This invention comprises: compositions comprising a derivative, plasmids, a reagent kit and methods of making these compositions a derivative, vaccine- and non-vaccine-compositions of above for causing death of cancer cells that form part of a tunoour and virus infected Denguue, Measles and other diseased cells; the derivative comprising replicating as well as non-replicating dervivaties of an attenuated negative stranded RNA virus belonging to family paramyxoviridae, including Measles Virus, comprising a single additional transcriptional unit carrying either only one or two or more non-viral genes, and the non-replicating derivatives being free from contaminating replicating Measles Virus (b) a Measles Virus packaging cell line for making above compositions, expressing the M, F and H proteins of MV stably. And (c) a reagent kit for producing the Measles Virus derivatives describved above.

Measles is an acute potentially lethal respiratory infection of infants & children caused by measlesvirus (MV), a member of morbillivirus genus of negative stranded RNA viruses. Development of live attenuated virus MV vaccine in 1960s has helped reduce the incidence of and deaths caused by Measles to near eradication and MV vaccine is recognized as one of the most effective and safe vaccines available till date. MV is a member of the genus morbillivirus of family Paramyxoviridae. It contains a negative stranded RNA genome that has unique highly conserved 3′ and 5′ termini called leader and trailer respectively and codes for 6 genes—N (nucleocapsid protein), P (phosphoprotein), M (matrix protein), F (fusion protein), H (hemagglutinin) and L (large protein/a polymerase) separated by similarly conserved intergenic sequences. The H and F genes that code for glycoproteins are essential for entry of MV, into susceptible cells. The H protein binds to its receptor proteins and induces conformational changes in F protein which cause the fusion of cell membrane with viral membrane and releases the MV nucleocapsid into host cells. Once inside the host cell, the viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase initiates the expression of MV genes. The newly expressed H and F proteins in turn are expressed on the cell membrane and mediate cell-cell fusion and transfer of MV into neighbouring cells resulting into large multinuclear syncytia that are a typical of MV cytopathic effect.
Early in 1970s, several case reports described the spontaneous regression of haematological cancers following infection with Measles virus (MV) [1-4] suggesting that MV may exert cancer therapeutic effect. Subsequent observations showed that MV induces preferential lysis of a wide variety of cancer cell types including breast [5], cutaneous T cell leukemia [6, 7], lung cancer [8], mesothelioma [9] etc in vitro and in vivo in xenotransplant models. This oncolytic effect of MV is also observed in clinical setting as reported in case of CTCL [6], ovarian cancer [10] and myeloma [11, 12], which showed that MV treatment is safe even after treatment with extremely high dose (106 times the vaccine dose) and has potential to induce an objective and dose dependent tumor response [13]; Russell and coworkers showed that MV-NIS induced complete regression of long standing relapsing drug-refractory myeloma and multiple glucose-avid plasmacytomas [12] and the patients remained tumour free for significant albeit different lengths of time.
Thus, MV has emerged as a potent oncolytic virus capable of causing complete regressions of established tumours in clinical setting and several researchers have reported the synthesis of oncolytic MV derivatives—U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,670,598, 8,586,364, 6,896,881, 7,118,740, 7,393,527 and 7,670,598. However, the currently used oncolytic derivatives of MV also have certain limitations. They are developed using the original method developed by Billeter and colleagues [14] (WO 97/06270). However, the nucleotide sequence of the plasmid used to synthesize MV is closer to the wild type Edmonston strain [15, 16]. Additionally, this method uses cell lines like chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEK) or 293 human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells which are not approved for vaccine production. In contrast, strains already used as vaccines for MV (e.g. Edmonston-Zagreb, Edmonston-Enders, Alk C, Edmonston. A, Schwarz and Edmonston B-Moraten) are already manufactured in approved cell lines & processes and have been used clinically since 1960s and shown excellent safety in clinical situations. Their oncolytic derivatives may prove safer clinically & could have a greater chance of reaching the clinic.
