an arrangement for reading matrix-type substrates having a multiplicity of individual samples (in particular biochips having up to ten thousand spots) should have a broadband light source for parallel illumination of all the pixels, in order to achieve uniform illumination as far as possible of all the substrate pixels, with the result that the latter can be read out arbitrarily (independently of the concrete read-out regime) at short time intervals, and should contain an optoelectronic individual receiver (e.g. SEM) which ensures sufficient read-out sensitivity even when the intensity of the radiation is low (e.g. luminescent radiation or low degree of transmission in the case of transmitted-light illumination).
The contradiction which arises in the case of the technical realization on account of the relatively small, non-spatially-resolving receiver area of an SEM when the entire substrate is imaged is resolved by a matrix-type light shutter arrangement being arranged upstream of the receiver, in the case of which the number of matrix elements corresponds to the number of substrate pixels and said matrix elements can be switched separately in terms of their light transmission or reflection with a high contrast ratio, with the result that the radiation from each substrate pixel which is characteristically influenced (by the sample substance) can be detected separately on the receiver. In addition, it is possible to permit combination (of not necessarily contiguous) regions in the image of the substrate (e.g. for real-time evaluation in the exclusion process using specimen databases).
The invention will be described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. | {
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Porous surfaces, such as those of carpets, clothing, tablecloths, napkins, automobile seats, athletic shoes, leather, suede, and certain metal and metal composites, to name only few, and hard surfaces such as concrete, stucco, metal signs, tile, wallpaper and wood floors, often receive deleterious deposits, stains, and graffiti. Such deposits vary widely in their identity. Some may be quite viscous, for example paints, greases, and sauces such as mustard, catsup, and mayonnaise. Others are more liquid in nature, such as pet stains, wines, soft drinks, ball point inks, marker inks, fountain pen inks, and printers inks. Still others may be more solid or pasty, including foods, especially proteinaceous foods, water-based adhesives, and latex-based paints. The term "deposit" includes all of the foregoing, including stains caused by liquids and solids.
Some types of hard surfaces often have deposits respective to their storage and preservation. Examples are oily compositions to protect them from corrosion, residues from cutting oils for which a degreaser is usually needed, and dust on disc brakes which must be removed.
The above recitation exemplifies a broad range of materials which need to be cleaned of a broad range of deposits and stains. In response to this need, an equally wide range of cleaning compositions already exists in the market.
Generally speaking, commercial compositions are limited both in the range of their effectiveness, and also as to how efficient they really are for their intended purpose. If one intends to remove a wide range of kinds of deposits, he is likely to find a nearly-equal number of formulations to buy for the purpose. In addition, some of the stains and deposits are usually only partially removed, and with risk to the material being cleaned. On the consumer market today, for example, there is no known composition which will remove marking pen dye from a white tablecloth. This product will.
Furthermore, many existing compositions are objectionable from an environmental standpoint. This compostion is water-based, and is environmentally acceptable.
It is an object of this invention to provide a water-based environmentally acceptable, biodegradable cleaning composition which can be used to remove a surprisingly wide range of types of deposits and stains. Any residue of these compositions which might remain on the surface, or in the substrate underlying it, will not adversely affect the user or the surface to which it was applied. It has proved to be a considerable surprise to observe how many types of really difficult stains and deposits these compositions can remove, with little or no remaining evidence that there ever had been a stain or a deposit, or that the composition ever had been applied, all without damage to the material being cleaned.
It is another object to provide a small family of related compositions, with somewhat different concentrations of some of the same ingredients, which between them can attend to all but a few of the types of deposits and stains which predictably will be experienced. As few as two or three such related individual formulations will provide nearly optimum removal of a very broad assortment of deposits. | {
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Antibiotics (also known as antimicrobials) are chemical compounds used to kill or inhibit the growth of infectious organisms. Originally the term antibiotic referred only to organic compounds, produced by bacteria or molds, that are toxic to other microorganisms. Currently, the term now includes synthetics and semi-synthetic organic compounds.
Antibiotics generally refer to anti-bacterials, however, a loose definition may include such specific compounds as antivirals, anti-protozoals, and antifungal agents. All antibiotics share the property of selective toxicity, however, in that they are more toxic to an invading organism than they are to an animal or human host.
Antibiotics may be classified as bactericidal (bacterial-killing) or bacteriostatic (inhibiting bacterial proliferation). Bacteriostatic drugs are effective because bacteria prevented from multiplying will eventually be killed by the defense mechanisms of the host.
Antibiotics are further defined according to their mechanisms of action. For example, many antibiotics act by selectively interfering with the synthesis of bacterial constituents, such as the cell wall or bacterial nucleic acids. Beta-lactam antibiotics, which include the penicillins, interfere with the synthesis of peptidoglycan, the major component of bacteria cell walls. By interfering with peptidoglycan synthesis, material accumulates inside bacterial cells, exerting increasing pressure on the membrane. Eventually, the membrane ruptures and the cellular contents leak out, resulting in the bacterial death. Since mammalian cells do not have peptidoglycan, they are not affected by the action of penicillin-like agents.
Other antibiotics operate by inhibiting the synthesis of various intracellular bacterial molecules, including DNA, RNA, ribosomes, and protein. For example, antibiotics like Rifampicin inhibit enzymes involved with nucleic acid synthesis, such as DNA polymerase. By contrast, Quinoline antibiotics inhibit synthesis of the enzyme responsible for the coiling and uncoiling of the chromosomes, a process necessary for DNA replication and messenger RNA transcription. Still other pharmacologically-active compounds, such as the tetracyclines, compete with incoming transfer-RNA molecules.
One of the most common methods of classifying bacteria is based upon differential staining characteristics, using a procedure such as the Gram's stain. Some species of bacteria have a cell wall consisting primarily of a thick layer of peptidoglycan. Other species have a much thinner layer of peptidoglycan and an outer, as well as an inner, membrane. When bacteria are subjected to a Gram's stain, the differences in cell wall structure produce differential staining of the bacteria. Bacteria classified as Gram-positive organisms appear purple, while those classified as Gram-negative appear reddish.
Antibacterial drugs can also be classified according to those which are effective against Gram-positive bacteria; those with activity against Gram-negative bacteria; and those agents effective against members of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative classifications. For example, the penicillins are classified as narrow-spectrum antibiotics, with activity against many Gram-positive bacteria. The tetracyclines and chloramphenicols are classified as broad spectrum drugs because they are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Originally, antibiotics were primarily isolated from bacteria or from molds. Penicillin, for example, was derived from the mold Penicillium chrysogenum. The effectiveness of Penicillin as an antibiotic was accidentally discovered in 1928 by Sir Alexander Fleming, who showed its efficacy in laboratory cultures against many disease-producing bacteria. Fleming's discovery marked the beginning of the development of antibacterial compounds produced by living organisms.
Other antibiotics have been isolated from a group of soil bacteria, called actinomycetes. One of these, streptomycin, was discovered in 1944 by Selman Waksman and his colleagues. Streptomycin was originally the primary chemotherapeutic agent used against tuberculosis. The management of infectious diseases has been transformed by the use of antibiotics. The incidence of many diseases once responsible for high mortality and morbidity, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and bacterial meningitis, has been reduced because of successful antibiotic treatment. Indeed, a whole branch of pharmacology has been devoted to the discovery and development of synthetic antibiotics, which exhibit increased efficacy and safety for the treatment of infectious organisms.
However, the increased use of antibiotic therapy has been accompanied with a corresponding increase in the evolution of bacterial defenses against the drugs. One of the main defense mechanisms used by bacteria is the inactivation of the antibiotic molecule. This mechanism is one of the bases of bacterial resistance against both penicillin and chloramphenicol, among others.
Another bacterial defense involves a mutation which changes a bacterial enzyme, such that the antibiotic no longer effectively inhibits the bacterial growth. This is the main mechanism of resistance to compounds that inhibit protein synthesis, such as the tetracyclines.
Of even greater concern is that many mechanisms resulting in antibiotic resistance are transmitted genetically from the bacterium to its progeny. Genes that carry resistance can also be transmitted from one bacterium to another by means of plasmids (extrachromosomal pieces of DNA). Because plasmids are easily acquired and lost by bacteria, drug resistance may spread rapidly among bacterial species.
Plasmids have also been identified which carry resistance to several different classes of antibiotics, thus creating bacteria resistant to all attempts at drug therapy. For example, a strain of bubonic plague has been found recently which is resistant to multiple antibiotics.
The danger inherent in emerging drug resistance is exemplified in the disease tuberculosis In the 1970's, tuberculosis appeared to have been nearly eradicated in the United States and other developed countries. Now, its incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, partly due to the emergence of an antibiotic resistant strain.
Currently, antibiotic resistance in bacteria has reached a crisis point in healthcare, with the discovery of many bacterial isolates which display multi-drug resistance to many of the known antimicrobials. A study jointly supported by the State University of New York (Buffalo) and the University of Iowa College of Medicine analyzed over 17,000 bacterial isolates associated with hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections, obtained from 215 medical sites across the country. Results of this study showed a sharp increase in the occurrence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial isolates.
Recent studies have shown an increase in Methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which can cause boils, pneumonia, and toxic shock. Currently, approximately 30% of the S. aureus strains isolated exhibit drug resistance. Further, in May of 1997, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported isolation of an S. aureus strain which had developed resistance to Vancomycin, one of the most powerful antibiotics currently available. Because S. aureus is the most frequent cause of nosocomial infections, this discovery alarmed healthcare workers and infectious disease specialists.
The list of resistant organisms is increasing daily. Between 1988 and 1996, researchers observed an approximately 50-fold increase in the number of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus strains isolated from clinical samples. Enterococcus, which can cause meningitis, heart inflammation, and stomach infections, most often affects the elderly and those with a weakened immune system. Thus, the acquistion of Vancomycin-resistance greatly concerns public health officials, as they seek to develop methods to control a potentially fatal bacterium before its resistance spreads to even deadlier organisms.
The increase in drug resistance among medically important bacteria has led to an interest in the development of novel drug candidates, especially those with efficacy against multiple drug resistant (MDR) infectious agents. Over the past 60 years, between 30,000 and 50,000 natural products have been derived from microorganisms, mainly soil-derived bacteria and fungi. More than 10,000 of these compounds are biologically active, the majority of which are antibiotics and anti-tumor agents. Although soil bacteria continue to be studied extensively, with the goal of discovering other novel anti-bacterial agents, it is clear that the rate of discovery for novel antibacterial agents is decreasing. Therefore, scientists have begun to evaluate new sources of bioactive natural products, in hopes of discovering other effective pharmacologically-active agents.
Oceans compose over 70% of the earth's surface and over 90% of the volume of its crust. Microbiologically, the oceans are massively complex and contain a diverse group of lifeforms. Indeed, marine microorganisms have developed unique physiological capabilities to survive in an environment of extreme variation in pressure, salinity, and temperature. Thus, these microorganisms offer the potential for the production of metabolites which may not be observed in the more familiar soil-derived microorganisms.
Previously, microorganisms isolated from seawater have been shown to produce compounds and metabolites with effective antibiotic activity. The first such molecules to be isolated were highly brominated pyrroles, but these compounds were not effective against Gram-negative bacteria. However, tetrabromopyrrole, isolated from a marine organism of the Altermonas genus, was shown to be effective against other marine bacteria.
Other investigators found that certain marine pseudomonads also produce antibiotics, such as 2-n-pentylquinolinol, which exhibits activity against Vibrio harveyi. Similarly, a Pseudomonas species isolated from tropical green algae produces two antibiotic "pigments," known as magnesidins. Finally, a seawater-derived bacterium of unknown identity was found to produce a new lactone, oncorhynoclide, which inhibited various test organisms.
Microbes isolated from marine sediments have also been shown to produce pharmacologically-active antibiotics, and almost all of these organisms belong to the Order Actinomycetales. Many antibiotic-producing terrestrial strains also belong to this Order, of which the genus Streptomyces is the best known member. Common antibiotics like Chloramphenicol, Novobiocin, and Bacitracin also were originally derived from terrestrial microorganisms.
Currently, scientists are examining other marine and terrestrial species to identify novel compounds which exhibit antibiotic activity. Because of the alarming increase in drug resistance already noted, there is a pressing need for the development of such novel antimicrobials, especially those exhibiting efficacy against multiple drug-resistant organisms. | {
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1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally relate to methods and systems and, more particularly, to mechanisms and techniques for indicating the time elapsed after initiation of an emergency disconnect sequence.
2. Discussion of the Background
During the past years, with the increase in price of fossil fuels, the interest in developing new production fields has increased dramatically. However, the availability of land-based production fields is limited. Thus, the industry has now extended drilling to offshore locations, which appear to hold a vast amount of fossil fuel.
The existing technologies for extracting the fossil fuel from offshore fields may use a system 10 as shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, a blowout preventer stack (“BOP stack”) 11 may be rigidly attached to a wellhead 12 upon the sea floor 14, while a Lower Marine Riser Package (“LMRP”) 16 may be retrievably disposed upon a distal end of a marine riser 18, extending from a drill ship 20 or any other type of surface drilling platform or vessel. As such, the LMRP 16 may include a stinger 22 at its distal end configured to engage a receptacle 24 located on a proximal end of the BOP stack 11.
In typical configurations, the BOP stack 11 may be rigidly affixed atop the subsea wellhead 12 and may include (among other devices) a plurality of ram-type blowout preventers 26 useful in controlling the well as it is drilled and completed. Similarly, the LMRP 16 may be disposed upon a distal end of a long flexible riser 18 that provides a conduit through which drilling tools and fluids may be deployed to and retrieved from the subsea wellbore. Ordinarily, the LMRP 16 may include (among other things) one or more ram-type blowout preventers 26 at its distal end, an annular blowout preventer 30 at its upper end, and multiplex (MUX) pods 32.
A MUX pod system 40 is shown in FIG. 2 and may provide between 50 and 100 different functions to the BOP stack and/or the LMRP and these functions may be initiated and/or controlled from or via the MUX BOP Control System.
The MUX pod 40 may be fixedly attached to a frame (not shown) of the LMRP and may include hydraulically activated valves 50 (called in the art sub plate mounted (“SPM”) valves) and solenoid valves 52 that are fluidly connected to the hydraulically activated valves 50. The solenoid valves 52 are provided in an electronic section 54 and are designed to be actuated by sending an electrical signal from an electronic control board (not shown). Each solenoid valve 52 may be configured to activate a corresponding hydraulically activated valve 50. The MUX pod 40 may include pressure sensors 56 also mounted in the electronic section 54. The hydraulically activated valves 50 are provided in a hydraulic section 58 and may be fixedly attached to the MUX pod 40.
A bridge between the LMRP 16 and the BOP stack 11 is formed that matches the multiple functions from the LMRP 16 to the BOP stack 11, e.g., fluidly connects the SPM valves 50 from the MUX pod provided on the LMRP to dedicated components on the BOP stack or the LMRP. The MUX pod system is used in addition to choke and kill line connections (not shown) or lines that ensure pressure supply for the shearing function of the BOPs.
The bridge is shown in FIG. 3 and may include a pod wedge 42 configured to engage a receiver 44 on the BOP stack. The pod wedge 42 has plural holes (not shown), depending on the number of functions provided, that provides hydraulic fluids from the LMRP 16 to the BOP stack 11.
In typical subsea blowout preventer installations, multiplex (“MUX”) cables (electrical) and/or lines (hydraulic) transport control signals (via the MUX pod and the pod wedge) to the LMRP 16 and BOP stack 11 devices so the specified tasks may be controlled from the surface. Once the control signals are received, subsea control valves are actuated and (in most cases) high-pressure hydraulic lines are directed to perform the specified tasks. Thus, a multiplexed electrical or hydraulic signal may operate a plurality of “low pressure” valves to actuate larger valves to indicate the high-pressure hydraulic lines with the various operating devices of the wellhead stack.
Examples of communication lines bridged between LMRPs and BOP stacks through feed-thru components include, but are not limited to, hydraulic choke lines, hydraulic kill lines, hydraulic multiplex control lines, electrical multiplex control lines, electrical power lines, hydraulic power lines, mechanical power lines, mechanical control lines, electrical control lines, and sensor lines. In certain embodiments, subsea wellhead stack feed-thru components include at least one MUX “pod” connection whereby a plurality of hydraulic control signals are grouped together and transmitted between the LMRP 16 and the BOP stack 11 in a single mono-block feed-thru component as shown, for example, in FIG. 3.
When desired, ram-type blowout preventers of the LMRP 16 and the BOP stack 11 may be closed and the LMRP 16 may be detached from the BOP stack 11 and retrieved to the surface, leaving the BOP stack 11 atop the wellhead. For example, it may be necessary to retrieve the LMRP 16 from the wellhead stack in times of inclement weather or when work on a particular wellhead is to be temporarily stopped.
To retrieve the LMRP 16 from the wellhead stack, an Emergency Disconnect Sequence (“EDS”) may be initiated. An EDS may include a number of different functions that are to be performed by the LMRP 16 and the BOP stack. The functions of the EDS may be carried out by the LMRP 16 and/or the BOP stack as set forth above via the MUX pod 40 and/or the bridge. A particular EDS may include a predetermined number of functions. For example, one particular EDS may include eighteen (18) functions while another EDS may include twenty-five (25) functions. A particular EDS may take a predetermined period of time to complete. For example, one particular EDS may take 20 (twenty) seconds to complete while another EDS may take 25 (twenty-five) seconds to complete. An EDS may be initiated using an EDS system 60 as shown in FIG. 4. An EDS may be initiated or fired by pressing an EDS button 62 located on a stack controller 64 located on the drill ship 20. Once the EDS is fired, each of the functions included in that EDS may be performed until all of the functions are complete.
An operator may desire to track the progress of the different functions and verify that the EDS is complete. An operator may choose to track the progress of the number of different functions or to verify that the EDS is complete by referring to a document 66 that may constitute one or more EDS charts (called in the art a FAT document). The document 66 may list information about the EDS. For example, the document 66 may list the order, name, and timing of the different functions of each EDS. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first function is named “A” and occurs during the first three (3) seconds of the EDS, the second function is named “B” and occurs during the 4th through 7th seconds, the third function is named “C” and occurs during the 8th through 10th seconds, and so on in like manner for the total number of functions in the EDS. To track the progress of the functions of the EDS and to verify that the EDS is complete, an operator may take note of the time at which the EDS button 62 is pushed and then refer to the document 66. If, for example, nine (9) seconds have elapsed after the EDS button 62 was pushed, the operator may refer to the document 66 and see that function “C” may be in progress. However, this conventional approach is problematic. For example, if the operator makes an error in noting the time at which the EDS button is pushed, forgets to note the time altogether, or refers to the wrong portion of the document, the operator may not have an accurate measure of the progress of the different functions and may not be able to accurately determine when the EDS completes. This may lead to additional problems such as long wait times to verify that the EDS has completed. Further, this conventional approach is burdensome for the operator in that noting the time at which the EDS button is pushed and referring to the document 66 requires the attention of the operator.
Therefore, it is desired to provide a novel approach for indicating the time elapsed after initiation of an EDS. | {
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Existing cellular networks usually have network cells each comprising a base station located at a central position inside the cell, covering the area of the cell for communicating with mobile devices that may be inside the cell. Required data rates in cellular networks are constantly increasing, but today's cellular networks are planned such that interference is minimized between adjacent base stations. With such current mobile network concepts and existing systems it is difficult to cope with the very high throughput demand. As such, it may be desirable to increase data rates and/or other performance parameters in cellular communication networks based on an existing network structures.
One concept to achieve much higher throughput is the usage of cooperative networks. Cooperation in this regard means that several transceivers (e.g., base stations) can exchange data (e.g., relating to propagation conditions, channel, interference, transmit power, etc.) to optimize the transmission and/or reception to one or more transceivers (e.g., mobile phones). This optimization is usually done to improve quality of service (QoS), e.g., throughput or reliability, but also other optimization criteria can be applied. However, it is not economically viable to establish a cooperative network from scratch where an existing network—which is not designed for cooperation—is already in place.
WO 2010/060185 A1 discloses a method and system for identifying cell clusters within a coordinated multi-point network. The network and a mobile user device together determine a set of cells that is to communicate with the user device. In essence, this is done by selecting cells and base stations from which the user device receives the highest power. Base stations can comprise multiple antennas (e.g., for enabling spatial diversity). US 2011/0124345 A1 discloses a very similar method for selecting a base station or a cell clustering group to participate in communication with a user device. WO 2011/100672 A1 describes a system and method for receiving a channel state information reference signal. For this purpose, groups of network cells can be formed that interfere with each other.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. | {
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} |
Energy harvesting devices generate electrical power from energy sources that are often overlooked and untapped. Examples of energy sources and methods to convert electricity include photovoltaic devices which convert light energy into electricity, cantilevered piezoelectric beams which convert vibrational energy into electricity and thermoelectric devices which convert heat flow into electricity. These energy harvesting devices and methods are amenable to a variety of applications.
As low power electronics become increasingly prevalent, energy harvesting devices and methods provide a useful way to power electronic devices without the need for batteries or electrical power wiring. Electrical wiring is undesirable in many applications due to its cost to design and install, as well as its weight and difficulty to retrofit. Batteries are undesirable on airplanes due to the difficulty of replacement and because some batteries pose environmental or safety hazards. Additionally, batteries typically function poorly in low temperatures. In some cases, electronic devices that occasionally require medium quantities of electrical power may be powered using low-power energy harvesting devices. In these cases, electrical energy generated by energy harvesting devices is stored in a capacitor or rechargeable battery. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic module locking and ejecting apparatuses, and more particularly to an electronic module locking and ejecting apparatus of a computer chassis.
2. Description of Related Art
A variety of storage devices such as, for example, hard disk drives, optical drives, and other equivalent devices are often used in computer systems. These storage devices may be coupled to and removed from the computer systems as a user's needs require by means of a securing apparatus. However, conventional securing apparatuses are complicated and unreliable.
What is desired, therefore, is an electronic module locking and ejecting apparatus for providing reliable installation and easy removal of the electronic module. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus for applying a coating to a web of material, and particularly to apparatus for applying a coating to a paper web.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various methods of applying a coating to a moving web of material, for example a web of paper, are well known, including air-knife coating methods, blade coating methods, and forward or reverse roll coating methods, each of these methods requiring particular apparatus.
When it is required to apply a low weight coating to a moving web of material, for example a coating of less than 10 g/m.sup.2, a gravure coating method is often used, in which method the coating material to be applied is transferred onto the surface of the moving web of material from cells or depressions in the surface of a gravure roll over which the moving web of material passes and which is rotated in the direction of movement of the web of material.
A disadvantage of the simple gravure coating method mentioned above, in which the web of material to be coated is in direct contact with the gravure roll, is that it is difficult to control the weight of coating applied.
In order to overcome this disadvantage it is known to use so-called off-set gravure coating apparatus in which a second, applicator roll which is rotated by contact with the gravure roll in the opposite direction to the gravure roll, is interposed between the gravure roll and the web of material. With such apparatus the coating material to be applied is transferred from the gravure roll to the applicator roll and then from the applicator roll to the web of material which moves against the direction of rotation of the applicator roll. However, while such apparatus enables the weight of the coating applied to the web of material to be better controlled than is possible with simple gravure coating apparatus, nevertheless such apparatus has the disadvantage that it can be used to apply only a limited range of coating weights.
This is because both the weight of coating applied to the web of material and the quality of the applied coating, i.e. the evenness of the applied coating, are dependent upon the speed of rotation of the applicator roll. However, with regard to the weight of the applied coating, the possible speed of rotation of the applicator roll is determined by the normally predetermined speed of rotation of the gravure roll, whereas with regard to the quality of the applied coating, the desired speed of rotation of the applicator roll is determined by the ratio between the normally predetermined speed of the web of material over the applicator roll and the speed of rotation of the applicator roll. This latter relationship is of particular importance since at ratios outside certain limits the coating material is not evenly transferred to the web of material being coated.
Thus, the desired speed of rotation for the applicator roll for any coating operation is dependent upon two independent and possibly incompatible parameters, i.e. the speed of movement of the web of material being coated, and the speed of rotation of the gravure rolls, and thus it is not always possible to obtain an even coating at a desired coating weight.
This major disadvantage of known gravure coating apparatus is also a disadvantage of all other known coating apparatus in which the speed of rotation of an applicator roll cannot be altered, for example in order to obtain an even coating, independently of a change in the weight of the applied coating. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, a glycoprotein of 14–15 kD. Constitutive expression has been reported in various cells and tissues including monocytes and macrophages, fibroblasts, keratinocytes and dendritic cells (Waldmann and Tagaya, 1999; Fehniger and Caligiuri, 2001). The expression is upregulated under inflammatory conditions, as reported for monocytes stimulated with IFN-γ and LPS or by infection with viruses, bacteria or protozoans (Kirnan et al., 1998; Waldmann et al., 1998; Waldmann and Tagaya, 1999; Fehniger and Caligiuri, 2001). Furthermore, in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, locally produced IL-15 is likely to amplify inflammation by the recruitment and activation of synovial T-cells. This IL-15-induced effect has been suggested to play a pivotal role in disease pathogenesis (Kirman et al., 1998; McInnes et al., 1996; McInnes et al., 1997; McInnes and Liew, 1998; Fehniger and Caligiuri, 2001).
In vitro studies have shown that IL-15 shares several biological activities with IL-2, due to shared receptor components. The IL-15 receptor present on T-cells consists of an unique α-chain, IL-15Rα, but shares the β-chain and the γ-chain with IL-2R. As a consequence, both recep However, based on complex regulation and differential expression of IL-2 and IL-15 and their receptors, critical differences in the in vivo functions have been reported (Kirman et al., 1998; Waldmann and Tagaya, 1999; Waldmann et al., 2001). It is also important to note the non-redundant role for IL-15 in natural killer (NK) cell, NK-T cell and intraepithelial lymphocyte development, survival, expansion and function (Kennedy et al, 2000; Liu et al.,2000).
McInnes and coworkers (McInnes et al., 1997; McInnes and Liew, 1998) reported the induction of TNF-α production after IL-15 stimulation in T-cells derived from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Furthermore, peripheral blood T cells activated by IL-15 were shown to induce significant TNF-α production by macrophages via a cell-contact-dependent mechanism. Because of the destructive role of TNF-α in rheumatoid arthritis, inhibition of this cytokine decreases disease activity (Bathon et al., 2000; Klippel, 2000; Lovell et al., 2000; Maini and Taylor, 2000). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Remote sensing or hyper-spectral imaging often uses the sun for illumination, and the short-wave infrared (SWIR) windows of about 1.5-1.8 microns and about 2-2.5 microns may be attractive because the atmosphere transmits in these wavelength ranges. Although the sun can be a bright and stable light source, its illumination may be affected by the time-of-day variations in the sun angle as well as weather conditions. For example, the sun may be advantageously used for applications such as hyper-spectral imaging only between about 9 am to 3 pm, and it may be difficult to use the sun during cloudy days or during inclement weather. In one embodiment, the hyper-spectral sensors measure the reflected solar signal at hundreds (e.g., 100 to 200+) contiguous and narrow wavelength bands (e.g., bandwidth between 5 nm and 10 nm). Hyper-spectral images may provide spectral information to identify and distinguish between spectrally similar materials, providing the ability to make proper distinctions among materials with only subtle signature differences. In the SWIR wavelength range, numerous gases, liquids and solids have unique chemical signatures, particularly materials comprising hydro-carbon bonds, O—H bonds, N—H bonds, etc. Therefore, spectroscopy in the SWIR may be attractive for stand-off or remote sensing of materials based on their chemical signature, which may complement other imaging information.
A SWIR super-continuum (SC) source may be able to replace at least in part the sun as an illumination source for active remote sensing, spectroscopy, or hyper-spectral imaging. In one embodiment, reflected light spectroscopy may be implemented using the SWIR light source, where the spectral reflectance can be the ratio of reflected energy to incident energy as a function of wavelength. Reflectance varies with wavelength for most materials because energy at certain wavelengths may be scattered or absorbed to different degrees. Using a SWIR light source may permit 24/7 detection of solids, liquids, or gases based on their chemical signatures. As an example, natural gas leak detection and exploration may require the detection of methane and ethane, whose primary constituents include hydro-carbons. In the SWIR, for instance, methane and ethane exhibit various overtone and combination bands for vibrational and rotational resonances of hydro-carbons. In one embodiment, diffuse reflection spectroscopy or absorption spectroscopy may be used to detect the presence of natural gas. The detection system may include a gas filter correlation radiometer, in a particular embodiment. Also, one embodiment of the SWIR light source may be an all-fiber integrated SWIR SC source, which leverages the mature technologies from the telecommunications and fiber optics industry. Beyond natural gas, active remote sensing in the SWIR may also be used to identify other materials such as vegetation, greenhouse gases or environmental pollutants, soils and rocks, plastics, illicit drugs, counterfeit drugs, firearms and explosives, paints, and various building materials.
In one or more embodiments, a smart phone or tablet comprises an array of laser diodes configured to generate light having one or more optical wavelengths, wherein at least a portion of the one or more optical wavelengths is a near-infrared wavelength between 700 nanometers and 2500 nanometers, and wherein at least a portion of the array of laser diodes is configured to be pulsed. One or more lenses is configured to receive a portion of the light from the array of laser diodes and to direct the portion of the light from the array of laser diodes to a sample. A detection system comprises a photodiode array with a plurality of pixels coupled to CMOS transistors, wherein the detection system is configured to receive at least a portion of light reflected from the sample, and wherein the detection system is configured to be synchronized to the light from the at least a portion of the array of laser diodes. The detection system is configured to perform a time-of-flight measurement by measuring a time difference between the generated light from the at least a portion of the array of laser diodes and the at least a portion of light reflected from the sample. The detection system is further configured to: receive light while the array of laser diodes is off and convert the received light into a first signal; and receive light while at least a part of the array of laser diodes is on and convert the received light into a second signal, the received light including at least some of the at least a portion of the light reflected from the sample. The smart phone or tablet is configured to difference the first signal and the second signal and to generate a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image using at least a portion of the time-of-flight measurement, wherein the smart phone or tablet further comprises a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a display, a voice input module, and a speaker.
In one or more embodiments, a smart phone or tablet comprises an array of laser diodes configured to generate light having one or more optical wavelengths, wherein at least a portion of the one or more optical wavelengths is a near-infrared wavelength between 700 nanometers and 2500 nanometers, and wherein at least a portion of the array of laser diodes is configured to be pulsed. One or more lenses configured to receive a portion of the light from the array of laser diodes is configured to direct the portion of the light from the array of laser diodes to a sample. A detection system comprises a photodiode array with a plurality of pixels coupled to CMOS transistors, wherein the detection system is configured to receive at least a portion of light reflected from the sample, and wherein the detection system is configured to be synchronized to the at least a portion of the array of laser diodes. The detection system is further configured to perform a time-of-flight measurement by measuring a time difference between the generated light from the at least a portion of the array of laser diodes and the at least a portion of light reflected from the sample. The smart phone or tablet is configured to generate a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image using at least a portion of the time-of-flight measurement. The smart phone or tablet further comprises a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a display, a voice input module, and a speaker.
Embodiments include a smart phone or tablet comprising an array of laser diodes configured to generate light having one or more optical wavelengths, wherein at least a portion of the one or more optical wavelengths is a near-infrared wavelength between 700 nanometers and 2500 nanometers, and wherein at least a portion of the array of laser diodes is configured to be pulsed at a modulation frequency. One or more lenses configured to receive a portion of the light from the array of laser diodes is configured to direct the portion of the light from the array of laser diodes to a sample. A detection system comprises a photodiode array with a plurality of pixels coupled to CMOS transistors, wherein the detection system is configured to receive at least a portion of light reflected from the sample, is configured to be synchronized to the at least a portion of the array of laser diodes, and is configured to use a lock-in technique that detects the modulation frequency. The detection system is further configured to perform a time-of-flight measurement by measuring a time difference between the generated light from the at least a portion of the array of laser diodes and the at least a portion of light reflected from the sample. The smart phone or tablet is configured to generate a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image using at least a portion of the time-of-flight measurement, wherein the smart phone or tablet further comprises a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a display, a voice input module, and a speaker.
In one or more embodiments, a measurement system includes a light source configured to generate an output optical beam, comprising a plurality of semiconductor sources configured to generate an input optical beam, a multiplexer configured to receive at least a portion of the input optical beam and to form an intermediate optical beam, and one or more fibers configured to receive at least a portion of the intermediate optical beam and to form the output optical beam. At least a portion of the one or more fibers comprises a fused silica fiber. The output optical beam comprises one or more optical wavelengths, at least a portion of which are between 700 nanometers and 2500 nanometers and has a bandwidth of at least 10 nanometers. The system also includes a measurement apparatus configured to receive a received portion of the output optical beam and to deliver a delivered portion of the output optical beam to a sample, wherein the delivered portion of the output optical beam is configured to generate a spectroscopy output beam from the sample. A receiver is configured to receive at least a portion of the spectroscopy output beam having a bandwidth of at least 10 nanometers and to process the at least a portion of the spectroscopy output beam to generate an output signal, wherein the receiver processing includes at least in part using chemometrics or multivariate analysis methods to permit identification of materials within the sample. The light source and the receiver are remote from the sample, and the sample comprises plastics or food industry goods.
In various embodiments, a measurement system includes a light source configured to generate an output optical beam, the light source comprising a plurality of semiconductor sources configured to generate an input optical beam, a multiplexer configured to receive at least a portion of the input optical beam and to form an intermediate optical beam, and one or more fibers configured to receive at least a portion of the intermediate optical beam and to form the output optical beam. At least a portion of the one or more fibers comprises a fused silica fiber. The output optical beam comprises one or more optical wavelengths, at least a portion of which are between 700 nanometers and 2500 nanometers, and has a bandwidth of at least 10 nanometers. The system also includes a measurement apparatus configured to receive a received portion of the output optical beam and to deliver a delivered portion of the output optical beam to a sample, wherein the delivered portion of the output optical beam is configured to generate a spectroscopy output beam from the sample; and a receiver configured to receive at least a portion of the spectroscopy output beam having a bandwidth of at least 10 nanometers and to process the at least a portion of the spectroscopy output beam to generate an output signal, wherein the receiver processing includes at least in part using chemometrics or multivariate analysis methods to permit identification of materials within the sample. The output signal is based at least in part on a chemical composition of the sample. The spectroscopy output beam comprises at least in part spectral features of hydrocarbons or organic compounds.
In at least one embodiment, a measurement system includes a light source configured to generate an output optical beam, comprising a plurality of semiconductor sources configured to generate an input optical beam, a multiplexer configured to receive at least a portion of the input optical beam and to form an intermediate optical beam, and one or more fibers configured to receive at least a portion of the intermediate optical beam and to form the output optical beam. At least a portion of the one or more fibers comprises a fused silica fiber. The output optical beam comprises one or more optical wavelengths, at least a portion of which are between 700 nanometers and 2500 nanometers, and has a bandwidth of at least 10 nanometers. The system includes a measurement apparatus configured to receive a received portion of the output optical beam and to deliver a delivered portion of the output optical beam to a sample, wherein the delivered portion of the output optical beam is configured to generate a spectroscopy output beam from the sample, and a receiver configured to receive at least a portion of the spectroscopy output beam having a bandwidth of at least 10 nanometers and to process the at least a portion of the spectroscopy output beam to generate an output signal. The receiver processing includes at least in part using chemometrics or multivariate analysis methods to permit identification of materials within the sample. The output signal is based on a chemical composition of the sample, which comprises tissue including collagen and lipids. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for securing sections of a fractured bone and/or securing body tissue to bone.
