A NOx adsorber is protected from sulfur poisoning by introducing fuel to the NOx adsorber prior to a sulfur trap and/or particulate trap regeneration stream entering the NOx adsorber. The fuel establishes a rich environment, thereby inhibiting sulfur adsorption in the NOx adsorber.

The present invention relates to a method for sulfur protection of a NOx adsorber, and especially relates to the use of fuel to protect a NOx adsorber against sulfur poisoning.
It is well known in the art to use catalyst compositions, including those commonly referred to as three-way conversion catalysts (xe2x80x9cTWC catalystsxe2x80x9d) to treat the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. Such catalysts, containing precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, have been found both to successfully promote the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) and to promote the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in exhaust gas, provided that the engine is operated around balanced stoichiometry for combustion (xe2x80x9ccombustion stoichiometryxe2x80x9d; i.e. between about 14.7 and 14.4 air/fuel (A/F) ratio).
Fuel economy and global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have made it desirable to operate the engine under lean-burn conditions, where the air-to-fuel ratio is somewhat greater than combustion stoichiometry (i.e., greater than 14.7 and generally between 19 and 35), to realize a benefit in fuel economy. When lean-burn conditions are employed, three way catalysts are efficient in oxidizing the unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxides, but are inefficient in the reduction of nitrogen oxides.
One approach for treating nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases of engines operating under lean-burn conditions has been to incorporate NOx adsorbers in exhaust lines along with three way catalysts. Conventional exhaust systems contemplate various configurations, including for example, use of NOx adsorbers in the same canister along with three-way catalysts or use of a NOx adsorber in a separate can upstream of the three-way catalyst, among others.
These adsorbers generally comprise one or more catalytic metal(s), such as platinum, palladium and/or rhodium, in combination with an alkali and/or alkaline earth element, loaded on a porous support such as alumina, gamma-alumina, zirconia, titania, alpha-alumina, cerium oxide (ceria), lanthanum oxide, or magnesium oxide. The catalytic material in the adsorber acts first to oxidize NO to NO2. NO2 then reacts with the alkali and alkaline earth element to form stable nitrate salts. In a stoichiometric or rich environment, the nitrate is thermodynamically unstable. Consequently, the stored NOx is released for catalysis, whereupon NOx is reduced to N2 gas.
For practical incorporation of the supported catalytic materials into internal combustion engine exhaust systems, the support will, itself, be deposited on a chemically stable and thermally insulating substrate. Particularly useful substrates include cordierite and mullite, among others. The substrate may be of any size or shape, such as is required by the physical dimensions of the designed exhaust system. Similarly, the internal configuration of the substrate may be any known or commonly employed configuration. Substrates are typically formed as monolithic honeycomb structures, layered materials, or spun fibers, among other configurations.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,385 to Hepburn, which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses a NOx trap, comprising (i) at least one precious metal selected from platinum and palladium loaded on a porous support; and (ii) at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal (a) loaded on a porous support or (b) present as an oxide thereof. Hepburn optionally includes a three-way catalyst located either between the two components or after the NOx trap.
Although the NOx adsorbers remove the NOx from the exhaust stream during lean burn conditions and/or low temperatures, they are plagued with the problem of sulfur poisoning under such conditions. Sulfur, a contaminant present in fuel, adsorbs onto the NOx adsorber, reducing the sites available for trapping NOx.
What is needed in the art is an exhaust gas catalyst system having improved durability, as well as NOx and sulfur management, over extended operating time.
The above-described and other disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the exhaust gas systems of the present invention and the methods for regenerating a particulate trap and for regenerating a sulfur trap. One embodiment of the system comprises a sulfur trap disposed within an exhaust stream, the sulfur trap comprising a sulfur scavenger component, a NOx adsorber disposed within the exhaust stream, downstream from the sulfur trap, and a fuel introduction point located between the NOx adsorber and the sulfur trap.
Another embodiment of the system comprises a particulate trap disposed within an exhaust stream, a NOx adsorber disposed within the exhaust stream, downstream from the particulate trap, and a fuel introduction point located between the NOx adsorber and the particulate trap.
The method for regenerating a sulfur trap in an exhaust system having the sulfur trap disposed upstream of a NOx adsorber, comprises introducing at least a portion of a fuel rich exhaust stream to the sulfur trap and removing sulfur species from the sulfur trap. Then, before the exhaust stream is directed from the sulfur trap through the NOx adsorber, fuel is introduced to the NOx adsorber.
The method for regenerating a particulate trap in an exhaust system having a particulate trap disposed upstream of a NOx adsorber, comprises introducing at least a portion of the exhaust stream to the particulate trap and regenerating the particulate trap to produce a hot exhaust stream. Then, prior to directing the hot exhaust stream through the NOx adsorber, fuel is introduced to the NOx adsorber.
The above-described and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

Method for sulfur protection of NOx adsorber


A display device with directional backlight produces stereoscopic images by emitting light in two angular cones. Light is alternatively sent to the left and to the right eye of the observer synchronously with switching between images for the left and the right eye on a fast switching LCD. Alternatively, images may be produced for two or more observers and directed towards different directions. The display device includes a display panel, a light redirection element for directing light through the display panel, and a light guide for directing light towards the light redirection element. Two light sources are coupled to the light guide so as to couple light into the light guide in two directions. The light redirection element has a first groove structure and the light guide has a second groove structure so that light from the light sources are directed through the display panel with two angular distributions.

A common method of displaying images on a screen of a mobile device is to use a screen comprising a liquid crystal display (LCD). In an LCD colour screen, substantially white light is emitted from a light source and transmitted through the screen, i.e. the LCD is backlit. The screen comprises an array of pixels, and each pixel further comprises three capacitors in connection with three colour filters, a red, a green and a blue filter. By carefully controlling the voltages of each capacitor, a specific colour can be produced on the individual pixels, and a screen image is produced by controlling all the pixels. Such a display normally produces 2D images.
Viewing two slightly different images on each eye may produce a 3D vision. This is the so-called stereoscopic effect. One approach for producing stereoscopic images is shown in EP application 1 001 300. Here, two light sources are proposed in conjunction with a mirror system. Light emitted by one light source is directed towards the right eye and light emitted by the other light source is directed towards the left eye. A control means alternately displays an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye on the image-reproducing element. The control means activates the source emitting light for the right eye only when the image for the right eye is displayed, and activates the source emitting light for the left eye only when the image for the left eye is displayed.
Such a display device and other display devices of the prior art comprise complex optical systems, are voluminous, inflexible, expensive and/or difficult to implement.

Display device with multi-grooved light direction element and first and second alternating illuminated light sources simultaneously switched for 2D display and synchronously switched for 3D display


Seco-mevinic acid derivatives are provided which has the structure ##STR1## including all stereoisomers thereof, wherein Z is ##STR2## R is H, alkali metal or lower alkyl, R.sup.1 is H, lower alkyl, aryl, lower alkoxy, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl or heterocyclic; R.sup.2 is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl, and X is O or NR.sup.5 wherein R.sup.5 is H or lower alkyl, and are HMG CoA reductase inhibitors and thus are useful as antihypercholesterolemic agents and in treating atherosclerosis. New intermediates for preparing the above seco-mevinic acid derivatives are also provided.