Three other important shortcomings may prevent further translation of Measles as a cancer therapeutic agent: (1) Measles virus must be used at extremely high doses which are difficult to manufacture, (2) cancer cells respond heterogeneously to MV treatment and unkilled tumour cells may grow into recurring tumours after different time intervals and harbour MV used for therapy, and (3) most people are immunized against measles and harbour long lasting anti-MV immunity. This pre-existing anti-MV immunity can compromise efficacy of oncolytic MV and development of effective strategies for circumventing anti-MV immunity is essential. As a result, it is necessary to develop new improved oncolytic Measles virotherapies which will be more potent, exert a comprehensive therapeutic effect and may be able to circumvent anti-MV immunity.
The formation of syncytia stimulated by the binding of H protein to its receptors and their subsequent apoptotic death is responsible for the cancer therapeutic effect of MV. Two cell surface molecules—Signalling lymphocyte-activation molecule (SLAM) and CD46 are known [17, 18] to function as specific receptors for MV. CD46 is ubiquitously present on primate cells but is over-expressed on several cancer cells. CD46 is a membrane associated complement regulatory protein that protects human cells against autologous complement mediated lysis. The expression of CD46 is increased in a wide range of cancer cells and helps cancer cells avoid their immunological clearance. The vaccine strain of MV infects cancer cells which express CD46 at high levels preferentially and induces cell death; however, it has no effect on non-cancerous cells which express CD46 at low levels [19].
The oncolytic effect of MV depends on the ability of its fusogenic proteins (H & F) to form syncytia that undergo apoptotic cell death. Since the H and F proteins present in most of the currently reported oncolytic MV derivatives are similar (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,670,598, 8,586,364, 6,896,881, 7,118,740, 7,393,527 and 7,670,598), they exhibit similar potency for inducing cancer cell death. Therefore enhancement of the binding affinity & the fusogenic potential of these proteins may represent one method of enhancing the oncolytic potency of MV. Mutational analysis of the H & F proteins have identified several critical aminoacids which determine the efficiency & potency of cell fusion. This information may be used to improve the oncolytic potency of MV. However, the effect of mutating MV H and F proteins on the pathogenic activity of MV is difficult to predict and so this approach may not be desirable.
Another approach may be to Combine oncolytic effect of MV with the therapeutic effect of other genes. Recent gene therapy trials have shown that a large variety of genes including (1) suicide genes which induce cell death [20], (2) genes that increase the susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapy [20] (3) genes that restore specific oncogene/tumour suppressor gene function [21-23] and (4) genes that induce anti-tumour immune responses and arm the patient's immune system to eliminate cancer cells [24] have therapeutic benefit and MV derivatives incorporating some of these may be useful. Indeed. MV derivatives encoding genes/proteins that enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiotherapy (MV-NIS), [11, 25] or susceptibility to specific cancer therapeutic agents by arming MV to pro-drug converting enzymes like purine nucleoside phosphorylase have already been developed [26-28]. Similarly, arming MV derivatives with genes encoding human GMCSF [29] or antibodies to CTLA4 or PD-L1 proteins [30] were found to increase the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic MV.
However, such modifications are not sufficient to make MV uniformly effective as an oncolytic agent against cancer cells. The vaccine strain of MV infects cancer cells which express CD46 at high levels preferentially and induces cell death. However, cancer cells are known to be heterogenous. Different cancer cells are known to harbour genetic defects in specific one or more oncogenes and/or tumour suppressor genes like p53, Ras, Her-2, etc which help them maintain the cancerous phenotype. And introducing the variants of these genes which either restore their function or inhibit their abberent function into cancer cells is known to inhibit cancer cell growth. Similarly, well differentiated cancer cells are more likely to express higher levels of CD46 than less differentiated cells [31]. As a result, MV does not kill the subset of cancer cells which express CD46 at low levels [19]. Therefore, arming oncolytic MV with appropriate genes that help identify & kill cancer cells which may be infected with MV but have escaped oMV-induced cell death is required. Russell and coworkers, armed MV-NIS with sodium iodide symporter gene which allows such cells to be killed by radioiodine therapy selectively. Similar arming of MV to seek and kill MV infected (cancer) cells that escape MV-induced death would be essential.