When a bone is broken or fractured, it is necessary to press sections of the bone on opposite sides of the fracture together in order to promote healing of the bone. Bone screws have been used with or without metal plates to hold the sections of the fractured bone against movement relative to each other. In addition, it has been suggested that avulsion fractures could be treated by using wire sutures between sections of bone in a matter similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,554. It has also been suggested that an anchor could be retained in a bone is a manner disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,527,343 and 5,534,012. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
In the fabrication of automobiles, trucks, and similar vehicles, it is required that numerous electrical wires pass through the firewall of the vehicle between the operator compartment and the space in which the vehicle motor is housed. Since the passageway for these wires must be sealed to maintain the integrity of the firewall as well as to protect against the elements, it is common practice to pass all wires through the firewall at a limited number of predetermined locations rather than having a multitude of discrete sealed passageways for each individual circuit. Such an arrangement is particularly desirable in electrical systems of large trucks, for example, which may have in excess of 150 separate circuits.
In order to provide desired sealing at the firewall as well as to facilitate initial fabrication of the vehicle, multiple-contact electrical connectors for the wiring harnesses are typically provided at the firewall. The receptacle of the connector normally passes through the firewall in sealing engagement therewith. Wires on opposite sides of the firewall may thereby be quickly and easily interconnected eliminating the need to provide a separate seal for each circuit extending through the firewall.
Of course, it is important that wires on one side of the firewall be electrically coupled with appropriate wires on the opposite side of the firewall for proper operation of the vehicle electrical system; in other words, polarity across the firewall-mounted connector must be maintained. Typically, connectors of this type are provided with polarizing means to preclude misorientation of the plug relative to the receptacle.
One problem with connectors of the type described above is the difficulty in readily adapting them to various designs of vehicles. In this regard, the receptacle and plug of the connector are usually prefabricated to include various lengths of wires selected to meet the design needs of that particular vehicle. In order to incorporate the connector in other vehicles of similar design, it is often desired to utilize smaller wire harnesses and different configurations of plugs. However, heretofore it has always been required to employ a separate receptacle for mating with each type of plug or combinations of plugs and hence, it has not been economically practical to provide custom connectors tailored to meet the needs of a particular application.
In this latter regard, receptacles designed to mate with one size plug, and which would otherwise be compatible with various combinations of smaller plugs, are not suited for use with multiple plugs because the polarizing means of the receptacle is nullified. For example, when two plugs are used to replace a single plug in a connector of given design, only one of the plugs will be controlled by the polarizing means in the original receptacle, the other of the plugs being permitted to mate in a number of different orientations.
A second problem with prior art connectors relates to corrosion and ultimate dielectric breakdown in areas adjacent the mated terminals. This problem is generally the result of inadequately protecting the terminals from the deleterious effects of the elements.
Another problem with the electrical connectors described above concerns coupling and uncoupling the plug and receptacle of the connector. In this regard, the location of the connectors on the vehicle firewall is generally in an area not readily accessible, thereby making manual manipulation of the plugs extremely difficult. Moreover, weathering of the connector over long periods of use often makes it almost impossible to uncouple the plug and receptacle without damaging one or the other. Of course, the force required to couple and uncouple the plug and receptacle increases with the number of contacts in the connector. This factor has heretofore imposed a limit on the number of contacts in connectors of this type. Appurtenant to the coupling problem is that of providing a simple locking means for maintaining mating engagement between the plug and receptacle during the service life of the vehicle.
Yet another problem with installations of the type described relates to removing the receptacle from its securement with the firewall when it is desired to refurbish the vehicle. This problem is particularly acute in heavy duty trucks which may undergo numerous extensive overhauls during their service life. Typically the connector receptacle is mounted in a semi-permanent manner such that removal of the latter for replacement is often difficult and time-consuming. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The present invention is related to the field of data networks such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, and more particularly to flow-control techniques used to control the transmission of data in data networks.
The term xe2x80x9cflow controlxe2x80x9d generally refers to intentional control exercised by network components over data traffic in the network to achieve desired operational results. For example, flow control can be used to minimize or prevent loss of data cells resulting from the overflowing of receive buffers used by various network components to temporarily store data traffic. Flow control can also be used to enforce an agreed-upon transmission capacity, or rate, available to a customer or to a network element carrying traffic from a number of customers.
One known flow-control protocol used in ATM networks is referred to as xe2x80x9cQuantum Flow Controlxe2x80x9d or QFC. The QFC protocol can be applied to network links and/or individual virtual connections to provide a desired quality of service (QOS). One significant feature of the QFC protocol is its ability to guarantee that no transmitted cells are lost, or discarded, due to insufficient buffering at the receive end of a link or connection. To achieve this result, the QFC protocol employs a messaging scheme and associated functionality within participating network elements based on the concept of transmission credits. Transmission credits are maintained in a xe2x80x9cpoolxe2x80x9d data structure at the transmitting end of a link or connection. A credit is consumed for each cell (or group of cells of a predetermined size) transmitted on the link or connection. The credits are replenished in response to explicit messages sent to the transmitter from the receiver. In general, the receiver extends additional credits as the received cells are forwarded out of the receiver""s cell buffer. The transmitter is permitted to transmit cells only as long as there are credits in the pool. If the pool of available credits becomes empty, the transmitter must wait until the next replenishment from the receiver before resuming the transmission of cells.
Another known flow-control protocol used in ATM networks is referred to as xe2x80x9cExplicit Ratexe2x80x9d or ER. The ER protocol utilizes messages to convey rate information explicitly between a transmitter and a receiver. A forward-type message is used by the transmitter to inform the receiver of the actual transmission rate or a currently allowed maximum transmission rate. The receiver uses this information to generate backward-type messages that inform the transmitter whether its actual or allowed maximum transmission rate should be changed, and if so to what value. In turn, the transmitter uses the information in the backward-type messages to control its transmission rate. On a typical bidirectional link, both forward and backward flow-control messages are flowing in each direction between the respective transmitter/receiver pairs.
The flow-control messages carrying rate information in the ER protocol are different from the messages used to manage transmission credits in the QFC protocol. Thus, network interface equipment that has been designed to operate according to the QFC protocol is not compatible with equipment designed to operate according to the ER protocol, and vice-versa. Further, a given link or connection can use only one or the other protocol, but not both. As a result, one distinguishing feature of some existing network equipment is whether it supports a credit-based flow-control protocol such as QFC, or a rate-based protocol such as ER. Equipment that supports one protocol generally cannot be used in networks utilizing the other protocol, and therefore the market for each type of network equipment is correspondingly limited.
The need for different pieces of equipment to support the combined market for QFC and ER-based products can result in various undesirable inefficiencies, such as the need to design, manufacture, operate and support two different sets of components that generally operate in a similar manner, except for the type of flow-control protocol supported by the component. It would be desirable to minimize these inefficiencies in order to provide network users with more cost-effective data communications services.
In accordance with the present invention, network interface equipment is disclosed that can be used with either a credit-based flow-control protocol such as QFC, or with a rate-based protocol such as ER. Interface logic within the equipment relies upon mechanisms used for the credit-based protocol to carry out the ER protocol, resulting in efficiencies of design, manufacturing and support that otherwise would be difficult or impossible to achieve.
The interface logic includes first cell processing logic capable of receiving cells from a network link and emitting cells for transmission on the link according to the credit-based flow-control protocol. The first cell processing logic includes a cell buffer memory in which received data cells are temporarily stored. The first cell processing logic is capable of generating and accepting flow-control buffer state messages at external interface points. The buffer state messages generated by the first cell processing logic convey information about the utilization of the cell buffer memory. The accepted messages can contain transmission credits used by the first cell processing logic to control its emission of cells in accordance with the credit-based flow-control protocol. The accepted messages can also contain information inducing the first cell processing logic to emit RM cells for transmission on the network link in accordance with the credit-based flow-control protocol.
The interface logic also contains second cell processing logic, arranged between the network link and the first cell processing logic, which has different operational characteristics depending on the type of flow-control protocol used on the network link. If the credit-based flow-control protocol is being used, the second cell processing logic operates primarily to transfer data cells and RM cells between the network link and the first cell processing logic, so that compliance with the credit-based flow-control protocol is achieved by the operation of the first cell processing logic alone.
When the rate-based flow control protocol is employed on the network link, the second cell processing logic again transfers the data cells between the network link and the first cell processing logic, but actively participates in the rate-based flow-control protocol on the network link, relying in part on credit-based functionality in the first cell processing logic.
In particular, the second cell processing logic extracts RM cells received from the network link and refrains from forwarding the extracted RM cells to the first cell processing logic. The extracted RM cells include forward RM (FRM) cells containing information about the rate at which cells are allowed to be transmitted on the network link by the remote transmitter, and backward RM (BRM) cells containing information about the rate at which cells should be transmitted on the network link to the remote receiver.
The second cell processing logic also exchanges buffer state messages with the first cell processing logic in order to obtain information about the utilization of the cell buffer memory, and to supply transmission credits to the first cell processing logic. The transmission credits are calculated based on predetermined rate parameters and the rate information in the extracted BRM cells. Also, when BRM and FRM cells are to be transmitted on the network link in accordance with the rate-based flow control protocol, the second cell processing logic generates buffer state messages that induce the first cell processing logic to generate and emit RM cells. Each of these is converted by the second cell processing logic to either an FRM cell or a BRM cell as required, and forwarded for transmission on the network link. Each BRM cell contains feedback rate information calculated from the rate information in an extracted FRM cell and from the buffer utilization information received from the first cell processing logic, and each FRM cell contains forward rate information calculated from the predetermined rate parameters and the rate information in the extracted BRM cells.
From the perspective of the first cell processing logic, the link appears to be operating according to the credit-based flow control protocol. Thus, the first cell processing logic can be coupled to a that supports the rate-based protocol or the credit-based protocol.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are disclosed in the detailed description that follows. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates generally to wheeled vehicles and more particularly to a three-wheeled vehicle having a pair of spaced wheels mounted on a parallelogram frame for leaning movement with the frame to positions of equilibrium.
Three-wheeled pedalled vehicles having a pair of spaced wheels mounted on a parallelogram frame are known in the art although they are rarely encountered. Such vehicles generally depend on the strength of the operator to control the configuration of the parallelogram frame by means of the handlebars. Whereas manual control of the parallelogram configuration is satisfactory for light-weight pedalled vehicles, problems arise when it is desired to provide power for driving certain of the vehicle wheels. Weight is necessarily added by the engine and drive train, thereby substantially increasing the load to be controlled by the operator. One solution in the prior art was to have the operator's legs control the vehicle inclination since the legs can generate greater force than the operator's arms. Nevertheless, with the increasing speed capabilities of powered vehicles, manual control systems for the vehicle inclination are believed to be unreasonably dangerous.
Other known three-wheeled vehicles have utilized small spaced-apart wheels which remain substantially vertically inclined so that only the vehicle frame leans into turns. But such a construction does not include a parallelogram frame and is somewhat self-defeating in that it lacks a primary advantage of the parallelogram frame, namely that the resultant of all forces is at all times directed through the center of gravity of the vehicle and point of contact of the vehicle wheels with the ground. Hydraulic cylinder load-leveling systems have been devised for four-wheeled automotive vehicles but these are believed to be unsuitable for three-wheeled vehicles including a parallelogram frame because the vehicle frame response to centrifugal force and inclined road surfaces is only indirectly sensed by separate pendulum, plumb bob, or mercury capsule. Such indirect sensing means are not believed to be sufficiently reliable or responsive for maintaining the balance of a three-wheeled vehicle having a parallelogram frame.
Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is to provide an improved three-wheeled vehicle having a pair of spaced wheels mounted on a hinged parallelogram frame.
Another object is to provide an improved three-wheeled vehicle including an automatic sensing device which controls an actuator to effect the lateral inclination of the vehicle to a position of equilibrium.
Another object is to provide an improved three-wheeled vehicle including a sensor directly responsive to the balance of the vehicle itself relative to a state of equilibrium and a power unit responsive to the sensor for keeping the vehicle in balance.
Another object is to provide an improved three-wheeled vehicle including hydraulic circuitry responsive to vehicle imbalance of automatically tilting the vehicle back to a position of equilibrium without over-correcting past the equilibrium position.
Another object is to provide an improved self-balancing three-wheeled vehicle which is simple in construction and efficient and reliable in operation.
These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the summary and description of the invention which follows. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure relates to a printer driver, an information processor, an image formation apparatus, an image formation system, and an image formation method.
2. Description of Related Art
In a conventional print system that includes an information processor and an image formation apparatus, the information processor converts print target data, such as document data, to generate print data in a language interpretable by the image formation apparatus, and sends the print data to the image formation apparatus. The image formation apparatus then performs the printing by analyzing the entirety of the print data. For example, multiple versions are set as formats for print data in some cases. In such cases, the image formation apparatus needs to secure the compatibility between the version of the format of the print data, which the image formation apparatus receives from the information processor, and the version supported by the image formation apparatus (see Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-187243, for example). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
TRP channels are a class of ion channels found on the plasma membrane of a variety of human (and other animal) cell types. There are at least 28 known human TRP channels which are broken into a number of families or groups based upon sequence homology and function. TRPA1 is a non-selective cation conducting channel that modulates membrane potential via flux of sodium, potassium and calcium. TRPA1 has been shown to be highly expressed in the human dorsal root ganglion neurons and peripheral sensory nerves. In humans, TRPA1 is activated by a number of reactive compounds such as acrolein, allylisothiocyanate, ozone as well as unreactive compounds such as nicotine and menthol and is thus thought to act as a chemosensor.
Many of the known TRPA1 agonists are irritants that cause pain, irritation and neurogenic inflammation in humans and other animals. Therefore, it would be expected that TRPA1 antagonists or agents that block the biological effect of TRPA1 channel activators would be useful in the treatment of diseases such as asthma and its exacerbations, chronic cough and related maladies as well as being useful for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Recently, it has also been shown that products of tissue damage and oxidative stress, e.g. 4-hydroxynonenal and related compounds, activate the TRPA1 channel. This finding provides additional rationale for the utility of small molecule TRPA1 antagonists in the treatment of diseases related to tissue damage, oxidative stress and bronchial smooth muscle contraction such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational asthma, and virally-induced lung inflammation. Moreover, recently findings have correlated activation of TRPA1 channels with increased pain perception (Kosugi et al., J. Neurosci 27, (2007) 4443-4451; Kremayer et al., Neuron 66 (2010) 671-680; Wei et al., Pain 152 (2011) 582-591); Wei et al., Neurosci Lett 479 (2010) 253-256)) providing additional rationale for the utility of small molecule TRPA1 inhibitors in the treatment of pain disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to an improved helical flow compressor design modified so as to produce very low bearing thrust loads without a loss in efficiency.
A helical flow compressor is a high-speed rotary machine that accomplishes compression by imparting a velocity head to each fluid particle as it passes through the machine""s impeller blades then converting that velocity head into a pressure head in a stator channel that functions as a vaneless diffuser. While in this respect a helical flow compressor has some characteristics in common with a centrifugal compressor, the primary flow in a helical flow compressor is peripheral and asymmetrical, while in a centrifugal compressor, the primary flow is radial and symmetrical. The fluid particles passing through a helical flow compressor travel around the periphery of the helical flow compressor impeller within a generally horseshoe-shaped stator channel. Within this channel, the fluid particles travel along helical streamlines, the centerline of the helix coinciding with the center of the curved stator channel. This flow pattern causes each fluid particle to pass through the impeller blades or buckets many times while it travels through the helical flow compressor, each time acquiring kinetic energy. After each pass through the impeller blades, the fluid particle reenters the adjacent stator channel where it converts its kinetic energy into potential energy which, in turn, produces a peripheral pressure gradient in the stator channel.
The multiple passes through the impeller blades (regenerative flow pattern) allows a helical flow compressor to produce discharge heads of up to fifteen (15) times those produced by a centrifugal compressor operating at equal tip speeds. Since the cross-sectional area of the peripheral flow in a helical flow compressor is usually smaller than the cross-sectional area of the radial flow in a centrifugal compressor, a helical flow compressor would normally operate at flows which are lower than the flows of a centrifugal compressor having an equal impeller diameter and operating at an equal tip speed. The high-head, low-flow performance characteristics of a helical flow compressor make it well suited to a number of applications where a reciprocating compressor, a rotary displacement compressor, or a low specific-speed centrifugal compressor would not be as well suited.
A helical flow compressor can be utilized as a turbine by supplying it with a high pressure working fluid, dropping fluid pressure through the machine, and extracting the resulting shaft horsepower with a generator. Hence the term xe2x80x9ccompressor/turbinexe2x80x9d which is used throughout this application.
The flow in a helical flow compressor can be visualized as two fluid streams which first merge and then divide as they pass through the compressor. One fluid stream travels within the impeller buckets and endlessly circles the compressor. The second fluid stream enters the compressor radially through the inlet port and then moves into the horseshoe-shaped stator channel which is adjacent to the impeller buckets. Here the fluids in the two streams merge and mix. The stator channel and impeller bucket streams continue to exchange fluid while the stator channel fluid stream is drawn around the compressor by the impeller motion. When the stator channel fluid stream has traveled around most of the compressor periphery, its further circular travel is blocked by the stripper plate. The stator channel fluid stream then turns radially outward and exits from the compressor through the discharge port. The remaining impeller bucket fluid stream passes through the stripper plate within the buckets and merges with the fluid just entering the compressor/turbine.
The fluid in the impeller buckets of a helical flow compressor travels around the compressor at a peripheral velocity which is essentially equal to the impeller blade velocity. It thus experiences a strong centrifugal force which tends to drive it radially outward, out of the buckets. The fluid in the adjacent stator channel travels at an average peripheral velocity of between five (5) and ninety-nine (99) percent of the impeller blade velocity depending upon the compressor discharge flow. It thus experiences a centrifugal force which is much less than that experienced by the fluid in the impeller buckets. Since these two centrifugal forces oppose each other and are unequal, the fluid occupying the impeller buckets and the stator channel is driven into a circulating or regenerative flow. The fluid in the impeller buckets is driven radially outward and xe2x80x9cupwardxe2x80x9d into the stator channel. The fluid in the stator channel is displaced and forced radially inward and xe2x80x9cdownwardxe2x80x9d into the impeller bucket.
The fluid in the impeller buckets of a helical flow turbine travels around the turbine at a peripheral velocity which is essentially equal to the impeller blade velocity. It thus experiences a strong centrifugal force which would like to drive it radially outward if unopposed by other forces. The fluid in the adjacent stator channel travels at an average peripheral velocity of between one hundred and one percent (101%) and two hundred percent (200%) of the impeller blade velocity, depending upon the turbine discharge flow. It thus experiences a centrifugal force which is much greater than that experienced by the fluid in the impeller buckets. Since these two centrifugal forces oppose each other and are unequal, the fluid occupying the impeller buckets and the stator channel is driven into a circulating or regenerative flow. The fluid in the stator channel is driven radially outward and xe2x80x9cdownwardxe2x80x9d into the impeller bucket. The fluid in the impeller buckets is displaced and forced radially inward and xe2x80x9cupwardxe2x80x9d into the stator channel.
While the fluid is traveling regeneratively, it is also traveling peripherally around the stator-impeller channel. Thus, each fluid particle passing through a helical flow compressor or turbine travels along a helical streamline, the centerline of the helix coinciding with the center of the generally horseshoe-shaped stator-impeller channel. While the unique capabilities of a helical flow compressor would seem to offer many applications, the low flow limitation has severely curtailed their widespread utilization.
Permanent magnet motors and generators, on the other hand, are used widely in many and varied applications. This type of motor/generator has a stationary field coil and a rotatable armature of permanent magnets. In recent years, high energy product permanent magnets having significant energy increases have become available. Samarium cobalt permanent magnets having an energy product of twenty-seven (27) megagauss-oersted (mgo) are now readily available and neodymium-iron-boron magnets with an energy product of thirty-five (35) megagauss-oersted are also available. Even further increases of mgo to over 45 megagauss-oersted promise to be available soon. The use of such high energy product permanent magnets permits increasingly smaller machines capable of supplying increasingly higher power outputs. The permanent magnet rotor may comprise a plurality of equally spaced magnetic poles of alternating polarity or may even be a sintered one-piece magnet with radial orientation. The stator would normally include a plurality of windings producing rotatable electro-magnet poles of alternating polarity. In a generator mode, rotation of the rotor causes the permanent magnets to pass by the stator poles and coils and thereby induces an electric current to flow in each of the coils. In the motor mode, alternating electrical current is passed through the coils which will cause the permanent magnet rotor to rotate.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,673 provides an example of a helical flow compressor/turbine integrated with a permanent magnet motor/generator, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
In a multi-stage helical flow compressor, multiple impellers are arranged along a common shaft to achieve a desired pressure rise. The impeller wheels are generally very thin and relatively large in diameter. If there is any leakage of pressurized fluid between compression stages, such as through the radial gap between the rotating impeller spacer rings and the compressor housing, a pressure differential will develop across the impeller wheel in each stage. Each stage""s pressure differential, acting on the large area of the impeller wheel, applies a thrust load to the compressor shaft. The thrust loads generated in each stage are cumulative, normally resulting in high thrust loads being applied to the bearings supporting the compressor shaft and impeller wheels. These loads may induce unwanted bearing deflections, wheel rubbing and bearing damage or failure. These problems may occur in single-stage or multi-stage helical flow compressors.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved helical flow compressor wherein thrust loads applied to the impeller(s) are minimized.
The present invention provides an improved helical flow compressor wherein thrust loads applied to the impeller(s) are minimized in various embodiments of the invention by providing axially oriented vent holes through the impeller(s), eliminating the radial flow splitter, providing labyrinth seals between adjacent impellers and between the motor cavity and the impeller adjacent to it, as well as by providing at least one bypass vent around the shaft support bearing adjacent to the motor cavity.
More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a rotary machine including a helical flow compressor/turbine and a permanent magnet motor/generator mounted and operated within a common housing. A shaft is rotatably supported within the housing. A permanent magnet rotor is mounted on the shaft and operatively associated with the motor/generator stator. Disk shaped impeller wheels are mounted on the shaft each having a plurality of impeller blades extending therefrom. The compressor/turbine section of the housing includes a generally horseshoe-shaped fluid flow stator channel on each side of each impeller wheel with an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end for each wheel/stage. The fluid in each generally horseshoe-shaped fluid flow stator channel proceeds from the inlet to the outlet while following a generally helical flow path with multiple passes through the impeller blades. Each impeller disk has a plurality of axially-oriented vent holes formed therethrough to minimize a pressure differential across the impeller, thereby minimizing thrust loads applied to the impeller.
The vent holes in the impeller disk are preferably chamfered to reduce local pressure drop where fluid enters or exits the holes. A ratio of hole diameter to outer chamfer diameter is optimized based on the axial clearance between the impeller disk and the adjacent housing so as to minimize flow restrictions and minimize vent hole volume.
The commonly-used radial flow splitter, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,673, is eliminated from the housing adjacent the periphery of the impeller blades, thereby providing a radial gap between the periphery of the impeller blades and the housing to allow increased axial flow around the periphery of the impeller blades to further minimize the pressure differential across the impeller.
In one embodiment, the shaft is supported by ball bearings, and at least one bypass vent is formed through the housing around the ball bearing closest to the large gas storage volume of the motor in order to provide fluid communication between opposing sides of the bearing which minimizes the flow of contaminant-laden gas through the bearing.
In a multi-stage helical flow compressor, a labyrinth seal is disposed between any or all adjacent impellers to minimize leakage between impellers, thereby decreasing thrust loads on the impellers. (For example, there would be three seals for four impeller wheel/disks.)
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved helical flow compressor wherein thrust loads applied to the impeller(s) are minimized.
It is another object of the invention to provide a helical flow compressor having features which reduce the thrust load applied to the compressor""s shaft by the impeller wheels and to the compressor""s bearings by the compressor shaft.
It is another object of the invention to provide a helical flow compressor with decreased pressure differentials across its impeller wheels by decreasing restrictions for axial flow of fluid through or around each impeller wheel, and increasing restrictions for axial flow of fluid between the impeller wheels.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a helical flow compressor with a pattern of axially-oriented vent holes that pass through the compressor""s impeller wheels in order to reduce the pressure differential across the wheel and reduce the thrust load applied to the wheel, shaft, and bearings.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a helical flow compressor with a pattern of axially-oriented vent holes passing through the compressor""s impeller wheels, with chamfers provided for each of the holes where the holes meet the surfaces of the wheel in order to reduce the local pressure drop where the flow enters or exits the holes.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a helical flow compressor with a pattern axially-oriented vent holes with chamfers wherein the ratio of the hole diameter to the outer chamfer diameter is optimized to minimize flow restrictions and minimize vent hole/chamfer volume.
Still further, it is another object of the invention to provide a helical flow compressor with an increased axial flow area radially outboard of the impeller wheel and radially inboard of the housing by deleting the radial flow splitter which normally occupies the entire periphery of the pump, except in the area of the flow stripper.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a helical flow compressor wherein vent holes, vent chamfers, and the elimination of the radial flow splitter combine to minimize the flow restriction from one side of an impeller wheel to the other side.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a helical flow compressor wherein labyrinth seals are located between the impeller wheels to minimize leakage between compressor stages, thereby minimizing the thrust load applied to the wheels, the shaft, and the bearings.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a helical flow compressor wherein decreasing axial flow restrictions for each wheel with vent holes, vent chamfers, and the elimination of the radial flow splitter combined with increasing axial flow restrictions between adjacent wheels with labyrinth seals minimizes the pressure differentials across the impeller wheels and thus minimizes the thrust load applied to the wheels, the shaft, and the bearings.
It is a further object to provide a helical flow compressor impeller with axial vent holes which are smaller at outer row(s) to limit swept through volume penalties at the stripper plate location.
It is another object of the invention to provide a helical flow compressor wherein axial flow restrictions are decreased across the bearing adjacent to the motor by providing vent holes around the bearing to minimize the undesired flow of fluid through the bearing.
It is a further object to provide a helical flow compressor with a labyrinth seal between the motor cavity (on either side of the bearing) and adjacent the impeller wheels.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system for aiding the movement of moving units in group formation. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for directing the flight of aircraft (especially helicopters) in formation flying.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The transfer of a large number of helicopters from a given base to a distant base takes a long time due to the fact that the helicopters are transferred one by one. This slow transfer of helicopters is necessary as a safety measure due to the fact that the transfer often occurs under conditions of poor visibility, e.g. in the presence of fog or at night.
The helicopters to be transported are typically grouped into formations of five to ten helicopters each. Each such formation typically involves a guide helicopter called the "leader" and the other "slave" helicopters. The slaves fly behind the leader in given positions relative to the leader and relative to each other. The leader flies in such a way as to maintain a given spacing between that leader's formation and other formations.
Within each formation, the relative positioning of the helicopters is controlled to avoid collisions. Although it is desirable to maintain tight formation spacing in order to allow the transfers to be carried out in a small amount of time, formation spacing must be loose enough to account for anticipated deviations of individual helicopters from their desired positions. Therefore, due to the recognized danger and due to the difficulty of maintaining controlled spacing, group formation transfers now are generally carried out under conditions of good visibility and in visual flight.
An object of this invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for facilitating a rapid and safe transfer of a number of helicopters by allowing multiple groups of helicopters to travel simultaneously in safe formations. Another object of the invention is allow formations of helicopters to fly safely in conditions with poor visibility. Another object is to provide a system wherein the configuration of the formation varies over time in a predetermined way. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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A technique of using cells isolated from a tissue in testing or examination is an essential method in the biotechnology-related fields. It is widely used in diagnosing a disease or pathological condition, searching for a new drug and evaluating the efficacy of a drug, or in animal inspection, plant inspection, testing for environmental pollutants, and so on. Thus, cells and the like used in the biotechnology field have been greatly diversified.
In recent years, studies on pluripotent cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), have been conducted. The pluripotent cells are cells that can differentiate into all types of cells constituting tissues, parts, and organs which form living organisms. ES cells are used as a potent model system for studying a mechanism underlying the biological properties of pluripotent cells and differentiation in the early embryo. This provides opportunities for genetic operation of mammals and resulting application of business, medicine, and agriculture. Further, techniques for diagnosing a disease or pathological condition, searching for a new drug, and evaluating the efficacy of a drug have been developed by using the appropriate proliferation and differentiation of ES cells.
The isolated cells are sometimes used immediately for testing, but in many cases, operations for causing proliferation and differentiation of cells in a culture dish or a test tube are carrier out. Various examinations are carried out using the cultured cells. Isolated pluripotent cells are required to show drug susceptibility and toxic reaction that are similar to those obtained in a test performed in a living body, that is, a so-called in vivo test, and are also required to differentiate into target cells with high efficiency.
However, the biochemical mechanism for controlling the pluripotency and differentiation of pluripotent cells is barely understood to date. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses compositions and methods for the production of differentiated mammalian cells as means for causing differentiation of pluripotent cells. Specifically, Patent Literature 1 discloses a cell differentiation method that employs the technique of culturing cells on a feeder layer or under non-feeder conditions in a cell culture, and contacting mammalian cells with an inhibitor of the PI3-kinase signaling pathway and a member of the TGFb family to generate the mammalian cells differentiated from pluripotent mammalian stem cells.
In addition to the methods disclosed above, Non Patent Literature 1 discloses that the differentiation efficiency of pluripotent cells is changed depending on the size of an aggregate of embryoid bodies. Thus, it is an extremely important factor to control the size of the aggregate so as to obtain a uniform endoderm lineage cell, or cells differentiated from the cell, such as hepatic cells or β cells. According to the method disclosed in Non Patent Literature 1, Matrigel having cell adhesion properties and having a diameter of several tens of μm to several hundreds of μm is arranged at regular intervals on a culture bottom surface, thereby forming a cell adhesive region. Cell non-adhesive polymers are coated around the cell adhesive region to allow cells to selectively adhere to the cell adhesive region, thereby controlling the size of an aggregate of embryoid bodies. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing high strength rail of excellent weldability.
2. Description of Prior Art
Modern railroads have stringent requirements for rails, particularly in the areas of high speed transit as well as heavy load service. Problems in such areas include fractured running surfaces and abrasion at the sides of rail heads, thus creating a demand for high strength rails which are able to withstand severe service conditions.
Moreover, most rails in current production are of the long rail type, which rails are produced by welding standard size rails to each other. In these types of rails, it is desired to avoid fracture at the joint portions thereof as well as to decrease the labor cost for track maintenance. Therefore, good weldability and homogeneity in the quality of the rail at the weld are also required for said high strength rails.
However, techniques for production of high strength rails to date have not taken into account deterioration in quality of the rail caused by welding, that is, hardening, fragility or softening at the weld heat affected zone. Therefore, it is desirable to produce rails having improved weldability.
High strength rails to date are roughly classified into two categories, that is
(1) as-rolled alloy steel rails and (2) heat treated carbon steel rails. One example of low alloyed heat treated rail is disclosed in Davies et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,724. The rail steel disclosed in the above-mentioned patent is produced by adding to ordinary carbon steel for rails at least one hardening element such as Mn, Si, Cr, Ni and Mo in a total amount not more than 5%, at least one grain refining element such as Al, V, Nb, Ti and Zr and N in a stoichiometric proportion with respect to the amount of said grain refining ingredient already added. Subsequently, said steel is formed into a rail by rolling, is normalized by reheating at above the A.sub.3 transformation point and is air cooled in the next stage, or is subjected to finish rolling under controlled rolling conditions at a temperature ranging from 700.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. The resulting rail has a ferrite and pearlite structure shown in FIG. 2 containing fine ferrite grains which are finer than A.S.T.M. grain size No. 8.
The rail steel thus produced has a ferrite and pearlite structure as mentioned above. The tensile strength thereof is about 70 to 81 kg/mm.sup.2 as disclosed in the specification, and is far less than the tensile strength of 120 kg/mm.sup.2 or more which value is the objective of the present invention.
The aforesaid "normalizing" of steel involves a final heat treatment at the austenite temperature followed by cooling with air, where there is the possibility that when said rail steel is subjected to welding, the quality of the rail may be deteriorated in the weld heat affected zone as compared with the base material zone.
Moreover, conventional as-rolled alloy steel rails stronger than the foregoing rail steel of U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,724 can be obtained by other processes, e.g. adding alloy elements, such as Si, Mn, Cr, Mo, V and the like to an ordinary carbon steel rail, then hot rolling said steel into a rail followed by ambient cooling to induce pearlite transformation as shown in FIG. 3. Such steel rail has a tensile strength of 100 to 120 kg/mm.sup.2, therefore, the foregoing process must employ a rather large quantity of alloy elements because of the fact that a high tensile strength is obtained at a rather slow cooling rate in the course of air cooling to form an austenite structure steel after rolling.
When the aforementioned rails are welded to each other to form an elongated rail, the cooling rate of the weld joint portion and the weld heat affected zone is somewhat faster than the cooling rate after hot rolling. Thereby martensite is grown locally which causes considerable hardening and embrittlement as compared with the base material rail, and is accompanied by serious problems in actual use such as, for instance, failure and uneven abrasion of the rail at the weld portion and track deterioration.
Further, it has been proposed to perform slow cooling after the welding operation, or post heat treatment at the welded portion and the like in order to prevent or diminish the above-mentioned growth of martensite, however, said treatment significantly decreases the welding efficiency and thus is hardly practical.
Moreover, two other processes have been used in many cases for rail welding and these involve the flash-butt welding process and the gas pressure welding process, in which no fusion welding is performed, so that the alloy elements are apt to be oxidized on the weld line. Sufficient joint strength could not be obtained thereby, resulting in problems such as breakage during transportation etc.
Next will be considered heat treated or head hardened rails. A convention example of said rail is disclosed in Fernand J. Dewez, Jr., et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,124,492 entitled "METHOD FOR HEAT-TREATING RAILS". According to said patent, the head portion of the rail is heated at an austenite transformation temperature up to the maximum depth of 1.5" (38.1 mm), preferably to the depth between 1/4" and 1" (6.4 and 25.4 mm), and then the head portion of said rail thus heated is forcibly cooled by air blasting to effect pearlite transformation. Subsequently, the heat retained in the inner part of the rail is conducted to the surface thereof, thereby raising the surface temperature of the rail to 1250.degree. F. (677.degree. C.) for effecting self tempering, and in the next step, the rail is water cooled to ambient temperature. Thereby, the head portion of the rail is hardened on the surface layer thereof and exhibits tensile strength, with the aid of the foregoing tempering process, which is the so-called slack quenching-tempering, and the tensile strength thus obtained is more than about 120 kg/mm.sup.2.
Said process seeks to provide a pearlite structure in the heat treated region as shown in FIG. 4. When the rails produced by such slack quenching method are welded, they are subjected to cooling conditions which are remarkably different from their heat treatment. In particular, the cooling rate after welding is considerably slower than the cooling rate during the heat treatment; thereby it is impossible to avoid softening at the welded portion. Thus, the local deformation or abrasion of rails at the softened portion as well as the deterioration in the railroad bed originating from the above-mentioned defects are serious problems.