F. M. Singer et al., "New Inhibitors of in vitro Conversion of Acetate and Mevalonate to Cholesterol", Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. Med., 102, 370 (1959) and F. H. Hulcher, "Inhibition of Hepatic Cholesterol Biosynthesis by 3,5-Dihydroxy -3,4,4,-trimethylvaleric Acid and its Site of Action," Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 146, 422 (1971) disclose that certain mevalonate derivatives inhibit the biosynthesis of cholesterol.
Singer et al. reported that fluoromevalonic acid is more effective in inhibiting biosynthesis of cholesterol (as measured by in vitro conversion of labeled acetate and labeled mevalonate into cholesterol) than .DELTA.4-androstene-17.alpha.-ol-3-one -17.beta.-oic acid and .DELTA.l-testololactone.
Hulcher reported that an analog of mevalonic acid, namely, 3,5-dihydroxy-3,4,4-trimethylvaleric acid strongly inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis by rat liver homogenates.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,140 to Endo et al. discloses the fermentation product ML-236B referred to generically as compactin ##STR3## (also referred to as mevastatin) which is prepared by cultivation of a microorganism of the genus Penicillium. This fermentation process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,049,495 issued Sept. 20, 1977 to Endo et al.
Brown, A. G., et al., (Beecham Pharmaceuticals Research Div.), "Crystal and Molecular Structure of Compactin, a New Antifungal Metabolite from Penicillium Brevicompactum", J. Chem. Soc. Perkin I. 1165-1170 (1976) confirms that compactin has a complex mevalonolactone structure as disclosed by Endo et al. in the above patents.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,938 to Monaghan et al. discloses mevinolin (lovastatin, Monacolin K) ##STR4## (also referred to as MK-803) which is prepared by culturing a microorganism of the genus Aspergillus.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,227 to Terahara et al discloses pravastatin ##STR5##
Pravastatin is prepared by the enzymatic hydroxylation of compactin or its carboxylic acid as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,410,629 to Terahara et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,979 issued May 15, 1984 to Terahara et al discloses the lactone of pravastatin.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,444,784 and 4,450,171 to Hoffman et al disclose various antihypercholesterolemic compounds including synvinolin (simvastatin) ##STR6## as well as compounds of the structures ##STR7## wherein R.sup.1 is H or CH.sub.3, R can be an alkyl group including ##STR8## X, Y and Z are single and/or double bonds in all possible combinations.
European Patent Application 0065835A1 filed by Sankyo discloses cholesterol biosynthesis inhibiting compounds of the structure ##STR9## and their corresponding free carboyxlic acids, which may be represented by the following formula ##STR10## (in which one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom and the other represents a hydroxy group), and salts and esters of the carboxylic acids.
European Patent Application 0142146A2 filed by Merck discloses mevinolin-like compounds of the structure ##STR11## wherein
R.sup.1 is
1) hydrogen, PA1 2) C.sub.1-4 alkyl, PA1 3) 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, PA1 4) alkali metal cation, such as Na.sup.+, or K.sup.+, or PA1 5) ammonium of formula NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 R.sup.5 R.sup.6 wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently hydrogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl or two of R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are joined together to form a 5 or 6-membered heterocycle such as pyrrolidino or piperidino with the nitrogen to which they are attached; PA1 a) hydrogen, PA1 b) halogen, such as bromo, chloro or fluoro, PA1 c) C.sub.1-4 alkyl, PA1 d) halo-C.sub.1-4 alkyl, PA1 e) phenyl either unsubstituted or substituted with one or more of PA1 f) OR.sup.13 wherein R.sup.13 is PA1 1) methyl, PA1 2) hydroxy, PA1 3) C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, PA1 4) oxo or PA1 5) halo. PA1 0.04M Potassium phosphate, pH 7.0 PA1 0.05M KCl PA1 0.10M Sucrose PA1 0.03M EDTA PA1 0.01M Dithiothreitol PA1 3.5 mM NaCl PA1 1% Dimethylsulfoxide PA1 50-200 .mu.g Microsomal protein PA1 100 .mu.M .sup.14 C-[DL]HMG-CoA (0.05 .mu.Ci, 30-60 mCi/mmole) PA1 2.7 mM NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)
E is --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.CH--, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --; and Z is ##STR12## wherein the dotted lines represent all of the possible oxidation states of the bicyclic system such as naphthalene, dihydro-, tetrahydro-, hexahydro-, octahydro-, and decahydronaphthalene;
X is --O-- or NR.sup.9 wherein
R.sup.9 is H or C.sub.1-3 alkyl;
R.sup.7 is C.sub.2-8 alkyl; and
R.sup.8 is H or --CH.sub.3 ; ##STR13##
wherein R.sup.10, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently
i) C.sub.1-4 alkyl, PA2 ii) C.sub.1-4 alkyl, PA2 iii) C.sub.2-8 alkanoyloxy, or PA2 iv) halo-C.sub.1-4 alkyl, PA2 v) halo, such as bromo, chloro or fluoro, PA2 i) hydrogen, PA2 ii) C.sub.1-8 alkanoyl, PA2 iii) benzoyl, PA2 iv) phenyl, PA2 v) halophenyl, PA2 vi) phenyl-C.sub.1-3 alkyl, either unsubstituted or substituted with one or more halogen, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 alkyl or halo-C.sub.1-4 alkyl, PA2 vii) C.sub.1-9 alkyl, PA2 viii) cinnamyl, PA2 ix) halo-C.sub.1-4 alkyl, PA2 x) allyl, PA2 xi) C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl-C.sub.1-3 alkyl, PA2 xii) adamantyl-C.sub.1-3 alkyl, ##STR14## wherein n is 0-2, and is halo such as chloro, bromo or fluoro, or C.sub.1-4 alkyl, and ##STR15## wherein the dotted lines represent possible double bonds there being 0, 1 or 2 double bonds; m represents 1, 2 or 3; and
R.sup.15 is
In the discussion of the prior art at pages 2 and 3 of the above European patent, it is indicated that. HMG CoA reduotase inhibitors reported in the patent literature and elsewhere include compactin; mevinolin, di- and tetrahydro derivatives thereof; analogs with different esters in the 8-position of the polyhydronaphthalene moiety, totally synthetic analogs, wherein the polyhydronaphthalene moiety is replaced by substituted mono- and bicyclic aromatics. The applicant states at pages 3 and 4 as follows:
"But in all instances the active compound included a 4-hydroxytetrahydropyran-2-one ring or the corresponding 3,5-dihydroxy acid, or derivatives thereof, formed by opening the pyranone ring such as: ##STR16## In all of these compounds the 3,5-dihydroxy acid or corresponding lactone moiety is present and the particular stereochemistry depicted is essential for manifestation of the optimum enzyme inhibitory activity."
GB 1,586,152 discloses a group of synthetic compounds of the formula ##STR17## in which E represents a direct bond, a C.sub.1-3 alkylene bridge or a vinylene bridge and the various R's represent a variety of substituents.
The activity reported in the U.K. patent is less than 1% that of compactin.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,475 to Willard et al discloses hypocholesterolemic and hypolipemic compounds having the structure ##STR18## wherein A is H or methyl; E is a direct bond, --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- or --CH.dbd.CH--; R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each selected from H, halogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, phenyl, phenyl substituted by halogen, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.2-8 alkanoyloxy, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, or C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, and OR.sub.4 in which R.sub.4 is H, C.sub.2-8 alkanoyl, benzoyl, phenyl, halophenyl, phenyl C.sub.1-3 alkyl, C.sub.1-9 alkyl, cinnamyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, allyl, cycloalkyl-C.sub.1-3 -alkyl, adamantyl-C.sub.1-3 -alkyl, or substituted phenyl C.sub.1-3 -alkyl in each of which the substituents are selected from halogen, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, or C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl; and the corresponding dihydroxy acids resulting from the hydrolytic opening of the lactone ring, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said acids, and the C.sub.1-3 alkyl and phenyl, dimethylamino or acetylamino substituted C.sub.1-3 alkyl esters of the dihydroxy acids; all of the compounds being the enantiomers having a 4 R configuration in the tetrahydropyran moiety of the trans racemate shown in the above formula.
GB 2162-179-A discloses naphthyl analogues of mevalolactone useful as cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors having the structure ##STR19## wherein R.sub.1 .dbd.1-3C alkyl; Z is a gp. of formula Z.sub.1 or Z.sub.2 : ##STR20##
R.sub.7 .dbd.H, a hydrolysable ester gp. or a cation.
European Patent No. 164-698-A discloses preparation of lactones useful as anti-hypercholesterolemic agents by treating an amide with an organic sulphonyl halide R.sup.5 SO.sub.2 X, then removing the protecting group Pr. ##STR21## wherein
X=halo;
Pr=a carbinol-protecting group;
R.sup.1 =H or CH.sub.3 ;
R.sup.3, R.sup.4 =H, 1-3C alkyl or phenyl -(1-3C alkyl), the phenyl being optionally substituted by 1-3C alkyl, 1-3C alkoxy or halo;
R.sup.2 =a group of formula (A) or (B): ##STR22##
R.sup.6 =H or OH;
R=H or CH.sub.3 ;
a, b, c and d=optional double bonds;
R.sup.7 =phenyl or benzyloxy, the ring in each case being optionally substituted by 1-3C alkyl or halo;
R.sup.8, R.sup.9 =1-3C alkyl or halo;
R.sup.5 =1-3C alkyl, phenyl or mono- or di-(1-3C alkyl)phenyl.
Anderson, Paul Leroy, Ger. Offen. DE 3,525,256 discloses naphthyl analogs of mevalonolactones of the structure ##STR23## wherein R.sup.1 is alkyl, Z=Q, Q.sup.1 ; R.sup.7 =or a hydrolyzable ester group useful as inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis and in treatment of atherosclerosis.
WO 8402-903 (based on U.S. application Ser. No. 460,600, filed Jan. 24, 1983) filed in the name of Sandoz AG discloses mevalono-lactone analogues useful as hypolipoproteinaemic agents having the structure ##STR24## wherein the two groups Ro together form a radical of formula ##STR25##
wherein R.sub.2 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, (except t-butoxy), trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, phenoxy or benzyloxy,
R.sub.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, C.sub.1-3 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, phenoxy or benzyloxy, with the provisos that not more than one of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is trifluoromethyl, not more than one of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is phenoxy, and not more than one of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is benzyloxy,
R.sub.1 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, fluoro, chloro or benzyloxy,
R.sub.4 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, (except t-butoxy), trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, phenoxy or benzyloxy,
R.sub.5 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, C.sub.1-3 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, fluoro, chloro, phenoxy or benzyloxy,
R.sub.5a is hydrogen, C.sub.1-2 alkyl, C.sub.1-2 alkoxy, fluoro or chloro, and with the provisos that not more than one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is trifluoromethyl, not more than one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is phenoxy and not more than one of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is benzyloxy, ##STR26## wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and both q's are 0 or one is 0 and the other is 1, ##STR27## wherein R.sub.6 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-3 alkyl, with the general proviso that --X--Z and the R.sub.4 bearing phenyl group are ortho to each other;
in free acid form or in the form of a physiologically-hydrolysable and acceptable ester or a .delta. lactone thereof or in salt form.
WO 8603-488-A (Sandoz AG) discloses indene analogues of mevalolactone, useful as hypolipoproteinaemia and anti-atherosclerotic agents, in free acid form or in the form of an ester or delta-lactone or in salt form which have the formula ##STR28##
R.dbd.H or primary or secondary 1-6C alkyl;
R.sub.1 .dbd.primary or secondary 1-6C alkyl;
or R+R.sub.1 .dbd.(CH.sub.2).sub.m or (Z)--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 ;
m.dbd.2-6;
R.sub.o .dbd.1-6C alkyl, 3-7C cycloalkyl or R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 -substituted phenyl;
R.sub.2, R.sub.4 .dbd.H, 1-4C alkyl, 1-4C alkoxy (except t-butoxy), CF.sub.3, F, Cl, phenoxy or benzyloxy;
R.sub.3 and R.sub.5 .dbd.H, 1-3C alkyl, 1-3C alkoxy, CF.sub.3, F, Cl, phenoxy or benzyloxy;
R.sub.6 .dbd.H, 1-2C alkyl, 1-2C alkoxy, F or Cl;
provided that there may only be one each of CF.sub.3, phenoxy or benzyloxy on each of the phenyl and indene rings;
X.dbd.(CH.sub.2).sub.n or --(C.sub.2).sub.q --CH.dbd.CH(CH.sub.2).sub.q --;
n.dbd.1-3;
both q's.dbd.0, or one is 0 and the other is 1;
Z.dbd.--Q--CH.sub.2 --C(R.sub.10)(OH)--CH.sub.2 COOH, in free acid form or in the form of an ester or delta-lactone or salt;
Q.dbd.CO, --C(OR.sub.7).sub.2 -- or CHOH;
R'.sub.7s .dbd.the same primary or secondary 1-6C alkyl, or together are (CH.sub.2).sub.2 or (CH.sub.2).sub.3 ;
R.sub.10 .dbd.H or 1-3C alkyl;
provided that Q may be other than CHOH only when X is CH.dbd.CH or CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH and/or R.sub.10 is 1-3C alkyl.
Heathcock, J. Med. Chem., 1989, 32, 197 discloses the synthesis of a monocyclic compound of the structure ##STR29## However, this compound is relatively inactive as an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor.