Arming MV derivatives with prodrug modifying enzymes like Prostate acidic phosphatase, Cytosine deaminase, Thymidine kinase, Purine nucleotide phosphorylase etc can be one way to facilitate the use of the prodrugs of 5FU, acyclovir, etc for killing tumor cells which escape oMV induced death. Such a strategy will also help eliminate all residual MV remaining in the body after successful treatment with oMV. Arming MV derivatives with one or more such genes will help increase the potency of its oncolytic effect and also make the effect more uniform.
Two types of events are known to make establishment and maintenance of tumour cells feasible in human body. Firstly, accumulations of mutations in key tumor suppressor and oncogenes, cell cycle regulatory genes and other genes are well known to induce the cancer phenotype. A parallel failure of human immune response to identify such cancerous/abnormal cells and eliminate them is necessary to promote an uncontrolled growth of these cancer cells. Further accumulation of mutations makes the tumors more aggressive. Therefore, a two pronged attack on cancers and human immune system will help cancer therapy.
A number of cytokines have been shown to be useful for enhancing the immune response against cancer and help its immune elimination. Several of them are currently used as therapeutic agents. Human GMCSF is a potent inducer of granulocyte and macrophage growth. It also attracts and induces maturation of dendritic cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and induces anti-tumor immune responses and causes tumor necrosis. It is used as an adjuvant therapy of cancer. GMCSF-secreting cells have also been shown to be useful tumor vaccines. More recently, virus mediated GMCSF expression (T-Vec, JX 594 and JX929) has also been shown to enhance the oncolytic effect through immune stimulation [29].
Tumor cells also use a number of molecular pathways for evading their clearance by human immune system. They are known to express a number of immunoregulatory molecules including CD46, Fas ligand, the ligands of the Programmed death 1 (PD-1) molecules etc which help in the evasion of immune system. Targeting the PD-1:PD-Ligand pathways has emerged as a very effective way of enhancing the anti-tumour immune response. PD-1 is an immunoinhibitory molecule that belongs to the CD28 family and is expressed on the T cells, B cells, monocytes, natural killer cells and many tumour infiltrating cells. It has 2 ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. PD-L1 is expressed on resting T and B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, vascular endothelial cells and pancreatic islet cells where as PD-L2 is expressed on dendritic cells and macrophages alone. A number of tumor cells express PD-L1 at high levels. Some tumor cells are also known to express PD-L2. Various cancers such as melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, glioblastoma, lung, kidney, breast, ovarian, pancreatic and esophageal cancers as well as haematological malignancies have positive PD-L1 expression and this is correlated to poor prognosis. Tripple negative breast cancer (TNBC) which is a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer, frequently shows high levels of PD-L1 which is correlated with higher grade, larger tumours, and poor prognosis. Even in case of advanced lung cancer, levels of regulatory T cells (CD4+), which help supress tumour immune surveillance are increased, immune checkpoint pathways involving PD-1/PD-L1 are involved in regulating T cell responses and inhibition of this pathway is suggested to offer a useful means of controlling it. A number of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies have emerged as useful therapeutic options for different types of cancer. However, they are associated with immune-related adverse effects such as pneumonitis, vitiligo, colitis, hepatitis, hypophysitis and thyroiditis. In contrast, expression of PD-1 inhibitors within the tumour microenvironment may help limit the effects of PD-1 blockade to the tumours and eliminate these adverse effects [30]. Additionally, it will also remove the inhibitory effect on Tumor Infiltrating lymphocytes and increase the immunological clearance of tumors. GMCSF will attract immune cells into tumour microenvironment. However, their inactivation by PD-L1 mediated immunoregulatory signals will nullify the advantage of GMCSF incorporation into oMV. Therefore, it was decided to introduce a soluble PD-1 molecule into the oncolytic MV.