Further, Heller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,577 discloses a heat treatment to produce a pearlite structure by the following steps: heating to an austenite state, and commencing quenching from a temperature between 800.degree. to 850.degree. C. down to 100.degree. C. with boiling water. However, in this instance, notable deformation in rail, that is, bending of rail takes place, so that it is necessary to reform the configuration of rail after heat treatment.
Further, there is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Gazette No. Sho. 47(1972)-32, 168, column 2 lines 24 to 30, heat treatment of a rail for the purpose of increasing depth of the hardened layer at the head portion thereof in order to enhance the abrasion resistant property thereof. In such process, the head portion of said rail is heated to between 860.degree. and 1100.degree. C., then is cooled down slowly to 820.degree. to 850.degree. C. by ambient cooling, is subjected to a quenching treatment, subsequently is heated again up to the temperature of 400.degree. C. to 600.degree. C., and is subjected to tempering treatment. The thus treated portion of said rail can have a hardened layer, thereon with a thickness about twice as deep as that on conventionally heat treated rails. However, this process merely embodies a conventionally effected hardening and tempering treatment.
As a result of the foregoing conventional heat treatment, the microstructure thus obtained becomes tempered "sorbite," which is an obsolete term for tempered martensite, as disclosed in the METALS HANDBOOK (ASM), 8th Edition, vol. 1, "Properties and Selection of Metals", published in 1961 by AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR METALS, Chapter; DEFINITION RELATING TO METALS AND METALWORKING, Sorbite: page 35; Ar.sub.1 : page 39. Further, in said process, rail head portion is heated to 850.degree.-1100.degree. C. for coarsening the crystal grain of austenite structure, however, such procedure as set forth above is neither an attempt at controlling the growth of austenized grains nor at minimizing the pearlite block size. Therefore, when the rail thus quenched and tempered is subjected to welding, it inevitably causes deterioration in properties such as hardness of the above rail at the weld heat affected zone thereof.
As explained hereinbefore, existing high strength rails are certainly provided with base materials (that is, the non-welded portion) having high strength characteristics and excellent properties but are thoroughly lacking in the ability to prevent the welded portion of rails from deteriorating in strength as well as structure and the like. Therefore, the welded portions of high strength rails tend to exhibit problematic conditions such as hardening, embrittlement or softening with respect to the base material portion.
In sum, many serious welding problems have been encountered in the above-mentioned methods for producing high strength rails, i.e. in as-rolled alloy steel rails where alloy elements are employed on the basis of the cooling rates under ambient conditions after hot rolling and in heat treated carbon steel rails where the cooling rate in the heat treatment step is selected on the basis of the ingredients contained in the existing high carbon steels. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a polarizing element, a method for producing the polarizing element, a liquid crystal device, an electronic apparatus, and a projection display.
2. Related Art
A variety of electro-optical apparatuses use a liquid crystal device as a light modulation device. In widely known liquid crystal devices, a liquid crystal layer is provided between a pair of substrates opposing each other. Additionally, it is common for such a liquid crystal device to include a polarizing element inputting a predetermined polarized light to the liquid crystal layer and an alignment film controlling alignment of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied.
Among known polarizing elements, there are a thin-film polarizing element and a wire-grid polarizing element. The thin-film polarizing element is produced by extending a film made of resin containing iodine or a dichroic dye in a single direction to allow molecules of iodine or the dichroic dye to be aligned in the extension direction. The wire-grid polarizing element is formed by densely laying nano-scale metal thin wires on a substrate made of a transparent material.
The wire-grid polarizing element is made of an inorganic material. Thus, due to its excellent thermal resistance, the wire-grid polarizing element is suitably used particularly as a thermally-resistant constituent member, such as a polarizing element for a light valve of a liquid crystal projector. JP-A-2007-148344 discloses a technological example of the wire-grid polarizing element thus characterized.
Optical characteristics of the polarizing element are influenced by a refractive index of a material provided around the metal thin wires, so that a material with a refractive index of 1 seems to be desirable. In other words, it is desirable to place the metal thin wires in an air (or a vacuum). On the other hand, the metal thin wires are not self-supporting and, in general, are formed on a transparent substrate or the like. In this case, however, a refractive index of the transparent substrate seems to have an influence that reduces properties of the polarizing element, as compared to those in an ideal condition. | {
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High molecular weight linear thermoplastic polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) are well known film, molded article and fiber formers. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,465,319 and 3,047,539. Polyethylene terephthalate has not been widely exploited as a molding and extrusion resin due to its unacceptably slow rate of crystallization. The prior art has overcome, to some extent, this problem by providing careful molecular weight control in the production of polyethylene terephthalate; by including nucleating agents to hasten crystallization; or by using unconventional, long, two-step molding cycles.
For example, U.K. patent application Ser. No. 2,015,013, published Sept. 5, 1979, discloses the use of a sodium or potassium salt of a selected organic polymer containing pendant carboxyl groups together with a selected low molecular weight organic ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,791 discloses polyalkylene terephthalate molding compositions comprising an inert nucleating agent, an oligomeric polyester crystallization promoter and a segmented thermoplastic copolyester-ether elastomer. U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,615 discloses a thermoplastic molding composition comprise,d of a cross-linked polyester as a nucleating agent. U.S. Pat. No. 3,761,450 is directed to linear saturated polyester molding compositions containing lithium and/or sodium salts of polycarboxylic acids. U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,931 discloses polyethylene terephthalate molding compositions which contain a nucleating agent such as metal salts of carboxylic acids, metal salts of inorganic acids and highly polar organic compounds.
By way of contrast, poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resins crystallize very rapidly. These resins provide excellent molding compositions because they can be fabricated with moderate stock temperatures, low mold temperatures and rapid cycle times. Because of their highly crystalline nature, these resins exhibit desirable chemical resistance, thermal stability and product appearance (i.e., they exhibit a smooth, glossy finish). Such resins also exhibit superior strength, stiffness, low friction and wear properties and good resistance to brittle fracture. Because of their rapid crystallization times the poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resins do not normally require the presence of nucleating agents during the injection molding process. However, one disadvantage of the poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resins resides in their significantly higher cost of manufacture in comparison to polyethylene terephthalate.
It is therefore desirable from an economic point of view to substitute polyethylene terephthalate for polybutylene terephthalate. However, the crystallization rate of polyethylene terephthalate constitutes an impediment to such a substitution. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining the coordinates of a location in a two-dimensional system, such as a touch sensitive screen for producing output signals related to a touch position. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating signals representing a touch position in which non-linear corrections are applied.
Touchscreens are becoming the computer input device of choice for an increasing variety of applications. A touchscreen is a transparent input device that is able to sense the position of the touch of a finger or other electronically passive stylus relative to the touchscreen. Typically, touchscreens are placed over display devices such as cathode-ray-tube monitors and liquid crystal displays. Touchscreen input is often preferred for applications such as restaurant order entry systems, industrial process control applications, interactive museum exhibits, public information kiosks, lap-top computers, and other such applications.
Many schemes have been proposed for touchscreen construction, some of which have met with commercial acceptance. One important aspect of touchscreen performance is a close correspondence between actual and measured touch positions at all locations within an active touch area. There are many types of touchscreens available including five-wire resistive touchscreens, four-wire resistive touchscreens, capacitive touchscreens, ultrasonic touchscreens, and infrared touchscreens. All of these types of touchscreen have attempted to deliver high standards of performance at cost-competitive prices.
Five-wire resistive touchscreens, such as the AccuTouch® product line of touchscreens from Elo TouchSystems, Inc. of Fremont, Calif., have been widely accepted for many touchscreen applications. In five-wire resistive touchscreens, mechanical pressure from a finger or stylus causes a flexible sheet, such as a plastic coversheet, to flex and make physical contact with an underlying rigid substrate, such as a glass substrate. The rigid substrate is coated with a resistive coating upon which voltage gradients are generated. Through electrical connections to the four corners of the rigid substrate, associated electronics can sequentially generate voltage gradients in the X and Y directions. The underside of the flexible sheet has a conductive coating that provides an electrical connection at the touch location between the resistive coating and the conductive coating. It should be noted that in this type of touchscreen system there are a total of five electrical connections, i.e., “five wires”, between the touchscreen and the controller electronics. Further details regarding five-wire resistive touchscreens are found in the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,815 to Gibson; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,661,655 and 4,731,508 to Gibson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,957 to Talmadge et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,644 to Dunthorn; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,136 to Kent, the specifications of which are all herein incorporated by reference.
Four-wire resistive touchscreens dominate the low-end of the touchscreen market since the manufacturing costs for four-wire resistive touchscreens are generally less than the manufacturing costs for five-wire resistive touchscreens. However, in applications demanding reliable performance in the face of heavy use, the five-wire resistive technology has generally proven superior. To measure both X and Y coordinates, four-wire resistive touchscreens alternate between generating a voltage gradient on the substrate resistive coating and generating an orthogonal voltage gradient on the conductive coating of the flexible sheet. Performance of four-wire touchscreens degrades as the uniform resistivity of the conductive coating is lost as a result of mechanical flexing of the flexible sheet. This is not a problem for five-wire touchscreens, where both X and Y voltage gradients are generated on the rigid substrate's resistive coating, and the conductive coating on the flexible sheet need only provide electrical continuity. However, in a five-wire touchscreen, a peripheral electrode pattern of some complexity is required to enable sequential generation of both X and Y voltage gradients on the same resistive coating. A key design feature that distinguishes five-wire touchscreens from four-wire touchscreens is the presence of four corner connection points on the substrate of the five-wire touchscreen at which voltages are applied to a peripheral electrode pattern.
The controller electronics can obtain touch information from a five-wire resistive touchscreen through current injection, as well as voltage gradient generation as described above. In order to obtain touch information through current injection, a current source injects current though the flexible sheet and the current arriving at each of the four corner connection points is then measured. From the sums and ratios of these corner currents, touch positions are reconstructed. The choice between current injection and voltage generation is an electronics design choice and is largely independent of touchscreen design. Peripheral electrode pattern designs for touchscreen systems with voltage generation electronics are equally applicable to touchscreen systems using current injection.
In a capacitive touchscreen, the flexible sheet is replaced by a thin transparent dielectric coating that then forms an exterior layer over the ITO or ATO coated substrate. In one approach to electronic readout, an oscillating voltage is applied to the four corner connection points. A finger touch provides an AC shunt to ground and hence serves as an AC current source at the location of the touch. The division of this AC current between the four corner connection points is measured and used to determine the touch coordinates. An AC variant of current-injection electronics is used. Capacitive touchscreens often require peripheral electrode patterns that serve the same basic function as in five-wire resistive touchscreens. For example, 3M Touch Systems, Inc. offers both capacitive touchscreens (ClearTek™) and five-wire resistive touchscreens (TouchTek™) with peripheral electrode patterns similar to those illustrated in FIG. 1b of U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,746 to Pepper, the specification of which is herein incorporated by reference. It is widely known that peripheral electrode patterns can be used in both five-wire resistive and capacitive systems.
It is sometimes advantageous to have both a drive line and a sense line connection between the electronics and each of the four corner connection points. With appropriate feedback loops in the electronics, the combination of drive and sense lines gives the controller electronics better control over the voltages applied to the corner connection points. This leads to a variant of “five-wire” touchscreens that includes nine wire connections between the electronics and the touchscreen, otherwise known as a nine-wire touchscreen. The design of the peripheral electrode pattern is largely unaffected by the choice between five-wire and nine-wire connection schemes. Both involve four corner connection points on the substrate at which voltages are applied to a peripheral electrode pattern.
The use of separate drive and sense lines also leads to a variant of 4-wire touchscreens, namely the “8-wire” resistive touchscreen such as those sold by Gunze USA of Austin, Tex. and 3M Touch Systems, Inc. For example, if zero and 5 volts are applied to a pair of drive lines that excite a voltage gradient on a resistive coating, voltage drops on the drive lines may lead to a reduced total voltage drop across the resistive coating, say from 0.2 to 4.8 volts. Furthermore, if the drive line voltage drops vary with aging or environmental conditions, the relationship between touch position and measured voltages will also vary. However, by monitoring voltages on sense lines, such variations can be tracked and accounted for with linear corrections to the raw measured touch coordinates.
Rather than manufacturing touchscreens to exacting standards, corrections may be applied to touchscreen data in order to compensate for manufacturing variations and non-ideal material properties. Two types of corrections can be used: linear and non-linear. Resistive and capacitive touchscreens, in which X and Y voltage gradients are alternately applied to a common resistive coating, are often designed to be “linear.” That is, during the measurement of a voltage in the horizontal or X direction, equipotential lines on the resistive coating are substantially straight, vertical, and uniformly spaced. During the measurement of a voltage gradient in the vertical or Y direction, the equipotential lines are also substantially straight and uniformly spaced, but are horizontal. If the equipotential lines are not straight and uniformly spaced in either the X direction or the Y direction, then the touchscreen is deemed to be non-linear. The design and manufacture of linear touchscreens involves satisfying these linearity conditions to a good approximation despite manufacturing variations. While linear touchscreens minimize the computational burden on the controller electronics, significant constraints are placed on the design and manufacture of linear touchscreens.
It is possible to have a non-linear touchscreen, and yet have a linear touchscreen system. In this case, the controller electronics or driver software on a host computer must apply non-linear corrections to the raw touchscreen measurements. As the cost of electronics and information processing software continues to drop, it becomes attractive to move the burden of linear system-level performance more towards the electronics and software.
A key issue of non-linear touchscreen systems is the determination of non-linear parameters. One can calibrate a non-linear touchscreen by mechanically touching an appropriate grid of points at known positions. However, this is a significant addition to the touchscreen manufacturing process or the touchscreen system installation process which inevitably adds cost. Alternatively, one can use a fixed set of non-linear correction parameters and ensure that each touchscreen is manufactured with the same non-linear distortions. However, this leads to similar tolerance requirements as in the manufacturing process for linear touchscreens and therefore inevitably adds cost. Thus, there is a need for an improved method for determining non-linear correction parameters for touchscreen systems.
Non-linear corrections are generally fixed constants in prior systems. As a consequence, non-linear distortions that vary with time or with changes in environmental conditions are problematic and limit the choice of materials and manufacturing processes for touchscreens. Thus, there is also a need for a convenient and automatic means to update the non-linear parameters and to track changes in non-linear distortions that occur with time and with changes in environmental conditions. | {
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This invention relates to magnetic transducing heads and in particular to a method of manufacturing magnetic cores for magnetic transducing heads.
The cores of magnetic transducing heads are often formed of ferrite magnetic elements which are bonded together by a non-magnetic material, such as glass, in such a manner that there is a non-magnetic gap between the ferrite elements. The gap is usually filled by the non-magnetic bonding material in order to reinforce the edges of the ferrite members and to prevent the ingress of foreign matter into the gap. In use of the magnetic head, the gap co-operates with a magnetic record medium for recording data onto the medium and/or for reading data recorded on the medium.
In the manufacture of such cores, two magnetic members, both of which may be of channel section or one of channel section and the other of rectangular section, are lapped to provide planar polished gap defining surfaces. Spacers are deposited on the gap defining surface or surfaces of one of the members and the members are assembled with their respective gap defining surfaces in confronting relationship and spaced apart by the spacers. Pressure is applied to the members to maintain them in this position so that the gap between the gap defining surfaces is determined by the spacers. Glass in the form of powder is applied as a slurry adjacent the gap and the assembly is heated to a temperature sufficiently high to cause the glass to flow and to enter and fill the gap between the gap defining surfaces. When the assembly has cooled, the glass bonds the magnetic members together. Generally the magnetic members are larger than the thickness of the required cores and therefore the assembly is cut into a number of slices to provide a plurality of cores, those slices containing the spacers being discarded.
The operating characteristics and performance of a magnetic transducing head depends upon the dimensions of the non-magnetic gap in the magnetic core and particularly upon the length of the gap. In the case of magnetic heads intended for operation with very high frequency signals the length of the gap may be of the order of 0.00005 inches and hence very small variations in the length of the gap can represent a large percentage change and hence result in a change in the characteristics of the head incorporating the core such that the head characteristics are outside the acceptable tolerance limits.
Generally the spacers for setting the length of the non-magnetic gap have been formed of metal such as copper or gold deposited at each end of the gap defining faces of one of the magnetic members. This has been satisfactory when using a relatively soft glass for bonding and filling the gap between the members because such glass flows at a relatively low temperature. However it is desirable to use a glass, for filling the gap, which has a resistance to wear which is more nearly comparable with the resistance to wear of the ferrite of which the magnetic members are formed. Therefore it is required to use a harder glass and such glasses require a much higher temperature to cause their viscosity to be reduced to a value at which the glass will flow into and fill the gap without the formation of voids in the glass filling. It has been found that at the higher temperatures necessitated by the glass, the conventional spacers tend to deform with the result that the length of the gap cannot be determined with sufficient accuracy by the spacers of metal. | {
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Conventionally, an inverter device for detecting current by current detecting device provided for a DC part in an inverter is known. In the case of detecting currents of respective phases by current detecting device provided for the DC part in the inverter, current has to be detected in an active voltage vector interval. Consequently, current detection cannot be performed at the peak of a PWM reference signal as a carrier signal, and a ripple component is included in a current detection value. To address the problem, for example, in Patent Literature 1, timings which are symmetrical with respect to the carrier peak are obtained, an average value is used as a phase current detection value at the carrier peak, and the average value is used as a current value at the carrier peak.
In Patent Literature 1, current has to be detected at timings which are symmetrical with respect to the carrier peak. Since sampling intervals vary according to the magnitude of voltage, the sampling intervals cannot be made constant. In addition, since the current detection is performed four times per PWM cycle, the frequency of the current detection is high. In the case where a zero-voltage vector period is long such as the case where application voltage is small or large, the current detection cannot be performed properly. Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-88260 | {
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Computer technology has become ubiquitous in our society. Computers are increasingly used in the workplace, in the home and at schools. Many applications for computer technology exist which increase productivity by performing, with minimal intervention or direction, a number of repetitious mechanical tasks that are a necessary part of the more complex tasks which are performed every day in our society.
To effectively interact with a computer application using either keyboard or a graphical user interface (GUI), a user must have a good working knowledge of the natural language used in the interface of the applications. Persons who cannot read a language, either because they do not yet possess the necessary basic skills due to their age or development, or because they are not familiar with the natural language in its graphical form, are at a disadvantage using this type of a user interface.
Graphical user interfaces for some types of programs, both in commercial and educational applications, have attempted to fill this gap by providing selection based on the first letter of a word or by using a letter-based menu selection system to advance through a set of words. In response to a selected letter, these systems may display a group of words having the same first letter. An example of the former is the Index function in the Help menu of the Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet program.
While this type of interface does make these applications somewhat more accessible to individuals who are unfamiliar with the orthography of a language, it is not sufficient to allow one with some language skills but little or no orthographic knowledge to effectively use the application. | {
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This invention relates generally to a method and system for facilitating the identification, assessment, management and/or protection of proprietary information. In particular, the present invention relates to computerized systems and methods for receiving data relating of proprietary information and generating suggested actions for protecting the information. In addition the present invention provides methods and systems to facilitate generation of documents relating to the identification, management and/or protection of proprietary information.
Individuals and organizations, including commercial and non-commercial organizations, such as: a corporate entity; limited liability company (LLC), partnership, proprietorship, law firm, accounting firm, auditing firm and other entities, typically have few resources available to them to assist in the identification, management and/or protection of proprietary information or other intellectual property assets. The consequences of mismanagement of such information can be multifaceted and far-reaching, affecting many aspects of a business. Generally, personnel involved with such information do not have available a mechanism to provide real time assistance to assess how information should be treated in order to properly protect such information. In the event of problems, it is often difficult to quantify to an adverse party, a court of law, a legal authority or other interested party, the diligence exercised by the organization to properly identify and protect valuable proprietary information.
What is needed are methods and systems to facilitate analysis of circumstances, persons, organizations and information involved in day to day events, as well as exceptional events, and generate suggested actions directed to the identification, management and/or protection of proprietary information and intellectual property. | {
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The present invention relates to an adsorbent having an excellent adsorptivity and a high heat conductivity, and more particularly to an adsorbent comprising a sheet containing adsorbing agent and a heat conductive sheet.
Adsorbents composed of adsorbing sheets utilizing adsorbing agents are known. Conventional adsorbents cannot efficiently perform a heat removal in adsorption operation and a heat supply in desorption operation. Therefore, difficulties are encountered in conducting an adsorption treatment, particularly when substances to be adsorbed are present in high concentrations, or in conducting a desorption operation for desorbing the adsorbed substances from the adsorbents, particularly when a desorbing gas is supplied at a low linear velocity. That is to say, break through is easy to occur in adsorption treatment, because the temperature of an adsorbing agent included in the adsorbent rises due to the heat of adsorption, so the adsorptivity is lowered. On the other hand, in case of desorption operation, the temperature of the adsorbing agent remarkably drops due to heat removal by desorption, so the desorption characteristics are lowered.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adsorbent having a high adsorptivity and a high heat conductivity.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a sheet-like adsorbent having a high adsorptivity and a high heat conductivity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an adsorbent assembly comprising a plurality of sheet-like adsorbents, from which the heat of adsorption can be efficiently removed and to which a heat can be efficiently supplied so as to be able to efficiently conduct a desorption operation.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description hereinafter. | {
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Application of broad-spectrum pesticides is the primary method used for controlling fungal and insect pests. Such application has resulted in significant environmental pollution and ecological disruption. Pesticide residues are found in food and groundwater and often eliminate beneficial organisms resulting in emergence of secondary pests. Furthermore, as the target pests become less susceptible to the pesticide, there can be a resurgence of the original pest, requiring application of excessive quantities of pesticides for control.
A number of strategies for biological or biorational control of fungal and insect pests have been envisioned. Among the more attractive strategies are those that target an attribute that is pest specific. One target that has been selected is the structural polymer chitin, which is present in insects and some fungi that attack plants, but is absent in higher plants and vertebrates. U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,081 follows this approach and is directed to novel chitinase-producing bacteria strains for use for inhibiting chitinase-sensitive plant pathogens (fungi and nematodes). The approach of U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,081 lacks flexibility. | {
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1. Technical Field of the Invention
The principles of the present invention generally relate to a system and method for performing out-of-home advertising, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, for providing the system and method to subscribers (e.g., retailers and out-of-home advertisement agencies) to operate as private broadcasters to provide advertising or content delivery services for advertisers and subscribers in a targeted manner.
2. Description of Related Art
Traditional out-of-home advertising, including point-of-purchase and promotional retail advertising, has been generally formed of static and expensive signs and promotional materials that typically utilize photographs, graphics, and text for advertising products. Advertising space located in retail outlets is generally rented, leased, or otherwise disposed of by a manufacturer for a certain period of time, such as a month. While the cost of renting the advertising space may be expensive, the cost to produce the content that is placed in the advertising space may be as or more expensive (e.g., $800 per sign) due to production and printing costs. Further, advertisers (e.g., product manufacturers) typically have as much as 70 percent or more of the signs, promotional materials, and display fixtures not used or displayed by the retailer. The cost to produce these items or materials also may carry additional costs if techniques, such as backlighting, are used.
In an effort to reduce production and printing costs and increase revenue from the out-of-home advertising locations, dynamic signage has developed. Dynamic signage includes many techniques for allowing advertisements to be non-static, including rotating mechanical devices having multiple printed advertisements mounted thereto and utilizing electronic displays. In the case of using electronic displays, one technique has included playing video tapes, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), etc., of advertisements and/or content on an electronic display that is proximately located in relation to a product. Content is any and all information of any form, including, without limitation, images (still motion, and/or animated) and audio. Advertising is content related to products and/or services. Additionally, computers have been connected directly to monitors to display digitally stored advertisement data. More recently, larger, flat-panel electronic displays have allowed retailers to display advertisements with increased space savings and with better visual appeal.
However, conventional dynamic signage systems utilizing visual displays for advertising have several drawbacks. First, distributing and maintaining the content (e.g., advertising information on a large scale is difficult. Even in the case of having a single display, installing, updating, and servicing the advertisement data on the associated computer is time consuming and expensive from an equipment and manpower perspective. In the case of utilizing a computer server and local computer network to maintain and distribute the data from the computer server at a central location, distribution costs may be reduced, but higher equipment costs and maintenance fees are needed due to the more sophisticated hardware and software being utilized. These costs are generally beyond what retailers and out-of-home media entities, for example, are willing or able to afford as they are reluctant to purchase the equipment and hire staff to support the technology.
A second drawback includes the capitalization of the computer and electronic display equipment being significant. While the cost of this equipment has been reduced over the past few years, especially for computer equipment and flat panel displays, retailers have not fully embraced the technology due the capitalization costs—particularly from a balance sheet standpoint. In other words, retailers and other business establishments are cautious in purchasing and owning computing and electronic display equipment that will become outdated and negatively affect the balance sheet.
A third drawback is that large content datafiles for advertising or other purposes requires a high bandwidth communication network to communicate the datafiles. Because of the high bandwidth requirement, use of terrestrial broadband for communication of large datafiles to many distribution points presently is not a viable option due to communication fees and bandwidth limitations. Additionally, geographic coverage of the Internet is not sufficient in many rural areas that potential customers or users require. Other forms of terrestrial communication having insufficient bandwidth, such as cellular networks, cable, digital subscriber lines (DSL), and broadcasts are similarly problematic in terms of coverage areas and associated costs across the country and around the world. These communication limitations are magnified when distribution of the content is performed on a large scale basis.
A fourth drawback is that the electronic displays traditionally used by out-of-home establishments have been large (e.g., 36×48 inches) such that the electronic displays generally have been utilized to perform “brand messaging” or “bill boarding” for advertisers and retailers. One reason for the limited usage of the large electronic displays is due to the inability to place the large electronic displays at or near point-of-purchase displays. The placements include mounting the electronic displays to the walls and ceilings or on a pedestal that is free-standing on the floor. Such placements, again, provide for brand messaging, which may help to increase sales volume, but “impulse” purchasing, as understood in the art, may not be fully captured due to the electronic displays only being in the general vicinity of the products being advertised and not close enough to inspire consumers to readily purchase the product being advertised.
Further, the large electronic displays have typically been fixed or mounted to walls or other relatively immovable structures such that it is difficult for the retail establishment to easily relocate the electronic displays. And, because electronic displays are not easily moveable, advertisers are limited in being able to utilize the advertising technology as their products are unable to be relocated in proximity of one of the electronic displays. Also, because the electronic displays are limited in number and placed “where convenient”, specifying the location of the electronic display in relation to a store layout is generally not performed or performed at a very broad level (e.g., checkout counter), thereby being difficult or impossible for retailers to easily manage and sell to advertisers for advertising usage.
A fifth drawback includes the long-time common practice for advertisers to request “tearsheets” as understood in the art of advertisements printed in periodicals or other printed material. However, in the case of using electronic displays, advertisers are unable to receive true verification as to whether the content was actually displayed as requested both in terms of time and quality (e.g., color and intensity). While it may be possible to verify that the content was communicated to an electronic display, simply knowing that the content was communicated does not indicate truly whether the electronic display was properly operating (e.g., proper operation of the picture tube, proper color, proper brightness, existence of power, sound quality, etc.). Because of the lack of a “tearsheet” verification, advertisers are reluctant to engage in the use of electronic display technology for advertising at remote locations.
To address the bandwidth requirements for the large amounts of digital media content for advertisements and the insufficient geographic coverage presently existing with terrestrial networks, satellite networking has been utilized. The satellite network offers sufficient global reach necessary for the advertising industry, which is truly international in scope. One such satellite network is provided by Hughes Network Systems. Other satellite networks are available from Loral Space and Communications and Gilat Satellite Networks, to name a few. However, while communication technology has become available to solve the communication problems, the other drawbacks and issues (e.g., management, cost, verification, etc.) remain open issues that restrict technology usage and industry growth. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the automatic focus adjustment of a lens unit and an imaging apparatus that is mountable to the lens unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, AF (auto focus) devices for cameras that determine an AF evaluation value by detecting the sharpness of an image from an imaging signal and shift a focus lens to a position where the AF evaluation value is the highest to thereby perform focus adjustment have been prevailing. Hereinafter, the above method is referred to as the “TVAF method”. As an AF evaluation value, the high frequency component level of an image signal extracted by a band pass filter with a predetermined band is typically used. When an object is captured, an AF evaluation value increases as the focus lens is being focused and is maximized at an in-focus point as shown in FIG. 2A. In other words, in the example, the degree of focusing decreases with distance from the in-focus position. FIG. 2B shows an operation (hereinafter referred to as “wobbling operation”) for determining a focusing direction based on the change in the AF evaluation value obtained when the focus lens is driven at micro intervals. In the wobbling operation, the influence of the movement of the lens on a capturing screen is not noticeable, and thus, the wobbling operation is used particularly for capturing moving images. On the other hand, the drive amount of the focus lens and the image plane shift amount are not always the same as shown in FIG. 2C, the ratio (sensitivity) between both amounts is different for each lens unit and may vary depending on the positions of the focus lens and the zoom lens.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-242442 discloses an automatic focus adjustment device for adapting the AF method of this type to a video camera having an interchangeable lens unit. The wobbling operation is enabled by an interchangeable lens system by passing a wobbling operation signal to the lens unit and thus causing the lens unit to perform wobbling operation control.
However, in the case of controlling the focus lens by use of a conventional interchangeable lens system, it is difficult for a camera body to change the movement of the focus lens when the improvement in wobbling operation is desired in the future. Also, it is an undesirable necessity that different drive commands be prepared when it is desired that a camera realize the drive control of the focus lens for each lens unit, resulting in a complication of control. As described above, the image plane shift amount relative to the drive amount of the focus lens is different for each lens unit and may also vary depending on a focus lens position and a zoom lens position. For this reason, even if the control unit provided in the camera body of the interchangeable lens system can provide an instruction about a desired image plane shift amount to the lens unit, the control unit is unaware of the actual drive amount of the focus lens relative to the image plane shift amount. In other words, it is difficult for the control unit of the camera body to acquire detailed information about lens configuration, lens specification, and the like in order to provide an instruction about a specific drive amount of the focus lens to the lens unit. | {
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(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for producing a field effect type semiconductor device, more particularly to a method for producing a Schottky barrier type field effect transistor (FET) using a semiconductor layer of gallium arsenide (GaAs) as an active layer.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Schottky barrier type FET's using a semiconductor layer consisting of GaAs as an active layer (GaAs FET's) have been coming into increasing use due to their high frequency, high power, and high efficiency. Such high-performance GaAs FET's may, for example, be formed by a recess structure, in which the part of the GaAs active layer where a gate electrode is arranged is thinned, and an offset structure, in which a source electrode is arranged close to a gate electrode.
The advantage of this recess and offset structure is that the series resistance between the source electrode and the gate electrode can be decreased, the transconductance improved, and high frequency and high power obtained. Further, by keeping the length of the side of the drain electrode long, the Schottky withstand voltage between the gate electrode and the drain electrode can be increased, so that the gate current is decreased during the operation thereof, with the result that electromigration is also prevented.
In the recess structure, one shortens the recess width and forms the gate electrode on the center portion thereof in order to improve the above characteristics. If a gate electrode is formed in the recess structure, however, the closer the widths of the recess and gate electrode, the greater the difficulty of extending the depletion layer, whereby a high electric field is formed and the Schottky withstand voltage between the gate electrode and drain electrode is reduced. Further, when the Schottky withstand voltage is reduced, the operating gate current of the FET is increased, whereby electromigration of the gate electrode occurs and the life of the FET is remarkably shortened.
As a method for improving the Schottky withstand voltage, there has been provided a method for lowering carrier concentration in an active layer. However, when the carrier concentration in the active layer is lowered the transconductance is decreased and an FET having high performance characteristics cannot be obtained. | {
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The present invention relates to an economical and light-weight buckle for locking straps used for fastening goods.
Conventionally, goods are bound with a rope made out of jute or the like. A first end of the rope is attached to a hook on a right (or a left) side of a truck or the like. The rope is then wound around the goods and wrapped around a hook on a left (or a right) side of the truck. The rope is finally tied into a knot on a proper hook of the truck. The goods are thus fastened. The trouble with using a rope is that it is a waste of time to wind the rope around and around the goods; it is not always easy to tie a firm knot to secure the goods; and the roughness of the rope can easily damage the goods.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,833 discloses a buckle assembly with strap tightening mechanism wherein a padlock is needed to fix a handle member and a main frame in a firm position. Disadvantageously, the cost thereof is high and the weight thereof is substantial that serious damage may occur.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,360 discloses a ratchet buckle for tightening and tensioning strap wherein ratchet wheels and two spring-biased latching plates are employed to tighten the strap. It is very difficult to disengage the two latching plates from the ratchet wheels simultaneously, thus, it is very difficult to loosen the strap. | {
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FIG. 1A depicts an existing line-scanning thermal imaging system for thermoforming applications. In FIG. 1A, an infrared line-scanner 10 forms images of a plastic sheet 12 being registered out of a thermoforming machine (not shown). An output signal from the infrared line-scanner 10 is coupled to a first input of a computer 14 via a signal conversion device. Software, executed by the computer 14, generates thermal images of the plastic sheet which can be displayed on a computer monitor screen and also generates output signals, to be described more fully below, which can be supplied in either analog or digital form.
FIG. 1B is a more detailed view of the infrared line-scanner 10. In FIG. 1B, a conveyor mechanism 20 moves plastic sheets 12 output from the thermoforming machine under the field of view of the infrared line-scanner 10. The infrared line-scanner measures a line of 256 points using a rotating mirror that scans a 90° field-of-view up to 48 times per second. Thus, the IR image is formed by rasters of 256 measurement points where each raster line represents a temperature profile for a given raster scan. A two-dimensional temperature distribution or thermal image is formed line by line when the sheet passes across the line-scanner's field of view. The scanning of a sheet can be initiated by the measured temperature, or by an external “trigger” signal. As the heated sheet traverses the field-of-view, a two-dimensional thermal image or “thermogram” is formed. Thermal images are displayed each time the scanned sheet indexes out of the heating section or oven of the thermoforming machine.
An example of an image formed by the data output by the infrared image forming system depicted in FIGS. 1A and B is depicted in FIG. 2. Each scan of the infrared line-scanner forms a raster of image points which are displayed contiguously to form the thermal image depicted in FIG. 2.
Measuring the temperature distribution of a sheet as it exits a thermoforming oven allows thermoformers to adjust the oven heating zone temperatures to achieve the desired degree of sheet temperature uniformity. Data from an infrared line-scanner provides a 2-dimensional thermal image of each sheet exiting the oven.
Thermoforming machines include an oven having heating elements for heating the plastic sheet. In this example, thermoforming software, manufactured by the assignee of the present application, subdivides the measured thermal image (or “snapshot”) into a grid of rectangular zones corresponding to the oven's heating zones to allow manual or closed-loop control of each heating element or “zone”. This software allows configuration of only rectangular zones because thermoforming ovens also have rectangular heating zones (or clusters of heating elements grouped in rectangular arrays). The software calculates the average temperature of each zone, which is displayed in the corner of each rectangle in the grid. Zones can be tailored to each application depending on heater size and location. Temperatures for each zone are displayed as average, maximum, or minimum values. The serial or available analog outputs, described above, can be configured to provide outputs proportional to each zone's temperature.