Seco-mevinic acid derivatives useful as antihypercholesterolemic agents and new intermediates


A steering apparatus (1) is provided, which includes: a key lock collar (5) being fitted on a steering shaft (2) and restricted from rotating by a steering lock mechanism when performing a steering lock; and a slip ring (8) being interposed between the steering shaft (2) and the key lock collar (5) in radial directions, wherein the slip ring (8) includes a plurality of protruded portions (9) protruding outwardly or inwardly in the radial directions and being provided in a circumferential direction, and an inner peripheral portion of the key lock collar (5) covering the slip ring (8) is formed with large-diameter portions (7a) and small-diameter portions (7b) in the axial direction, thereby further stabilizing slip torque of the key lock and enlarging a range of dimensional allowance.

There has hitherto existed a steering apparatus equipped with a steering lock mechanism that restricts a rotation of a steering wheel in order to prevent the vehicle etc from being stolen. The steering lock mechanism is configured to include a key lock collar fitted on a steering shaft and a steering lock device fitted to a column provided on an external side thereof, in which a lock bar provided on the steering lock apparatus is fitted into a grove or the like formed in the key lock collar, thereby disabling the steering wheel from being steered when the vehicle is to be stolen by restricting a rotation of the shaft.
In a conventional steering lock mechanism, it happened that if the steering wheel is rotated by strong force in a steering locked state, the steering lock mechanism was broken, and a lock function was damaged.
Such being the case, there exists a steering lock mechanism configured to rotate the key lock collar about the steering shaft when a predetermined or larger degree of force is applied so as to prevent a breakage, and to give a proper friction to such an extent as to disable the steering wheel from being steered, thereby preventing the vehicle from being stolen.
This type of steering lock mechanism is requested to be compatible with both of stabilizing a slip characteristic between an outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the key lock collar and setting a slip load to such a degree that the steering lock mechanism is not broken. Hence, there is a configuration for acquiring a predetermined magnitude of stable slip torque (frictional force) by forming a non-contact portion between the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the key lock collar (refer to, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-163115).
Further, there is a configuration contrived not to cause an excessive frictional resistance by machining a grease groove in the steering shaft, retaining grease in this grease groove and supplying the grease to a frictional surface between the key lock collar and the steering shaft (refer to, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H07-291095).
Moreover, there is a configuration for the purpose of protecting the steering lock mechanism, in which a slip ring is attached to a fitting portion between the key lock collar and the steering shaft (refer to, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-351457).


A damping device for fluids subject to pressure pulsations has at least one hydraulic accumulator (2). The accumulator housing (4, 6) contains a movable separating element (18), which separates a gas side (14) from a fluid room (16) and can be pressurized by a fluid present in the fluid room (16). A damper housing (34) having a second fluid room (38) is provided as a component of the accumulator housing (4, 6). Through the second fluid room (38), the fluid subject to pressure pulsations can flow. The second fluid room (38) contains a second movable separating element (40), which separates the second fluid room (38) from the first fluid room (16) of the hydraulic accumulator (2) without dead space.

Damping devices, which have a hydraulic accumulator providing a flexible pressure cushion, are state of the art and are used in different fluid systems to smooth out occurring pressure pulsations. DE 10 2007 003 724 A1, for instance, shows a hydraulic accumulator, which can be used as a damper accumulator, in the form of a membrane accumulator. In various applications, such as chemical/food-chemistry or pharmaceutical applications, the damping devices are often used for different fluids that are successively conveyed through the damping device. To comply with the respective applicable cleanliness requirements, for instance to comply with the food regulations (FDA), contamination of the system must be precluded when the fluid conveyed is exchanged. Any fluid residues must be completely removed from the damping device.
The cleaning of damping devices is difficult. A major reason for the difficulties encountered in doing so is that it is hardly feasible or practically impossible to remove the fluid residues trapped between the separator element of the hydraulic accumulator and the accumulator wall, with which the separator element is in contact during the cleaning process when the fluid room is not pressurized. One is then forced to disassemble, clean and reassemble the hydraulic accumulator. This process is complex and expensive, as sealing elements also have to be replaced, so that the process takes time and results in a long downtime of the system.


An epoxy resin modified material is disclosed, which is obtained by reacting an epoxy resin and a phenolic hydroxyl group-containing aramid/polybutadiene-acrylonitrile block copolymer represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Ar.sup.1 and Ar.sup.3 each represent a divalent aromatic group; Ar.sup.2 represents a phenolic hydroxyl group-containing divalent aromatic group; x represents an integer of from 3 to 7; y represents an integer of from 1 to 4; y/(x+y) is from 0.1 to 0.3; z represents an integer of from 5 to 15; m represents an integer of from 1 to 400; n represents an integer of from 1 to n/(m+n) is from 0.01 to 0.50; and l represents an integer of from 1 to 50. An epoxy resin composition containing the epoxy resin modified material and a carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer is useful as a cationic electrodeposition coating.

Modifications of epoxy resins have been widely studied in an attempt to broaden their application. Although epoxy resins are excellent in electrical characteristics, adhesion, and thermal characteristics, they are generally brittle and liable to suffer from cracking due to stress-strain, heat or dynamic impact on curing or use. In order to offset these disadvantages and to endow epoxy resins with toughness, use of a hardener having a long chain aliphatic group or rubbery properties, addition of a compound having elastomeric properties, addition of a plasticizer, e.g., asphalt substances and glycols, addition of reinforcing fibers, e.g., glass fiber, aramid fiber and carbon fiber, and introduction to an epoxy compound a molecular group exhibiting rubber elasticity have been proposed as disclosed in Mitsukazu Ochi, KOBUNSHI, Vol. 38, No. 3, p. 200 (1989).
However, these modifications failed to obtain sufficient effects because an epoxy resin-and some modifiers added are not sufficiently compatible with each other, or some modifications impair excellent characteristics of epoxy resins, such as heat resistance and adhesion, or some modified epoxy resins are not suitable for practical use because of greatly increased cost.

Epoxy resin/phenolic OH-aramid/ban block copolymer product with CTBN


An apparatus for feeding sheetlike items from a stack has an item feed for separating and feeding a single item from the stack. A holder receives the stack and has a platform for supporting the stack, and a first and a second side guide for guiding items in a feeding direction. The platform is movable into a feeding position in which separating and feeding of a single item is enabled and into a loading position in which the holder is able to receive a stack. A side guide adjustment mechanism is provided for moving at least one side guide toward and away from the other side guide. A drive device is operably connected to the side guide adjustment mechanism. The drive device is out of engagement with the side guide adjustment mechanism when the platform is in the feeding position.

The invention relates to an apparatus for feeding sheetlike items from a stack of sheetlike items. Such an apparatus is used in paper handling systems, such as inserters, printers and copier systems, and comprises an item feed means for separating and feeding a single item from the stack of sheetlike items.
Such an apparatus is known from EP-A2-1 719 723. This apparatus comprises a movable item platform for supporting a stack of sheetlike items, which is movable towards item feed rollers in order to initiate feeding. Movable side guides are provided to press against the edges of the stack to align the items if needed.


A cabinet leg is provided including a body securable to an underside of a cabinet and a shaft engageable with the body such that rotation of the shaft moves the shaft toward or away from the body. A foot is secured to a lower end of the shaft including a first portion attached to the shaft and a second portion rotatable relative to the first portion. A plurality of openings are provided around the periphery of the foot for receiving a first end of a tool such that teeth on the tool engage with teeth on the first portion. Rotation of the tool causes rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion, thereby rotating the shaft and adjusting the height of the cabinet leg.