Several strategies may be used to kill cancer cells which are infected with oMV but escape cell death. Russell and coworkers have used sodium iodide symporter. Cytosine deaminase which degrades prodrugs and sensitizes cells to death caused by 5-fluorouracil has also been used [27, 28].
A large proportion of people are usually immunized against MV in childhood and this pre-existing immunity has been shown to interfere in the therapeutic effect of MV derivatives [12]. Evasion of this anti-MV immunity is essential for using MV virus as anti-cancer agent.
Therefore, strategies like the use of MV-infected cell carriers instead of MV have been used to circumvent the hurdle posed by pre-existing anti-MV immunity [32]. This strategy has been suggested to mask the MV from anti-MV immunity long enough to allow successful therapy. However, its efficiency has yet to be clinically proven and alternate modalities that will help overcome this hurdle are needed. Employing chimeric MV derivatives that express non-MV fusogenic proteins capable of stimulating oncolysis may provide another approach. Indeed, Miest et al, (2011) showed that chimeric MV derivatives expressing glycoproteins of the related canine distemper virus (CDV) were capable of evading anti-MV immunity [33] in animals. Such replacement of fusogenic proteins may give rise to a new virus with unpredictable pathogenic potential and since oMV need to be used at extremely high doses, this approach may not be desirable.

DNA molecules producing custom designed replicating and non-replicating negative stranded RNA viruses and uses there of


A transmission, in particular an automated shift transmission, includes a plurality of selectable and deselectable gear stages for implementing gear changes. The selection and deselection of the gear stages is achieved with the aid of coupling units, in particular with the aid of engageable and disengageable sliding collars. The coupling units are activatable via respective shift rails and respective actuators. The shifting times are reduced and a compact construction of the transmission is achieved by virtue of the fact that a plurality of gear stages is assigned to at least two different shift rails in such a way that respective successive gear stages are assigned to respective different shift rails. As a result, the respective shift rails can be activated at least partially simultaneously in the case of a sequential gear change. A method for controlling a transmission is also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a transmission for a motor vehicle, in particular an automated shift transmission, with a plurality of selectable and deselectable gear stages for implementing gear changes. The selection and deselection of the gear stages can be achieved by coupling units, in particular by engageable and disengageable sliding collars. The coupling units can be activated by shift rails and by respective actuators provided for this purpose, wherein particular gear stages are assigned to particular shift rails. The invention furthermore relates to a method for controlling a transmission. A plurality of gear stages can be selected and/or deselected in the transmission in order to implement gear changes. The selection and deselection of the gear stages is achieved with the aid of coupling units, in particular with the aid of engageable and disengageable sliding collars. The coupling units are activated by shift rails and by respective actuators provided for this purpose, wherein particular gear stages are assigned to particular shift rails.
Transmissions and methods for controlling transmissions for motor vehicles, wherein the transmissions have a given number of shift rails, are known. In these conventional transmissions, the shift rails are arranged such that they are effective, in terms of their operation, between the respective coupling units and the respective actuators. In other words, a coupling unit, which is preferably embodied as an engageable and disengageable sliding collar and with the aid of which the respective gear stage can be selected or deselected within the transmission, is actuated, via the shift rail, with the aid of the respective actuator, wherein the shift rail is arranged to be moveable within the transmission. As a result, the respective gear stage is either selected or deselected. In the conventional transmissions, specific gear stages are assigned to specifically corresponding shift rails. In this case, the first and the second gear stage are assigned to a first shift rail, the third and the fourth gear stage are assigned to a second shift rail and the fifth and the six gear stage are assigned to a third shift rail. In other words, the respective sequential gear changes between the first and second, the third and fourth gear etc. can be implemented with the aid of the first, second and third shift rail respectively by in each case correspondingly activating or moving just one shift rail.