FIG. 3 depicts a zone configuration screen 30 displayed by the software to allow creation of the zone grid. A drawing window is provided that is superimposed over the thermal image to allow a user to employ a mouse, or other input device, to create rectangular zones corresponding to, for example, the location of heater elements with respect to a plastic sheet when it is being heated in a thermoforming device.
It is known that an accurate registration of the scanned image to the actual locations of the heating device can only be accomplished if the velocity of the plastic sheet (and hence the conveyer mechanism) is constant. As described above, the infrared line-scanner 10 is static and it is the movement of the sheet that allows the scanned rasters to form a two-dimensional thermal image. However, if, for example, there were acceleration along the axis of motion of the conveyer mechanism, a particular zone would appear reduced in length and would no longer conform accurately to the location of the heating elements.
The distortion of thermal images from an infrared line-scanner on rotary thermoforming machines is well known, but understanding the nature and causes of the distortion have not been previously described. It is not possible to “linearize” or “flatten-out” distorted thermal images, because to do so requires transferring or interpolating “pixels” (one of the 256 measured raster-scanned points) from one area of the thermal image to another and would not result in reconstructing an accurate undistorted thermal image.
In an in-line thermoforming machine, when a plastic sheet indexes out of the oven after being heated, the sheet is transported at variable speed (i.e., the sheet accelerates and decelerates) as it passes through the infrared line-scanner's field-of-view. This non-uniform movement causes the apparent shape of the resulting thermal image to distort thereby preventing the use of the actual size/shape/location of the heating zones to subdivide the thermal image into the corresponding oven heating zone segments.
Thus, with non-linear sheet movement, it is not obvious how to subdivide the resulting thermal image into zones of the correct size/shape. “In-line” or “continuous” thermoforming machines transport the sheet in a straight-line, but at varying speed. Accordingly, zones distort only in the direction of sheet movement (the “machine direction”), but not at right angles to sheet movement (the “cross-machine direction”) assuming the line-scanner raster scans exactly in the “cross-machine” direction. For example, sheet acceleration reduces the apparent sheet length on the resulting thermal image (and hence zone length) in the direction of travel (relative to that of a sheet traveling at constant speed), but does not affect the apparent width of the sheet. Likewise, if a sheet decelerates while passing through the line-scanner's field-of-view, the apparent length of the thermal image appears enlarged.
Besides distortion resulting from non-uniform sheet movement, additional distortion results on rotary thermoforming machines because the sheet traverses a curved path resulting in zones of non-rectangular shape and irregular dimension.
In principle, it might be possible to dynamically adjust or correct, in real-time, the resulting thermal image for instantaneous sheet speed changes, but to do so also requires knowledge of the line-scanner/sheet geometry, the location of the line-scanner's scanned line on the sheet and the lateral position and dimensions of the sheet. While theoretically possible, implementing such a method would be complex and costly. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is of great importance in the diagnoses and maintenance of certain physical conditions. For example, lactate, cholesterol and bilirubin should be monitored in certain individuals. In particular, it is important that individuals with diabetes frequently check the glucose level in their body fluids to regulate the glucose intake in their diets. The results of such tests can be used to determine what, if any, insulin or other medication needs to be administered. In one type of blood-glucose testing system, test sensors are used to test a sample of blood.
A test sensor contains biosensing or reagent material that reacts with, for example, blood glucose. The testing end of the sensor is adapted to be placed into the fluid being tested, for example, blood that has accumulated on a person's finger after the finger has been pricked. The fluid may be drawn into a capillary channel that extends in the sensor from the testing end to the reagent material by capillary action so that a sufficient amount of fluid to be tested is drawn into the sensor. The tests are typically performed using optical or electrochemical testing methods.
Diagnostic systems, such as blood-glucose testing systems, typically calculate the actual glucose value based on a measured output and the known reactivity of the reagent-sensing element (e.g., test sensor) used to perform the test. The reactivity or lot-calibration information of the test sensor may be provided on a calibration circuit that is associated with the sensor package or the test sensor. This calibration circuit is typically physically inserted by the end user. In other cases, the calibration is automatically done using an auto-calibration circuit via a label on the sensor package or the test sensor. In this case, calibration is transparent to the end user and does not require that the end user insert a calibration circuit into the meter. This assists in reducing calibration error by the user. Manufacturing millions of sensor packages, each having a calibration circuit or label to assist in calibrating the sensor package, can be expensive.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a test sensor that provides calibration information thereon that may be manufactured in an efficient manner and that is easily used by the user. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a resin composition for heat-shrinkable polypropylene-based shrink label (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as heat-shrinkable propylene shrink label), a film for heat-shrinkable polypropylene-based shrink label, a laminated film for heat-shrinkable polypropylene-based shrink label, and a container having the film or laminated film attached thereto, and more particularly to a resin composition for heat-shrinkable polypropylene-based shrink label having an improved heat-shrinkability, particularly at low temperatures, a film or laminated film using the resin composition, and a container having the film or laminated film attached thereto.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, shrink labels have been widely used for the purpose of sheathing wrapped articles to improve their external appearance, wrapping articles to avoid direct impact of their contents, tightly wrapping articles, label-wrapping glass bottle or plastic bottle to protect the material and display.
Known examples of plastic materials to be used for these purposes include polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene. A polyvinyl chloride label exhibits an excellent heat-shrinkability but is disadvantageous in that when combusted, it produces chlorine gas, which pollutes environment. A polystyrene or polyethylene terephthalate label exhibits a good heat-shrinkability but is disadvantageous in that it differs little in specific gravity from polyethylene terephthalate bottle (hereinafter referred to as “PET bottle”) and thus can hardly be separated from PET bottle by suspension, preventing the recycling of PET bottle. Further, such a plastic label is made of a resin having a poor heat resistance to have a sufficient heat-shrinkability. Thus, when retorted, the plastic label is subject to resin melting that causes the printing ink to flow out.
A polypropylene differs greatly in specific gravity from PET bottle and thus can be easily separated from PET bottle by suspension and exhibits an excellent heat resistance but leaves something to be desired in heat-shrinkability. As approaches for improving low temperature shrinkability there are known a method involving the addition of propylene-butene-1 copolymer to the polypropylene and a method involving the addition of a petroleum resin or terpene resin to the polypropylene (JP-A-62-62846 (The term “JP-A” as used herein means an “unexamined published Japanese patent application”)). However, these methods leave something to be desired in their effect. Thus, it has been desired to further improve the shrinkability of polypropylene-based resin as a base.
Further, the foregoing resin composition having a petroleum resin incorporated therein is disadvantageous in that an unstretched sheet which has been extruded during the formation of a film, particularly during the extrusion of unstretched sheet, can be easily stuck to the cooling roll, deteriorating the formability of the sheet. If a polypropylene-based resin free of petroleum resin is laminated on the unstretched sheet as a surface layer to improve the formability thereof, it is disadvantageous in that the heat-shrinkability is deteriorated because the interlayer has an insufficient heat-shrinkability. In order to solve the foregoing problem, it has been desired to provide an interlayer which exhibits an excellent heat-shrinkability.
No films for polypropylene-based shrink label having a satisfactory balance of the foregoing low temperature shrinkability, transparency, blocking resistance and slipperiness have ever been found. Further, as its heat-shrinkability increases, the conventional polypropylene-based shrink labels exhibit a raised specific gravity that deteriorates the efficiency in suspension separation from PET bottle by water. Thus, it has been keenly desired to provide a film for polypropylene-based shrink label having a low specific gravity and an improved heat-shrinkability. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to prosthetic devices, and in particular to a prosthetic device that may sense points of high pressure contact with a patient's residual limb and locally reduce those pressures on a dynamic basis.
Lower limb amputees may be fitted with a prosthetic leg that attaches to their residual limb by means of a socket surrounding the residual limb. In such cases, it is important that the socket fit closely to the residual limb so that the amputee has a sense that the prosthetic limb is secure and stable and the forces of walking are distributed evenly over the entire residual limb. It is also important that the fit not be so tight as to restrict blood flow or to be uncomfortable.
Unfortunately the volume of the residual limb changes significantly over time and even within the course of a day making a good fit between the residual limb and socket difficult to maintain. This change in the volume of the residual limb can be managed to some extent by the use of one or more socks which may be placed over the residual limb or removed from the residual limb at different times to adjust the fit of the socket.
Volume changes in the residual limb may also be accommodated by means of a socket incorporating one or more bladders that may be inflated manually by the patient, or automatically, to provide a desired pressure between the socket and the residual limb. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,774 describes a socket in a “pumping bladder” between the socket and the residual limb that makes use of forces developed during walking to pump additional fluids into other bladders within the socket to maintain a desired predetermined pressure between the socket and the residual limb. In this way, a good fit between the socket and the residual limb may be obtained despite variations in the volume of the residual limb.
A difficult problem for patients, even with padded sockets that properly conform to the surface of the residual limb, is the persistence of localized points of high pressure in the contact between the residual limb. Such persistent high pressure points can result from difficult to correct socket interface pressure that occurs during human activities such as running, jumping, leaning and lifting which cause large variations in the loading on the residual limb, and the need to maintain a relatively stiff interface between the residual limb and the socket to prevent undue “bouncing” movement of the prosthetic leg during use. Such persistent high pressure points may cause discomfort to the patient which can deter the use of the prosthetic leg and, in extreme cases, can cause tissue damage. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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This invention relates to a paper towel holder support and more particularly to a paper towel holder support for mounting a pair of paper towel rolls under the ledge of a conventional kitchen cabinet for selective disposition of the rolls to the front for dispensing thereof.
Wide use is made of single roll paper towel holders mounted under the shelf of conventional kitchen cabinets, and although multiple roll tissue and paper towel dispensers are known in the prior art for various applications (see for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,650,487; 3,677,485 and 3,754,719) such multiple roll dispensers and holders are not practicable for use under conventional kitchen cabinets. In the known dispensers the rolls are mounted in vertically superposed disposition with their axes spaced one above another. If such an arrangement were utilized in a home kitchen where the rolls are mounted on the cabinet above a sink or counter, the rolls would interfere with the servicability of the sink or counter and there would be an inefficient utilization of the available space. Moreover, it would also present an unappealing kitchen arrangement. Furthermore, although such rolls are of a diameter such that two rolls may be mounted with their axes in spaced vertical planes one behind the other below the cabinet, the length of the conventionally used rolls together with the holders is longer than the depth of the cabinet from the wall such that a simple turntable type construction would not function. Thus, although there is a need for having a reserve roll of paper towels conveniently available above a kitchen sink, no such proposal appears in the art. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Agricultural combine harvesters are machines designed for harvesting and processing crops such as wheat or corn. Crops are cut from the field on a wide area by the header mounted at the front of the combine. By an auger or a belt system mounted in the header, the harvested material is brought to a central area of the header, and from there it is transported by the feeder to a threshing mechanism comprising laterally or longitudinally mounted threshing rotors and further to the cleaning section comprising a number of sieves where grains are separated from any remaining crop residue.
The feeder typically comprises a set of chains or belts guided by sprocket wheels mounted at the front and back of a feeder housing, and with transversal slats attached to the chains or belts. The crops are pressed between the moving slats and the floor of the feeder housing and transported in this way from the inlet of the feeder to the outlet, where the crops are fed to the threshing rotors of the combine.
Improvements in the threshing and cleaning sections of modern combine harvesters have increased the capacity of these sections, which requires also an increased throughput through the feeder. One crucial area that determines this throughput is the transition area between the header and the feeder, where crops tend to accumulate in a so-called ‘dead zone’. Document U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,660 discloses a feeder wherein the front drum is provided with retractable fingers rotating about an eccentrically placed axle, so as to grab a higher amount of crops in the transition area and thereby eliminate or lessen the effect of the ‘dead zone’. The slats are attached to chains rotating on a pair of sprocket wheels. It is a known problem however that chains are liable to shift with respect to the sprockets under the influence of high forces. Such a shift would interfere with the timing of transversal slats relative to the retractable fingers, which may lead to a collision between the fingers and the transversal slats. The shifting of chains or belts in the feeder is a drawback in any feeder design, regardless of the presence of the retractable fingers. In the case of belts, inadequate tensioning of these belts is often at the root of the problem. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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This invention relates to a machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products and to a method for making liquid or semi-liquid products implemented by the machine.
For shops and businesses which sell specific food products, especially liquid or semi-liquid products, made on the premises, such as, for example, patisseries, yogurt parlors, ice cream parlors, milk bars and similar establishments, it may be of fundamental importance to reduce the number of machines used to prepare the products, not only to reduce running costs but also, and above all, to save floor space.
In light of this, a need which has been strongly felt for a long time in the trade is that for a machine for making liquid and semi-liquid products which is particularly versatile and which is therefore capable of making a plurality of products, even different products, and of performing a plurality of different processes on the products. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of Invention
The invention generally relates to methods and apparatuses for transporting diverse traffic types such as different types of layer-2 traffic over an optical transport network such as a SONET/SDH network. The invention more particularly relates to utilizing pseudo-wires carried directly on top of the SONET, SDH, or OTN layer to transport diverse data packet traffic types such as various types of layer-2 traffic. The second embodiment of the invention expands the field of invention to also cover electrical transport networks and expands the functionality to include admission control at the ingress and egress points of a provider network.
2. Description of Related Art
Service provider communication networks today consist of multiple types of equipment designed to transmit and route many kinds of traffic. Traditionally, these networks evolved from voice/telephone service so they were designed to carry fixed-sized circuit connections between end users. As data applications have evolved and capacity requirements have grown, several generations of packet switched networking equipment was installed into networks to route the packet data. Examples include ATM, Gigabit Ethernet, and MPLS, as shown in FIG. 21.
While new packet switching technologies continue to emerge, service providers must continue to service older technologies as it takes many years for end users to phase out a particular technology. This has led to the service providers maintaining several independent packet switched networks to carry the different types of service. Provisioning and maintaining these multiple networks is costly it would be advantageous to converge these packet switched networks onto a common network. As shown in FIG. 21, Layer-2 and MPLS switches are deployed to aggregate data flows into SONET backbone.
Conventionally circuit switched connections are used to provide transport functions between the various packet switching network equipment. But these circuit switched connections are limited in flexibility: they are available in limited bandwidth sizes: 10 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 622 Mbps, 155 Mbps, 53 Mbps, 1.5 Mbps, 64 Kbps, and are provisioned and maintained independently of the packet switched traffic. The static nature of these circuit connections imposes inefficiency in utilization of the capacity of the circuit switched network when carrying packet data traffic.
As a result, the interface between the packet data layer (layer 2) of the carrier network and the circuit switch layer (layer 1) leads to network utilization inefficiencies and difficult and expensive provisioning and maintenance tasks for the service providers.
The invention described herein presents a method to couple the Layer-2/MPLS packet data convergence function directly onto circuit switch equipment and integrate the control and management of connections in layer 1 and 2. Integration of these functions will greatly reduce provisioning and maintenance expenses of carrier networks and improve the utilization of the network capacity. The benefit of the invention is evident in FIG. 22.
Luca Martini and others have introduced the concept of pseudo-wires in a number of Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) drafts, which has been widely referred to as “draft-martini”. In Martini's design, some pseudo-wires can be initiated from the edge of multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) and/or IP backbone networks. Once established, a customer's layer-2 traffic can be aggregated into the pseudo-wires. To control the pseudo-wires, LDP (label distribution protocol) messages are routed through the backbone network to communicate between network edges. A serious drawback with the draft-martini design is that communication carriers must rely on MPLS/IP backbones with expensive high-performance routers to support the control messaging and label distribution protocol thereby greatly increasing the cost of transporting Layer-2 traffic which is otherwise inexpensive and relatively simple. In reality, these routers are essentially used to perform relatively trivial switching functionality.
In a parallel development, the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) has defined a user-network interface (UNI) specification that allows users to request the creation of Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) connections for data traffic. However, there are a number of issues in the UNI approach: Both user and network elements must implement the UNI specification thereby dramatically increasing the cost of implementation and creating compatibility problems with non-UNI networks that interface with the UNI-enabled network. The existing OIF UNI is only designed to interface user and network elements over optical interfaces.
George Swallow and others have proposed an overlay model where MPLS routers can use an RSVP (resource reservation protocol extension for traffic engineering) protocol to communicate with a GMPLS-enabled (generalized multi-protocol label switching-enabled) optical backbone. This approach can potentially introduce user traffic aggregation from optical network edges. However, this model requires MPLS and IP to be used across the transport networks. Also, this approach may require the carriers to reveal internal routing and resource information to the external customers, which is not practical in most of the operational networks today.
There have been a number of advancements of SONET/SDH technology in recent years. For example, Virtual Concatenation provides the flexibility that allows edge switches to create SONET/SDH connections with finer granularity bandwidth. Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) uses several control bits in the SONET/SDH frame to increase or decrease a connection's bandwidth. Finally, Generic Framing Procedure (GFP) specifies the framing format for a number of link protocols, such as Ethernet and PPP.
It is admitted that MPLS, LDP, draft-martini, and OIF UNI, Virtual Concatenation, LCAS and GFP are conventional elements with respect to the invention. Although the invention utilizes some of these conventional elements, details of which may be found in available literature, the methods and apparatuses disclosed and claimed herein differ substantially therefrom. In other words, the invention leverages such conventional technologies in unique ways to achieve a method and apparatus for transporting packet data from customer data nodes over an optical network. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Individual packages are supposed to be stored well-organized in a storage box in order to be able, as well as possible, to utilize the space which is available in the storage box. Storage boxes are often constructed as display boxes in which the individual packages are stored standing up. Such boxes are set up on shelves in self-service stores for the purpose of having buyers remove the individual packages. The orderly positioning of the individual packages in the storage box has thus the additional purpose of rendering the goods visually attractive.
In a conventional packaging machine of the above-mentioned type (German OS No. 1 932 852), the magazine compartments are the lower ends of turning channels. Such lower ends are closed off by a plate. When the magazine has been filled, the plate is pulled away after which the individual packages fall from the channels into the storage box. In this situation, the storage box is in an elevational position so that its upper edges lie just below the plate. The individual packages must thus, after exiting the magazine, go through a free fall the distance of such fall approximately equaling the height of the storage box. This can result in the individual packages not reaching the bottom of the storage box in the desired organized arrangement.
Also known is a device for inserting tube bags which contain a liquid, for example drinkable milk, into a storage box (German OS No. 1 924 949). The bags, which are filled by and come from a tube-bag machine, are tilted into a horizontal position and fall at the same time into a magazine, which is closed off at the bottom of flaps. When the entire magazine is filled, the flaps are pulled away laterally and the bags, which are in the magazine and can be provided in several layers in the magazine, fall in the horizontal position into the storage box. Here too it is possible that, during the free fall of the bags, undesired position changes occur. In both conventional devices, the closing flaps for the magazine compartments and the operating mechanism therefor involve considerable structural expense.
Finally, a system for the automatic introduction of tiles into boxes is known (German OS No. 2 354 577). The box is moved step-by-step on an inclined conveyor belt. The tiles are guided by means of conveyor belts from a substantially horizontal position into a substantially vertical position and are released by the conveyor belts shortly before reaching the box. The remainder of the travel thereof is a free fall. A magazine does not exist in this device. With this conventional device, however, only things of a solid design, for example tiles can be packaged in an organized manner, since flexible packages such as tube bags would assume an unorganized arrangement in the storage box.
A purpose of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine of the above-mentioned type with which flexible bags having an unstable filling can be introduced into and fully utilize the capacity of the storage box without having the individual packages go through a free fall after having been moved into the magazine. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to x-ray fluoroscopy systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for performing an adaptive fluoroscopic noise reduction algorithm on image data acquired by an x-ray fluoroscopy system.
In x-ray fluoroscopy systems, a process known as fluoroscopic noise reduction (FNR) is performed on image frames acquired by a fluoroscopic x-ray detector of the x-ray fluoroscopy system. The objective of the FNR process is to filter noise out of the image data while preserving contrast information in the image data. To accomplish this, temporal filtering is performed on areas in the image where there is no motion. In areas in the image where there is motion, no filtering is performed.
FNR is typically performed by temporally averaging image frames in regions where there is no motion. Pixel-by-pixel motion detection is utilized to determine the existence or absence of motion in the image data from frame to frame. Therefore, pixel-by-pixel motion detection is one of the most critical stages in the FNR process because the accuracy of the motion detection affects the preservation of contrast of moving objects within the image, such as, for example, guidewires or stents.
Current FNR techniques rely on defining global limits for motion detection and these limits are applicable to the entire image. These limits affect the strength and extent of temporal averaging performed on the image data. One disadvantage of the current FNR techniques is that the global limits, which are defined a priori, are set for the entire image and do not take into account the non-stationary nature of image statistics in space. Furthermore, the global limits do not take into account the fact that object contrast and noise are functions of the exposure management (EM) trajectory parameters and other acquisition parameters of the x-ray fluoroscopy system.
Noise statistics vary as a function of mean photons in the detector elements of the x-ray fluoroscopic detector which, in turn, depends on background, the object being imaged and the EM trajectory being used. Also, the panel parameters of the x-ray fluoroscopy system play an important role in converting photon quantum noise into a digital signal for a given EM trajectory. It would be desirable to provide an x-ray fluoroscopy system that takes into account noise statistics, object contrast and other system parameters in performing motion detection and in determining the extent of temporal filtering to be performed on the image data.
Accordingly, a need exists for a method and apparatus for performing fluoroscopic noise reduction which utilize noise statistics, object contrast and other system parameters in determining which regions in an image are to be temporally filtered and, if so, the extent of the temporal filtering performed. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a traffic control apparatus for use with a frame relay communication and so forth.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a frame relay communication method that reduces a frame transfer time of a conventional packet switching unit has become popular. In the frame relay communication method, since an acknowledge operation of an information transfer made between subscriber terminals and the network, a retransmission control upon an occurrence of an error, and so forth, are performed by a sending subscriber terminal and a receiving subscriber terminal, the communication control of the network can be dramatically simplified. Thus, a high speed frame communication can be accomplished.
When a frame relay communication is executed, a physical channel (PLN) on which at least one time slot timing of a PCM line is allocated, is defined between a sending subscriber terminal and a receiving subscriber terminal. In addition, a plurality of data links that use the PLN are defined. When a subscriber uses the data link, he can communicate multiplexed information comprised of a plurality of types of data with a remote subscriber on one PLN. On the PLN, information is transmitted with a data unit that is referred to as a frame. The frame is composed of a header portion and an information portion. In the information portion of the frame, communication information is placed. In the header portion of the frame, a data link connection identifier (DLCI) that represents the relationship between communication information placed in the information portion of the frame and a data link, is placed.
In the network, a frame relay node unit that controls the frame relay communication is provided. The frame relay node unit identifies the timing of a time slot in which the frame is placed so as to identify the PLN of the frame. In addition, the frame relay node unit identifies the DLCI placed in the header portion of the frame so as to identify the data link of the frame. In this case, the frame relay node unit executes a traffic control (that is referred to as a committed information rate (CIR) control) for each data link of each PLN. Generally, the CIR control is a control method based on a traffic control method that is referred to as the Leaky Bucket method. Parameters and meanings used in the CIR method are as follows.
1. CIR (Committed Information Rate)
Transfer bit rate between a subscriber terminal and a frame relay node unit in a normal transfer state.
2. EIR (Excess Information Rate)
Transfer bit rate between a subscriber terminal and a frame relay node in a burst transfer state.
3. BC (Committed Burst Size)
Transfer data amount per unit period (Tc) at CIR.
4. BE (Excess Burst Rate) Transfer data amount per unit period (Tc) at EIR.
5. CB (Committed Burst)
Remaining data amount transmittable by a subscriber terminal in each period xcex94T under the CIR control in the normal transfer state (packets).
6. EB (Excess Burst)
Remaining data amount transmittable by a subscriber terminal in each period xcex94T under the CIR control in the burst transfer state (bursts).
7. CIRxcex94T
Data amount supplied in a CB per period xcex94T under the CIR control in the normal transfer state. CIRxcex94T is equivalent to CIRxc3x97xcex94T.
8. EIRxcex94T
Data amount supplied in an EB at each period xcex94T under the CIR control in the burst transfer state. EIRxcex94T is equivalent to EIRxc3x97xcex94T.
When a data link is established, a subscriber contracts parameters BC and BE with a network provider. As described above, the parameter BC represents the data amount transferred between the subscriber terminal and a frame relay node unit per unit period (Tc) using the data link in the normal transfer state. On the other hand, the parameter BE represents the data amount transferred between the subscriber terminal and the frame relay node in the unit period (Tc) using the data link in the burst transfer state. The normal transfer state represents a period at which information is regularly transferred (normal communication state). The burst transfer state represents a period at which a large amount of information (such as image data) is instantaneously transmitted. The parameters BC and BE that are contracted amounts are equivalent to the transfer bit rates CIR and EIR, respectively. The frame relay node unit allocates a DLCI to the established data link, a buffer to DLCI, and various parameters including the BC and BE of the subscriber to the buffer.
When the frame relay node unit starts a frame relay communication corresponding to a set of a PLN and a DLCI, it designates the contracted amount BC corresponding to the PLN and the DLCI to a parameter CB that represents the remaining data amount in the unit period (Tc) in the normal transfer state. In addition, the frame relay node unit designates the contracted amount BE to a parameter EB that represents the remaining data amount per unit period (Tc) corresponding to PLN and DLCI. The frame relay node unit determines the PLN on which a frame has been received and the DLCI placed in the header portion of the frame so as to execute the CIR control for each PLN and each data link (DLCI).
When the frame relay node unit receives a frame, it subtracts the data amount of the frame from the value of the CB corresponding to the PLN and the DLCI of the frame. This process is executed until the value of the CB corresponding to the PLN and the DLCI is equal to or less than 0 whenever a frame is received. While the condition of 0 less than CBxe2x89xa6BC is satisfied, the data amount of the subscriber terminal using the PLN and the DLCI does not exceed the contracted amount in the normal transfer state.
When the value of the CB is equal to or less than 0 for each PLN and each DLCI, the data amount thereof exceeds the contracted amount in the normal transfer state. When the frame relay node unit further receives a frame corresponding to the PLN and the DLCI in the condition that CBxe2x89xa60, it sets a flag to the DE bit of the frame. In addition, the frame relay node unit subtracts the data amount of the frame from the value of the EB corresponding to the PLN and the DLCI thereof. Whenever the frame relay node unit receives a frame, it executes this process until the condition of EBxe2x89xa60 corresponding to the PLN and the DLCI of the frame is satisfied. While the relation of 0 less than EBxe2x89xa6BE for each PLN and each DLCI is satisfied, the data amount of the subscriber terminal that uses the PLN and the DLCI does not exceed the contracted amount in the burst transfer state.
When the value of the EB for each PLN and each DLCI is equal to or less than 0, the data amounts of the PLN and the DLCI exceed the contracted amounts in the burst transfer state. When the frame relay node unit further receives a frame corresponding to the PLN and the DLCI of which EBxe2x89xa60, it does not transfer the frame to the network, but discards it. The frame relay node unit determines the values of the CB and the EB, which are the remaining data amounts that the subscriber terminal can transmit in the normal transfer state and the burst transfer state, corresponding to the contracted amounts BC and BE per unit period (Tc). Thus, the values (contents) of the CB and the EB that are data packets should be supplied (compensated) at least every unit period (Tc). In practice, the frame relay node unit supplies supply data amounts CIRxcex94T and EIRxcex94T corresponding to each PLN and each DLCI to the values of the CB and the EB thereof every period xcex94T that is shorter than the unit period (Tc). As a result, when the values of the CB and the EB exceed the values of the BC and the BE corresponding thereto, the values of the CB and the EB are set to BC and BE (in full state), respectively.
However, in such a supplying process, the following problem will take place. The frame relay node unit may process a large number of PLNs and DLCIs. Conventionally, the frame relay node unit executes a supplying process for CBs and EBs corresponding to PLNs and DLCIs in each period xcex94T. Thus, when the number of PLNs and DLCIs are large, the frame relay node unit should collectively execute the process in each period xcex94T. Consequently, the other processes of the CIR controlling processor of the frame relay node unit are delayed. As a result, the CIR controlling process is also delayed.
On the other hand, the process performance of the frame relay node unit depends on the process time for one frame. In other words, the process performance of the frame relay node unit accords with the number of frames that can be processed per unit period. Thus, when frames that exceed the process performance of the frame relay node unit are input, a so-called congestion control should be performed. On the other hand, in the frame relay node unit, the above-described CIR control should be executed. However, a control method for cooperatively and effectively executing the congestion control and the CIR control is not known in the frame relay communication method.
In addition, the frame relay node unit should perform various processes such as the CIR control and the congestion control along with the frame sending and receiving process, and the efficiency of the frame sending and receiving processes should be considered.
The above-mentioned problems are not limited to the frame relay communication method. Instead, these problems may happen in other communication methods.
The present invention is conceived to answer the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to effectively designate traffic parameters for data links at every predetermined period in a frame relay communication or the like, to cooperatively and effectively execute a hierarchical traffic control process, and effectively execute a sending and receiving process for frames or the like along with the traffic control process.
The present invention is a traffic control apparatus for executing a supplying process of remaining communication data for a plurality of data links in a frame relay communication at each predetermined period, comprising a time division allocating portion for allocating the data links in a plurality of time division timings into which the designated period is divided, and a remaining communication data supplying process executing portion for executing the supplying process of the remaining communication data corresponding to the data links allocated by the time division allocating portion at each of the time division timings.
In the above-described configuration of the present invention, a remaining communication data supplying process commanding portion can be further provided. The remaining communication data supplying process commanding portion represents whether or not the supplying process of the remaining communication data for each data link can be executed. In this case, the remaining communication data supplying process executing portion executes the supplying process of the remaining communication data for the data link only when the remaining communication data supplying process commanding portion commands the remaining communication data supplying process executing portion to execute the supplying process of the remaining communication data for a data link.
In the configuration of this aspect of the present invention, since the supplying process of the remaining communication data is distributed in time division timings into which a particularly designated period is divided, the concentration of the process can be prevented.
The present invention is not limited to the frame relay communication. Instead, when traffic data is periodically designated in another communication method, since a designated process is distributed in a plurality of time division timings, the concentration of the process can be prevented.
In addition, when the process is allocated in each time division timings so that the number of data links is equally allocated, the process can be equally executed.
Moreover, when the remaining communication data supplying process commanding portion is further provided, the supplying process of the remaining communication data can be effectively executed.
Furthermore, in another communication method other than the frame relay communication, when the designating process of traffic data for each of a plurality of data links is periodically performed, the designating process of the traffic data can be effectively executed. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Debt repayment is something that most modern individuals may encounter with various institutions. Due in large part to advances in computing technologies, debt transactional data, in its many forms, can be tracked and used to provide meaningful feedback to users regarding repayment. For example, it may be helpful to visualize a user's debt payoff schedule in a graphical form that allows a user to view his/her debt payoff trends over time. Furthermore, it may be useful to utilize a user's debt data and repayment trends to guide a user on future debt transactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Neckties can be an awkward accessory in the closet. Due to its length, a necktie tends to slip easily off of conventional hangers and hooks. The balancing act usually requires the use of both hands. In the process of hanging or removing one tie, other nearby ties can easily be knocked loose onto the floor. Belts present similar challenges.
A man may have a great number of neckties in a small closet. The best storage solution is one that economizes space.
What is needed is a hanger for neckties and belts that economizes closet space, holds accessories securely, and is easy to use with one hand. Those objects are all achieved by this invention. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fastening devices, and more particularly to a fastening devices which readily and firmly secure computer data storage devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, a computer data storage device is directly secured to a bracket using screws. Installation and removal of screws requires a tool. This is unduly complicated and laborious, and reduces the efficiency of assembly in mass production facilities.
A common means to overcome the above shortcomings is to have a pair of slideways formed in a bottom portion of opposite side walls of the bracket. A sliding rail is then attached to each side of the data storage device. Thus, the data storage device can be readily slid into and secured to the bracket. Unfortunately, the sliding rails themselves are secured to the data storage device with screws. Thus use of the sliding rails does not significantly simplify the assembly procedure.
A common means for further simplifying assembly is to have a pair of plastic plates attached to opposite sides of the data storage device. The plates can secure the data storage device to a bracket without any tool. However, gaps are formed between the data storage device and the bracket. This results in increased risk of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).
Examples of the abovementioned mechanisms are disclosed in Taiwan Patent Applications Nos. 81207129, 78201813, 79209891, 82207667, and 82202204; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,510,955 and 5,262,923.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a fastening device which readily and firmly secures a data storage device.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a fastening device having simple structure,
In order to achieve the objects set out above, a fastening device of the present invention for securing a data storage device comprises a locating plate and a bracket. The bracket receives the data storage device therein, and the locating plate secures the data storage device to the bracket. The bracket includes first and second side panels. The first side panel defines a slot. The second side panel defines a groove for slidingly receiving a screw of the data storage device. The locating plate comprises an engaging section and an elastic section. The engaging section forms a latch stamped toward and received in the slot of the bracket, and engaged with the data storage device. The elastic section extends from the engaging section, and provides the locating plate with elastic deformation capability so that the latch can move in and out of the slot of the bracket.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The invention relates to a control device of two bipolar transistors connected ins eries between conductors of a direct operating voltage supply and having a center output point to form an inverter arm, each transistor having a base control unit supplied by a direct control voltage source.
To each phase of the inverter there corresponds an arm having two transistors in series subjected to the operating voltage which generally reaches several hundred volts. Each transistor has associated with it a base control capable of supplying a base current of several amps at a low voltage, notably a few volts, to make the transistor conducting and a low negative voltage blocking the transistor. These control voltages are generally speaking derived from the high operating voltages, which gives rise to insulation problems in the case of the inverter arm with two transistors connected in series. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to sitting furniture and more particularly, to a neckrest, for a chair having backrest, configured to be attached to a backrest shield in a height-adjustable manner, the neckrest including a circular cross-section retaining rod, configured to be connected to the backrest shield in an articulating or movable manner so as to be tiltable by up to approximately 30xc2x0 in a vertical plane vertically with respect to a surface of the backrest, and a circular cross-section guide sleeve, mounted on the retaining rod so as to be slidingly shiftable by up to approximately 200 mm on the retaining rod.
2. Discussion of Background
It is known that the user of a chair, in particular an office chair or other type of work-related chair, often has the need for relaxation, which the user may accomplish by leaning back. According to the latest medical findings, optimal relaxation is achieved with an angle of opening between upper and lower body of about 25xc2x0. For this purpose, many chairs are equipped with a tiltable backrest.
One type of chair having a tiltable backrest is a so-called xe2x80x9chigh-backxe2x80x9d chair. These xe2x80x9chigh-backxe2x80x9d chairs often have the problem that the upper part of the backrest also supports the head or the neck, and this support of the head or the neck cannot be adjusted to the individual requirements of the user. Further, in the case of chairs with a low backrest, the headrest cannot be brought easily into the area of the head of the user.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a neckrest for a chair having a backrest which is designed in such a way that the neckrest can be attached inconspicuously and aesthetically on the back shield of a chair with backrest, but that nevertheless the headrest covers the entire angular range, within which the user wants to rest his head against the pad. Furthermore, the neckrest of the present invention should be able to be manufactured in production with little effort and easily mountable on the chair having the backrest.