When installing cabinets such as kitchen cabinets, it is required to level the cabinets once they have been installed in place. In a known system, the legs include a foot which is engaged with the leg by a screw thread. The foot can therefore be turned to shorten or lengthen the leg, and thereby adjust the height of the cabinet. In such a system however, it is necessary to reach under the cabinet to grasp and turn the feet for adjustment. This can be difficult, particularly when adjusting the rear legs of the cabinet from the front.
Further systems have been proposed in which a specialised tool is provided to engage with a portion of the foot. The tool is designed to rotate the foot such that the height of the leg can be adjusted without the need to reach under the cabinet. Such systems however utilise a relatively complex tool in order to engage around the foot and rotate it.
The present invention relates to a cabinet leg having features aimed at overcoming, at least in part, the abovementioned problems. The invention is directed towards providing easy adjustment of the leg up and down using a relatively simple tool.


The present disclosure provides a touch display device including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel and a touch layer. The OLED display panel includes a common cathode and a plurality of redundant cathodes. The common cathode and the plurality of redundant cathodes are located in a same conductive layer. The touch layer is disposed on a side of the OLED display panel. The touch layer includes a plurality of touch electrodes. Orthographic projections of the touch electrodes on the touch display device partially overlap orthographic projections of the plurality of redundant cathodes on the touch display device.

Flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices have advantages of active light emission, wide viewing angles, wide color gamut, high brightness, fast response speeds, low power consumption, and structural flexibility. These advantages make the flexible OLED display devices more and more popular in the market, and the flexible OLED display devices gradually replace liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and have become a mainstream of display technology.
The flexible OLED display devices are divided into top-emitting type and bottom-emitting type according to their light-emitting positions. Currently, the top-emitting type is a mainstream of mass production technology of the flexible OLED display devices. As shown in FIG. 1, it is a schematic view of a conventional top-emitting typed OLED touch display device. The conventional top-emitting typed OLED display device includes a thin film transistor (TFT) array layer 100, an anode layer 101, a pixel definition layer (PDL) 102, a photo spacer (PS) 103, an electroluminescent (EL) layer 104, a cathode layer 105, a thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer 106, and a touch layer 107. The touch layer 107 includes touch electrodes 1071 composed of a plurality of metal meshes. Each of the touch electrodes 1071 is disposed between two adjacent subpixels. Because a manufacturing process of the cathode layer 105 of the OLED display device happens after a fabrication of a TFT array substrate and an evaporation of luminescent material of the EL layer, and the cathode layer 105 is vapor-deposited on entire and upper surfaces of the pixel definition layer of the TFT substrate and the EL layer, there is only the TFE layer 106 located between the touch electrodes 1071 positioned on a surface of the TFE layer 106 and the cathode layer 105 of the OLED. A thickness of the TFE layer 106 is generally less than or equal to 10 um, which results in a large parasitic capacitance generated between the touch electrodes 1071 and the cathode layer 105. The greater the parasitic capacitance between the touch electrodes 1071 and the cathode layer 105, the greater a noise interference generated during a below display is coupled to the touch electrodes 1071, and the greater a charging time required for a touch node capacitance, thereby reducing a touch report rate.
Therefore, it is necessary to propose a technical solution to reduce the parasitic capacitance between the cathode and the touch electrodes, so as to prevent the touch report rate from decreasing.

WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A system for supplying a load comprising: an input inductor configured to receive an input voltage, a selection module connected to the inductor via a switching node, and a multi-level half-bridge stage comprising a plurality of half-bridge stages, each half-bridge stage comprising a pair of switches connected between a switching node; a power combining stage coupled to each half-bridge stage using parallel bus voltage lines output from the multi-level half-bridge stage, the power combining stage configured to output a voltage to the load; and a controller configured, based on the input voltage, to selectively control a half-bridge stage to operate in a half-bridge mode to provide a stepped-up voltage on a bus voltage line, wherein the controller is further configured to control the power combining stage to provide a voltage between the bus voltage lines and the sum of these voltages is higher than a peak of the input voltage.

Known AC-to-DC converter architectures comprise a first boost power factor correction (PFC) converter stage receiving an alternating current (AC) rectified voltage and a second DC-to-DC voltage converter stage, whereby the two stages are interconnected through a direct current (DC) link capacitor. Generally the intermediate bus voltage (between the two stages) is fixed to 400V, high enough to guarantee the boost operation for EU mains voltage considering the line variations (365V in the worst case).
Applications requiring a high level of integration of power conversion modules, for example using Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), can resort to power converters such as Switched Capacitor Converters (SCC) for the DC-to-DC voltage converter stage, which can provide highly efficient DC-to-DC voltage conversion with only the use of capacitors and switches, combined with inductive output filters.
Notably, the Solid State Lighting (SSL) Industry's demand for small and compact power management units for LEDs is increasing. LEDs require that a power supply be delivered in the form of a constant current, as efficiently as possible. Ideally, LED drivers comparable in size to the LEDs themselves would represent a significant breakthrough enabling new lighting concepts. Such a solution will require a system with a high level of reliability and efficiency, in order to fit the requirements of life-time, size and heat dissipation.
LED drivers can be based on SMPS. SMPS can comprise SCCs, which allow a high level of integration and achieve large power conversion ratios, but have the drawback of providing plural discrete conversion ratios, which do not make SCCs suitable for applications where a fine regulation of the output power is required.
SMPS can also comprise conventional Inductive Converters, comprising a plurality of inductors and switches. Inductive Converters allow a fine regulation of the output power and can efficiently provide an arbitrary conversion ratio, but one drawback of Inductive Converters is that they cannot be easily integrated in compact structures.
Hybrid Switched Capacitor Converters (H-SCCs) use the pulsed width modulated voltages, available in the internal nodes of SCCs, combined with filter inductors to extend the conversion range and increase the efficiency of the SCCs.


A camera configuration method includes determining, in a preset view region, a preset number of camera configuration modes and visible cameras of each test point, according to a total number of cameras, calculating one or more cost values of each camera configuration mode, according to one or more factors that affect a capture effect, and calculating a configuration cost value of each camera configuration mode, according to the one or more cost values of each camera configuration mode, to determine a final camera configuration mode.

Motion Capture (Mocap) technology involves dimension measurement, position and azimuth measurement of an object in a physical space, etc. By placing trackers at key points of the moving object, the positions of the trackers can be captured by the motion capture system, and the motion capture technology can be used in various fields, such as animation, gait analysis, biomechanics, and ergonomics. In principle, conventional motion capture technologies can be divided into the mechanical type, acoustic type, electromagnetic type, optical type, and so on.
The optical motion capture technology accomplishes the motion capture task by monitoring and tracking a specific optical spot on the target. Conventional optical motion capture technologies are mostly based on computer vision. In theory, for a point in space, as long as it can be seen from two cameras at the same time, the position of the point in space is determined by the images taken by the two cameras at the same time and camera parameters. When the cameras are shooting at a sufficiently high rate, the trajectory of the point can be obtained from the image sequences.
Because the range of activities of the target object being captured is large and there is no restriction from cables and mechanical devices, the optical motion capture system is widely used in various fields including film animation production, large-scale game production, and life science research field, etc. However, the drawback is that the system is expensive, especially the core device of the optical motion capture system, the motion capture camera, is very expensive. Therefore, it is important to reasonably configure an appropriate number of motion capture cameras while ensuring the effect of the motion capture in order to save the cost.
Currently, there seems no effective way to properly configure an appropriate number of motion capture cameras.

Camera configuration method and apparatus

SHENZHEN REALIS MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


Systems and methods for manufacturing and using magnetic resonance (“MR”) visible labels or markers to encode information unique to the subject or object being imaged by a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system are provided. The use of such MR-visible labels or markers enables unique information associated with the subject or object being imaged to be encoded into the images of the subject or object. This information can be used to anonymize protected health information (“PHI”); to provide detailed information about a surgical simulation device, quality assurance phantom, or the like; to provide spatial orientation and registration information; or so on.

The field of the invention is systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI"). More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for labeling.
Typical MRI scanning procedures rely on the MRI system operator to input unique identifying characteristics of the subject or object being scanned. This information is then normally encoded into header information of the digital images generated by the scan. In various scenarios, however, this information may not be input, may be input incorrectly, or may need to be subsequently anonymized. Additionally, this identifying information only stays associated with the images as long the images remain in an image format that allows such header information to be associated with the image data, such as with DICOM-format images. If the images are converted to another format, the pertinent information may be lost.
There remains a desire to provide a form of subject or object labeling that does not rely on image header information. For example, when scanning phantom objects (e.g., for quality control purposes, scanner characterization purposes, patient simulations), there is rarely a rigorous identification process analogous to a medical record number for patients. Furthermore, there may be multiple phantoms that all give similar image characteristics and therefore cannot be simply differentiated by their image characteristics. Having some standardized method to identify the object as a phantom, and which phantom in particular, could be beneficial for automated post-processing evaluations or other image quality analysis methods.
Similarly, it would be desirable to have a method of uniquely identifying human subject scans, in addition to personal medical record numbers tagged in the digital header information, which would help resolve issues when patient information is input incorrectly. Such a method would also preferably provide an anonymized reference code compatible with image anonymization procedures.

Magnetic resonance visible labels and markers for encoding information


A system for collecting data elements relating to events in an interventional procedure includes an input, a clock, a memory and a display. The input, during the interventional procedure, receives the data elements from at least two systems use in the interventional procedure. The clock registers a time of receipt of the data elements. The memory stores items relating to respective events, each item including the corresponding data element and the corresponding time of receipt. The display displays representations of the items sequentially along a timeline in accordance with the respective times of receipt.