Published, Non-Prosecuted German Patent Application No. DE 199 12 817 A1 discloses a device and a method in which a plurality of coupling units are provided within the transmission in order to reduce shifting times during gear changes, wherein the coupling units are separated from one another. In other words, the separate coupling units provided within the transmission, which can each be activated individually by separate actuators, preferably by Bowden cables, implement the individual gear changes within the transmission in a relatively short time since, in the case of sequential gear changes for example, when changing from first to second gear for example, two actuators and two coupling units are in each case activated simultaneously in order to implement the corresponding gear change. As a result, the shifting times here are correspondingly reduced.
In the case of the conventional devices and methods, i.e. in the case of the conventional transmissions, their control equipment is very complex and is therefore not only fault-prone but requires a correspondingly large amount of space when constructing the transmission in order to be able to implement the latter in an appropriate manner. Either, the control equipment for reducing the shifting times in conventional transmissions is very expensive and also fault-prone, such that it is impossible in this case to construct the transmissions in a compact way, or, the conventional transmissions can be constructed in a compact way and without complex control equipment but then have relatively long shifting times in the case of a gear change involving gear stages that are provided sequentially one after another.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a transmission which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known transmissions of this general type and which reduces the shifting times for a gear change without the need for costly, fault-prone control equipment and which, at the same time, allows a compact construction of the transmission.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a transmission for a motor vehicle, including:
shift rails;
gear stages assigned to the shift rails such that respective successive ones of the gear stages are assigned to respective different ones of the shift rails;
the shift rails being configured such that, in a sequential gear change, respective ones of the shift rails are activated at least partially simultaneously;
coupling units operatively connected to respective ones of the shift rails and configured to select and deselect the gear stages for performing gear changes;
actuators operatively connected to respective ones of the shift rails; and
the coupling units being configured to be activated via respective ones of the shift rails and respective ones of the actuators.
In other words, the object of the invention is achieved, by a transmission for a motor vehicle, in particular an automated shift transmission, with a plurality of selectable and deselectable gear stages for implementing gear changes, the selection and deselection of the gear stages being achievable with the aid of coupling units, in particular with the aid of engageable and disengageable sliding collars, the coupling units being activatable by shift rails and by respective actuators, and particular gear stages being assigned to particular shift rails, wherein a plurality of gear stages is assigned to at least two different shift rails in such a way that the respective successive gear stages are assigned to different shift rails, with the result that the respective shift rails can be activated at least partially simultaneously in the case of a sequential gear change.
According to another feature of the invention, a first one of the shift rails has a first and a third one of the gear stages assigned thereto; and the first one of the shift rails is activated by a first one of the actuators.
According to yet another feature of the invention, a second one of the shift rails has a second and a fourth one of the gear stages assigned thereto; and the second one of the shift rails is activated by a second one of the actuators.
According to a further feature of the invention, a third one of the shift rails has a fifth one of the gear stages assigned thereto; and the third one of the shift rails is activated by a third one of the actuators.
According to yet a further feature of the invention, the third one of the shift rails further has a seventh one of the gear stages assigned thereto; and a fourth one of the shift rails has a sixth and an eighth one of the gear stages assigned thereto.
According to another feature of the invention, the shift rails, the coupling units and the actuators form a motor vehicle transmission configuration.
According to yet another feature of the invention, the shift rails, the coupling units and the actuators form an automated shift transmission configuration.
According to another feature of the invention, the coupling units are sliding collars configured to be engageable and disengageable.
With the objects of the invention in view there is further provided, a transmission configuration, including:
a first shift rail and a second shift rail;
a first gear stage, a second gear stage as a subsequent gear stage to the first gear stage, a third gear stage as a subsequent gear stage to the second gear stage, and a fourth gear stage as a subsequent gear stage to the third gear stage;
the first shift rail controlling the first gear stage and the third gear stage;
the second shift rail controlling the second gear stage and the fourth gear stage; and
the first shift rail and the second shift rail being simultaneously activated in case of a sequential gear change.