The above-stated objective is accomplished with by the neckrest of the present invention, wherein the neckrest is for a chair having a backrest, the neckrest configured to be attached to a backrest shield in a height-adjustable manner. The neckrest including a circular cross-section retaining rod, configured to be connected to the backrest shield in an articulating manner so as to be tiltable by up to 30xc2x0 in a vertical plane vertically with respect to a surface of the backrest, and a circular cross-section guide sleeve, mounted on the retaining rod so as to be slidingly shiftable by up to 200 mm on the retaining rod.
In other words, the neckrest of the present invention includes connecting the headrest of the chair on a guide sleeve that slides on a retaining rod, fastening the retaining rod on the back shield through a simple joint in a tiltable manner, and designing the retaining rod and guide sleeve so as to have circular cross-sections. On the one hand, this allows the user to adjust the desired inclination of the neckrest in a simple manner. On the other hand, the height of the neckrest in also adjustable. It is very important that the retaining rod and the guide sleeve are designed so as to have circular cross-sections because, unlike a straight retaining rod, the circular cross-section retaining rod allows for an adjustment of the optimal distance of the headrest from the head of the user. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to the production of candy products having a laminated structure with a desired texture.
Laminated candy products consist of layers of hard candy and a fatty paste or fluid such as peanut butter which is typically coated with chocolate or another coating. The conventional process for producing a laminated candy product involves heating candy syrup in a precooker to form a candy mass and boiling the resulting candy mass to produce a viscous material having a low moisture content. Typically the moisture content is about 4-5%. The resulting boiled candy mass is discharged from the cooker and passed through an aeration screw to aerate the candy mass. The aerated candy mass is then placed on a steel tempering band which cools the candy mass to a specified temperature such that the candy mass remains pliable. The aerated candy mass is then sheeted and the candy sheet is coated with a layer of fatty paste. The layer of fatty paste and aerated candy may be sprinkled with rework prepared from reusable products from previous candy bar forming operations. The layer of candy mass and fatty paste is then rolled onto itself to give a thicker candy mass with more layers. The resulting rolled product is then passed to a rope forming machine where an outer layer of boiled candy mass is applied. The plastic mass is then formed into a continuous rope and then formed and cut into individual bars. The whole system is continuous. The resulting candy bar centers can be coated with chocolate or other coatings to produce the final candy product. An example of this process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,496.
The texture of the candy product is a result of the laminated structure. For example, a candy product with a laminated structure generally has a crunchy texture. It is desirable to produce a laminated structure that has consistent texture throughout the product. The conventional process for manufacturing laminated candy products, however, does not always provide this consistency. For example, the conventional process often leads to areas with large masses of hard candy that do not have a crunchy texture but instead are more like a solid candy mass. Thus, there is a need for a process for making laminated candy products that produces a product with a more consistent texture. The present invention provides such a process.
The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of candy products having a laminated structure. The invention also relates to a laminated edible product prepared according to the process.
The method according to the present invention produces a laminated edible product having thin layers of at least one fluid first material interleaved between thin layers of a second fluid material. The method involves extruding from the exit port of a coaxial die a thin strip of at least one first fluid material encased in a layer of a second fluid material, wherein the at least one first fluid material and the second fluid material are not miscible; depositing said thin strip on a support; and superimposing a second thin strip on the first thin strip. Additional thin strips may then be superimposed on the first or second thin strips.
According to this method, the thin strips may be superimposed on top of one another by a variety of means. The thin strips may be superimposed on top of one another by oscillating the support under the coaxial die. In another embodiment, the thin strips are superimposed by oscillating the coaxial die above the support. In a preferred embodiment the coaxial die is oscillated in both a first direction and a second direction, with the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The support may be a conveyor belt that moves in the first direction. In yet another embodiment the support is a conveyor belt and the layers are superimposed by moving the conveyor belt in a first direction and oscillating the coaxial die above the conveyor belt in a second perpendicular direction. In yet another embodiment the layers are superimposed by oscillating the coaxial die in a first direction and oscillating the support in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of oscillation of the coaxial die.
The thickness of the thin strips extruded from the exit port of the coaxial die are from about {fraction (1/100)} inch to xe2x85x9 inch and preferably are from about {fraction (1/10)} inch to {fraction (1/25)} inch. The number of thin strips that are superimposed is from about 2 to 500 and preferably is from about 10 to 50. The superimposed thin strips have a thickness from about 0.01 inches to 4 inches, preferably from about 0.375 inches to 1 inch. The superimposed thin strips may be further thinned by rolling the stack of superimposed thin strips to form the product.
The thin strip of at least one first fluid material can be a multi-layered thin strip of first fluid materials. The thin strip of at least one first fluid material can also be a single layer of more than one first fluid materials wherein each of the first fluid materials are adjacent to each other.
In one embodiment the at least one first fluid material is a fatty paste or fluid and the second fluid material is a candy mass. In another embodiment the fatty paste or fluid is peanut butter. The method of the present invention can thus be used to prepare edible products.
The invention also relates to an apparatus for making laminated edible products which includes a support which is capable of movement; a coaxial die assembly for depositing one or more layers of fluid material on to the support; a die holder which supports the coaxial die assembly and is positioned above the support; a first drive assembly, which is attached to the die holder and oscillates the die holder in a first direction; and a second drive assembly which is attached to the first drive assembly and oscillates the first drive assembly in a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
Another apparatus for making laminated edible products includes a support having an infeed end and a discharge end and capable of movement in a first direction, wherein said infeed end is for receiving one or more layers of a fluid material onto the support; a pivot support for supporting the discharge end of the support; means for oscillating the infeed end in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a coaxial die assembly for depositing one or more layers of a fluid material onto the infeed end of the support and; a die holder, for supporting the coaxial die assembly and being positioned above the infeed end of the support.
A preferred apparatus for making laminated edible products includes a support having an infeed end and a discharge end and capable of movement in a first direction, wherein said infeed end is for receiving one or more layers of a fluid material onto the support; a pivot support for supporting the discharge end of the support; at least one caster for supporting the infeed end of the support; a cam mechanism connected to the infeed end of the support whereby rotation of the cam mechanism oscillates the support in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a coaxial die assembly for depositing one or more layers of a fluid material onto the infeed end of the support and; a die holder, for supporting the coaxial die assembly and being positioned above the infeed end of the support. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Diabetes is one of lifestyle-related diseases with the background of change of eating habit and lack of exercise. Hence, diet and exercise therapies are performed in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, when its sufficient control and continuous performance are difficult, drug treatment is simultaneously performed. Now, biguanides, sulfonylureas and insulin sensitivity enhancers have been employed as antidiabetic agents. However, biguanides and sulfonylureas show occasionally adverse effects such as lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia, respectively. In a case of using insulin sensitivity enhancers, adverse effects such as edema are occasionally observed, and it is also concerned for advancing obesity. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it has been desired to develop antidiabetic agents having a new mechanism.
In recent years, development of new type antidiabetic agents has been progressing, which promote urinary glucose excretion and lower blood glucose level by preventing excess glucose reabsorption at the kidney (J. Clin. Invest., Vol. 79, pp. 1510-1515 (1987)). In addition, it is reported that SGLT2 (Na+/glucose cotransporter 2) is present in the S1 segment of the kidney's proximal tubule and participates mainly in reabsorption of glucose filtrated through glomerular (J. Clin. Invest., Vol. 93, pp. 397-404 (1994)). Accordingly, inhibiting a human SGLT2 activity prevents reabsorption of excess glucose at the kidney, subsequently promotes excreting excess glucose though the urine, and normalizes blood glucose level. Therefore, fast development of antidiabetic agents, which have a potent inhibitory activity in human SGLT2 and have a new mechanism, has been desired. In addition, since such agents promote the excretion of excess glucose though the urine and consequently the glucose accumulation in the body is decreased, they are also expected to have a preventing or alleviating effect on obesity and a urinating effect. Furthermore, the agents are considered to be useful for various related diseases which occur accompanying the progress of diabetes or obesity due to hyperglycemia.
As compounds having pyrazole moiety, it is described that WAY-123783 increased an amount of excreted glucose in normal mice. However, its effects in human are not described at all (J. Med. Chem., Vol. 39, pp. 3920-3928 (1996)). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multiple-gear transmission applied in a tractor or other vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Because the total vehicle weight of a tractor-trailer that can pull a trailer varies considerably depending on whether the trailer is attached or not, an auxiliary transmission may be mounted to the main transmission for switching between high and low speeds in order to improve drive performance. This type of auxiliary transmission may include a splitter mounted on the input side of the main transmission and a range gear mounted on the output side of the main transmission as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 8-159258.
The conventional splitter has only the two positions of high speed (HIGH) and low speed (LOW), and it must be in one of these two positions at all times.
However, this construction gives rise to the following problem. That is, many long-distance drivers take naps while running the air conditioner. In these circumstances, because the engine drive power is transmitted to a counter shaft of the main transmission via the splitter when the vehicle is parked and the engine is idling, a counter gear mounted to the counter shaft and a main gear mounted to a main shaft in a transmission casing are engaged and rotating at all times, and therefore a rattling noise occurs due to the colliding of the gear teeth. This ratting noise is conveyed to the interior of the vehicle, and heard by the sleeping driver.
To address this problem, such measures as changing the clutch damper characteristics or additionally providing a scissors gear may be possible. However, because the drive power is conveyed to the counter shaft in any event, these are not fundamental solutions. They would also increase the total length of the transmission assembly (main and auxiliary transmissions), which makes mounting of the transmission assembly difficult.
Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has proposed a solution to the problem described above in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-819915 or corresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/707,897 filed Nov. 7, 2000, entitled xe2x80x9cMULTI-STAGE TRANSMISSION OF VEHICLExe2x80x9d the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference and referred to as xe2x80x9cpreceding invention.xe2x80x9d In this proposed technology, the splitter has a neutral position in addition to high and low gear positions. The drive power transmission is interrupted at the splitter by shifting the splitter to the neutral position. Therefore, if the splitter is brought into the neutral condition, the counter shaft rotation is stopped, and the noise caused by the engaging and rattling of the gears can be eliminated.
In the meantime, a problem of insufficient lubrication may arise when the splitter is left in the neutral position for a long period of time, because oil cannot be circulated or splashed by the counter gear and the oil pump cannot be driven for a long period of time. Various parts in the transmission casing should be lubricated by the oil supplied upon rotation of the counter gear and/or oil pump. In the preceding invention, therefore, the splitter is intermittently shifted between the neutral position and a different position, such that the counter gear is rotated at predetermined intervals, and lubrication is intermittently carried out.
However, the preceding invention entails another problem that when the vehicle is unused for a long period of time for maintenance, etc., oil completely falls off from the shaft support areas (bearings), synchro units, gallery, etc. in the transmission. If the splitter does not have a neutral position, and is locked in either the HIGH or LOW position, the counter shaft begins to rotate upon starting of the engine, thereby initiating lubrication. Therefore, the driver can move the vehicle after a relatively short period of time after the engine is started. However, in the case of the preceding invention, if the splitter is in the neutral position, lubrication does not occur even when the engine is started. As a result, if the driver attempts to move the vehicle in this state, there is no oil circulating among the various transmission components, and the problem of insufficient lubrication occurs.
An object of the present invention is to provide lubrication to the various transmission components and eliminate the problem of insufficient lubrication in a multiple-gear vehicle transmission equipped with a splitter having a neutral position.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multiple-gear vehicle transmission including a main transmission and a splitter that operates as an auxiliary transmission on the input side of the main transmission, wherein the splitter has a neutral position in addition to high and low gear positions, and wherein the multiple-gear transmission has splitter control means that intermittently shifts the splitter between the neutral position and a high (or low) gear position, and splitter neutral shift prohibition means that prohibits the splitter from being shifted to the neutral position when the engine is starting up. By shifting the splitter into the high or low gear position, a counter shaft is caused to rotate and various parts in a transmission casing are lubricated by oil that is splashed up by the counter shaft or delivered by an oil pump attached to the counter shaft. When the splitter is shifted to the neutral position, on the other hand, the counter shaft does not rotate. In a certain period from starting of the engine, sufficient lubrication oil may not penetrate to the parts in the transmission casing. Thus, the counter shaft is caused to rotate to insure sufficient lubrication to these parts. After a while, the splitter is intermittently shifted between the high gear position and neutral so that the lubrication takes place intermittently.
The splitter neutral shift prohibition means may prohibit the splitter from shifting to the neutral position until a prescribed period of time has elapsed after the engine is started.
The splitter neutral shift prohibition means may prohibit the splitter from shifting to the neutral position until a vehicle speed has exceeded a prescribed value after the engine is started.
A range gear that operates as another auxiliary transmission may be provided on the output side of the main transmission. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
UV curable coatings are one of the fastest growing sectors in the coatings industry. In recent years, UV technology has made inroads into a number of market segments like fiber optics, optical- and pressure-sensitive adhesives, automotive applications like UV cured topcoats, and UV curable powder coatings. The driving force of this development is mostly the quest for an increase in productivity of the coating and curing process. In automotive refinish applications where minor repairs need to be performed swiftly and at ambient temperature, UV technology promises to significantly increase the throughput of cars in a body shop. The development of refinish applications breaks new ground in UV technology. Safety concerns associated with the use of UV lamps in body shops as well as economic constraints will likely preclude the use of high intensity light sources. Relatively inexpensive low intensity lamps that emit only in the UV-A region of the electromagnetic spectrum are taking their place, thus posing new challenges to resin developers and formulators.
UV curable coating compositions are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,188,472; 4,340,497; 6,465,539; and 6,534,128; and published PCT applications WO 97/04881 and WO 03/027162. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,024 is directed to the reaction product of a low viscosity isocyanurate group-containing polyisocyanate, which has been modified with allophanate groups to reduce its viscosity, with hydroxyl-functional olefinic compounds such as hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates and lactone modified versions of these (meth)acrylates. U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,504 is directed to a coating composition for polycarbonate which contains the reaction product of a low viscosity polyisocyanate, such as a low viscosity isocyanurate group-containing polyisocyanate, with a hydroxy acrylate.
Also known are compositions that are curable using UV radiation having a very low UV-B content and substantially no UV-C content (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0059555 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,044). In order to be commercially useful as a clear coat, particularly for the refinish market, a coating composition must be curable in a relatively short time, preferably under relatively low intensity radiation. In addition, such coatings must exhibit a balance between hardness (as measured by pendulum hardness) and flexibility (as measured by impact resistance). None of the coating compositions described in the above literature meet these criteria. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Many devices can benefit from optimization of space required for electronic modules, which may allow miniaturization of the device itself and/or introduction or enlargement of other device components. Compact electronic modules are particularly useful for devices requiring volume efficiency, including medical devices and consumer electronics devices. For instance, optimization of the packaging of an electronic module in a transistor radio would allow the entire radio to be more compact. Alternatively or additionally, the freed-up space could be used by other components, such as a larger battery. As another example, the size of implantable medical devices is preferably minimized to reduce trauma, cosmetic, and other effects of a device located in the body. Optimization of the packaging of an electronic module in an implantable medical device would allow the device to be smaller and/or allow the device to accommodate additional and/or larger components.
For example, implantable microstimulators known as Bion® devices are characterized by a small, cylindrical housing which contains electronic circuitry that produces electric currents between spaced electrodes. These microstimulators are implanted proximate to target tissue, and the currents produced by the electrodes stimulate the tissue to reduce symptoms or otherwise provide therapy for various disorders. A compact electronic module would allow a Bion device to be smaller and thus easier to implant and less noticeable and/or allow the device to accommodate additional and/or larger components, such as a larger rechargeable battery that would lengthen time between recharges.
Radio-frequency powered and battery powered microstimulators are described in the art. See, for instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,193,539 (“Implantable Microstimulator); 5,193,540 (“Structure and Method of Manufacture of an Implantable Microstimulator”); 5,312,439 (“Implantable Device Having an Electrolytic Storage Electrode”); 6,185,452 (“Battery-Powered Patient Implantable Device”); 6,164,284 and 6,208,894 (both titled “System of Implantable Device for Monitoring and/or Affecting Body Parameters”). The '539, '540, '439, '452, '284, and '894 patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Microstimulators to prevent and/or treat various disorders are taught, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,061,596 (“Method for Conditioning Pelvis Musculature Using an Implanted Microstimulator”); 6,051,017 (“Implantable Microstimulator and Systems Employing the Same”); 6,175,764 (“Implantable Microstimulator System for Producing Repeatable Patterns of Electrical Stimulation”); 6,181,965 (“Implantable Microstimulator System for Prevention of Disorders”); 6,185,455 (“Methods of Reducing the Incidence of Medical Complications Using Implantable Microstimulators”); and 6,214,032 (“System for Implanting a Microstimulator”). The techniques described in these additional patents, including power charging techniques, may also be used with the present inventions. The '596, '017, '764, '965, '455, and '032 patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
A number of the above cited patents describe microstimulator designs and methods for manufacturing a microstimulator or portions of a microstimulator. Disclosed herein are improved designs and techniques for producing compact electronic modules for a microstimulator or other medical or non-medical device. In addition, the designs and methods disclosed allow such devices, to be manufactured more efficiently, more reliably, and/or more cost effectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to disk removing devices for use as attachments to injection molding apparatus for producing disks, and more particularly to an improved disk removing device for removing a molded disk from an injection mold unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a typical example of a conventional disk removing device, which is particularly explanatory of basic operational principles of the disk removing device. Disk 103 is formed into a predetermined shape by an injection mold unit, i.e. between fixed and movable mold members (i.e., mold halves) 101 and 102, of an injection molding apparatus. To remove or take out the thus-molded disk 103 from the injection mold unit, the movable mold member 102 is first retracted in a direction of arrow {circle around (1)}, then a pivotable disk pickup arm 104 is inserted between the fixed mold member 101 and the retracted movable mold member 102, and then a suction cup 105, secured at the distal end of the arm 104, is pressed against the molded disk 103. Once the injection-molded disk 103 is completely grasped by the suction cup 105, the disk pickup arm 104 with the disk 103 firmly grasped by the suction cup 105 is horizontally displaced away from the movable mold member 102 as denoted by arrow {circle around (2)} and then caused to pivotally move as denoted by arrow {circle around (3)}, so that the disk 103 is transferred via the arm 104 over to an appropriate position outside the injection mold unit. Note that the above-mentioned horizontal displacement of the disk pickup arm 104 in the arrow {circle around (2)} direction is necessary for disengaging the molded disk 103 from the movable mold member 102 without the disk 103 being scratched or damaged otherwise by the mold member 102. To perform such disk removing operations, the conventional disk removing device includes a rotary motor 110 that is mounted on a motor base 111 for causing the disk pickup arm 104 to pivotally move in the arrow {circle around (3)} direction. The motor base 111 is placed on a pair of rails 112 in such a manner that the motor base 111 can horizontally slide along the rails 112 by means of a feed screw 113 and a feed motor 114 both provided alongside the rails 112. More specifically, the horizontal displacement of the disk pickup arm 104 in the arrow {circle around (2)} direction is carried out by activation of the feed motor 114, and the subsequent pivotal movement of the disk pickup arm 104 is performed by activation of the rotary motor 110.
As apparent from the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the rails 112, motor base 111, feed screw 113, feed motor 114 and rotary motor 110 are all essential for the conventional disk removing device, which would unavoidably lead to increases in the number of the essential component parts, size and necessary installing space of the disk removing device. As a result, it was heretofore difficult to reduce the overall cost and size of the injection molding apparatus to which the disk removing device is attached.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a disk removing device which has a reduced size and thus can be installed in a small installing space.
In order to accomplish the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a disk removing device for removing or taking out, from an injection mold unit, a disk molded by the injection mold unit, which comprises: a disk pickup arm for firmly holding or grasping the disk at a tip end portion of the disk pickup arm; an arm support shaft having the disk pickup arm at a distal end portion thereof; a bearing member for supporting the arm support shaft for axial sliding movement and rotation relative to the bearing member; a rotary motor for rotating the bearing member about an axis of the arm support shaft; and axial drive means for linearly moving the arm support shaft in an axial direction of the arm support shaft. Here, the arm support shaft is provided to extend through the rotary motor so as to position, or operatively connect, the rotary motor and axial drive means in series with each other along the axial direction of the arm support shaft disk. Thus, the disk removing device of the present invention can operate as a uniaxial drive device for removing the molded disk from the injection mold unit.
In the present invention, the molded disk is removed or taken out from the injection mold unit that comprises, for example, two mold members (mold haves), by first displacing the disk pickup arm away from one of the mold members by means of the axial drive means and then causing the disk pickup arm to pivotally move via the arm support shaft by means of the rotary motor. The arm support shaft extends through the rotary motor to be coupled, at the other end remote from the disk pickup arm, to the axial drive means, and thus the rotary motor and axial drive means are operatively connected in series with each other via the support shaft. This way, the inventive disk removing device can operate as a uniaxial drive device. The uniaxial drive arrangement of the invention can significantly reduce the necessary operating space and installing space of the disk removing device, so that the injection molding apparatus, to which the disk removing device is attached, can be effectively reduced in overall size.
In one preferred implementation, the axial drive means is a linear motor which generates thrust force electrically. Because the linear motor requires no mechanic gear or ball, there is no need to worry about lubrication, which can greatly facilitate maintenance and inspection of the axial drive means. Further, the linear motor, i.e. electric-type axial drive means having no mechanical component part, can be made smaller in size than mechanical-type axial drive means.
It is preferable that the rotation of the arm support shaft be by way of a planetary-gear-type speed reduction mechanism, because the above-mentioned rotary motor can be prevented from being subjected to excessive loads when causing the disk pickup arm to pivotally move via the arm support shaft.
Further, the arm support shaft is preferably coupled to a linear shaft of the axial drive means via a shaft coupling. It is preferable that the shaft coupling have a non-rotatable coupling case, the arm support shaft be rotatably connected to the coupling case via bearings and the linear shaft be connected directly to the coupling case, because the linear shaft in this case is allowed to only move linearly with no rotation. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns piperidine-2,6-dione derivatives which are active as inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor released by cells, the preparation of these derivatives, as well as their application as pharmaceutically-active ingredients.
2. Description of the Related Art
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) is a cytokine, mainly produced by macrophages, which causes inflammation, fever, cardiovascular dysfunction, hemorrhage and a series of acute reactions similar to acute infection and shock when it is applied in humans and animals. Excessive or uncontrolled TNFα in animals or humans often indicates one of the following diseases:
1) Endotoxaemia and/or toxic shock syndrome [Tracey et al., Nature 330, 662-4 1987; Hinshaw et al., Circ Shock 30, 279-92 (1990)];
2) Cachexia [Dezube et al., Laucet, 335(8690), 662(1990)]; or
3) Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) [Millar et al., Laucet 2(8665), 712-714(1989)].
TNFα also plays an important role in bone resorption diseases including arthritis [Betolinni et al., Nature 319, 516-8 (1986)]. TNFα may stimulate bone resorption by stimulating the formation and activation of osteoclast and resist the formation of bone, which was shown both by in vitro and in vivo experiments.
At the present, a disease which is most commonly linked to TNFα released by tumor and host tissue is hypercalcemia, which is closely related to malignant tumors [Calci. Tissue Int. (US) 46(Suppl.), S3-10(1990)]. The immune response is closely related to an increased concentration of TNFα in serum of the patient after bone marrow transplantation [Holler et al., Blood, 75(4), 1011-1016(1990)].
Fatal hyperacute neurogenic syndrome brainstem-type malaria, which is the most dangerous type of malaria, is also linked to high levels of TNFα in blood. When this kind of malaria occurs, the levels of TNFα in serum is directly related to the disease, which often occurs during an acute attack of malaria in patients [Grau et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 320(24), 1586-91(1989)].
TNFα plays an important role in chronic pneumonia as well. The storage of silicon-containing particles can cause silicosis. Silicosis is a pulmonary fibrosis, which causes progressive respiratory failure. In an animal pathological model, TNFα antibody can fully block the progress of mice lung fibrosis caused by silica dust [Pignet et al., Nature, 344:245-7 (1990)]. It was also proved that TNFα levels are abnormally high in serum of animals with pulmonary fibrosis caused by silica dust or asbestos dust in animal experiments [Bissonnette et al., Inflammation 13(3), 329-339(1989)]. Pathological research reveals that TNFα levels in the lungs of Pneumal Sarcoidosis patients is much higher than that of ordinary people [Baughman et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 115(1), 36-42(1990)]. It follows that TNFα inhibitor should have a great significance in the treatment of chronic pulmonary disease and lung injury.
The reason for inflammation occurring in the body of patient having reperfusion injury may be abnormal levels of TNFα. TNFα is regarded as the chief cause inducing tissue injury caused by ischemia [Uadder et al., PNAS 87, 2643-6(1990)].
Besides, it has been shown that TNFα may start retroviral replication including that of HIV-1 [Duh et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 86, 5974-8(1989)]. T-cells need to be activated before HIV infects them. Once the activated T-cells are infected by virus (HIV), those T-cells must be in an activated state so that HIV virus genes are able to be expressed and/or replicated successfully. Cytokines, especially TNFα, play an important role in the process of HIV protein expression or viral replication controlled by T-cells. So, inhibition of TNFα formation can in turn inhibit HIV replication in T-cells [Poll et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 87, 782-5(1990); Monto et al., Blood 79, 2670(1990); Poll et al., AIDS Res. Human Retrovirus, 191-197(1992)].
cAMP can control many functions of cells, such as inflammation response, including asthma, and inflammation [Lome and Cheng, Drugs of the futune, 17(9), 799-807, 1992]. When inflammation occurs, increased cAMP concentration in white cells inhibits white cell activation and then releases inflammation regulatory factors including TNFα so as to exacerbate inflammation in patients. Consequently, the inhibition of TNFα release can alleviate inflammation diseases including asthma.
Several doctors, including Yu Yanyan, have found that TNFα plays an important role in the process of liver necrosis in viral hepatitis patients. [Yu Yanyan etc., Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 1996, 35:28-31]. This shows that TNFα inhibitors may play a great role in the treatment of chronic hepatic disease and liver injury.
Several researchers, including Li Yingxu, have found that levels of tumor necrosis factors are significantly increased on synthesis and secretion of human monocyte in patients with chronic hepatic disease and other cell factor secretions are induced (for example, I1-1β, I1-6 and I1-8). They are both involved in hepatocellular injury process [Journal of Qiqihar Medical Colleg, 22(10):1119-1120, 2001]. Their results are in accordance with the conclusions of Yoshioka etc. [Hepatology, 1989, 10:769-777] and Wang Xin etc. [Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1997, 15(2):85-88]. It has also been found that thalidomide, the small molecular inhibitor of TNFα, is able to inhibit TNFα secreted by human monocyte in hepatitis patients, which lays a foundation of molecular pathology for TNFα inhibitor applied on hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer therapy.
TNFα induces certain inflammation responses, such as aggregation and adhesion of inflammatory cells, increased dilatation and permeability of micro-vessels, fever, increased neutrophil in circulation, and hemodynamic changes, and further causes kidney cell injury by stimulating synthesis and release of inflammation cytokine [Abboud H. E. Kidney Int. 1993; 43:252-267], expression of cell adhesion molecule [Egido J. et al, Kidney Int. 1993; 43(suppl 39):59-64], synthesis and release of prostaglandin G2 (PGE2) and platelet-activating factor (PAF)[Gammusi G. et al., Kidney Int., 43(suppl 39):32-36]. It has been shown that TNFα plays an important role in the development of nephritis.
TNFα regulates the differentiation of B lymphocytes and reinforces the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells (NK), so as to participate in the regulation of immunological function by the activation of hyperplasia of macrophages and immunologically stimulating T-lymphocytes.
Therefore, it is an effective strategy to decrease TNFα levels and/or increase cAMP levels so as to cure many inflammatory, infectious, immunological or malignant tumor diseases, including but not limited to septic shock, endotoxic shock, hemodynamic shock, septic syndrom, post ischemic reperfusion injury, malaria, mycobacterial infection, meningitis, psoriasis, congestive heart failure, fibrotic disease, cachexia, transplant immune rejection, cancer, autoimmune disease, opportunistic infection in AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), hepatitis, nephritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, and so on. Accordingly, research and development on small molecular TNFα inhibitors with low toxicity and high efficiency has a great public significance and economic value. | {
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The refractory metal borides, carbides and nitrides have already been proposed for use as components of electrolytic aluminum production cells, particularly those components which in use may normally be contacted with molten aluminum and/or cryolite, such as an electrowinning cathode or cathode current feeder. Borides and in particular titanium diboride are often preferred on account of their excellent wettability by molten aluminum and good electronic conductivity. However, many problems have been encountered in producing these materials with a sufficient resistance to attack by molten aluminum and by the conventional alumina-containing cryolite based melts used in aluminum electrowinning cells.
Considering for the moment the production of borides, this may be accomplished by the reduction of a metal oxide or some other metal compound, such as by using carbon, boron or boron carbide. Regarding the use in the reduction of compounds other than metal oxide, it has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,973,247 that the titanium component can be in the form of a titanic acid hydrolysate, sometimes known as basic titanium sulfate or basic titanium chloride. More recently, it has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,379,647 that solutions of ingredients are desirable. For example, finely divided titanium dioxide can be combined with sucrose and boric acid in an ethylene glycol medium to form an intimate mixture for subsequent heating.
Continuing in the context of the preparation of diborides, it has been shown that the heating of some diborides under vacuum and at substantially elevated temperature will lead to boron loss. It has nevertheless been often taught to prepare diboride with either stoichiometric amounts, or slight excesses of boride reactant. Thus, in the above mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 2,973,247 it has been taught that typically 10% excess of boric acid can be expected to be sufficient for use in the carbothermic reduction of titanium hydrate with an oxidic compound of boron. U.S. Pat. No. 3,379,647 has disclosed that the appropriate quantities of reactants can be calculated quite closely from known equations for the production of the desired product.
On the other hand, some teachings away from stoichiometry have been suggested. In British Pat. No. 1,004,585 it is disclosed that boric oxide may be tolerated in an excess up to 50 percent by weight when considered for reaction with titanium dioxide. It is further disclosed therein that whereas low production temperature may be desirable, as a practical matter more elevated temperatures are actually employed.
However, the outcome of all of the foregoing taken with the conventional sintering approach of these patents has been found to provide products, which when formed into articles by pressing and sintering, are nevertheless prone to severe grain boundary corrosion when exposed, for example, to molten aluminum.
It is to be understood that there are other, well recognized methods of preparing the desired final product, e g., fused salt electrolysis, reductions by other metals, or the vapor phase reaction of the metal halide. However, such reaction methods are not the subject of the present invention. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Conventionally, an art in which a work machine attached to a tractor and working and a mobile phone are provided, the work machine has a receiving part receiving a wireless operation signal from the mobile phone and a control part controlling an output instrument based on the received operation signal, and operation buttons and an operation screen are provided in the mobile phone so that operation can be performed by the operation buttons is known (for example, see the Patent Literature 1). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Disposal of patterned semiconductor substrates, including patterned product substrates that do not meet wafer acceptance criteria (WAC) and patterned monitor substrates, pose two types of challenges. On one hand, the patterned semiconductor substrates contain patterned physical features of circuits or devices that are protected by intellectual property. Disposal of such patterned semiconductor substrates may expose the intellectual property to an inadvertent unwanted disclosure. On the other hand, the patterned semiconductor substrate typically contains environmentally hazardous material such as boron, gallium, indium, arsenic, antimony, etc. Uncontrolled release of such environmentally hazardous material in the patterned semiconductor substrate may result in environmental contamination, of which the remedy can be extremely costly.
A conventional remedy to these problems has been to crush the patterned semiconductor substrates into fine powders so that the microelectronic features in the patterned semiconductor substrates are destroyed. The fine powders from the patterned semiconductor substrate are thereafter put in a sealed container, which may be buried in a designated location to minimize the environmental impact.
Recent efforts to reduce the environmental impact and reduce processing cost of substrate crushing and containment have resulted in methods for substrate reclamation. The patterned portion of a patterned semiconductor substrate is removed. The resulting semiconductor substrate, which does not contain any pattern, is a reclaimed semiconductor substrate that may be employed in semiconductor processing as a monitor substrate or a dummy substrate.
According to prior art, chemical stripping may be employed to remove a patterned portion of a patterned semiconductor substrate. In this method, a chemical is employed to dissolve soluble materials, while insoluble materials are undercut and subsequently removed. However, the dissolution rates across common materials employed in the patterned semiconductor substrates, e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride, low-k dielectric materials, polyimide, copper, aluminum, silicon, etc., vary by orders of magnitude. The variations in the dissolution rates typically cause paths to open up down to a surface of a semiconductor layer before the entirety of a back-end-of-line (BEOL) stack including metallization structures are undercut. Such paths cause extensive loss of the semiconductor material in the semiconductor layer. Further, the chemicals employed in chemical stripping tend to be extremely corrosive with accompanying environmentally adverse impacts. For these reasons, chemical stripping tends to consume a large amount of semiconductor material in a semiconductor layer, form large cavities on the surface of the reclaimed semiconductor substrate, contain some incompletely removed structures, and/or cause significantly negative environmental impacts.
An alternate prior art method includes chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) to remove a patterned portion of a patterned semiconductor substrate. A polishing slurry is employed in chemical mechanical planarization to provide selective removal of one material relative to another material. The polishing slurry may be acidic or alkaline. Examples of the polishing slurry include aluminum oxide and fumed silica. The pH of the polishing slurry during chemical mechanical planarization may be adjusted by adding a chemical, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, an alkali metal hydroxide, or ammonia. The removal rate of chemical mechanical planarization depends on the material being removed and the selection of the slurry. Since the composition of material in patterned semiconductor substrate varies significantly, the local polish rate will depend on the material and amount of material present, causing significant differences in polish rate across the wafer. For this reason, uniform removal rate is difficult to achieve with chemical mechanical planarization on all patterned semiconductor substrates, and normally requires chemical stripping to remove materials with low polish rates, as well as the chemical mechanical polish itself. Further, the chemical mechanical planarization requires a polishing slurry, which is a consumable material that needs to be supplied during the CMP process, to enable removal of the material in the patterned portion. In addition, the removed material is mixed with the residual slurry to produce contaminated liquid chemical waste, which is difficult to neutralize for environmental purposes.
Prior art methods employing mechanical removal include grinding of material for reclamation of substrates. Such mechanical removal results in generation of a damaged layer on a reclaimed semiconductor substrate. The surface topography of such reclaimed semiconductor substrate contains significant irregularity after removal of a patterned portion. To remove variations in the topography of the surface, as well as crystal defects extending well into the silicon lattice of the reclaimed semiconductor substrate after such mechanical removal, an additional chemical etching step and lapping to remove bulk silicon steps need to be employed.
In view of the above, there exists a need for a method of removing a patterned portion of a patterned semiconductor substrate at a uniform, material-independent rate without generating significant surface topography or crystal defects to reclaim the patterned semiconductor substrate.
Further, there exists a need for a method of removing the patterned portion of the patterned semiconductor substrate without employing slurry or generating a slurry-containing liquid chemical waste.
Yet further, there exist a need for a method of removing the patterned portion of the patterned semiconductor substrate with sufficient planarity to obviate any need for employing an additional chemical etch step or a lapping step. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Breaking is a term applied to the irreversible coalescence of the individual emulsion or microemulsion droplets to form a continuous phase. To break an emulsion or microemulsion, the stabilizing forces must be weakened or eliminated.