Interventional procedures are used for diagnosis or treatment that involve, e.g., the following:    1) Making a cut or a hole to gain access to the inside of a patient's body, for example, when carrying out an operation or inserting a tube into a blood vessel.    2) Gaining access to a body cavity, such as the digestive system, lungs, womb or bladder, without cutting into the body. Such procedures include, for example, examining or carrying out treatment on the inside of the stomach using an instrument inserted via the mouth.    3) Using electromagnetic radiation (e.g. X-rays, lasers, gamma-rays and ultraviolet light).
For such interventional procedures, e.g., interventional radiology, interventional cardiology and/or electrophysiology measurements may be used. At the moment, it is known for electrophysiological (EP) systems to save data in a log file on the recording system itself This file contains information from, e.g., the recording system, the ablation system and the stimulator. Also medications can be added. The log file in these recording systems is a list with only text. It doesn't contain all information created during the procedure and it doesn't create a good overview; it is difficult to review data because it is all text. Different colors are used to mark different kind of events, but then still the list is very long and it takes much time to find the specific data you need.
Cardiology information systems containing a procedure log are known as well. These systems are not designed for EP procedures but for other cardiology interventions. The log file in these systems also consists of a list with text and doesn't contain much specific EP information. The information that can be saved in this log file therefore is incomplete for EP.
Reports can be created in both systems, but in both cases the reports will not contain all information needed. There is no system that combines all information of relevance into one report. Image information of X-ray systems and EP mapping systems that is acquired during an EP procedure is stored on the respective system hard disks. Sometimes there is a link between the EP mapping and the EP recording systems, but logging of events in such combined systems is not possible.
The known systems experience a number of problems. In the current EP labs a huge amount of data is created during an EP procedure by different pieces of equipment. Reviewing the data during and after the procedure is currently cumbersome as this information is saved in different ways; on systems, on disks and sometimes on the network of the hospital. Furthermore there is no time link between the different forms of data storage making it difficult to review the data in sequential order, as would be optimal to follow the subsequent procedure steps.
The disconnected data storage and resulting review on different systems make it impossible to create a good and complete EP report in an easy way.

System for collecting data elements relating to events of interventional procedure


The present invention is to provide a connector which is not subjected to an excess force when a locking securing unit is operated to remove engagement. The connector includes a male housing, a locking arm for engaging with a locking projection of a mating connector, a locking securing unit, and deformation switching portions. The locking securing unit is movably disposed between a regulation position to regulate a resilient deformation of the locking arm and an allowance position to allow the resilient deformation thereof. The deformation switching portions have a first interfering portion disposed on the locking arm and a second interfering portion disposed on the locking securing unit. When the locking securing unit is in the allowance position, the first and second interfering portions interfere each other and the locking arm resiliently deforms to remove engagement with the locking projection. When the locking securing unit is in the regulation position, the first and second interfering portions separate each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector having a locking securing section utilized for connecting an electrical conductor.
2. Description of Related Art
A wire harness is disposed in a vehicle such as a motor vehicle. The wire harness has a connector, which has a tube-shaped connector housing and a terminal received in the housing. The terminal is connected with an end of an electrical conductor.
The connector has a locking securing section to confirm a complete fitting between the connector and a mating connector. A connector disclosed in JP,2004-220970,A has a locking securing unit besides the locking securing section. The connector housing disclosed in JP,2004-220970,A has a locking arm, which resiliently deforms to engage with an engaging portion of the mating connector and resumes a neutral state after connection.
The locking securing unit is movably disposed on the connector housing between a regulation position to regulate a resilient deformation of the locking arm and an allowance position to allow the resilient deformation thereof. When the locking arm is placed in the neutral state, the locking securing unit is movable between the regulation position and the allowance position without an interference of the locking arm. When the locking arm is resiliently deformed, the locking securing unit is regulated to move from the allowance position to the regulation position with the interference of the locking arm.
The connector having the locking securing section is fitted to the mating connector by placing the locking securing unit in the allowance position. After fitting together, the completion of fitting is determined from whether the locking securing unit is movable toward the regulation position.
The connector has a regulating projection to regulate the resilient deformation of the locking arm. When the locking securing unit is placed in the regulation position and the locking arm is disengaged with the engaging portion, the regulating projection abuts on the locking arm which resiliently deforms to disengage from the engaging portion.
In the conventional connector disclosed in JP,2004-220970,A, when the locking securing unit is placed in the regulation position and the locking arm is disengaged, the locking arm is subjected to a force associated with the disengagement and a repulsive force from the regulating projection. The locking arm thus is subjected excess force when the locking arm is operated while the locking securing unit is placed in the regulation position.
When the locking arm is connected with the connector housing at the center thereof and one end is operated and another end engages with the engaging portion (seesaw-type locking), the one end of the locking arm is subjected to a large bending force when the connectors are disengaged, causing to a failure of the locking arm.


The present invention provides an array substrate, a driving method thereof, and a display device. The array substrate comprises a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines, and the plurality of gate lines cross with the plurality of data lines to define a plurality of pixel units. Each of the pixel units comprises a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode and a floating electrode which are insulated from each other, and the floating electrode is provided in a layer different from that in which the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are provided. The first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are capable of forming a plane electric field therebetween, and the floating electrode and both the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are capable of forming a fringe electric field therebetween.

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have become mainstream products of existing flat panel displays due to their characteristics of small volume, low power consumption, no radiation, and the like. Liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal display can rotate under the effect of an electric field to change an amount of light transmission through a corresponding pixel unit, thereby realizing image display.
Both a traditional in-plane switching (IPS) LCD and a traditional fringe field switching (FFS) LCD have a wide viewing angle, but have a poor light transmission performance. If it is desired that the traditional IPS-LCD and the traditional FFS-LCD have both a wide viewing angle and a high light transmittance, a process resulting in a line width, a cell gap (i.e., a gap in a liquid crystal cell formed by aligning and assembling an array substrate and a color substrate), and the like must have a high accuracy, which makes the process be difficult to be carried out and makes the process result in a low rate of qualified product.
Specifically, in a case of low gray level display, a fringe electric field formed between electrodes of an IPS-LCD is very weak, and only a plane electric field formed therebetween takes effect, which is equivalent to the case that only a plane electric field is formed therebetween. Thus, a light transmittance of the IPS-LCD is affected and very low. However, a fringe electric field of a FFS-LCD is stronger than the plane electric field of the IPS-LCD. Thus, in a case of low gray level display, a light transmittance of the FFS-LCD is higher than that of the IPS-LCD.
In contrast, in a case of high gray level display, a plane electric field formed between electrodes of the FFS-LCD is weak, and only a fringe electric field formed therebetween takes effect, which is equivalent to the case that only the fringe electric field is formed therebetween. Thus, a light transmittance of the FFS-LCD is affected and very low. However, a plane electric field of the IPS-LCD is stronger than the fringe electric field of the FFS-LCD. Thus, in a case of high gray level display, a light transmittance of the IPS-LCD is higher, whereas a light transmittance of the FFS-LCD is lower.
In view of the foregoing, a new display mode, which can meet the requirement of wide viewing angle and significantly increase light transmittances in various display states (e.g., a low gray level display state and a high gray level display state), is urgently needed at present.

Array substrate combining plane electric field and fringe electric field, driving method thereof and display device

HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


Disclosed are a polycarbonate resin composition and a molded product formed of the same. The polycarbonate resin composition includes a polycarbonate resin and three types of UV stabilizers including a first benzotriazole UV stabilizer, a second benzotriazole UV stabilizer, and a bismalonate UV stabilizer to improve heat stability, weather resistance, and visible light transmittance.

Polycarbonate is a plastic material having a heat deflection temperature of 135° C. or more and can be prepared by melt polycondensation or interfacial polycondensation. Since polycarbonate is transparent and has excellent mechanical properties, it is widely used for exterior decorative products including outdoor structures or indoor products exposed to fluorescent light.
However, due to inferior weather resistance, like most plastics, upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, polycarbonate exhibits yellowing, lose of surface gloss, and increased haze. Thus its use in certain applications such as exterior decorative products can be particularly limited.
To protect polycarbonate from UV radiation, UV stabilizers can be added thereto. Although this method is the simplest way to protect polycarbonate from UV radiation, inherent properties of UV stabilizers added to a polycarbonate resin composition can result in limited improvement of an initial yellowness index, heat stability, and weather resistance of the polycarbonate resin composition. Particularly, when conventional UV stabilizers are used alone or as mixtures, polycarbonate resin compositions do not exhibit visible light transmittance. Visible light transmittance is an essential property for polycarbonate resin compositions for exterior decorative purposes.


There is disclosed a hairpiece comprising a molded, flexible, plastic foundation member covered by a sheet of net material having spaced-apart cross-elements. The foundation member has a large central opening therein traversed by said net material. A group of hairs is provided having double knots tied around cross-elements of the net material traversing said central opening so as to be freely movable back and forth. Other groups of hairs are secured to the foundation member for providing a natural looking part, and for covering edges of the hairpiece foundation.

The present invention relates to a hairpiece or hair replacement, and more particularly, to a novel hairpiece of improved appearance, comfort, and cost.
Many different hairpiece structures have heretofore been proposed. Certain of these have attempted to provide an extra natural look, but have been relatively expensive. Others have emphasized economy of construction. Still other prior hairpieces have sought to improve comfort by enhancing the fit or reducing the weight or increasing the resistance to wear. Examples of such prior structures which have been successful are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,716,065; 4,453,555; 4,456,019; and 4,517,999, issued to the present inventor.