With the objects of the invention in view there is also provided, a method for controlling a transmission for a motor vehicle, the method includes the steps of:
providing gear stages assigned to at least two shift rails such that respective successive ones of the gear stages are assigned to respective different ones of the shift rails; and
performing gear changes by using coupling units activated via respective shift rails and respective actuators for selecting and deselecting the gear stages in the transmission and, in case of performing a sequential gear change, activating respective ones of the shift rails at least partially simultaneously in order to perform the sequential gear change.
In other words, the abovementioned object is achieved by a method for controlling a transmission for a motor vehicle, in particular a transmission as defined above, wherein a plurality of gear stages are selected and/or deselected in the transmission to implement gear changes, the selection and deselection of the gear stages being achieved with the aid of coupling units, in particular with the aid of engageable and disengageable sliding collars, the coupling units being activated by shift rails and by respective actuators, and particular gear stages being assigned to particular shift rails, wherein a plurality of gear stages is assigned to at least two different shift rails in such a way that the respective successive gear stages are assigned to different shift rails, with the result that the respective shift rails are activated at least partially simultaneously in the case of a sequential gear change.
Another mode of the method according to the invention includes the steps of activating a first shift rail by using a first actuator; and respectively selecting and deselecting a first gear stage and a third gear stage by using the first shift rail.
Yet another mode of the method according to the invention includes the steps of activating a second shift rail by using a second actuator; and respectively selecting and deselecting a second gear stage and a fourth gear stage by using the second shift rail.
Another mode of the method according to the invention includes the steps of activating a third shift rail by using a third actuator; and respectively selecting and deselecting a fifth gear stage and a seventh gear stage by using the third shift rail.
A further mode of the method according to the invention includes the steps of activating a fourth shift rail by using a fourth actuator; and respectively selecting and deselecting a sixth gear stage and an eighth gear stage by using the fourth shift rail.
Another mode of the method according to the invention includes the step of providing the coupling units as selectively engageable and disengageable sliding collars.
The invention is based fundamentally on the principle that, in a transmission with correspondingly provided shift rails, the respective gear stages are assigned to the various particular shift rails in a particular manner, namely in such a way that the gear stages that follow one another sequentially are provided on various, namely different, shift rails. This allows a partly simultaneous activation of the different shift rails on which the successive gear stages are provided and, due to the partially simultaneous activation of these different shift rails, the corresponding shifting time for the implementation of the gear change can be kept correspondingly short. As an advantageous result, short shifting times can thereby be achieved. Further, the number of shift rails in the transmission does not have to be increased and the control equipment does not have to be enhanced, in other words constructional outlay and corresponding costs are not increased, thereby avoiding the disadvantages mentioned at the outset.
There are many ways of refining and developing the transmission according to the invention and the method according to the invention in an advantageous manner.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a transmission and a method for controlling a transmission for a motor vehicle, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Transmission and method for controlling a transmission for a motor vehicle


A welding-type power supply that receives alternating current (AC) input power and converts the AC input power to direct current (DC) power to provide power for welding tools. The welding-type power supply is configured to detect whether single phase AC power or three-phase AC power is connected to the input of welding-type power supply. Single phase input power may be detected by sampling ripple voltage of the DC power, either synchronously with the AC input power or synchronously with a signal generated by an output of the welding-type power supply.

Conventional welding-type power sources provide power for welding-type tools. In some systems, a direct current (DC) power bus provides welding type power for welding-type tools and auxiliary outputs. Welding-type power sources may be supplied with either single phase or three-phase Alternating Current (AC) input power. Some equipment may be designed to only work with a three-phase AC power supply. Therefore, systems and methods to detect the connection of single phase AC input power to the welding-type power supply are desirable.