The addition of electrolytes, i.e., salts for example, often causes an emulsion or microemulsion to break, since the electric charge of a boundary layer is very sensitive to the addition of foreign ions. The effectiveness of the added electrolyte increases with its valence. Thus, aluminum sulfate or iron sulfate are more effective than sodium sulfate, and sodium sulfate is in turn more effective than sodium chloride, i.e., see Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Volume A9, Page 311, VCH, Weinheim, Germany (1987).
In view of the above, to provide a microemulsion that was stable in the presence of salts would be unexpected, and contrary to conventional wisdom.
The need and usefulness of such a microemulsion in textile applications, for example, is evidenced by U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,746 (Nov. 14, 1995), in which an alkyl polyglycoside, which is a nonionic surfactant, is used to prepare mechanical microemulsions possessing some degree of stability with respect to the presence of foreign electrolytes such as sodium chloride. This is not totally unexpected, however, as nonionic surfactants carry no charge.
What is unexpected, and what has been discovered according to the present invention, is that microemulsions stable to the presence of foreign electrolytes can be prepared using cationic surfactants, which contain positively charged polar groups, especially if the microemulsion is prepared using an emulsion polymerization technique, rather than prepared mechanically as in the '746 patent. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Disclosure
The disclosure relates to a storage medium accommodating apparatus for accommodating at least one storage medium of an industrial computer, an industrial computer including the storage medium accommodating apparatus, and a method for accommodating a storage medium into the storage medium accommodating apparatus of the industrial computer.
2. Description of Related Art
An industrial computer, an industrial personal computer, or an IPC for short refers to a computer used in a task in an industrial field. An industrial computer of such a type includes a firm housing, and the housing, in particular, protects the industrial computer from being affected by an environmental factor (such as dust), electromagnetic interference, and/or moisture. Generally, industrial computers of such a type are applied to process visualization, robot technologies, industrial automation, a test and test bench working mode, or the like. An industrial computer of such a type, with respect to a device in an office area, must be extremely firm and be unlikely to fail. An industrial computer may include a storage medium such as a hard disk, and the storage medium is accommodated in a drawer-shaped support unit and can, together with the support unit, be inserted into a housing of the industrial computer.
US 2011/0032670 A1 describes an apparatus for accommodating a storage medium of a computer. The apparatus includes a guide rail for movably guiding the storage medium. The apparatus further includes a fastening element, which includes a grasping section for drawing out the storage medium from the storage medium.
US 2014/0022740 A1 also describes an apparatus for accommodating a storage medium of a computer. The apparatus includes a guide rail for movably guiding the storage medium and a mechanism for removing the storage medium from the apparatus.
US 2015/0015131 A1 also describes an apparatus for accommodating a storage medium of a computer. The apparatus includes a guide rail for movably guiding the storage medium, a closable door, and an ejection element for ejecting the storage medium.
US 2008/0265125 A1 also describes an apparatus for accommodating a storage medium of a computer. The apparatus includes a V-shaped plate for deflecting cooling air to the storage medium. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a motor driven surfboard.
2. Description of the Related Art
Surfing is the sport of riding a surfboard (heavy timber “plank”, fiberglass, light wood or foam board) on the face of an ocean wave towards the shoreline. Jet powered surfboards have been devised and utilized for the purpose of surfing without waves such as in lakes or other calm waters. Several types of motorized water boards in the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,634 to Jung; U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,560 to Austin; U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,840 to Efthymiou; U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,166 to Chang; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,782 to Gleason. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to gelling agents for use in food production and more particularly to the use of modified starch from specific ae waxy corn endosperm genotypes to form a thermal-reversible gelling agent having good gel strength and rheological properties.
Corn has many genes affecting amylopectin structure and amylopectin/amylose ratio in starch. One is Wx or waxy. The recessive waxy allele (wx) reduces the amount of amylose present in starch. Another is Ae or amylose-extender. The recessive amylose-extender allele (ae) increases the straight chain length of amylopectin. The genes complexly interact as dominant and additive gene effects affect both the amount of starch and its structure. Starches from various corn genotypes and corn endosperm genotypes are used in the food industry for many purposes, but have proved to be of limited use in making thermal reversible gels. For example, enzymatically debranched waxy maize has been shown to form reversible gels but acid hydrolyzed waxy maize cannot.
Thermal-reversible gels are substances that transition into and out of the gel phase depending on conditions, like heat. They are important in the food industry for, among other things, controlling sensory properties. A need exists for a corn starch that is able to make stronger thermal-reversible gels after using a broader set of modifications. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system for outputting power from a crankshaft, including a flywheel and a spline piece which are coaxially coupled to an end of a crankshaft to permit power to be output through the spline piece.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A power output system is conventionally known from Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 138107/88, in which a common engine for a boat is commonly used in an inboard engine system including a crankshaft disposed horizontally and in an outboard engine system including a crankshaft disposed vertically.
A power output system is also conventionally known from Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open No. 21509/91, which includes a flywheel and a transmission shaft coupled to a lower end of a crankshaft which is disposed vertically.
If power is output from an end of the crankshaft at which the flywheel is mounted, as in one embodiment of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 138107/88, or as in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open No. 21509/91, a problem of a torsional vibration to a power output shaft (corresponding to an end of the crankshaft in the prior art, and the spline piece in the present invention) by the flywheel is reduced, which is convenient as a measure to counter vibration.
Further, a power output system is conventionally known from Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open No. 120831/83, which includes a spline piece mounted at a lower end of a crankshaft which is opposite from a flywheel, so that power is output.
In the power output system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 138107/88, the direction of outputting power from the crankshaft is different when the crankshaft is disposed horizontally and when the crankshaft is disposed vertically and for this reason, it is necessary to adjust the rotational direction in a driven side which receives power from the engine. In the power output system described in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open No. 21509/91, a transmission is integrally incorporated immediately below the flywheel and hence, in its intact condition, without modification the mountability of the power output system to another industrial machine is poor and is poor in general purpose properties, and any technique for coupling another equipment in place of the transmission is not disclosed at all. In the system described in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-open No. 120831/83, the flywheel is mounted on the opposite side from the spline piece, which is inconvenient for preventing vibration. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for misalignment/alignment compensation, and more particularly to a misalignment/alignment compensation method, a system and a patterning method for a semiconductor process.
2. Description of the Related Art
A semiconductor process refers to a process used to create a large number of semiconductor devices on a wafer using a multiple-step sequence of photolithographic and chemical processing steps. In such a highly-laminating process, when one of laminated layers is misaligned, the subsequent layers may thus be affected and further misaligned, thereby leading to failure of electrical connections among semiconductor devices and the layers, function losses, or short circuits. Therefore, precise and stable overlay control is a relatively important factor for process management to ensure yield of the semiconductor devices and efficiency of production.
For example, a conventional step-and-repeat aligner (i.e., a stepper or scanner) usually has an alignment sensor for detecting alignment marks that are disposed at specific locations of a wafer before a lithography exposure process, and an alignment offset of the aligner may be calculated according to the detected misalignment/alignment. If a subsequent rework process is required for the wafer, the overlay offset may be used to calibrate the aligner for ensuring optimal alignment between patterns of a current patterning layer (or an upper layer) and a previous patterning layer (or a lower layer).
Conventionally, the alignment or overlay offset is obtained by using the overlay misalignment data in symmetry or independent calculation in both X-direction and Y-direction, which is unable to satisfy asymmetry overlay compensation requirements between the X-direction and the Y-direction, especially in advanced process generation with single orientation layout for resolution consideration. Referring to FIG. 1 as an example, in a common process of fabricating metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices, a required overlay distance or alignment margin x between a contact hole 11, and an edge of a diffusion region 12, is different from a required distance or alignment margin y between the contact hole 11 and a poly gate 13. Since the overlay distance requirement or alignment margin x in the X-direction and the overlay distance requirement or alignment margin y in the Y-direction are different (in FIG. 1, x<y), a theoretical weight of an offset in the X-direction should be greater than that in the Y-direction. However, conventional calculations of the overlay offset uses symmetry or independent calculation for compensations in the X-direction and the Y-direction, which is not suitable for a structure that has asymmetric alignment requirements in the X-direction and the Y-direction, and which may result in non-optimization of alignment or non-optimization of the overlay offset after compensation. For example, a short circuit risk may occur between the contact hole 11 and the poly gate 13, as shown by an overlap of a dotted circle and the poly gate 13 in FIG. 1. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Typical electrical transmission and distribution systems often include some form of monitoring equipment to detect severed powerlines and other anomalies. Typically, such equipment may include head-end line monitoring gear in either or both of the transmission space (e.g., where powerline conductors traditionally carry thousands of volts over long distances) and at the substation level (e.g., where higher voltages are often converted to lower voltages prior to distribution to consumers). In addition, in some circumstances, “smart” meters installed at the customer premises may collect data regarding voltage levels, power consumption, and so on.
Consequently, data regarding the current operational status of large portions of the transmission and distribution systems tends to be coarse-grained due at least in part to the location of the monitoring gear. For examples, in an electrical transmission system, current supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems may detect when a particular powerline conductor has failed, but the particular location of the failure may be difficult to ascertain due to the expanse over which the conductor may extend. Similarly, due to the potentially large number of branching circuits sometimes involved in a distribution system, determining a particular location or cause of a failure in such a system may also prove to be problematic, possibly causing a significant amount of time and expense to identify accurately. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Video event classification has great potential in applications such as content-based video retrieval, video surveillance, and human-computer interaction. Most previous works on video event or human action recognition are associated with a few categories usually defined for a specific application. For example, in the context of retail store security surveillance, a type of an event classification category could be when a human picks up an item. Most such videos are collected in controlled environments with known illumination and background settings. By being collected in a controlled environment, it may be easier to identify actions since background noise can be more easily filtered.
In sharp contrast with controlled environments, there is an increasing demand for general event classification for submitted videos. When classifying submitted videos, large variations exist in illumination, camera motion, people's posture, clothing, etc. In addition to variations in video, the number of categories involved in general event classification is orders of magnitude higher than the number of categories in most existing event recognition systems. Manually defining these labels becomes extremely labor intensive. Therefore, automatic discovery of a collection of event categories would be useful.
One major difficulty in general video event classification is the lack of labeled training data. Classification systems usually use small video databases. This can make generalization of the classification system to submitted videos an even harder task. Although there are some attempts to develop web-based interactive tools for video annotation, those tools are still limited in scope. The growth of shared videos on services such as YouTube can help shed light on solving these issues. The large number of videos as well as the rich diversity of video content provides potential sources for constructing a large-scale video event database. Additionally, user entered video titles and descriptions may contain useful information related to classification. However, the task of categorizing such videos is highly challenging due to the number of possible categories and large intra-category variations. Therefore, there exists a need to both define proper event category labels and to obtain and use training samples for the defined category labels to measure classification performance. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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This invention relates to a power driven device. More particularly, this invention relates to a zero-turning radius power lawn mower including a riding platform for supporting a standing operator.
Conventional hydraulically driven (i.e. hydrostatically controlled) machines such as power lawn mowers include a pair of drive wheels, each of which is independently operated by a hydraulic (i.e. hydrostatic) pump coupled to the mower""s engine. A corresponding motor is provided for each drive wheel, each motor being powered and controlled by one of the pumps. Each pump includes a control lever for regulating fluid pressure and direction to its corresponding motor so that the drive wheels can be independently controlled so that each may be rotated at variable speeds in both forward and reverse directions. In this manner, the mower may be steered by controlling the speed and direction of the two drive wheels. This type of design is found in the mower inventions herein.
In certain of the above-identified mowers and in the instant inventions, it is possible to operate one of the drive wheels at a predetermined speed in a first direction and the other drive wheel at the same speed in the opposite direction, thereby enabling the operator to conduct zero-radius turns of the mower. This, of course, provides for improved maneuverability in tight environments. Exemplary zero-radius turning mowers are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,507,138 and 5,600,944.
Conventional power mowers are generally divided into three separate categories: (i) self-propelled walk behind mowers; (ii) mowers operated by a seated occupant; and (iii) mowers operated by a standing operator. Walk behind mowers and mowers operated by seated occupants have a number of disadvantages, some of which are discussed in the background section of the parent application, and in the background sections of the above-identified U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,507,138 and 5,600,944, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Unfortunately, known prior art mowers which have a platform for supporting a standing operator, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,339, have a number of disadvantages. These include inefficient design, overly complicated design and equipment, the utilization of parts which are not efficiently manufacturable or easily assembled in mass production environments, etc.
It is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for a power lawn mower operable by a standing occupant including an efficient and operator-friendly design, and parts therefor which are efficient, easily made, cost-effective, and the like. Each of the above-identified advantages is accomplished herein.
It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill the above-described needs in the art, as well as other needs which will become apparent to the skilled artisan from the following detailed description of this invention.
Generally speaking, this invention fulfills the above-described needs in the art by providing a zero-turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant, the mower comprising:
an engine for driving at least one cutting blade;
first and second drive wheels whose drive direction and speed are controlled by first and second pumps, respectively;
a brake lever that may be actuated in order to apply a braking effect or force to the mower; and
a pump lockout system that is engaged to prevent the first and second pumps from being changed from a neutral state, the pump lockout system being engaged along with the braking force when an occupant or operator actuates the brake lever.
In certain preferred embodiments, the mower includes a standing platform for supporting the standing occupant, the platform being located relative to a handle member (which is positioned forward of the zero-radius turning axis) so that a substantial portion of the occupant""s body may be located a zero-radius turning axis or point of the mower during zero-radius turns thereof so that the occupant is substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during zero-radius turns of the mower.
This invention further fulfills the above-described needs in the art by providing a zero-radius turning mower comprising:
first and second drive wheels;
a steering control assembly for controlling steering of the mower, the steering control assembly including a rigid bar for supporting hands of the operator during mower operation, first and second pivotable control levers positioned on one side of the rigid bar for selectively controlling reverse speed of the first and second drive wheels respectively, wherein each of the first and second control levers is adapted to be pivoted toward the rigid bar in order to cause a corresponding one of the drive wheels to move in a reverse direction; and
the steering control assembly further including third and fourth pivotable control levers positioned on the other side of the rigid bar so that the rigid bar is disposed between (i) the first and second control levers; and (ii) the third and fourth control levers; and wherein the first and fourth control levers are each adapted to be pivoted toward the rigid bar in order to cause a corresponding drive wheel to be driven in a forward direction.
In certain preferred embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth levers are pivotable about a common pivot axis.
This invention further fulfills the above-described needs in the art by providing a self-propelled power lawn mower for operation by a standing operator, the mower comprising:
a platform structure for supporting the standing operator during mower operation, the platform structure being at least partially located between first and second rear drive wheels of the mower; and
wherein the platform structure includes a bottom surface for supporting the operator, first and second sidewalls connected to the bottom surface for shielding the operator""s feet from the wheels, and an overhang portion connected to the sidewalls which at least partially overhangs the bottom surface so as to be disposed between an engine and the operator""s feet.
This invention will now be described with respect to certain embodiments thereof, accompanied by certain illustrations, wherein: | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to a new and distinct hybrid of Colocasia, hereinafter referred to by its cultivar name, ‘Black Swan’. Colocasia is a tropical genus in the Araceae family.
The new cultivar was derived from a controlled breeding program under the direction of by the inventor at a wholesale perennial nursery in Zeeland, Mich., USA. The overall purpose of the breeding program was to make selections of Colocasia plants with colorful foliage, good growth rate and that are well suited for landscape or containers. ‘Black Swan’ arose from a cross performed in May 17, 2012 between Colocasia ‘Black Coral’ U.S. Plant Pat. No. 23,896 as the female and the male parent was ‘Thailand Giant’ (not patented). ‘Black Swan’ was given the breeder code 12-07-01 prior to naming.
Asexual propagation of the new cultivar was first accomplished by in vitro propagation using shoot tip culture in 2014. To those skilled in the art shoot tip tissue culture produces propagules of identical characteristics to those of the original plant. Asexual propagation of ‘Black Swan’ by shoot tip tissue culture has shown that the characteristics of the new cultivar are stable and reproduce true to type in successive generations.
No plants of Colocasia ‘Black Swan’ have been sold, in this country or anywhere in the world, prior to the filing of this application, nor has any disclosure of the new plant been made prior to the filing of this application except that which was disclosed within one year of the filing of this application, and was either derived directly or indirectly from the inventor. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor devices, more specifically to the manufacturing method of a semiconductor device with metal redistribution layers and wire bond pads.
Background of the Invention
Many different processes that include the usage of redistribution layers and wire bond pads are in the literature and patents, including Aiba (U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,273), Tsai (U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,445), Lam (U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,901), Jackson (U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,930) and Chungpaiboonpatana (U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,174). Irrespective of these known processes, further improvements are needed particularly with respect to chips that are used in mobile devices which require significant ESD protection as well as the ability to pass signals at high frequencies. Further, these devices must consume very little space. Also, since these semiconductor devices are incorporated into products that are sold to consumers, the manufacturing cost of the component must be minimal.
Specifically, in the mobile device industry, wire bond packaged products are needed that consistently meet exacting application requirements while significantly lowering total solution implementation cost. There is a need for better design and assembly technologies to develop these products in order to increase functionality while decreasing the size of the product. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate to a wiper assembly that prevents most or all debris, such as sand particles, from entering an operating region of a pump.
2. Description of the Related Art
To obtain fluids from an earth formation, a wellbore is drilled into the earth to intersect an area of interest within the formation. Upon reaching the area of interest within the formation, artificial lift means is often necessary to carry production fluid (e.g. hydrocarbon fluid) from the area of interest within the wellbore to the surface of the wellbore. Some artificially lifted wells are equipped with sucker rod lifting systems.
Sucker rod lifting systems generally include a surface drive unit, a sucker rod string, and a downhole positive displacement pump. The pump generally includes an outer barrel and an operating member, such as a plunger axially movable within the barrel to lift fluid to the surface. The sucker rod string generally comprises several rods connected together but may be one continuous rod, and is the primary link between the drive unit at the surface and the pump plunger. Reciprocating pumping action moves a traveling valve on the pump plunger, loading it on the down-stroke and lifting fluid to the surface on the up-stroke.
One problem associated with sucker rod lifting systems is wear within the annular region between the plunger and the barrel due to wellbore debris, such as sand. Since the annular region is typically about 0.002 inches to about 0.005 inches (per side), sand particles of various size enter the region and act as an abrasive, which quickly forms “grooves” in both the barrel and the plunger sliding surfaces. Such wear significantly diminishes the life of the barrel and the plunger, and can lead to costly repair and frequent maintenance.
Therefore, there is a need for an assembly to prevent debris from entering an operating region of a pump. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field Of The Invention
This invention relates in general to hydraulic couplings, and specifically to hydraulic couplings used in undersea drilling and production applications. More particularly, this invention involves a hydraulic coupling having a hollow metal seal retained in the female member upon separation of the coupling members.
2. Description of the Related Art
Subsea hydraulic couplings are old in the art. The couplings generally consist of a male member and a female member with sealed passageways connected therebetween. The female member generally is a cylindrical body with a relatively large diameter longitudinal bore at one end and relatively small diameter longitudinal bore at the other. The small bore facilitates a connection to hydraulic lines, while the large bore seals and slidingly engages the male member of the coupling. The male member includes a cylindrical portion at one end having an outer diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the large bore of the female member of the coupling. The male member also includes a connection at its other end to facilitate connection to hydraulic lines. When the cylindrical portion of the male member is inserted into the large bore of the female member, according to various embodiments of the device, fluid flow is established between the male and female members. Couplings of this type are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,859 to Robert E. Smith III, and other patents owned by National Coupling Company, Inc. of Stafford, Tex.
In undersea drilling and production applications, the male member of the coupling may be connected to a manifold plate or other securement at a subsea location at the inside or outside of the well bore. In many cases, the male members are positioned so that the end or leading face of each member faces up from the sea floor. The female members, which also may be secured to a manifold plate, are moved into position over the male members and then lowered onto the male members by a diver or subsea vehicle. When the female members are positioned on the male members, hydraulic fluid flow typically is from the female member to the male member of each coupling.
The male and female members typically have poppet valves which are spring biased to the closed position. The poppet valve typically includes a conical valve face which seats, in the closed positioned, against a valve seat in the coupling member. The poppet valve opens to allow fluid flow, and closes against the valve seat within the bore to arrest the flow. The valve may includes a valve actuator which may be a nose or stem extending from the apex of the valve face along the longitudinal axis of the poppet valve.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,859 shows a hollow metal seal in a coupling of the foregoing type. Fluid pressure in the coupling urges the inner circumference of the seal radially inwardly to seal with the male member. The seal is retained in the female member bore by a seal retainer, which may be a sleeve insertable into the female member bore or threaded to the female member to abut the metal seal. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems for tracking the movement and statuses of non-motorized vehicles, including but not limited to shopping carts.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of commercially available cart containment systems exist for deterring the theft of shopping carts. Typically, these systems include a wire that is embedded in the pavement of a store parking lot to define an outer boundary of area in which shopping cart use is permitted. When a shopping cart is pushed over this wire, a sensor in or near one of the wheels detects an electromagnetic signal generated via the wire, causing the wheel to lock. To unlock the wheel, an attendant typically uses a handheld remote control to send an unlock signal to the wheel.
While existing cart containment systems are useful for deterring shopping cart theft, they are generally not capable of detecting other types of shopping cart misuse. As one example, existing systems are unable to detect that a shopping cart is being used to steal groceries or other merchandise. While merchandise theft can often be detected using an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system, the cost and burden of attaching EAS tags to merchandise items is often impractical. As another example of misuse, merchants that use power-assisted cart retrieval units sometimes use these machines to retrieve too many carts at a time, or to push a cart having a locked or improperly oriented wheel.
This background section is not intended to suggest that the present invention is limited to shopping carts, or that the invention requires detection of the particular types of misuse described above. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of computer networks and, in particular, to the connection of nodes to a network.
2. Background Art
Current Ethernet systems described by the ANSI/IEEE 802.3 standard typically use one of four media to connect computer equipment to a computer network: thick coax (thicknet), optical fiber, thin coax (thinnet), or twisted pair wiring (commonly referred to as 10Base-T). Twisted pair wiring is hereinafter referred to as simply 10Base-T. Of these four media, the more costly thicknet and optical fiber are mainly used for connections over long distances such as between buildings. Less expensive thinnet and 10Base-T are used to connect computer equipment including personal computers (PC), workstations, etc. Thinnet and 10Base-T each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
A local area network using thinnet is constructed by connecting segments of coaxial cable together forming a bus topology using either custom-cut lengths of cable having crimped-on baby N connectors (BNC) or fixed length pre-made lengths of cable. At each end of the assembled cable is a terminator. A connection to the cable is made via a T connector that is inserted between two cable segments. The T connector attaches to computer equipment, referred to as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) in IEEE Standard 802.3, using a Medium Attachment Unit (MAU). The MAU should be a simple, inexpensive, and flexible means of attaching computer equipment to the media which, in this case, is coaxial cable. The MAU converts signals on coaxial cable into a standard electrical interface referred to as an Attachment Unit Interface (AUI) which is common to nearly all Ethernet equipment.
IEEE Standard 802.3 for 10Base-2 Ethernet defines the functional, electrical, and mechanical specifications for a thinnet MAU. A thinnet MAU handles message flow between computer equipment and a thinnet bus. The MAU must be able to transmit streams of serial data from computer equipment to the thinnet bus, receive streams of serial data from the thinnet bus and transmit the data to computer equipment, detect collisions on the network due to another MAU transmitting concurrently with the local MAU, and automatically interrupt the transmit function to inhibit a long data stream. An optional monitor function disables the transmit function and prevents improper loading of the bus due to the disabled transmitter while permitting computer equipment to continue receiving data and detect collisions.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method of adding computer equipment to a network having a bus topology implemented with coaxial cable (i.e. thinnet). The diagram shows a network segment comprising T connectors 106 and 108, terminator 110 and MAUs 102 and 104 having AUIs 130 and 132, respectively. AUIs 130 and 132 are interfaces to computer equipment. A thinnet cable 120 is coupled between a previous thinnet node (not shown in FIG. 1) and T connector 106. T connector 106 is coupled to MAU 102 and to thinnet cable 122. Thinnet cable 122 is coupled to T connector 108. T connector 108 is coupled to MAU 104 and to thinnet cable 124. Thinnet cable 124 is coupled to terminator 110.
A typical network begins with one cable segment 120 connecting two PCs or computer equipment. MAU 102 is coupled to the second computer equipment. When a third PC or item of computer equipment having AUI 132 coupled to MAU 104 is added to the network, a terminator 110 is removed from an end of cable segment 122, a new T connector 108 is attached between the aforesaid cable 122 and a new segment of cable 124, and terminator 110 is placed on the end of new cable segment 124 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Additional PCs or computer equipment may be added in a similar fashion. This method of wiring is commonly referred to as daisy-chaining.
Thinnet has the advantage of being easy to install and allowing easy growth of a network. No external equipment other than cable and MAUs is required to construct a network. In addition, cables and MAUs can be acquired incrementally: for each additional node added to the network, one thinnet MAU, one T connector, and one additional segment of coaxial cable are needed. Attaching additional nodes to an existing network is as simple as purchasing a MAU, a T connector, and a segment of coaxial cable for each node, and then stringing these items on either end of the existing cable in the manner described above.
The disadvantage of using thinnet becomes apparent as the network grows. Coaxial cable cannot be easily routed to all parts of a building, especially when the cable must remain connected together as a continuous segment. In addition, if the cable should break or be disconnected at any point, the two resulting halves become useless because they are not terminated at the break. Due to thinnet's bus topology and the lack of diagnostic capability built into the MAUs, finding the location where the break has occurred is not easily accomplished without specialized equipment (such as a time domain reflectometer), that the user is unlikely to have.
A competing wiring system, 10Base-T, builds a network as illustrated in FIG. 2A comprising an active hub 200 and nodes 202, 204 and 206. A port 200A of active hub 200 is coupled to node 202 by two 10Base-T twisted pairs 208 comprising transmit pair 208A and receive pair 208B. Port 200B of active hub 200 is coupled to node 204 by two 10Base-T twisted pairs 210 comprising transmit pair 210A and receive pair 210B. Port 200C of active hub 200 is coupled to node 206 by two 10Base-T twisted pairs 212 comprising transmit pair 212A and receive pair 212B.
The network illustrated in FIG. 2A comprises an external active hub 200 that is centrally located to connect to each node 202, 204 and 206 over standard telephone twisted pair wiring 208, 210 and 212. Each node 202, 204 and 206 requires its own separate connection to hub 200 using two pairs 208, 210 and 212 of wire (one pair 208A, 210A and 212A for transmitting signals and the other pair 208B, 210B and 212B for receiving signals), respectively. At nodes 202, 204 and 206, computer equipment connects to a port 200A-200C of an active hub 200, respectively, using a 10Base-T MAU thereby forming a point-to-point link between an active hub 200 and DTEs. The hub 200 consists of a reclocking repeater that has a separate port 200A-200C for each node connected to it. If another node is added to the network, the network requires two pairs of wire connecting the node to its own port on the hub. This type of wiring is usually referred to as either a star-topology or structured wiring, and is used by most telephone systems.
IEEE Standard 802.3 for 10Base-T Twisted Pair Ethernet defines the functional, electrical, and mechanical specifications for the 10Base-T MAU and the medium. A 10Base-T MAU handles message flow between computer equipment or hub (repeater) and a twisted pair link. The MAU must be able to transmit streams of serial data from computer equipment to the twisted pair link, receive streams of serial data from the twisted pair link and transmit data to computer equipment, detect collisions on the network due to another MAU transmitting concurrently with the local MAU, verify that the MAU and AUI are connected, automatically interrupt the transmit function by inhibiting a long data stream, and to test and disable a receive link if the link is faulty.
The chief disadvantage of 10Base-T is that it requires an external hub, each port of which can only connect to one node. However, one of the main advantages of using 10Base-T medium is avoiding the cost and inconvenience of routing cable to each node since telephone-grade twisted pair wiring already exists in most buildings and is therefore easier to use than coaxial cable or optical fiber. Since 10Base-T requires 4 wires (two twisted wire pairs) for each node, the supply of existing wiring in a building may be used up quickly. If two nodes are located in a room that only has one 10Base-T connection (two pairs of wires), two additional pairs of wires must be routed to the location to connect the second node to the hub, thus defeating one of the advantages of using existing twisted pair wiring.
In addition, each node added uses up an additional port on a hub, thereby requiring the installer to purchase an appropriate number of hubs to match the number of nodes. If the number of nodes exceeds the number of ports on a hub, an additional hub must be purchased to accommodate the nodes and the expense of the remaining unused ports is lost. For installations that have standardized on 10Base-T, the increasing number of nodes that must be added to the network becomes a major problem. Current alternative methods of adding nodes to a 10Base-T also have their difficulties.
FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a 10Base-T network comprising active hub 230, mini-hub 240 and nodes 232, 234, 236 and 238 that uses 10Base-T mini-hub 240 to add nodes 236 and 238 to network. Ports 230A-230C of active hub 230 are coupled to nodes 232 and 234 and mini-hub 240 by 10Base-T twisted wire pairs 242, 244 and 246, respectively. Each 10Base-T twisted wire pairs 242, 244 and 246 comprises transmit pair 242A, 244A and 246A and receive pair 242B, 244B and 246C, respectively. Ports 240A and 240B of mini-hub 240 are coupled to nodes 236 and 238 by two twisted wire pairs 248 and 250 comprising transmit pair 248A and 250A and receive pair 248B and 250B, respectively.
If an additional two pairs of wire and an unused hub port are not available in a network as shown in FIG. 2A, a 10Base-T mini hub 240 can be connected to the main network as illustrated in FIG. 2B, and nodes 236 and 238 can then be connected to two ports 240A and 240B of the added mini hub 240. In this manner, a node comprising mini-hub 240 coupled to port 230C of active hub 230 connects nodes 236 and 238 to the network. However, this dramatically increases the incremental cost of adding a single node since an entire hub must be added. In addition, the Ethernet specification limits the number of hubs that can be between nodes, so adding an additional hub may not even be possible without violating the Ethernet standard.
FIG. 2C is a block diagram comprising active hub 260, nodes 262-270, and a 10Base-T to thinnet converter 272 that illustrates another common method of adding a node to a network. Ports 260A-260C of active hub 260 are coupled to nodes 262 and 264 and to 10Base-T to thinnet converter 272 by 10Base-T twisted wire pairs 274, 276 and 278, respectively. Each 10Base-T twisted wire pairs 274, 276 and 278 comprises transmit pair 274A, 276A and 278A and receive pair 274B, 276B and 278C, respectively. A thinnet bus 280 couples nodes 266, 268 and 270 to 10Base-T to thinnet converter 272 in a daisy-chain manner.
10Base-T to thinnet converter 272 allows nodes 266, 268 and 270 to be daisy-chained together using thinnet cable, and then to connect the thinnet segment 280 to a main 10Base-T network comprising active hub 260 and nodes 262 and 264 through converter 272. Again, this method has the disadvantage of requiring an external device (10Base-T to thinnet converter 272) to expand a single 10Base-T port 260C of active hub 260 in order to connect to multiple nodes 266-270. It is also not an incremental addition, since the node that is initially a 10Base-T port must first be converted to a thinnet port.
Traditional ethernet over twisted pair (10Base-T) wiring topology requires the use of a central hub (concentrator) which has multiple ports, each of which connects to one MAU at a workstation. This topology uses two pairs of wires, one for transmitting and one for receiving. The transmit pair on the hub connects to the receive pair on the MAU and the receive pair on the hub connects to the MAU's transmit pair.
To maintain proper orientation of the transmit and receive pairs in a traditional 10Base-T network, a hub port can only be connected to a single MAU port, and a MAU port can only be connected to a hub port. In many instances, such as when there are not enough hub ports or when a number of MAUs are clustered together in relatively close proximity to one another, it would be desirable to be able to connect a MAU to another MAU, rather that to a hub. For maximum versatility, it would be desirable to be able to connect hubs and MAUs together in any combination. Such connection capability would allow 10Base-T and other twisted pair networks to have a daisy chain topology. A daisy chain topology would overcome the disadvantages of a star topology. Of course, 10Base-T could still be used in a star topology, if such a topology provided advantages over a daisy chain topology. Additionally, a network could be constructed having some star portions and some daisy chain portions to allow maximum flexibility in the selecting the most suitable topology for the circumstances. However, to allow such capability, a method for automatically providing the proper configuration and connection of transmit and receive pairs is needed. Thus, an automatic crossover capability is needed.
RJ45-type modular connectors are typically used to provide a physical connection to a 10Base-T network. The RJ45 connectors on hubs and MAUs are wired so that they normally interconnect when using a straight-through cable, i.e. one where pin 1 connects to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc. On the MAU's connector, pin 1 is TX+, pin 2 is TX-, pin 3 is RX+ and pin 6 is RX-. On the hub's connector, pin 1 is RX+, pin 2 is RX-, pin 3 is TX+ and pin 6 is TX-. Thus, when a straight through cable is used to connect a hub to a MAU, the TX pair on the hub connects to the RX pair on the MAU and the RX pair on the hub connects to the TX pair on the MAU.
Since the connector pin configurations or pinouts differ between the MAU's connector and the hub's connector, a straight through cable may not be used to connect a MAU to another MAU or a hub to another hub. Use of a straight through cable to connect like devices results in signals from one MAU appearing at the wrong pins of the other MAU, thus preventing communication over the network.
Should the user wish to connect two MAUs or two hubs together, a special cable called a cross connect cable is required. This cross connect cable swaps the TX and RX pairs in the cable to compensate for the lack of a crossover built into the RJ45s. In the case of a daisy chainable 10Base-T system, the daisy chain MAU might be connected to either a MAU or a hub. One method to ensure compatibility of a piece of 10Base-T equipment, such as a daisy chain MAU, with both "MAU" and "hub" RJ45 connectors is to provide the equipment with two RJ45 connectors, one wired as a standard MAU RJ45 connector and the other wired as a hub RJ45 connector. However, since each piece of such equipment has both types of RJ45 connector, the user is required to possess sufficient expertise to determine whether a particular device should be connected to the "hub" RJ45 connector or to the "MAU" RJ45 connector. This situation is complicated by the existence of cross-connect cables. To connect a MAU to a hub, a user would expect to use the "hub" connector of the hub. However, if the user had only a cross-connect cable, the user would have to connect the MAU to the "MAU" connector of the hub. Thus, even though a connection may be possible with the right combination of connectors and cables, a user is required to pay close attention to the markings on the connectors and cables. If a connector or cable is unmarked or mismarked, great confusion and delay could easily result. Thus, a method is needed for automatically configuring a network connection. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile communication system, and more particularly, to a repeater and a ranging method using the repeater.
(b) Description of the Related Art
Generally, in a portable Internet system, which is one of mobile communication systems, a mobile terminal performs an initial ranging operation and a handover ranging operation to access a base station, using a repeater for increasing coverage and data throughput. When the initial ranging and handover ranging operations are performed, the mobile terminal performs a timing offset control operation and a power offset control operation between the mobile terminal and the base station.
In this case, since timing offset and power offset of the mobile terminal are established based on the base station even when the mobile terminal accesses the repeater, the mobile terminal may be disconnected from the repeater.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention. Applicants have made no determination and make no assertion or admission as to whether or not any of the above information might qualify with regard to the present application as prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to processes and systems for drying wet bromine liquid, and more particularly, in one or more embodiments, to processes and systems for drying wet bromine liquid in a system having two fractionators, one for separating substantially dry bromine from wet bromine liquid and another for separating substantially pure water from water having bromine dissolved therein.