A variable length data storage device enables clearly and quickly determining where there are breaks in variable length data even when such data is stored without gaps in a stored data file. A variable length data storage step stores variable length items, each containing variable length data including at the beginning the length of such data, without gaps in a stored data file. A marker management item registration step registers marker management items, each containing a break marker and the storage location of the variable length data corresponding to the break marker, in a marker management file. A marker identifier management item registration step registers marker identifier management items, each including a marker identifier composed of a predetermined number of characters from the beginning of the text string used as the break marker and the storage location of the break marker, in a marker management memory area.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to managing files in a computer, relates more particularly to a storage device for storing variable length data files of different content and different length, to a method of storing variable length data files in the storage device, to a method of reading from the storage device, and to a program enabling the same.
2. Description of Related Art
Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2007-228555 teaches a data storage method for segmenting image data for a scanned document into a plurality of files, compressing the segmented image data using a predetermined standard method (JPEG), and storing the image data with JPEG markers indicating the content of the image data. By changing the image size to which the compression process is applied according to the amount of available memory, this method enables handling scanned images of documents in a standard image format that can also be handled by other printing devices and personal computers, for example, as well as images that are larger than the standard management size.
One method of handling variable length data predicts the maximum length of the variable length data items and reserves fixed-length data fields of a size equal to each predicted maximum item length (such as 255 bytes) in a data file to simulate handling variable length data. Another method records each variable length data item from the beginning of a fixed-length data field, and fills the remaining portion (where variable length data is not recorded) with special data that is not normally used as data that is processed or manipulated. Because this method enables using variable length data as fixed-length data, the location of each variable length data item in the data file can be easily calculated. However, because storage areas sized to the maximum expected length of the variable length data items are always reserved, a problem of wasted storage space occurs in the storage device, and if variable length data exceeding the predicted maximum length of the variable length data occurs, handling (processing) the data becomes difficult.
Another method of handling variable length data stores the variable length data items sequentially with no gaps therebetween in the data file, and reads the variable length data items one by one from the beginning of the data file (in actuality reading one word at a time) to find the desired variable length data item. This method can effectively use the storage area of the storage device because it predicts the maximum length of the variable length data items and does not reserve fixed-length data fields sized to this predicted maximum length, but processing to read the desired variable length data item can be time-consuming because the variable length data must be read and evaluated one at a time from the beginning of the data file in order to find the desired variable length data.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H06-60120 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H08-263338 teach examples of solutions for the foregoing problems of the related art.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H06-60120 teaches a structure including at least one data file storing a plurality of variable length data items, at least one index data file having a 1:1 relationship to a data file and storing the storage location of each variable length data item in the data file, and at least one search criteria file storing an index file name and the storage location of each search criteria entry in the index file. An attribute identifier and an end identifier are respectively added before and after each variable length data item, and auxiliary data of an undefined length that is not searched is added as necessary between the end identifier of one variable length data item and the attribute identifier of the next variable length data item.
When creating or updating a data file in which contiguous variable length data items are stored in blocks, Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H08-263338 teaches storing the total average data count per block, which is the average number of variable length data items stored in all blocks stored in the data file, and the partial average data count per block, which is the average number of data items stored in each of the blocks from the first block in the data file to each particular block, in the data file. To find a variable length data item of a specified number in the data file, the specified variable length data item is found using the total average data count per block, the partial average data count per block, and the number of the desired variable length data item.
However, because there may be more than one stored data file for one data file with the structure taught in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H06-60120, the stored data files must be opened one after the other on the main storage device until the specified search criteria is found when a variable length data search is specified, and the search process therefore cannot be accelerated. Another problem is that because auxiliary data of an undefined length that is not used for searching is added as needed to the data files, the storage area of the storage device cannot be used effectively.
While the technology taught in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H08-263338 enables effectively using the storage space in the storage device because variable length data items are stored contiguously in the data file, searching for specified variable length data is done by the process described below.
First, the number of the specified variable length data item is divided by the total average data count per block to calculate the block number of the block in which the specified variable length data item is thought to be stored. The block of the calculated block number is then sought, the variable length data stored at the beginning of that block is read to get its number. If the number of the variable length data item is greater than the number of the specified variable length data, the specified variable length data is stored in a block before that block. The partial average data count per block of the block identified by the foregoing calculation is therefore read, and the number of the specified variable length data is divided by the partial average data count per block to again calculate the block number of the block in which the specified variable length data item is thought to be stored. This process then repeats until the data count of the first data item in the calculated block is less than or equal to the number of the specified variable length data item. When the data count of the first data item in the calculated block becomes less than or equal to the specified variable length data, the variable length data is read sequentially from the beginning of that block, and whether the specified variable length data was found is confirmed.
The method taught in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H08-263338 enables faster processing than a method in which variable length data (actually read in word units) must be read one at a time from the beginning of the data file in order to find the specified variable length data, but because the calculations must be repeated and the location of the specified variable length data cannot be determined directly, the search process is not necessarily faster.

Variable length data storage device, variable length data storage method, variable length data reading method, and a program for the same


A medium truck tire (10) and more specifically a super single truck tire (10) includes belt plies (23, 24, 25) reinforced with steel cords which make an angle comprised between 0° and 5° with respect to the equatorial plane. Disposed radially outermost over the belt plies (23, 24, 25) is at least one substantially full spiral helically wound layer (22). The steel of the reinforcing cords comprises high elongation steel. The spliced belt plies (23, 24, 25) are in a RLL configuration making angles comprised between 45° and 75° with respect to the equatorial plane angular direction of the inwardmost ply (25) oppositely disposed relative to the outer plies (23, 24). The helically would layer(s) (22) are disposed over the outermost L ply (23) and have a width substantially 100% of the footprint width of the tire tread.

The present invention relates to truck tires, preferably super single radial truck pneumatic drive tires.
Super single tires, which are wide base low aspect ratio truck tires replacing two small base tires, so-called dual mounted tires, have been used for years on trailers.
Over the years these wide base tires appeared more and more on trucks in the steering position because they had a higher mileage. Recently it became of interest to use also super single tires in the drive positions. Tires in the drive position have to bear part of the trailer load and must have an increased load capacity.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,357 discloses a belt package for a super single truck tire having steel cords and belt plies angled with respect to the equatorial plane and a helically wound belt ply on a carcass ply.
GB-A-1 567 614 discloses a pneumatic tire particularly suitable for heavy vehicles. Radially outwards of the belt layers there is at least one layer comprising metallic cords parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the circumferential direction. The metallic cords have an ultimate elongation between 4 and 8%. In a preferred embodiment the layers of extensible metallic cord are formed by a single helically wound cord.
It is known from LU-A-85 964 to wind a ribbon reinforced with cords helically in at least two layers on top the belt plies of a passenger tire. The ribbon has a width comprised between 15 and 45 mm. The reinforcing cords are preferably of nylon and have a lateral density of about 30 EPI.
FR-A-2 285 255 discloses a crown reinforcing structure for pneumatic tires including a helically wound ribbon reinforced with steel cords. The ribbon has a width comprised between 5 and 50 mm and is directly wound on the carcass ply.
While prior art tire constructions are functional and work well, there remains a continuing need for a low-weight tire construction that can considerably increase plysteer and improve crown durability, cornering force and high speed performance. Achievement of an improved low-weight tire construction providing such enhanced performance has, heretofore, proven problematic.

Belt package for super single truck tires


An apparatus that includes a datum. The datum has a first portion configured to interface with a work-piece having a critical surface associated with a fit-and-finish surface, and a second portion configured to interface with a mating structure. The datum is adjusted in such a way that the datum facilitates placement of the critical surface within acceptable tolerance to the fit-and-finish surface once the datum is placed between the work-piece and the mating structure, and the work-piece is installed to the mating structure.

A work-piece may be defined as an object, assembly, etc., that is worked on with a tool or machine. One example of a work-piece is a headlight assembly.
A mating structure, for purposes of the invention, may be defined as a structure that is to be mated (joined, installed) to the work-piece. An example of a mating structure is a vehicle (such as a car or truck).

Method for installing work-piece to mating structure, and apparatus


Decoding data written over a plurality of tracks includes selecting a mask that accounts for Inter-Symbol-Interference, the mask including channel coefficients and defining a trellis defining a plurality of states; receiving a signal corresponding to an input pixel from each of the plurality of tracks and generating equalized samples therefrom; computing transition branch probabilities for each input vector based on a Gaussian noise distribution using the equalized samples, ideal samples and a priori probabilities of the input vector; computing forward and backward probabilities via recursions using the computed transition branch probabilities; combining the forward, backward and transition branch probabilities to generate a-posteriori probabilities for the input vector; marginalizing the a-posteriori probabilities over values of neighboring pixels to generate an a-posteriori probability for a pixel of the input vector in a given state, and decoding the pixel as a first or second logical state from the marginalized a-posteriori probabilities.

Two-dimensional (2-D) intersymbol-interference (ISI) channels have become practically relevant in various data recording technologies such as two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR), optical holographic memories as well as in other areas such as pixelated wireless optical channels and 2-D grid networks. From a signal processing viewpoint, data recording systems in 2-D have advantages over traditional 1-D systems. 2-D recording systems are less sensitive to timing instabilities due to wider tracks and hence not restrictive to the size of sensory read elements. With clever 2-D signal processing, guard bands between tracks can be avoided. This improves format efficiency. Lastly, if 2-D ISI can be handled beneficially to gain signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by appropriate signal processing.