Single phase input detection and power source protection


A caster for supporting an object on wheels is provided with a brake that is operable between engageable and disengageable positions. The brake alternatively restricts and permits rotation of the caster wheel relative to a moveable swivel element. The brake includes a brake pad operated by movement of an operating member located externally on the operating components of the caster. A detent system provides detents for alternatively holding the brake in both the engaged and disengaged positions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement to casters that are used to provide rolling support for objects. The improvement resides in the provision of a simple but effective caster brake.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Casters are utilized to provide rolling support for a wide variety of objects used in many different commercial, industrial, institutional and residential applications. In industry casters are utilized to support racks of goods in warehouse facilities in such diverse environments as supporting metal parts for degreasing, painting and drying and for trays of bakery goods. In commercial applications casters support typewriter stands, computer furniture, chairs and delivery carts, as well as many other structures. Institutional furniture in hospitals is supported on casters. For example, hospital beds employ casters, as do the tray stands that are wheeled to the sides of hospital beds from which bedridden patients eat. In homes, chairs and other furniture, such as baby cribs and walkers are supported by casters.
In virtually all applications the advantage of mounting articles on casters is that objects can be moved far more quickly and easily by rolling them across a floor on casters, rather than pushing or lifting them.
One significant disadvantage which exists with respect to conventional casters is the absence of some simple but effective braking mechanism. For example, with baby furniture such as cribs and walkers it is quite convenient to roll a crib or permit an infant to propel a walker at times. However, at other times the fact that such furniture and other objects can be moved so rapidly and easily presents a safety hazard. For example, a baby in a crib, can, by bouncing in the crib, propel the crib on casters to dangerous locations, such as to the top of a flight of stairs. The same is true of an infant unattended in a walker. Likewise, in a hospital environment it is quite convenient to be able to roll a serving tray stand to the bedside of a patient, but disconcerting to the patient when even very light forces applied to the tray stand during the consumption of a meal cause the stand to roll away on its casters.


A container for oblong articles includes a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls connecting the side walls. A cover is pivotally attached through a film-type hinge to one of the end walls and is in its closed position in locking engagement with the other end wall. A tongue extends upwardly from the upper edge of each end wall. A flange and a web located inwardly from the flange extend downwardly from each end portion of the cover. In the closed position of the container, the tongue extends between the flange and the web and into a slot defined in the cover between the flange and the web and an inwardly projecting nose formed on the flange is received by a recess defined in the tongue.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a packaging container for oblong articles. The container includes a lower part with a bottom wall, with two side walls extending from the bottom wall and diverging at the same angle and with two end walls which extend from the bottom wall and connect the side walls. The container further includes a cover for closing the opening formed by the free edges of the side walls and the end walls. The cover is pivotally attached through a hinge on one of the end walls and in its closed position is in locking engagement with the other end wall.
2. Description of the Related Art
A container of the above-described type made of plastics material is known and sold on the market. In this container, the lower part and the cover are made in a single piece, so that the container can only be constructed in a single color or transparent. In addition, due to the construction in a single piece, the molding tools for manufacturing the containers are expensive. Another disadvantage is the fact that when the covers are closed the containers cannot be stacked into each other and require substantial space for storage. In addition, the containers cannot be stacked because the end walls extend perpendicularly or almost perpendicularly relative to the bottom wall. Finally, the cover can be easily torn from the lower part, so that the lower part can no longer be closed for storing tools, such as drills, milling cutters, etc. In other words, the known container is a product which must be thrown away even if only the lower part or the cover are damaged.


It is the intention to improve a conveyor system for supplying small parts to a chain assembling unit, the system comprising a track system transporting the small parts, and a feed device loading the track system with the small parts. To this end the track system comprises at least two loading tracks which are loadable by the feed device with small parts, and at least one feed track which passes the small parts onwards to the chain assembling unit and communicates with at least one corresponding loading track, the number of the feed tracks being smaller than the number of the loading tracks, and the at least one feed track being selectively connectable to at least one other corresponding loading track for conveying the small parts.

The present invention relates to a conveyor system for supplying small parts to a chain assembling unit, the system comprising a track system transporting the small parts, and a feed device loading the track system with the small parts.