Bromine has a wide variety of industrial uses, including in the preparation of disinfectants, chemical flame retardants, and photographic materials, in water purification processes, and as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyestuffs, drugs, resins and refrigerants. Bromine may also be used in the bromination of alkanes to produce alkyl bromides that in turn have uses in processes, such as the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons useful as chemical intermediates and as blending stock or fuels. Many of the uses prefer dry bromine containing less than 5 wppm water.
Wet bromine is highly corrosive and requires that components used to handle wet bromine be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials or coatings, such as tantalum, which are extremely expensive. As dry bromine is much less corrosive than wet bromine, it usually is advantageous to use dry bromine in most industrial processes employing bromine.
Some processes that have been proposed for drying bromine utilize a drying agent for the adsorption of water therefrom. However, the use of a drying agent is accompanied by many drawbacks. If the drying agent is a solid, for example an inorganic salt, solid incrustations form on the surface of the drying agent rendering the surface impermeable and therefore decreasing the efficiency of the drying agent. When liquid drying agents are used, for instance sulfuric acid, bromine may become contaminated with components of the drying agents. Another drawback in using drying agents is that the drying agent must be regenerated or additional fresh drying agent must be added or used at varying intervals.
In accordance with another process, liquid bromine having a water and chlorine content is kept at about its boiling point, gradually loses water and chlorine and over a period of time to drop the water and chlorine content to lower levels. While this process produces bromine with reduced water and chlorine content, it is not deemed commercially practical as keeping the bromine liquid at the boiling point causes significant loss of bromine with the evaporated water and chlorine. In addition, for large flow rates of bromine, the long residence time needed for this process requires large bromine storages which present tremendous hazard risk. Furthermore, this process does not achieve requisite low levels of water and chlorine.
Liquid crude bromine containing impurities, such as water and chlorine, is vaporized and heated to greater than 700° F. in accordance with another process, added to steam and condensed to form water and liquid bromine. The liquid bromine is separated from water and dried over concentrated sulfuric acid. The dried bromine is then distilled to remove its heavy end contaminants. The purified bromine produced having an overall purity of 99.98 percent or better, i.e. less than 200 wppm of overall impurities. Chlorine<30 wppm; organic material<30 wppm; water<30 wppm; and HCl<2° wppm; nonvolatile residue<60 wppm. Bromine dried by this process still contains a moisture level not low enough to prevent corrosion at elevated temperatures. Also, the process generates a dilute sulfuric acid solution which is a waste stream requiring disposal.
Thus, a need exists for processes and systems for drying liquid bromine without the use of drying agents and their attendant problems which is economical, results in two streams of high purity, dry bromine and substantially bromine-free water, and does not require additional environmental treatment of by-products. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Each individual is created with the capacity to perceive, understand, appreciate and enjoy various forms of entertainment. Different types and forms of entertainment are found in nearly all aspects of life. From the first breath of an infant until the last breath of an elder, each person encounters situations consisting of differing forms of entertainment throughout the span of life. Some forms and types of entertainment help pass the time and provide a pleasurable experience to those partaking, while other forms and types of entertainment, when coupled with other beneficial ventures and/or activities, assist in producing a desired result. As such, entertainment is ubiquitous and is found in almost every endeavor and activity of life. Whether at work or at play, people of all ages love to entertain and be entertained.
Especially commonplace among children, teenagers and young adults are the engagement of activities and/or the use of devices which provided entertainment such as playing video games, participating in extra-curricular activities and watching television, movies and cartoons. These younger individuals depend heavily upon activities that engage the imagination of the mind. As such, one form and/or type of entertainment that engages children and young adults is the ability to imagine (i.e., to pretend). Children are drawn to the world of make believe. Hence, the world of pretend has given rise to superheroes that can undertake activities that mere mortals cannot do in their own strength. For example, many young individuals imagine themselves as having the ability to possess extraordinary powers such as having the ability to be faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and leap tall buildings in a single bound.
The capacity to pretend is limitless for young individuals, however many times external objects are needed to help jumpstart the young individuals' creative juices. Often times, devices, gadgets, articles, games and programs are used to aid young individuals' ability to imagine. With the aid of such objects, young peoples' minds can become engaged in the world of pretend and they and their friends can have fun together as they entertain themselves.
A particular extraordinary ability that many young individuals' imagine having is the ability to run extremely fast. For centuries, societies have rewarded fast runners. For example, Olympic Games are played to determine the world's fastest runner. Running is not only a sport; it can be a person's claim to fame. However, having the label of world's fastest man/woman is a not a reality for most people; it is something that most only dream about. In their world of pretend, children and young adult tend to imagine that they are extraordinary, having superhuman abilities that enable them to run fast—faster than normal. They may picture themselves as the fastest man or woman on earth, running so fast indeed that the rubber on their shoes begins to smoke.
Smoke that billows from a shoe because of extreme heat and friction cause by extreme, rapid movement brings to life the imagination of young children and adults that they are superhuman. Having this superhuman ability is an entertainment form that a person—particularly a young person—can enjoy individually or together with family and/or friends. For example, a young person could engage his or her friends to jokingly convince them that the shoes are smoking because of the young person's superhuman running abilities. Also, a group of individuals, each wearing shoes that smoke, could couple the smoking shoes with their imaginations for entertainment purposes, allowing the individuals to pretend and use their imagination. Thus, shoes from which smoke emanates can be utilized for many different purposes—especially for entertainment purposes.
What is needed is a device that aids in providing entertainment for children and adults alike which allows the world of imagination of superhuman strengths to come alive. More specifically, what is needed is a device that can be worn on an individual's foot such as, but not limited to, a shoe from which smoke/heat/vapor emanates thereby providing an allusion that the wearer of the device possesses supernatural mobility and strength which enables the wearer to run at superhuman speeds.
A device for providing continuous and/or intermittent smoke/vapor which emanate from an external covering of the human foot, having at least one embodiment disclosed herein, is a novel invention that meets the needs described in the aforementioned paragraphs, while also providing many substantial advantages such as, but not limited to, the ability to easily and effectively interface with an ordinary shoe and the ability to cause the smoke to intermittently and/or continuously emanate from the device based upon actions/inactions of the user of the device.
An embodiment of the present invention can interface with an ordinary shoe. Thus, an embodiment can include a running shoe, such as, but not limited to, a tennis shoe, which enhances a user's ability to utilize the present invention for entertainment purposes. While any type of footwear may be suitable, a running shoe has more significance in the world of a young person's imagination and may provide a better entertainment experience. Therefore, a running shoe may be more desirable. However, it should be understood that while embodiments of the present invention can include, be integrated with and utilize an external foot covering such as, but not limited to, a shoe having any form or type, subsequently hereafter this paper will describe a running shoe (i.e., a tennis shoe) for purposes of explanation and example.
Moreover, an embodiment of the present invention permits a user of the invention to regulate the amount of smoke/vapor that emanates from a shoe via the actions of the user. The more steps a user takes when employing the device, the greater amount of smoke/vapor that emanates from the device. On the other hand, a reduction of successive steps taken by the user of the device will results in a corresponding reduction of the emanation of smoke/vapor. As such, the present invention includes a mechanism for regulating the amount of emanating smoke/vapor. The mechanism activates as a user takes a step. As steps become more rapid, the emanating smoke increases. However, when the user stands still, the device ceases emanating smoke/vapor. Thus, the present invention can include the novel function of permitting continuous emanating of smoke/vapor as a user continuously runs or walks or intermittent emanation of smoke as when a user walks/runs, stops, then continues running/walking, and so on.
Elements of an embodiment of the present invention includes, without limitation, a tube having one end thereof connected to one end of an exhaust pipe, wherein both the tube and exhaust pipe are positioned within a shoe or other similar external foot covering. The exhaust pipe includes, without limitation, an atomizer which creates smoke/vapor. The other end of the exhaust pipe protrudes through a portion of the shoe, thereby allowing smoke to pass through the exhaust pipe and emanate from the exterior of the shoe. Emanating smoke from the exterior of the shoe provides the allusion that the shoe is smoking due to the extreme and rapid movements of the user.
Specifically as a user of the invention/device walks or runs, the user's downward weight onto the shoe squeezes the tube that is within the shoe which forces air out of the tube and through the shoe exhaust pipe. Then, the user's weight shifts to the other foot, which removes the downward pressure on the tube, thereby causing smoke/vapor that is created by an atomizer within the exhaust pipe to rush into the tube from the shoe exhaust pipe. The user then shifts his or her weight again and applies downward pressure back onto the shoe and thus onto the tube, causing the smoke that is within the tube to pass through the exhaust pipe and out of the end portion of the exhaust pipe that protrudes from the shoe. As the smoke exits the exhaust pipe, it appears to emanate from the side or bottom of the shoe.
Again, the user's weight shifts, again causing a low pressure in the tube so that smoke/vapor produced from the atomizer in the exhaust pipe rushes into the tube. Then, the weight shifts again, pushing the smoke/vapor out of the tube, through the exhaust pipe and out of the end portion of the exhaust pipe protruding out of the shoe. This process repeats itself over and over as the user of the invention/device walks or runs. | {
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The invention relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, in particular of human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising 2-n-propyl-para-phenylenediamine, in combination with at least one meta-phenylenediamine, as well as to the dyeing process using this composition.
It is known to dye keratin fibres, and in particular human hair, with dye compositions containing oxidation dye precursors, in particular ortho or para-phenylenediamines, or ortho or para-aminophenols, which are generally referred to as oxidation bases. The oxidation dye precursors, or oxidation bases, are colourless or weakly coloured compounds which, when combined with oxidizing products, may give rise to coloured compounds and dyes by a process of oxidative condensation.
It is also known that the shades obtained with oxidation bases may be varied by combining them with couplers or coloration modifiers, it being possible for the latter to be chosen in particular from aromatic meta-diamines, meta-aminophenols and meta-diphenols.
The variety of molecules used as oxidation bases and couplers makes it possible to obtain a wide range of colours.
The so-called xe2x80x9cpermanentxe2x80x9d coloration obtained by means of these oxidation dyes seeks to satisfy a certain number of requirements. Thus, it is desired to have no toxicological drawbacks and to allow shades of the desired intensity to be obtained and to have good staying power with respect to external agents (light, inclement weather, washing, permanent-waving, perspiration and rubbing).
It is also desired that the dyes allow white hairs to be covered and, lastly, to be as unselective as possible, that is to say to allow the smallest possible differences in coloration to be produced over the entire length of the same keratin fibre, which may indeed be differently sensitized (i.e. damaged) between its tip and its root.
Compositions for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, containing at least one meta-phenylenediamine derivative as coupler, in combination with at least one oxidation dye precursor of para-phenylenediamine type or derivatives, have already been proposed. However, the colorations obtained with these compositions are not entirely satisfactory, in particular regarding the staying power of these colorations with respect to the various attacking factors to which the hair may be subjected, and in particular shampoos.
The present invention is aimed at proposing novel compositions for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, and in particular of human keratin fibres such as the hair, which have very good dyeing properties.
Thus, the inventor has just discovered that it is possible to obtain novel dyes of particularly good staying power, which lead to intense colorations, by combining:
at least one oxidation base selected from 2-n-propyl-para-phenylenediamine and acid addition salts thereof, and
at least one coupler selected from meta-phenylenediamines of formula (I) defined below and acid addition salts thereof.
This discovery forms the basis of the present invention.
The first subject of the invention is thus a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, and in particular of human keratin fibres such as the hair, characterized in that it comprises, in a medium which is suitable for dyeing:
at least one oxidation base selected from 2-n-propyl-para-phenylenediamine and acid addition salts thereof, and
at least one coupler selected from meta-phenylenediamines of formula (I) below and acid addition salts thereof:
wherein:
R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 monohydroxyalkyl or C2-C4 polyhydroxyalkyl radical;
R2 and R3, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 monohydroxyalkoxy or C2-C4 polyhydroxyalkoxy radical;
R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 aminoalkoxy, C1-C4 monohydroxyalkoxy or C2-C4 polyhydroxyalkoxy radical or a 2,4-diamino-phenoxyalkoxy radical.
As demonstrated by the examples below, the colorations obtained with the above compositions are of good dyeing power and have excellent properties of staying power both with regard to atmospheric agents such as light and bad weather and with regard to perspiration and the various treatments to which the hair may be subjected (shampooing, permanent-waving). These properties are particularly noteworthy, especially regarding the staying power of the colorations obtained with respect to shampooing.
The subject of the invention is also a process for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres using this composition.
The addition salts with an acid which may be used within the context of the dye compositions of the invention may be chosen in particular from hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulphates and tartrates.
Among the meta-phenylenediamines of formula (I) above which may be mentioned more particularly are meta-phenylenediamine, 3,5-diamino-1-ethyl-2-methoxy-benzene, 3,5-diamino-2-methoxy-1-methylbenzene, 2,4-diamino-1-ethoxybenzene, 1,3-bis(2,4-diaminophenoxy)propane, bis(2,4-diaminophenoxy)methane, 1-(xcex2-aminoethyloxy)-2,4-diaminobenzene, 2-amino-1-(xcex2-hydroxyethyloxy)-4-methylaminobenzene, 2,4-diamino-1-ethoxy-5-methylbenzene, 2,4-diamino-5-(xcex2-hydroxyethyloxy)-1-methylbenzene, 2,4-diamino-1-(xcex2,xcex3-dihydroxypropyloxy)benzene, 2,4-diamino-1-(xcex2-hydroxyethyloxy)benzene and 2-amino-4-N-(xcex2-hydroxyethyl)amino-1-methoxybenzene, and the addition salts thereof with an acid.
The 2-n-propyl-para-phenylenediamine and/or the addition salt or salts of this compound with an acid preferably represent from 0.0005 to 10% by weight approximately relative to the total weight of the dye composition, and even more preferably from 0.05 to 7% by weight approximately.
The meta-phenylenediamine(s) of formula (I) in accordance with the invention preferably represent(s) from 0.0001 to 5% by weight approximately relative to the total weight of the dye composition, and even more preferably from 0.005 to 3% by weight approximately.
The appropriate medium for the dyeing (or the support) generally comprises water or a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent to solubilize the compounds which would not be sufficiently soluble in water. Organic solvents which may be mentioned, for example, are C1-C4 lower alkanols such as ethanol and isopropanol; glycerol; glycols and glycol ethers such as 2-butoxyethanol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether and monomethyl ether, and aromatic alcohols such as benzyl alcohol or phenoxyethanol, similar products and mixtures thereof.
The solvents may be present in proportions preferably approximately from 1 to 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the dye composition, and even more preferably approximately 5 to 30% by weight.
The pH of the dye composition as described above generally ranges approximately from 5 to 12. It may be adjusted to the desired value using acidifying or basifying agents usually used in the dyeing of keratin fibres.
Among the acidifying agents which may be mentioned, by way of example, are inorganic or organic acids such as hydrochloric acid, orthophosphoric acid, carboxylic acids such as tartaric acid, citric acid and lactic acid, and sulphonic acids.
Among the basifying agents which may be mentioned, by way of example, are aqueous ammonia, alkaline carbonates, alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines and derivatives thereof, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the compounds of formula (II) below:
in which R is a propylene residue optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group or a C1-C4 alkyl radical; R5, R6, R7 and R8, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl radical.
The dye composition in accordance with the invention may also contain, in addition to the dyes defined above, other oxidation bases and/or other couplers and/or direct dyes, especially in order to modify the shades or to enrich them with glints.
The dye composition according to the invention may also include various adjuvants used conventionally in compositions for dyeing the hair, such as anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwifterionic surfactants or mixtures thereof, anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers or mixtures thereof, inorganic or organic thickeners, antioxidants, penetration agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, buffers, dispersing agents, conditioners such as, for example, silicones, film-forming agents, preserving agents and opacifying agents.
Obviously, a person skilled in the art will take care to select this or these optional complementary compound(s) such that the advantageous properties intrinsically associated with the dye composition in accordance with the invention are not, or are substantially not, adversely affected by the addition or additions envisaged.
The dye composition according to the invention may be in various forms, such as in the form of liquids, creams, gels or any other form which is suitable for dyeing keratin fibres, and in particular human hair.
The subject of the invention is also a process for dyeing keratin fibres, and in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair, using the dye composition as defined above.
According to this process, the dye composition as defined above is applied to the fibres, the colour being developed at acidic, neutral or alkaline pH using an oxidizing agent which is added only at the time of use to the dye composition or which is present in an oxidizing composition that is applied simultaneously or sequentially in a separate manner.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the dyeing process according to the invention, the dye composition described above is mixed, at the time of use, with an oxidizing composition containing, in a medium which is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidizing agent present in an amount which is sufficient to develop a coloration. The mixture obtained is then applied to the keratin fibres and is preferably left in place for 3 to 40 minutes approximately, more preferably 5 to 30 minutes approximately, after which the fibres are rinsed, washed with shampoo, rinsed again and dried.
The oxidizing agent present in the oxidizing composition as defined above may be chosen from the oxidizing agents conventionally used for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, and among which mention may be made of hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, alkali metal bromates and persalts such as perborates and persulphates. Hydrogen peroxide is particularly preferred.
The pH of the oxidizing composition containing the oxidizing agent as defined above is such that, after mixing with the dye composition, the pH of the resulting composition applied to the keratin fibres preferably ranges approximately from 2 to 12 and even more preferably from 5 to 11. It is adjusted to the desired value using acidifying or basifying agents usually used in the dyeing of keratin fibres and as are defined above.
The oxidizing composition as defined above may also include various adjuvants used conventionally in compositions for dyeing the hair and as are defined above.
The composition which is finally applied to the keratin fibres may be in various forms, such as in the form of liquids, creams, gels or any other form which is suitable for dyeing keratin fibres, and in particular human hair.
Another subject of the invention is a multi-compartment device for dyeing or dyeing xe2x80x9ckitxe2x80x9d or any other multi-compartment packaging system a first compartment of which contains the dye composition as defined above and a second compartment of which contains the oxidizing composition as defined above. These devices may be equipped with a means which makes it possible to deliver the desired mixture onto the hair, such as the devices described in patent FR-2,586,913 in the name of L""Orxc3xa9al, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein.
The examples which follow are intended to illustrate the invention without, however, limiting the scope thereof. | {
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Fatty acids and triglycerides have a multiplicity of applications in the food industry, animal nutrition, cosmetics and in the pharmaceutical sector. Depending on whether they are free saturated or unsaturated fatty acids or triglycerides with an increased content of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for a very wide range of applications; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids are added to baby formula to increase the nutritional value. The various fatty acids and triglycerides are obtained mainly from microorganisms such as Mortierella or from oil-producing plants such as soya, oilseed rape, sunflowers and others, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacyl glycerides. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals, such as fish. The free fatty acids are prepared advantageously by hydrolysis.
Whether oils with unsaturated or with saturated fatty acids are preferred depends on the intended purpose; thus, for example, lipids with unsaturated fatty acids, specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids, are preferred in human nutrition since they have a positive effect on the cholesterol level in the blood and thus on the possibility of heart disease. They are used in a variety of dietetic foodstuffs or medicaments.
Especially valuable and sought-after unsaturated fatty acids are the so-called conjugated unsaturated fatty acids, such as conjugated linoleic acid. A series of positive effects have been found for conjugated fatty acids; thus, the administration of conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat in humans and animals, and increases the conversion of feed into body weight in the case of animals (WO 94/16690, WO 96/06605, WO 97/46230, WO 97/46118). By administering conjugated linoleic acid, it is also possible to positively affect, for example, allergies (WO 97/32008) or cancer (Banni et al., Carcinogenesis, Vol. 20, 1999: 1019–1024, Thompson et al., Cancer, Res., Vol. 57, 1997: 5067–5072).
Conjugated linoleic acid (=CLA) is an intermediate of linoleic acid metabolism in ruminants. CLA refers to a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid, involving double bonds at positions 9 and 11, 10 and 12 or 11 and 13, and has gained considerable attention in recent years because of the many beneficial effects attributed to the cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers, in particular. These include anti-carcinogenic activity, antiatherogenic activity, the ability to reduce the catabolic effects of immune stimulation, the ability to enhance growth promotion and the ability to reduce body fat (Martin and Banni, 1998 for review, and references therein). The isomers can differ positionally (mainly at positions 7 and 9, 9 and 11; or 10 and 12) (Ha et al., 1987) and geometrically (cis-cis, cis-trans, trans-cis, trans-trans). Of the individual isomers of CLA, cis-9, trans-11-octadecadienoic acid has been implicated as the most biologically active because it is the predominant isomer incorporated into the phospholipids of cell membranes, liver phospholipids and triglycerides (Kramer et al., 1998). This is the only isomer incorporated into the phospholipid fraction of cell membranes of animals fed a mixture of CLA isomers (Ha et al., 1990; Ip et al., 1991). This isomer is also the predominant dietary form of CLA, obtained from fats derived from ruminant animals, including milk, dairy products and meat (Chin et al., 1992, O'Shea et al., 2000).
Studies have shown that CLA may have potential in the prevention of a wide range of human medical conditions, and a number of potential health benefits have been described for CLA, including as mentioned above anticarcinogenic activity, antiatherogenic activity, potential in the prevention of diabetes, obesity and bone disorders. Given that dietary CLA has the potential to beneficially affect human health, it is important to identify effective strategies to enrich the natural form of CLA in food products. Currently, the effective level of dietary CLA for disease prevention in humans is not known. Furthermore, the long-term health implications of a low dietary CLA intake at critical stages throughout life are unknown, as for example in formula-fed infants, compared with breast-fed infants, the latter group receiving a relatively higher CLA intake. In the rodent model, dietary CLA was more effective as an anticarcinogen when consumed during periods of active mammary gland development (Ip et al., Nutr. Cancer, 1995, 24: 241–247), which may indicate that increased CLA intake during adolescence might preferentially decrease the risk of cancer in women.
Few data concerning the CLA intake are available. In Germany the daily CLA intake has been estimated to be 0.36 g/day for women and 0.44 g/day for men (Fritsche et al., 1998). CLA in human tissue is predominantly the isomere cis-9, trans-11-octa-decadienoic acid (>95%), three minor isomers have also been identified. Trans-9, trans-11–18:2, cis-9, cis-11–18:2 and trans9, cis-11–18:2, [Fritsche et al., Zeitschrift Lebensmittel. Untersuchung Forschung A-Food Research & Technology 205:415–418 (1997)]. The origin is thought to be dietary and the consumption of cheddar cheese, a good source of CLA, has been shown to enhance plasma CLA levels in men, [Huang et al. Nutr. Res. 14:373–386 (1994)]. In another study it was found that the relationship between milk fat intake and the occurence of cis-9, trans-11-octadecadienoic acid in human tissue was significantly correlated, [Jiang et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 70:21–29 (1999)]. Safflower oil, a rich source of linoleic acid, did not increase plasma CLA levels suggesting that the intestinal flora of humans do not possess the ability to convert linoleic acid to conjugated linoleic acid, however a CLA increase was observed in some subjects [Herbel et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 67: 332–337 (1998)]. Dietary trans fatty acid has been shown to increase serum CLA, [Salminen et al., Nutritional Biochemistry 9: 93–98 (1998)]. It was in this study concluded that CLA may be formed by desaturation of trans fatty acid possibly by a liver enzyme as has been described for rats.
The principial dietary sources of CLA are milk, dairy products and meat from ruminants, but as a result of differences in environmental conditions and diet of the ruminant species, the CLA content of milk and beef fat vary substantially [Michelle et al., Advances in Conjugated Linoleic Acid Research, Volume 1 (1999)]. Among the richest dietary sources of CLA are milk, dairy products, beef and lamb (Chin et al., J. Food Comp. and Anal., 1992, 5: 185–197; Fritsche and Steinhart, Z. Lebensm. Unters. Forsch., 1998, A206: 77–82 and Lipid, 1998, 6S: 190–210).
In fat from ruminant meats and dairy products, the cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer is present at 80–90% of the total CLA isomers (Chin et al., J. Food Comp. and Anal., 1992, 5: 185–197).
As mentioned above the origin of CLA in foods is mainly due to the biohydrogenation of dietary linoleic acid by anaerobic rumen bacteria. Accordingly the main dietary sources of CLA are meat from ruminant animals and dairy products, and the main CLA isomer found is cis-9, trans-11-C18:2, (80–90%). In uncooked meats, lamb and beef answer for the highest CLA levels 5.6 mg/g of fat in lamb and 4.3 mg/g of fat in beef (Chin et al., 1992; Fritsche and Steinhart, 1998 ). CLA levels in milk varies with season, highest values occuring when pastures are lush and rich in PUFAs, hence levels of CLA in dairy products such as cheese also varies. In vegetable oils CLA is present in low amounts (0.2–0.7 mg/g fat) and contain higher levels of the isomer trans-10, cis-12-C18:2 (˜40%) (Chin et al., 1992). Since fatty acids with conjugated double bonds are a well-known phenomena in plants, specific enzyme systems are belived to be involved. Meats from non-ruminant animals can contain CLA in lower amounts and it may occur from dietary sources such as feeding meat meal. It could also be explained by formation of CLA by intestinal flora as has been shown for rats (Chin et al., J. Nutr., 1993, 124: 694–701). CLA can also be produced by free radical-based double bond shifting during autooxidation and during partial hydrogenation performed industrially.
CLA can be manufactured synthetically from alkaline isomerization of linoleic and linolenic acids, or vegetable oils containing linoleic or linolenic acids. Two reactions are catalyzed when heating oil at 180° C. under alkaline conditions; hydrolysis of the fatty acid ester bond from the triglyceride lipid backbone, which produces free fatty acids, and conjugation of unconjugated unsaturated fatty acids with two or more approproiate double bonds (WO 99/32604). This method produces about 20–35% cis-9, trans-11 CLA and about the same amount of trans-10, cis-12 CLA, but enrichment of either of the isomers relative to the other is possible by using a fractional crystallization procedure.
In addition other isomers are produced mainly trans, trans isomers.
The chemical preparation of conjugated fatty acids, for example conjugated linoleic acid, is also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,356,699 and 4,164,505.
The presence of conjugated unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat was first established by Booth et al. Bioch. J. 29, 133–137 (1935), who also showed that these fatty acids increased in milk fat when cows were turned out to pasture after winter, by demonstrating an increased absorption of the fatty acids in the ultra-violet (UV) region at 230 nm. CLA is formed in the rumen during microbial biohydrogenation of dietary linoleic acid (Kepler and Tove, 1969 Methods in enzymology Vol XIV, p105; J. Biol. Chem., Vol 246, No. 14, 1970: 3612–3620 and J. Biol. Chem., Vol 246, No. 9, 2765–2771). The complete biohydrogenation of linoleic acid in the rumen is a three step process, yielding C 18:0, stearic acid, as an end product. The first reaction, the conversion of linoleic acid to cis-9, trans-11 CLA by linoleic acid isomerase of rumen bacteria occurs very rapidly, followed by slower conversion to trans-11-C 18:1 (FIG. 1). Some of the CLA formed in the rumen is absorbed into blood and incorporated into milk fat. In addition to the biohydrogenation reaction leading to CLA synthesis, CLA can also be produced endogenously from trans-11-C 18:1 in mammary tissues. Trans-11-C 18:1 accumulates in the rumen due to the slower conversion step to stearic acid, and following absorption from the digestive tract is utilized by different tissues e.g. the mammary gland as a substrate for CLA synthesis by the action of Δ-9-desaturase. Indeed, this may be the major pathway of CLA synthesis in lactating cows, accounting for about 64% of the CLA in milk fat.
In addition member of strains of propionibacteria were previously identified to synthesise CLA from linoleic acid by Jiang et al. (1998).
WO 99/29886 describes the use of certain bacterial strains found among food grade bacteria, particularly among dairy starter cultures, which have the ability to produce CLA in vitro by fermentation. Furthermore WO 99/29886 decribes that said bacteria may be used to provide food or feed products enriched in CLA, and also pharmaceutical products containing CLA as active ingredients.
Isomerases are enzymes which bring about an isomerisation of substrate. Linoleic acid isomerase catalyzes the isomerisation reaction of lionoleic acid to cis-9, trans-11-octadecadienoic acid. This membrane bound enzyme was isolated and characterised by Kepler & Tove (1969). The isomerisation reaction occurs in the middle of a long hydrocarbon chain remote from any functional group and requires no cofactors. The enzyme exhibits max activity with substrates linoleic and linolenic acid within a narrow concentration range. Three parameters are involved in the binding of substrate to linoleic acid isomerase: 1.) the π system of a substrate double bond, 2.) hydrophobic interaction and 3.) hydrogen bonding of the substrate carboxyl group. A proposed model for the isomerization of linoleic acid by linoleic acid isomerase is illustrated in FIG. 2. Pictured at the active site are an electrophile (E) that interacts with one of the substrate double bonds, and two basic centers, one of wich (B) is hydrogen bonded to the carboxyl group and the other (B—H) which serves as a donor for the hydrogen added at C-13 (FIG. 2).
WO 99/32604 describes a linoleate isomerase from Lactobacillus reuteri. The enzyme activity leads to the conversion of linoleic acid to six different CLA species which are as follows: (cis,trans)-9,11-CLA, (trans,cis)-10,12-CLA, (cis,cis)-9,11-CLA, (cis,cis)-10,12-CLA, (trans,trans)-9,11-CLA and (trans,trans)-10,12-CLA.
The disadvantages of the abovementioned process is that the yield of the reaction is very low, the purity of the CLA produced is for an industrial process not sufficient and that the process takes place with only low space-time yields. This leads to economically unattractive processes.
Thus, there is still a great need for a single, economic birthdenological industrial process for the production of CLA which does not have the abovementioned disadvantages and therefore for new genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid and which allow to synthesize and produce it on an industrial scale. | {
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to ceramic components, and in particular, silicon carbide-based ceramic components that find particular use in refractory applications.
2. Description of the Related Art
As is well understood in the area of ceramic processing, ceramic bodies are typically heated or fired at relatively high temperatures, such as on the order of 1,000° C. and higher. Such firing operations require use of refractory materials and refractory components that are resistant to such high temperatures, and which maintain structural integrity not only at high temperatures, but upon repeated heating and cooling cycles during the service life of the furnace or kiln. Such refractory components include furnace or kiln furniture utilized in connection with holding or supporting work pieces during firing operations, as well as refractory lining materials and structural walls defining the furnace heating area.
Silicon carbide-based ceramic materials have been utilized in refractory applications for their various high temperature properties, including corrosion resistance, strength, thermal shock resistance, thermal conductivity, and other properties. Among various types of silicon carbide-based ceramics, dense silicon carbide ceramics such as sintered silicon carbide, hot pressed silicon carbide, and hot isostatically pressed silicon carbide have particularly robust characteristics. However, because of the production complexity and costs associated with fabrication of highly dense silicon carbide components (such as Hexoloy®), such components are not widely used as refractory components, and only used under the most severe service conditions. On the other hand, more cost effective but relatively porous silicon carbide materials such as nitride bonded silicon carbide (known by acronyms such as NBSC and NSIC) have found practical use in refractory applications.
Nitride bonded silicon carbide tends to be a comparatively porous material, oftentimes having a porosity within a range of about 10 to about 15 volume percent. These components are manufactured from a green body containing silicon carbide and silicon, and sintering the green body in a nitrogen containing atmosphere at temperatures on the order of 1,500° C. While nitride bonded silicon carbide has desirable high temperature properties, it unfortunately suffers from poor oxidation resistance when used in oxidizing conditions, due in part to its intrinsic porosity. This particular characteristic has been addressed in the past by re-firing nitride bonded silicon carbide components in an oxidizing atmosphere to form a thin oxide layer of amorphous or glassy silica, which functions to passivate and seal the outer surface of the component. However, the present inventor has recognized that the outer passivation layer formed by an oxidation process does not adequately protect the component from excessive oxidation during use, particularly in demanding firing operations, which can lead to premature component failure. Multiple mechanisms have been identified in connection with the unwanted oxidation.
Foremost, during use of such components, the outer passivation layer may be damaged, permitting a pathway for deep oxidation. Further, phase changes in the passivation layer may cause tensile stresses and subsequent initiation and propagation of cracks in the layer. In addition, the presence of water vapor may cause blistering or bubbles to form in the passivation layer, leading to failure of the passivation layer and undesirable oxidation of the component.
Other techniques have focused on forming an outer, protective layer by firing a glass former, such as a silica-containing coating or a silica precursor, that is coated on the component. However, unfortunately, such processing pathways tend to form porous layers that have a propensity to crack and spall during use, rendering the outer protective layer of limited effectiveness.
In view of the state of the art of silicon carbide-based refractory materials, and in particular, nitride bonded silicon carbide components, there is a need in the art for improved components, particularly components having improved oxidation resistance in practical use. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention is related to a process of high sensitivity for measuring the amount of fine deformation of a test object at the material test, non-destructive test or the like.
As for conventional processes for measuring fine deformation of test objects in material tests, non-destructive test or the like have hitherto been known. For instance, the process is carried out by measuring strain based the variation of resistance value caused by deformation, or in a process, so called Moire process, equidistant gratings are formed on a test object by about 20-50 per/mm, and the detected gratings are lined up for reproducing visible structural patterns formed by the two gratings so as to measure the amount of deformation in the pattern.
In the former conventional process which is carried out by strain measurement, the detected amount of one portion to be detected is indicated as an average value of the whole portions to be detected. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange a lot of small portions to be detected adjacent to one another when a local deformation over an extensive range is requested for detection, and thus an increased number of indicators for the detected amount are also indispensable to be installed. Even in this case the maximum dimension of the portion which can be detected is only about 0.5 mm.sup.2.
On the other hand, according to the latter Moire process, although the whole area for measurement can be detected uniformly and extensively it is necessary that the gratings of fine pitches are equipped for detecting the amount of fine deformation. This causes difficulties in manufacturing the original plate as well as in printing treatment of the original plate on the test object through photographing.
In order to eliminate the foregoing drawbacks, the prior Patent Application was filed in U.S.A. on Oct. 6, 1971 by the same applicant of the subject application as U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 186,927, now abandoned, entitled with "A METHOD FOR MEASURING DISPLACEMENT OR DEFORMATION" in which a periodic structure having diffractive function is illuminated with beam, and waves of diffraction order in conjugate relation or in similar relation are selected among the diffracted wave fronts projected from the periodic structure by the illumination with beam so as to cause mutual interference, thus, the amounts of deformation occurring at the basic displacement in the period of the periodic structure or deformation in the periodic structure are measured by means the interference fringe formed by the interference. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to the testing, appraisal, and comparison of endoscopes by using an array of targets including a grid of evenly spaced pinholes to measure at least the image quality, field of view, distortion, and depth of field of an endoscope, a diffuse but translucent white target, a single pinhole target and a detector for measuring luminous flux.
The heart of an endoscopic system is in its endoscope. There are two optical typesxe2x80x94those which utilize lenses for image forwarding and formation, and those which utilize fiber optic bundles for forwarding the image. The former is usually referred to as a xe2x80x9crigidxe2x80x9d endoscope, and the latter as a xe2x80x9cflexiblexe2x80x9d endoscope. In all cases, the elements of the endoscope are carefully installed and aligned by the manufacturer so as to present the best image to the ocular piece, or to the camera, as possible.