Methods and devices for two-dimensional iterative multi-track based map detection


A sun visor for a vehicle has a sun visor body which is provided with both a mirror and a storage compartment. The mirror is inserted into an opening in the sun visor body and is accessible to the user when the sun visor body is in its position of use. The storage compartment is inserted into an opening in the sun visor body and is accessible to the user when the sun visor body is in its position of non-use. The two openings are aligned with each other and pass through the visor body. The storage compartment pivots around a support frame on its side of the visor body. A hinged cover is positioned over the mirror on the other side of the visor body.

The present invention relates to a sun visor for vehicles which has a sun visor body that is provided both with a make-up mirror and with a storage compartment.
A sun visor of this type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,916 has a sun visor body with an insertion unit fastened in a depression therein. The unit comprises a storage compartment, a mirror partially covering it, and a hinged cover for closing the compartment opening.

Sun visor for vehicles with mirror and article storage


A pad assembly for an air bag device is provided which has a horn switch, and is directed to readily ensure adequate operation load of a switch, to improve productivity and to preventing an increase in the thickness of the portion of the pad where the switch is located. A pad 10 for an air bag device M is disposed on a steering wheel W, has an upper wall 11 and a side wall 12 extending downward from the peripheral edge of the upper wall 11, and further includes a horn switch. The pad 10 includes a covering layer 14 made of a soft synthetic resin, a hard insert 15 embedded in the side wall 12 of the pad 10, and a pressure sensitive switch 18 having metal sheets 19, 20 and 21 which offer a shape-retaining property and functioning as the horn switch. The pressure sensitive switch 18 is disposed on a rear surface of the upper wall 11 of the pad 10 with end portions 19 a, 20a and 21a thereof retained by the insert 15.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air bag device which is disposed on a steering wheel and which has a pressure-sensitive type horn switch.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Pads for the above-described type of air bag device having a pressure-sensitive type horn switch are known. In Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 4-43158, a pad in which a pressure sensitive switch is insert-formed in a covering layer has been described.
Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication No. 4-5171 discloses a pad in which a pressure sensitive switch is disposed between a covering layer and an insert when the covering layer and the insert, which have been formed separately, are joined to each other.
However, the former type of pad has a drawback in that it is difficult to provide an accurate operation load of the pressure sensitive switch because the switch is embedded in the covering layer when the layer is formed and is thus affected by the generated pressure of the covering layer.
In the latter pad, since the pressure sensitive switch is sandwiched between the covering layer and the insert, the portion of the pad where the pressure sensitive switch is disposed has a three-layer structure consisting of the covering layer, the pressure sensitive switch and the insert, increasing the thickness thereof. Also, since the pressure sensitive switch is hidden in the middle of the assembly operation, the positioning operation of the switch is troublesome, thus deteriorating productivity.


An awning assembly for use with a vehicle. The awning comprising an elongate base attachable to the vehicle, the base having a first end and an opposing second end, a portion of the second end of the base being magnetic or responsive to magnetic force. Arms are attached at the first and/or second end of the base, being pivotable relative to the base between a stowed position and a deployed position. A portion of each arm being magnetic or responsive to magnetic force. A flexible sheet associated with the arms, which in the deployed positon with the arms extending away from the base so that the flexible sheet provides cover to an area beneath the arms. In the stowed position, the arms are located adjacent the base so that the magnetic portions of the base and the arms connect, thereby securing the arms to the base.

An awning can be used to provide shade and or shelter from the weather. An awning can be a fixed structure, but with the increase in vehicle use, it is sometimes convenient to have a mobile awning structure associated with a vehicle. When the vehicle stops and the passenger(s) wish to get out and stretch and rest, the awning can be expanded and supported from e.g. the roof of the vehicle thereby providing a covered area for much-needed respite.
Once the awning is no longer required, the collapse and removal of the awning cover is preferably easy and quick to undertake, so that the driver and possibly other passengers can get back on the road. Furthermore, once collapsed, the awning must be stowed such that it does not cause any obstruction for the driver or to other vehicles. Accordingly, there is a need for an awning assembly that is in some embodiments easy to use and that is easy and safe to store once used.
Once a vehicle is travelling more than about 80 km/h, aerodynamic resistance becomes a real force which can act to remove or deploy various external items not secured to the vehicle, from the vehicle. It can be of use to reduce that force on externally-mounted items such as awnings and their associated arms.


A new and improved sliver and splinter removal apparatus includes a dual-handle, scissors-action clamp assembly which includes a common pivot between respective handle arms and respective clamping arms of the clamp assembly. The respective clamping arms are capable of coming together and clamping in a clamping zone. A magnifying lens assembly is supported by the clamp assembly. The magnifying lens assembly includes a lens, a lens support, and a support strut for supporting the lens and the lens support, such that the support strut supports the lens adjacent to the clamping zone. The support strut for the magnifying lens assembly is supported on the clamp assembly by a pivot connector. The pivot connector that supports the support strut on the clamp assembly is the common pivot between respective handle arms and respective clamping arms of the clamp assembly. The support strut includes a detent, and one of the clamping arms includes a first well for receiving the detent, such that the lens is placed over the clamping zone when the detent is received in the first well. One of the handle arms includes a second well for receiving the detent, such that the lens is placed opposite the clamping zone when the detent is received in the second well. A carrying case is provided for receiving the sliver and splinter removal apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to medical instruments and, more particularly, to a medical instrument especially adapted for removing slivers and splinters from a persons skin.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The problem of slivers and splinters that become embedded in a person's skin is one that has persisted for many years. Because the slivers and splinters are generally very small, they are usually very difficult if not impossible to grasp with one's fingers or nails. Moreover, because the portions of the slivers and splinters that protrude from the outer surface of the skin are often very short, the slivers and splinters are often difficult to locate and see. In this respect, it would be desirable if a device for removing slivers and splinters were provided that is readily capable of removing small slivers and splinters. In addition, it would be desirable if the device for removing slivers and splinters were capable of assisting in seeing slivers and splinters that are normally difficult to locate and see.
One instrument that is commonly used for removing slivers and splinters is tweezers. A problem associated with tweezers is that the tips of tweezers are highly susceptible to being bent out of alignment. In this respect, it would be desirable if a device for removing slivers and splinters were provided which avoided the use of tweezers.
Aside from tweezers, surgical clamps or hemostats may also be used for removing slivers and splinters. Throughout the years, a number of innovations have been developed relating to medical clamps, and the following U.S. patents are representative of some of those innovations: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,390,019; 4,542,743; 4,932,955; 4,971,055; and 5,074,870. It is noted, however, that none of the patents cited above disclose the use of a clamp in removing slivers and splinters. Moreover, none of the cited patents discloses a device for facilitating seeing a sliver or splinter.
Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use devices to aid in the removal of slivers and splinters, the prior art described above does not teach or suggest a sliver and splinter removal apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) is readily capable of removing small slivers and splinters; (2) assists in seeing slivers and splinters that are normally difficult to locate and see; and (3) avoids the use of tweezers. The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique sliver and splinter removal apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.

Sliver and splinter removal apparatus with magnifying lens


The disclosure provides a multi-page display screen and a mobile phone including the same. The multi-page display screen includes a first display sub-screen and a second display sub-screen formed by flexible screens. The first display sub-screen and the second display sub-screen each includes a first half screen and a second half screen. The first half screen and the second half screen are pivotable and foldable relative to each other, and the first half screen and the second half screen can be unfolded relative to each other to constitute the first display sub-screen and the second display sub-screen respectively. Backs of the first half screens of the first display sub-screen and in the second display sub-screen are bonded together, such that the first display sub-screen and the second display sub-screen are arranged as book pages. The multi-page display screen makes it easy to switch to a page of a different mode.

The present disclosure relates to a display screen, and in particular to a foldable multi-page display screen. The disclosure also relates to a mobile phone including the multi-page display screen.
Flexible Amoled screen is a single-pixel light-emitting flexible display screen with very high contrast ratio. This flexible display screen can be folded at any angle. Thus, it can be folded when it is not in use to save space, while unfolded when it is in use to increase the display area.
At present for mobile phones, regarding different operation modes or different SIM cards, software is usually used for switching between the modes or cards, and the switch operation is rather troublesome. During the switch operation, when a first display page corresponding to a first operation mode is switched to a second display page corresponding to a second operation mode, the first display page is replaced by the second display page in a same display area. Applications corresponding to the first operation mode are turned off, or applications corresponding to the first operation mode and second operation mode are displayed simultaneously in a same display area. The applications in the first operation mode and the applications in the second operation mode cannot be displayed in different display areas.

Multi-page display screen and mobile phone including the same

CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

BEIJING BOE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.


A three-wheeled vehicle having no driving connection to the wheels is powered by side-to-side forces applied by the operator to a pair of foot boards, each of which has a castered rear wheel having a pivot axis that is inclined with respect to the vertical. The forward ends of the foot boards are connected to a vertical steering head supporting a single front wheel. In one embodiment, the distance between the foot boards may be varied to suit riders of different sizes by changing the effective length of a crossmember rigidly interconnecting the footboards.