The performance characteristics of the individual endoscope are of immediate and very intimate importance to the surgeon. Thus, the surgeon is to be aware, before the procedure, that the endoscope can inherently deliver the quality of image he requires, and that if it inherently has such quality, the instrument is in good enough condition that it can deliver that quality.
Depending on the inherent design of the endoscope, the specific instrument might not provide the magnification, clarity, depth of field and resolution which would be required, even if it appears undamaged from a cursory inspection.
Then it is an unfortunate fact that actions apart from its actual use in the patient such as handling, transporting and cleaning, the endoscope may have become misaligned or otherwise damaged. A resulting inability to resolve an area of the field should not first be discovered by the surgeon while the endoscope is inserted in the patient during an endoscopic procedure, as this may result in adverse consequences including additional surgery costs, surgery cancellations and increased risk to the patient.
What is desired, therefore, is an apparatus for evaluating the optical performance of an endoscope that utilizes a minimal number of measuring devices for performing a wide variety of optical tests. Also desirable is an apparatus for evaluating the optical performance of an endoscope that utilizes a grid of evenly spaced pinholes to measure the image quality, field of view, distortion, and depth of field of an endoscope. Providing an apparatus for automatically evaluating the optical performance utilizing a bifurcated fiber optic cable to precisely measure transmission of illumination fibers without manual intervention during a test is also desirable is also desirable. A method for automatically performing a series of tests on an endoscope and for comparing the results of these tests with a set of standardized parameters is also desirable, as is an apparatus for visually displaying the results of this comparison.
An apparatus and method according to the invention achieve it by generating beams of light which are transmitted through a distal end of an endoscope towards a proximal end of the endoscope. As a result, output signals indicative of one or more performance characteristics measured by a variety of tests are generated in response to signals corresponding to one or more of the conducted tests.
Particularly, a combination of a grid target, a diffuse but translucent white target, a single pinhole target and a detector for measuring luminous flux is capable of performing a variety of tests. This variety of tests includes measuring a field of view, geometrical distortion, angle of view, image quality at single and various object distances, percentage light transmission through illumination fibers, relative light transmission and illumination intensity across the field of view.
According to one aspect of the invention, a grid target has a plurality of pinholes and is utilized to measure the image quality, field of view, distortion, and depth of field of an endoscope to be tested. Thus, utilizing a single target which is provided with a plurality of evenly spaced pinholes, each having a uniform size, can make a variety of measurements.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bifurcated fiber optic light guide attached to a light source is utilized to measure illumination transmission efficiency. The light guide is specifically designed so that it the output of one of the bifurcated ends end is known, then so it the output of the other. Thus, measuring the power out of the one unattached bifurcated end of this guide light and measuring the power out of the endoscope to which the other bifurcated end is attached one can calculate the transmission of the scope.
A number of tests can be automatically selected by utilizing a control system of the inventive device which allows a user to bypass any of the regular tests. The control system includes a central processing unit regulating the sequence of operations leading to performing any of or all of the regular optical tests. Images of the results can appear on a monitor and be compared to the standardized results stored in the system""s database. Some of the images can be color-coded to assist a user in easy identification of the optical performance of the tested scope.
The apparatus in accordance with the invention allows a user to test an endoscope by comparing its optical performance with a standard endoscope whose parameters are stored in database. Alternatively, an endoscope can be tested without being compared with the standard one. Also, a set of new parameters of an endoscope to be tested can be added to database of the apparatus.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for evaluating the optical performance characteristics of a fiber optic endoscope.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for measuring the mage quality, field of view, distortion, and depth of field of an endoscope by utilizing a single target having a plurality of pinholes.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for measuring illumination transmission of an endoscope by utilizing a bifurcated fiber optic light guide.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for operating an apparatus for evaluating the optical performance of an endoscope in a variety of automatic and manual modes.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a method for operating an apparatus for evaluating the optical performance of an endoscope to assist a user in conducting the evaluation. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to showering fixtures and more particularly pertains to a new multiple spray head showering fixture for spraying water at a user from opposite directions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of showering fixtures is known in the prior art. More specifically, showering fixtures heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,254 by Kragle; U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,993 by Black et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,112,073 by Larson et al.; EPO Patent No. EP 0 336 845 A1 by Marielle; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 326,310 by Francoeur; U.S. Pat. No. 1,616,514 by Swimmer; and PCT Patent No. WO 92/02305 by Ward.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new multiple spray head showering fixture. The inventive device includes an elongate pipe with spaced apart proximal and distal spray heads coupled thereto. The proximal spray head is positioned towards and spaced apart from a proximal end of the pipe. The distal spray head is positioned adjacent a distal end of the pipe. The pipe has a main valve between the proximal and distal spray heads to selective open and close passage of fluid therethrough from the proximal end of the pipe to the distal spray head.
In these respects, the multiple spray head showering fixture according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of spraying water at a user from opposite directions. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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In many oil fields the oil bearing formation comprises a gas cap zone and an oil bearing zone. Many of these fields produce a mixture of oil and gas with the gas-to-oil ratio (GOR) increasing as the field ages. This is a result of many factors well known to those skilled in the art.
The produced mixture of oil and gas is typically separated into an oil portion and a gas portion at the surface. The gas portion may be marketed as a natural gas product, reinjected into the gas cap to maintain pressure therein, or the like. Further, many such fields are located in parts of the world where it is difficult to economically transport the gas to market; therefore, the reinjection of the gas into the gas cap preserves the availability of the gas as a resource in the future as well as maintaining pressure in the gas cap.
Such wells may produce gas/oil mixtures having a GOR of over 25,000 and comprise less than 1% liquids. Typically, however, a GOR from 2,500 to 4,000 is more than sufficient to carry the oil to the surface as a gas/oil mixture.
Normally the oil is dispersed as finely divided droplets or as a mist in the gas so produced. Typically, in fields having such wells, gathering lines gather the gas/oil mixture into common lines and pass the mixture to production facilities or the like where crude oil and condensate is separated from the gas and transported as crude oil. Natural gas liquids are then recovered from the gas and optionally combined with the crude oil and condensate. Optionally, a miscible solvent which comprises carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and a mixture of hydrocarbons containing from one to about five carbon atoms may be recovered from the gas stream and used for enhanced oil recovery or the like. The remaining gas stream is then passed to a compressor where it is compressed for reinjection. The compressed gas is reinjected through injection wells, an annular section of a production well, or the like back into the gas cap.
It can be appreciated that surface facilities required for separating and returning sufficient gas to the gas cap to maintain oil production must be of substantial capacity. Clearly the substantial size of the surface equipment required to process the mixture of oil and gas, and the capacity limitations on the ability to handle the produced gas, may become a limiting factor on the quantity of oil which can be produced from the formation.
To reduce the size of the surface equipment required to process the mixture of oil and gas, U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,228 entitled "Down Hole Gas-Liquid Separator for Wells" issued Jul. 11, 1995 to Weingarten et al and assigned to Atlantic Richfield Company, discloses that an auger separator can be used downhole to separate a gas and liquid stream for separate recovery at the surface. A gaseous portion of the stream is recovered through an annular space in the well, and liquids are recovered through a production tubing.
In SPE 30637 entitled "New Design for Compact Liquid-Gas Partial Separation: Down Hole and Surface Installations for Artificial Lift Applications" by Weingarten et al, it is disclosed that auger separators as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,228 can be used for downhole and surface installations for gas/liquid separation. While such separations are particularly useful as discussed for artificial or gas lift applications and the like, all of the gas and liquid is still recovered at the surface for processing as disclosed. Accordingly, the surface equipment for processing gas may still impose a significant limitation on the quantities of oil which can be produced from a subterranean formation which produces oil as a mixture of gas and liquids.
To reduce the quantity of gas recovered at the surface, and hence to reduce the GOR of production fluids, co-pending patent application, Ser. No. 757,857 entitled "A Method for Increasing Oil Production from An Oil Well Producing A Mixture of Oil and Gas" filed Nov. 27, 1996, by John R. Wolflick, James L. Cawvey, Jerry L. Brady, John R. Whitworth, and David D. Hearn, and assigned to Atlantic Richfield Company, discloses using a rotating compressor mounted downhole in combination with an auger separator to separate and compress the gas downhole and inject it into the gas cap without using surface equipment.
A continuing search has been directed to the development of methods which can reliably reduce the GOR of oil and gas mixtures produced from subterranean formations, and thereby reduce the required capacity of surface equipment to process the produced oil and gas mixtures. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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Clusters of computing devices including interconnected computer nodes are sometimes employed to process high-volume data tasks. A computing cluster is a set of computing devices, e.g., configured as server racks comprising computing device “sleds” occupying one or more enclosures, or a computing network comprising multiple computing devices. Various data communications technologies have been deployed to enable the sleds to exchange data, e.g., Ethernet, Fiberchannel, etc. However, these technologies generally exchange data more slowly than processors are able to process data. The computing cluster has an advantage of surviving failures of individual computer, disk, network, or other subsystems. Increasing parallel processing and networking throughput can be useful to improve cluster performance. Different techniques to reduce interconnection overhead and latency have been tried on both software and hardware levels, but such techniques are limited by conventional system architectures of data pathways.
The figures depict various embodiments of the disclosed technology for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments may be employed. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air cleaner for a vehicle, and in particular to the shape of the air cleaner.
2. Description of Related Art
In an air cleaner for a vehicle, the inside of a box-shaped case is generally divided by a filter into an intake port side air chamber (suction side air chamber) and an exhaust port side air chamber (discharge side air chamber). See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-125669.
However, in a conventional air cleaner, smooth flow of air is easily hindered. The filter is generally disposed to face the passing direction of air flowing into the suction side air chamber. Therefore, when the layout of the vehicle does not permit the passing cross section area of the air to be extended, the filter area must be decreased, and the filter becomes clogged after only a short period of use.
On the other hand, when a filter 101 extends along an inflow direction C1 of air inflowing from an intake port 102, as in an air cleaner 100 shown in FIG. 11, the filter area can be increased without extending the passing cross section area of air, and the smooth flow of air can be maintained over a long period of time.
However, since a wall 103 constituting an air chamber is provided in parallel with filter 101 in air cleaner 100 of FIG. 11, the flow of air is disturbed in the back of a suction side air chamber R1, and smooth flow of air to a discharge side air chamber R2 from suction side air chamber R1 may be hindered. | {
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This invention relates to means for producing a fluidtight seal between two interconnected fitting assemblies.
Various liquid products, for example oil products and the like, are often shipped and stored in containers such as drums. The liquid product is introduced and withdrawn from the drum through a bunghole located in an end wall of the drum, ordinarily adjacent a cylindrical side wall in the drum. During storage and shipment, this bunghole is closed by a removable cap. To prepare the drum for the dispensing of material therefrom, the cap is removed and a faucet assembly including a threaded stem is mounted on the drum with the stem screwed into an internally threaded bore which is part of the bunghole. The drum may then be laid on its side with the bunghole located at the lowermost position permitted through positioning of the drum. Liquid product may then be dispensed through opening of the faucet in the faucet assembly with the liquid product flowing under gravity out through the faucet.
The usual stem in such a faucet assembly is provided with tapered external threads which facilitate screwing of the faucet assembly into place. A fluid-tight mounting of the faucet assembly is achieved when the assembly is turned to advance as far as conveniently possible the tapered threads of the stem into the non-tapered threads of the bunghole. This condition may be achieved with the faucet in the assembly having any number of orientations with respect to the side portion of the drum closest to the bunghole, i.e., it may be facing the side portion (which would be optimum in the gravity dispensing system earlier described) or it may be facing exactly the opposite direction (which obviously introduces problems in such a gravity dispensing system).
According to this invention, an internally threaded hand manipulatable nut element is provided which is turned or screwed onto the stem portion of the faucet assembly before mounting of the faucet assembly in the bunghole. Preferably, the nut element is provided with non-tapered internal threads and these are of a sufficient diameter to enable the nut element to be advanced over the entire length of the threads in the stem portion. A gasket or washer is also provided over the face of the nut element which faces outwardly on the stem portion. With the nut element and gasket mounted on the stem portion, the faucet assembly is screwed into the threaded bunghole and turning is continued until the faucet assembly is fairly snugly carried by the bunghole but not necessarily until a fluid-tight connection is established. Turning is stopped with the faucet in the assembly having the desired orientation with respect to the drum. The nut element earlier described may then be advanced along the stem portion toward the bunghole so as to compress the gasket between the nut element and the bunghole and produce a fluid-tight connection.
A general object of the invention therefor is to provide a novel construction for the sealing of two interconnected fitting assemblies without the requirement that one be turned to a tightened condition with respect to the other.
Another object is to provide such a construction which features a hand manipulatable nut or nut element which is turned onto the threaded stem portion of one of the fitting assemblies before interconnection of the fitting assemblies and which after interconnection of the fitting assemblies is advanced along the stem portion to produce a fluid-tight seal. In this connection, it is contemplated that a gasket or washer be provided which is the production of a fluid-tight seal.
In many drum constructions, the bunghole comprises what might be thought of as a bunghole fitting held in place on the end wall of a drum by a collar which bears against an annular flange in the fitting. Leakage problems sometimes have been experienced by reason of liquid flowing into the bunghole by seeping between the collar described and the flange of the fitting. In the construction contemplated by this invention, this leakage is effectively taken care of. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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In fuses the casings of which are closed by terminal caps through the end surfaces of which a pair of blade contacts project from the outside of the casing to the inside thereof, the fusible elements must be conductively connected to the pair of blade contacts. There is a limited space on the surfaces of the blade contacts for connecting the fusible elements to them. For this reason the above type of fuses include generally but two fusible elements which have high current ratings, about the same width of the pair of blade contacts, and conductively connect opposite sides of the blade contacts. This type of design results in a current concentration in the planes of surfaces defined by the two fusible elements which, in turn, results in a very poor utilization in regard to its cooling and de-ionization ability of the granular arc-quenching filler inside the casing, since some of the arc-quenching filler is positioned relatively remote from the two fusible elements.
This situation is entirely different from that encountered in plug type fuses, i.e., fuses that are closed by terminal plugs. This type of fuse construction readily permits the increase in the number of fusible elements beyond two, and the distribution of the fusible elements more or less evenly across the cross-section of the casing or fuse tube. This, in turn, results in a far better utilization of the granular filler as far as its cooling and de-ionizing action is concerned.
It is, therefore, the prime object of this invention to provide fuses having blade contacts projecting through the end surfaces of the terminal caps and allowing a more even distribution of the fusible elements across the cross-section of the casing or fuse tube and allowing an increase of the number of fusible elements and a better utilization of the arc-quenching filler for cooling and de-ionization purposes.
Other objects of this invention will become more apparent as this specification proceeds. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image printing device that prints an image, and more particularly to an image printing device, a verifying device, and printed material that enable to prevent falsification of a certificate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various methods have been know for preventing falsification and unauthorized use of a certificate (for example, employee identification etc.). In one method, an identification code is printed on an ID card in the form of a bar code or a Quick Response (QR) code, and the identification code is also maintained at a control server. When performing verification of the ID card, the identification code printed on the ID card is read and transmitted to the control server. If the read identification code is maintained in the control server, it is determined that the ID card is authentic.
In another method, a photograph of the face of the possessor of an ID card is printed on the ID card. When a person presents an ID card, it is determined from the photograph printed on the ID card whether the person is an authentic possessor of the ID card. Integrated Circuit (IC) ID cards that carry a photograph of the face of the possessor of the card printed thereon have appeared in market. When a person presents such an IC ID-card, it is determined whether that person is an authentic possessor of the IC-ID card based on the photograph printed on the IC-ID card and data recorded in the IC ID-card.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No 2001-94755 discloses invisibly embedding security data in a background portion of a main image (a facial image of the user etc.), thereby enabling to determine whether the certificate is authentic. When embedding data, first the background portion and other portion of an original image are separated, then the security data is embedded into the background portion, and finally the security data embedded background portion and the other portion are combined to obtain an image for printing on an IC ID-card. This process prevents deterioration of the image due to embedding of the security data.
However, the conventional methods are not very reliable; because, the bar code printed on the certificate can be easily falsified or the facial photograph affixed to the certificate can be easily replaced, whether the certificate is authentic cannot be determined accurately.
When determining whether the certificate is authentic for a certificate that does not include a facial photograph specifying the user, the verifying device determines whether the certificate is authentic by using only the bar code or the QR code that is printed on the certificate. The bar code or the QR code is a standardized code and can be easily falsified by an unauthorized user.
When determining whether the certificate is authentic for the IC card certificate with a photograph, an unauthorized user can illegally get hold of the IC card certificate with the photograph and replace the photograph on the IC card certificate with his or her own photograph. Thus, the unauthorized user can easily pass off as the IC card certificate holder.
In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No 2001-94755, because the security data is embedded only in the background portion of an image, the image processing device cannot determine whether a falsification such as cutting part of other portion, which is the main portion in the image, has been carried out.
There is a need of a realibale and easy technique to prevent falsification of ID cards. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The present invention relates to a flash memory, especially, to a flash memory, which comprises an error correction circuit and has high reliability, and to a flash memory used for such as NAND type flash memory and NOR type flash memory.
Among the nonvolatile semiconductor memories, the flash memory can electrically erase and rewrite data for a comparatively large unit. Then, the flash memory is applied to the memory of BIOS (basic I/O system) in the computer system, the memory of the communication rule etc. in a portable telephone, and the memory of the image in the digital camera, etc. as substitution of the hard disk drive. Therefore, when only one bit error is occurred in the data memorized in the flash memory, crash of the computer system, disable of communication of a portable telephone and destroy of data will be occurred.
Then, when high reliability is required to the system, to which the flash memory is applied, the following function is provided for the system, which manages the flash memory. That is, the function is a function to write into the flash memory by adding the check data to the information data to be memorized so as to be able to detect and correct error, to read the information data and the check data and check if the error exists in the information data, and to correct the error when there is an error.
However, there are many cases that the methods of the error correction are different for each system, which manages the flash memories. For example, if the check data is different or the data length is different, the following disadvantages will be caused. That is, when the data written by a certain system A is read with another system B, even when there is no error in data, correct data is changed as it is assumed that data has an error, misdetection of error which is not able to be corrected, as a result, the destruction of data in the system will occur.
On the other hand, there is a method of equipping the error correction circuit in the flash memory. This method is valid, since this method performs the error correction in the flash memory without depending on the system.
However, since the error correction circuit is complex and the area of the circuit becomes large, the size of the chip of the flash memory becomes large, as a result, the high cost will be caused. On the other hand, the increase of the area of the circuit is suppressed for example by sharing the data memory circuit for reading and writing in part of the error correction circuit in U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,436.
In the flash memory in recent years, the multi-level memory to memorize the data of one or more bits in one memory cell is appeared. However, in the flash memory of the multi-level memory, when one memory cell destroys, the error is caused in the data of two or more bits (that is, the burst error is caused).
To correct such a burst error efficiently by short check data, though there is a method of the error correction based on the Reed-Solomon code, a complex circuit is required to specify the error, the area of the circuit becomes large, the size of the chip of the flash memory becomes large, and the high cost will be caused. On the other hand, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,682 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,888, the error correction of the multi-level flash memory is performed by the method of the error correction of each bit, and the data of two or more bits written in one memory cell at the same time is relieved by the plurality of check data.
As mentioned above, though the technology of equipping the error correction circuit in the flash memory exists previously, the following flash memory, which comprises the error correction circuit and considers benefits and convenience on practical use, has not been found. For example,
(1) The flash memory, which has interchangeability with flash memory, which conventional error correction circuit is not equipped,
(2) The flash memory, which shortens the time required to specify detection and the error in error,
(3) The flash memory, which shortens the time required to generate check data,
(4) The flash memory, which prevents harm by error correction circuit from being generated when failure analysis is performed in the product test etc., and
(5) The flash memory, which prevents harm by circuit of error correction in the memory from being generated, when error correction is performed on application system side of the flash memory. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
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The use of materials in high temperature environments is required in a variety of applications such as re-entry vehicles, jet propulsion systems, hypersonic tunnels, nuclear reactors, solar energy, and the like. Thermal analysis in these areas requires a knowledge of the surface radiative properties of the materials at high temperatures. The accurate retrieval of surface temperatures, as well as radiative heat losses, requires knowledge of the spectral emissivity of these materials at corresponding temperatures. These emissivity measurements depend on parameters such as the temperature of the surface, geometry of the surface, chemical composition of the sample, state of the sample environment and the direction, wavelength and polarization of incoming thermal radiation.
The spectral emissivity of a surface, with values varying from zero to unity, is defined as the ratio of the radiation emitted from a surface to that of a blackbody at the same temperature and wavelength. Various emissivity measurement systems, including the use of a coated integrating sphere, are well documented in the literature. The integrating sphere has the ability of collecting all reflected radiation, while removing any directional preferences, and presenting an integrated signal to the detector.
In the present invention an improved emissivity measurement system employing a novel integrating sphere has been developed.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a novel emissivity measurement system.
Another object of the present invention is a high temperature directional spectral emissivity measurement system for opaque surfaces employing an integrating sphere.
A further object of the present invention is an improved accuracy directional spectral emissivity measurement system employing a monochromatic light source.
An additional object of the present invention is a novel sample heating and placement system for use with an integrating sphere emissivity measurement system.
Another object of the present invention is a novel movable monochromatic light assembly for use with an integrating sphere.
A further object of the present invention is a system for measuring the surface emissivity of a high temperature test sample at any elevated temperature, at any wavelength and at any angle. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a polyester resin composition and a molded article thereof. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a polyester resin composition which has excellent toughness at low temperature and has improved heat stability and long-term stability in high-temperature service, in particular, resistance to discoloration, and which is useful for the preparation of a connector, switch or relay for automobiles or electrical appliances.
Crystalline thermoplastic polyester resins represented by polyalkylene terephthalates have been used as engineering plastics in various fields including automotive parts and electrical and electronic components by virtue of the excellent mechanical and electrical properties, excellent physical and chemical characteristics and good processability thereof. As the enlargement and diversification of the use of these resins have proceeded, however, polyalkylene terephthalates have been frequently required to show enhanced and specialized performance. For example, applications have increased where high heat stability, in particular, long-term stability of quality at high or low temperature is required.
More specifically, it is required in automotive fields from the standpoint of safety that the resin have excellent mechanical properties such as flexibility and impact resistance at low temperature and retain these excellent physical properties even after long-term service at high temperature.
In order to satisfy the above requirements, it has been proposed to add polycarbonate or thermoplastic elastomer such as an olefinic polymer or rubbery polymer to a thermoplastic polyester resin and simultaneously add an epoxy resin or polycarbodiimide. However, a polyester resin composition thus prepared containing an elastomer and an additive as described above is subject to surface peeling owing to poor compatibility and is problematic in that discoloration occurs in long-term service at high temperature. Accordingly, the utilization thereof is very limited, although the resin composition has somewhat improved mechanical properties.
For the purpose of overcoming the discoloration problem, it has also been proposed to add a stabilizer such as a specific phenol, amine, phosphate or phosphite compound to the polyester composition. Although the addition of a stabilizer is somewhat effective in depressing the discoloration, the effect is too insufficient to satisfy the performance as required of a connector for automobiles or electrical appliances, including high toughness (particularly, at low temperature) such as flexibility and impact resistance and excellent heat stability and long-term stability of quality at high temperature, in particular, resistance to discoloration. Accordingly, there is still an eager desire to solve the performance problems. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Boat lifting devices have been used in the marine industry to attach to a larger vessel to raise and lower personal water craft or smaller craft such as a dinghy into and out of the water. These devices are typically secured to the transom of the larger vessel.
The inventor herein is also the inventor of two patents which relate to boat lifting devices: Schmidt, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,450 and Schmidt, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,606. Both of these Schmidt, Jr. inventions relate to novel means for raising and lower personal water craft into and out of the water. The referenced patents employ the respective inventions in a marine environment, either on the transom of a larger vessel or attached to a dock. Other patents disclosing lifting means comprise references to Adams, U.S. Pat. No. 2,761,571; Holt, U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,723, and; Glenn et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,627.
The price of larger boats, for example, boats whose length is forty feet and longer, and which can accommodate a boat lifting device as disclosed herein, is very expensive easily costing more than one million dollars. The finest components are used to build such vessels. One drawback of the prior art lifting devices heretofore mentioned includes the unsightly view of their components. It is undesirable when building such expensive boats to have an aesthetically displeasing finish by allowing the components of a lifting device to be seen when the device is retracted out of the water. It would be desirable to hide the components and mechanics of a lifting device unlike the prior art in which such components are always in full view. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Metal surfaces are generally polished by a combination of two processes usually carried out simultaneously. The first is an aggressive cleansing operation which involves the removal of some of the metal and produces a very scratched surface with scratches fine or coarse depending on the size of the abrasive grain. A polishing compound which provokes such an effect to a high degree is said to have a good "cut." It has been well established as for instance by Tabor, Proc. Phys. Soc., London, Sect. B, 67, (1954) p. 249, and by Richarson, Wear, 11, (1968) p 245, that an abrasive must be significantly harder than a metal if it is to wear the metal to any extent. Those early attempts to quantify the differences required have been more recently extended by Torrance, Wear, 68, (1981) p 263, who, seeking to show that Moh's Scale of Hardness has a rational basis, applied a simple slip line field model to the abrasive metal contact and studied the relative shear yield stresses in the abrasive and in the metal. In another contribution Angus, Wear, 54, (1979) p 52, distinguished abrasive materials as "hard" or "soft" in relation to a metal using as his essential criterion the relative hardness of the abrasive (H.sub.a) and the maximum work-hardened hardness of the metal (H.sub.m). For a hard abrasive H.sub.a H.sub.m ; for a soft abrasive H.sub.a H.sub.m. From considerations like these it is clear that while "cutting" may be an essential precursor to "polishing" the influence of the metal is such as to preclude the use of generalizations related only to the abrasive powder.
The second process is the true polishing operation. This has a function very apparent to the observer, since it has produced a good "color" on the piece, but it is more difficult to describe in theoretical terms. To some, the polished surface is so "polished" because of a plurality of ultrafine microscratches and therefore the difference between abrasion and polishing is simply a matter of degree. This approach has been well summarized by Aghan and Samuels, Wear, 16, (1970) p 293, on the basis of evidence derived microphotographically. Another view has been advocated for perhaps sixty years by some workers in this field who have accepted that the deformation of a material at the rubbing interface is dominated by plastic deformation properties of the materials rather than by the brittle properties. The authorities usually quoted will include G. Beilby, "Aggregation and Flow of Solids," Macmillan: London, (1921) and P. W. Bridgman, "Studies in Large Plastic Flow and Fracture," McGraw-Hill: London, (1952). To them, the polished surface is a "fluid layer" or "Beilby layer" consisting of a thin film, perhaps only a few tens of Angstroms thick, of amorphous metallic matter. Yet another view is that the polishing process is "chemical" in nature and that specific chemical reactions take place between the polishing powder and the substrate usually by processes which involve the liquid medium. Rabinowicz, in the "Science Journal" (1970) Vol. 6, p 45, sees polishing as a process on the molecular scale, so "chemical" in that special sense, which is akin to dry burnishing.
Bowden, writing in 1953, emphasized the importance of another factor: the difference in the melting points of the polishing powder and of the metal substrate (Symposium on Properties of Metallic Surfaces, Institute of Metallurgy Monograph Ser. 13, p 335).
Since both processes, for "cut" and "color," are usually carried out simultaneously, the majority of commercial polishing compounds incorporate powder materials which provide for both functions. For instance, the cutting powder may be a relatively coarse "bunker alumina" (the final calcined product of the Bayer process) or a silicon carbide or corundum or quartz or other. The polishing component may be a product compositionally identical to that which is providing the cutting action except that it is very much finer in particle size. Alternatively, it may be a material specifically intended to contribute mainly the polishing action by means different to those which are held to polish by virtue of the production of microscratches.
It is normal commercial practice for both powder components to be combined together and mixed with a carrier which helps to retain the powder near the metal surface, or which lubricates the surface so preventing the appearance of grossly damaging major scratches, or which may act in some chemical manner on the metal, or which dicourages the oxidation of the newly cleansed surface. To some extent all the carriers used commercially will show some if not all of these properties. Such carrier compounds include oils, fats, waxes, tallows, wool stearines, and oleic or stearic acids. In the case of polishing compounds which are largely based upon alumina, the proportion of powder to carrier will usually be about 70%/30% although, with other powders, the precise ratio will depend on the consistency required, the specific gravity of the powder, and its surface area. Formulations like these can then be further converted to an emulsion form wherein the powders and the carrier are dispersed in an aqueous solution. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Within the field of optometry, there exist many devices that are used to assess the direction of fixation of an eye. An example of such a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,216, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety. Many such devices utilize either a scanning laser beam to perform measurements or rely on measurements using polarized light sources.
Methods of scanning a laser beam to perform measurements typically involve the mechanical movement of an optical device. For retinal birefringence scanning, there is a mirror that is both tilted and spinning at a high speed (e.g. 12,000 rpm). When utilizing mechanical movements of optical devices, vibrations can present significant complexities to scanning instruments. The vibrations must be kept low enough so as not to impact the measurements intended by the instrument.
There are other complications with using mechanical movements for scanning optical instruments, such as:
Lifetime of the assembly—motors have a shorter life span than virtually all other components.
Fabrication—tight tolerances are required to achieve balance.
Assembly—highly skilled personnel are required to assemble the mechanism and make adjustments to minimize vibrations: this is unlikely to be an automated process.
Noise—even relatively quiet motors will make an audible sound that can be distracting to a patient.
Safety—the failure of a component spinning at 12,000 rpm can pose significant risk to the rest of the instrument if there is a failure of part of the mechanism (due to issues such as fatigue).
Cost—the combination of the above issues generates significant requirements on the design of the instrument that add time and materials to the production process, increasing overall cost.
Furthermore, methods of measuring fixation that use polarization techniques depend heavily on measurements of relative intensity of light. The measurement of a change in polarization is ultimately reduced to a change in intensity of light—the change in the polarization state is measured and estimated proportional to the intensity of the measured signal. Such changes in light intensity must be measured in the environment containing very low background light in order for the result to be accurate. In practice, the signal-to-noise ratio requirements for polarization measurements of signals reflecting from the retina can be challenging to meet. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a transistor, and more particularly to a magneto-resistance transistor and method thereof.
2. Related Art
Conventional spin transistors may be electronic devices that may use a magnetic field to control an electric current. The effect of spin transistors may be similar to the effect of conventional transistors. An electron may have two spin states: spin up and spin down. The spin states of the electron may be control parameters in conventional transistors.
Conventional spin transistors may have an additional control parameter, namely, a magnetic field. The magnetic field used by a conventional spin transistor may control the electric current by manipulating the spin states of electrons. Thus, electronic devices including conventional spin transistors may have enhanced functionality as compared to electronic devices including only conventional transistors.
Conventional spin transistors may include a bi-potential energy barrier structure (i.e. two potential energy barriers may be combined with a magneto-resistant device in the conventional spin transistor). The bi-potential energy barrier structures may be configured to allow magneto-electric current to pass through the conventional spin transistor.
Other conventional spin transistors may include a first and second n-type ion-doped silicon substrates placed such that each substrate is oriented toward the other. The first and second n-type ion-doped silicon substrates may be vacuum adhered to form an emitter and a collector, respectively. A metallic spin valve (i.e., a base) may be placed between the first and second n-type ion-doped silicon substrates.
The conventional spin transistor may further include two pairs of layers. The first pair of layers may include an emitter (i.e. the first n-type ion-doped silicon substrate) and a base (i.e. the metallic spin valve), the pair of layers formed of platinum (Pt) and Cobalt (Co), respectively. The second pair of layers may include a base to collector (i.e. the second n-type ion-doped silicon substrate), the pair of layers formed of Copper (Cu) and Co, respectively. The above-described first and second pair of layers may form a Schottky barrier diode structure.
When a forward voltage bias is applied to the emitter (i.e. the first n-type ion-doped silicon substrate) and the base (i.e. the metallic spin valve), the hot electrons may exceed a threshold of the energy barrier and may flow through the energy barrier and into the collector. The conduction of the hot electrons may depend on whether the magnetizations of the two Co layers (i.e., the two potential barriers) included in the metallic spin valve have a same direction.
If the external magnetic field is small, the states of the two Co layers may be anti-parallel. In this case, the spin up or spin down electrons may be spin inelastic scattering and the current flow of collector may be relatively small.
If the external magnetic field is large enough to align the magnetizations of the two Co layers in parallel, the probability of spin up electrons flow may increase, thereby increasing the electric current. With conventional spin transistors, a current fluctuation rate of more than 200% of the magneto-electric current may be obtained at ambient temperature. However, the electric current output of conventional spin transistors may be small, thereby limiting their utilization in lower current applications (e.g., in a range from 1.287 pA to 44 pA). Further, conventional spin transistors may be more difficult to miniaturize.
Another conventional spin transistor may include a magnetic tunnel layer formed as a base adjacent to a collector, the collector being formed by an n-type GaAs substrate. The conventional spin transistor may be a Schottky barrier diode structure. An aluminum layer may be formed on the base and may be oxidized into an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer. An emitter layer may be formed on the aluminum oxide layer, thereby forming another Schottky barrier diode structure. The above-described structure may reduce existing problems in the manufacture of conventional spin transistors, including miniaturization and/or an increased magneto-electric current fluctuation rate. For example, by this method, a current fluctuation rate of more than 3,400% at lower temperature (e.g., 77 Kelvin) may be achieved. However, the GaAs substrate may have a higher cost and/or the aluminum oxide layer may not be formed as a uniform layer. Further, the above-described conventional spin transistor may require a lower electric current input so as to reduce or prevent damage to the aluminum oxide included in the aluminum oxide layer. Accordingly, since only a lower electric current input may be used with the above-described conventional spin transistor, the electric current output of the conventional spin transistor may also be lower, thereby limiting their use to lower current applications. Further, the above-described conventional spin transistor may have the additional requirement of operating only at lower temperatures in order to provide an acceptable magneto-electric current fluctuation rate.
Yet another conventional spin transistor may include a magnetic tunnel transistor, which may increase the operating temperature of the bi-potential energy barrier spin transistor. At ambient temperature, the conventional spin transistor may provide up to 1 μA of electric current output and/or the magneto-electric current fluctuation rate may increase up to 64%. In this conventional spin transistor, a cobalt-iron alloy (Co84Fe16) layer of 3 nm may be formed as the base on an emitter formed of a n-type GaAs substrate. An aluminum layer oxidized into an aluminum oxide layer may be formed on the cobalt-iron alloy layer (i.e. the base). A (Co84Fe16) layer of 5 nm may be formed as the emitter on the aluminum oxide layer. A pinning layer may be coated on the emitter. The pinning layer may include anti-ferromagnetic Ir22Mn78. The pinning layer may be capable of pinning the magnetic dipole of the emitter. The pinning layer may be covered with a tantalum (Ta) layer of 5 nm. The magnetic dipole of the base may be modified without affecting the magnetic dipole of the emitter. Thus, the spin direction of the injection electron may be controlled.
However, the above-described conventional spin transistor may include a GaAs substrate. The GaAs substrate may be expensive. Further, the aluminum oxide layer may not be formed as a uniform layer. Since the magneto-resistant device with a higher current fluctuation rate may require a higher-quality (i.e. uniform) layer, the complexity of the manufacturing process may increase as a more uniform aluminum oxide layer may be difficult to produce. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
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