This invention relates generally to the field of land vehicles, and more particularly to an occupant-propelled threewheeled scooter or skate-type vehicle. One species of such vehicle has been called "cambering vehicles" by some prior inventors. Vehicles of the three-wheeled scooter type are disclosed in U S. Pat. Nos. 4,165,093, 4,123,079, 4,076,270, 4,088,338, 4,071,261, 4,047,732, and 4,540,192.
A cambering vehicle typically includes a single front wheel mounted at the lower end of a rearwardly inclined pivotable fork controlled by handlebars, and two rear wheels at the ends of struts extending rearward from the steering head. Footpads are provided along the struts. In most cases, the struts may pivot up and down independently, and the rear wheels are mounted upon axles that are fixed with respect to the struts.
In the U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,192 (Shelton), in contrast to the cambering vehicles, the struts cannot move vertically with respect to the fork or vertically with respect to each other; instead, the rear wheels have caster mountings which may pivot in relation to the struts, about respective vertical axes. My vehicle is more like that of Shelton in these respects; however, Shelton's vehicle is also characterized by the fact that its footboards are mounted for independent lateral movement, because it is intended to be propelled by moving the boards alternately together and apart, rather than in unison from side to side. The relative difficulty of riding a device with independent footboards can readily be imagined.
Thus, the prior Vehicles have had to provide footpad struts that were independently swingable, either vertically, in order to obtain the cambering of the front wheel necessary for propulsion, or horizontally. The result of either construction is an inherently unstable structure unsuitable for use by many people.
Shelton's device included rear casters having vertical kingpins, and return springs Were provided to encourage the wheels to return to the straight-ahead position. In this respect, my vehicle represents a significant departure from Shelton and from the other prior devices. I have found that one may obtain easier propulsion, and simpler construction, by providing the rear wheels of a vehicle of this type with caster mountings having pivot axes that are inclined forwardly with respect to the vertical, in the direction of motion. With this arrangement, the casters are biased by the weight of the vehicle and operator, to the forward position; return springs or the like are not required. In addition, the footboards of my vehicle are rigidly interconnected, both laterally and vertically, to provide a stable platform for the operator, whose rhythmic side-to-side motion produces a forward thrust at the casters that propels the vehicle forward.


There is provided equipment for a game adapted to be played in an above ground pool. The game resembles the game of volleyball and includes a tethered ball which is secured by its tether to a cable stretching across the pool; the tether is free to slide along the cable.

The present invention relates to an amusement device, and more particularly, relates to a game adapted to be played in an above ground pool.
Due to their relative cheapness, above ground swimming pools are now widely available and used. However, due to their limited depth, a number of activities which might normally be enjoyed in larger swimming pools and in-ground swimming pools are not suitable. Thus, for example, these pools are generally not suitable for diving or extensive swimming. Accordingly, the use obtained from such above ground pools may be minimal.


A seal includes a buckling portion. The buckling portion is composed of two H-shaped members that are flexibly connected. The two H-shaped members are buckled with each other to form a mounted state. The H-shaped member has a first arm and a second arm which are parallel to each other, and a connecting portion which connects the first arm and the second arm. The connecting portion has an arcuate surface. The arcuate surfaces of the two H-shaped members cooperatively define a hollow cavity when the two H-shaped members are in the mounted state. A vacuum assembly and a refrigerator are disclosed to respectively have the seal.

The freshness-keeping of food in a refrigerator is closely related to temperature, humidity and air environment. Oxygen is an important factor causing food spoilage and bacterial reproduction. The freshness-keeping duration of the food can be significantly extended by means of controlling the ratio of nitrogen to oxygen in the refrigerator by suctioning the oxygen within the compartments.
Oxygen can be exhausted from a specific space by a vacuum pump and discharged to the outside of the refrigerator. However, as a medium for conducting sound, air will conduct noise within the refrigerator body to the space external to the refrigerator during discharge of the air, which causes noise disturbances.


A combustion chamber may include an upper and a lower chamber. The chambers may be separable to aid in loading fuel and removing spent fuel. The cross-section of the upper combustion chamber may be less than the cross-section of the lower section. Charcoal or other biomass fuel may be added into the lower combustion chamber and may be supported by a grate. Oxygen may be fed into the combustion chamber through a plurality of apertures that may be substantially shielded from direct line of site of the fuel bed. The upper combustion chamber may further include an annular constriction, to aid in constricting the view factor between the cooking vessel and the fuel bed. The constriction may also aid in radiating energy back to the fuel bed.

The present invention relates generally to stoves and cooking apparatus for use in confined areas.
About half of the world's population cooks over a biomass fire. Use of biomass as an energy source has lead to deforestation as well as a decrease in indoor air quality. In Africa, this biomass fuel source is typically charcoal.
Charcoal stoves may burn relatively smoke free (i.e. low production of particulate matter), however they tend to produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO). This may be caused by inefficient or incomplete combustion of charcoal fuel. While production of CO may not pose a significant problem when cooking in open spaces, such as out of doors, when charcoal combustion takes place within a living space or other enclosed space, carbon monoxide may build-up causing sickness or death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion in fuel-burning. CO poisoning may result in headaches, nausea, dizziness, or confusion. Left undetected, CO exposure can be fatal, and in the United States alone, accidental CO poisoning results in about 15,000 ER visits a year.
Because carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, procedures that enhance combustion will reduce the production of carbon monoxide. Those of skill in the art will understand that enhancing combustion may generally be accomplished in at least three ways—by increasing the duration of combustion, raising the temperature at which combustion takes place, or optimizing the mixing of oxygen and fuel.
In some cases, maximizing one factor may lead to minimization of a second factor. For example, optimizing the mixing of oxygen often requires maximizing airflow, but this may also lead to a decrease in combustion temperature as cooler ambient air enters the combustion area. Thus, enhancement of combustion often requires a balancing of these factors.
It is easier to control the factors that enhance combustion when the fuel source is gaseous rather than solid. Developed countries have largely replaced solid fuel with gaseous fuels for cooking and heating. But, as is evident from the CO poisoning statistics presented above, the use of gaseous fuels alone will not prevent CO poisoning when fuels are burned indoors.
Modern appliances are often controlled by sophisticated electronics, and combustion products are normally vented directly out of the living space to help reduce CO production and/or buildup. In contrast, in developing countries where charcoal combustion may take place on simple cookstoves, within the living space, and with little or no dedicated ventilation, stoves should be engineered to balance efficiency and CO production.
Reducing CO emission may require both a reduction in the production of CO as well as combustion of any CO that is produced.
Fuel burn rate, airflow rate, and operating temperature are some of the most important and basic characteristics of a stove. Charcoal stoves generally operate at higher temperatures than other biomass stoves. The top of a charcoal fuel bed may be about 1000° K [˜730° C.]. CO oxidation is affected by combustion temperature, residency time, and oxygen concentration.
In many rural and developing communities, especially in Africa and Asia, charcoal is a major energy source. Charcoal is made by partially cooking biomass, such as wood, in a low oxygen environment. This process, often referred to as pyrolysis, reduces the water and volatile content of the biomass rendering it mostly carbon. Charcoal burns at very high temperatures. In some cases, charcoal may burn at or about 1100° C.
Even before charcoal is used as an energy source, production of charcoal contributes to deforestation and increases greenhouse gases (both from direct production of charcoal and as an indirect result of loss of trees). Thus an increase in the efficiency of charcoal stoves may decrease the need for charcoal with an accompanying decrease in deforestation and greenhouse gases.
Existing charcoal stove designs, for the most part, rely on traditional materials such as brick, stone, or ceramics, while some stoves may also be constructed of metal. Mass produced ceramic stoves may have increased efficiency over traditional charcoal stove designs, but ceramic stoves tend to have high production and distribution costs due to the time needed to construct them (e.g. casting, drying, and firing) and their weight. Metal stoves may be lighter weight and rapidly constructed, but metal stoves are usually less-efficient than ceramic stoves due to quenching of the combustion temperature. In addition, some metal combustion chambers may be more susceptible to corrosion.
Many manufactured stoves, designed for use with solid biomass fuels, are not specifically designed to lessen production of dangerous combustion products. Those manufactured stoves that do address indoor pollution are generally not ideal, either because they rely on drastic changes in traditional behavior (such as limiting use of solid fuels, moving the stoves out of doors, or depending on expensive or impractical venting), or they are financially out of reach for the poor. A cooking/heating alternative that is compatible with traditional behavior, inexpensive, and capable of lessening production of dangerous gases, may help prevent death and disease especially among persons of limited income.
One example of a mass produced charcoal stove is the Jiko stove. Over one million Kenyan Ceramic Jiko (KCJ) stoves have been distributed in Kenya and East African nations. The Jiko stove, designed by Kenya Energy and Environment Organizations (KENGO), is ceramic and therefore difficult to manufacture and expensive to distribute. Moreover, while the Jiko stove has demonstrated a near doubling of thermal efficiency as compared to other typical African stoves, use of the Jiko stove results in little to no reduction in harmful emissions.
What is needed is a charcoal stove that lessens CO production while being efficient, inexpensive, and corrosion-resistant. A metal stove with these qualities may be inexpensively manufactured and distributed in rural and developing countries.

Colorado State University Research Foundation


A display device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the display device includes: i) a first insulating layer formed on a first substrate, ii) a lower electrode formed on the first insulating layer, iii) a dielectric layer formed to surround the top and side of the lower electrode, wherein the dielectric layer does not cover a pixel region of the display device and iv) an upper electrode formed on the dielectric layer.

1. Field
The disclosed technology relates to a display device and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Technology
Types of flat panel display devices include, for example, a liquid crystal display device using electro-optical characteristics of liquid crystal and an organic light emitting display device using self-emission characteristics of an organic light emitting diode. They are further categorized based on whether the display uses a passive matrix or an active matrix technology. Since the active matrix type, which uses thin film transistors, has excellent resolution and capability to display video content, it is used more frequently than the passive matrix type.

Display device and method of manufacturing the same