One decisive factor regarding the producible number of chain members in a chain assembling unit considerably depends on the capacity of the conveyor or feed devices. These conveyor devices must supply workpieces, in particular small chain parts such as bolts, sleeves or plates, etc., in adequate quantities for the joining operation. For a smooth joining operation, the conveyor system must have a high availability. To achieve such an availability, the prior art has suggested various. possible solutions, e.g. a redundant use of feed devices, a complete separation of the functions storing, conveying, organizing the joining process by presorting the components, etc. A presently preferred device in the field of chain assembly is a vibration type spiral conveyor which is particularly suited for supplying sleeves and bolts. However, these systems have also their limits, especially when a diameter ratio between 1 and 1.5 prevails in the transportation of cylindrical components. With such dimensions the components tend to get jammed in the baffles, increasingly resulting in disturbances. Numbers of pieces of more than 350 pieces/min are presently standard in the assembly of chains. However, the limiting factor in this system is most of the time the conveyor system, for recently developed joining methods could be carried out at a much higher number of pieces.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a conveyor system which while being of a simple and inexpensive construction provides for a high availability of small parts.
This object is achieved according to the invention in that the track system comprises at least two loading tracks which can be loaded by the feed device with small parts, and at least one feed track which passes the small parts onwards to the chain assembling unit and communicates with at least one corresponding loading track, the number of the feed tracks being smaller than the number of the loading tracks, and the at least one feed track being selectively connectable to at least one other corresponding loading track for conveying the small parts.
This means that the feed device has e.g. twice the number of loading tracks, whereas only specific loading tracks communicate with a corresponding feed track. The feed track can be switched over or connected to another loading track under the most different circumstances and needs. In the event of disturbances in a loading track communicating with the feed track, another loading track is switched to. The disturbance in the now uncoupled loading track can then be remedied independently of the flow of material. Thus the loading tracks not participating in the conveying action at the moment serve as a buffer which will take part in the conveying operation through a corresponding connection to the feed track, e.g. in the event of disturbance or by a deliberate switching action performed by the user. At the same time, the feed device then performs again the continuous filling of the loading track. The question with which loading track a feed track is communicating at the moment may depend on many criteria, and the connection may be controlled manually or automatically. The connection of the loading tracks to the feed tracks, as well as the closing of the loading tracks not communicating with the feed tracks at the moment can be controlled in many ways.
Such a construction is also possible within a very confined constructional space, and only one loading-track length is needed for maintaining or ensuring a safe loading as well as an adequate availability in the case of a switching of the feed track.
Preferably, a shunt device may be provided between the loading tracks and the feed tracks for selectively connecting at least one specific loading track to at least one specific feed track. The shunt device must be designed such that it prevents a further outflow from the currently connected loading track or just waits until the same has been completed entirely, and then passes to another loading track. Such shunt devices may be of a very simple construction; that is why they can work very precisely and very rapidly. Consequently, even at a very fast conveying rate an exact switching operation is possible.
Although other assignments are feasible, the conveyor system can best be simplified according to one variant in that the number of the loading tracks is a multiple of the number of the feed tracks which can be divided by the number 2. It can thereby be ensured that switching, displacement or other paths that are as short as possible ensure a reliable reaction e.g. in the event of a disturbance.
It is thereby possible to position the respectively alternating tracks directly side by side without the arrangement of a further track thereinbetween.
To obtain reliable information as to when a feed track must be connected to another loading track, a monitoring device may be provided for monitoring the loading of the loading track and for supplying signals for a troublefree assignment of loading tracks and feed tracks. In the simplest case it can be checked whether a transportation flow is still maintained at the place of connection between loading track and feed track. As soon as small parts no longer pass through the place of connection, the feed track is changed to a preferred neighboring loading track. It may also be checked whether foreign matter, damaged parts or incorrectly positioned parts are located in the loading track. The signal supplied by the monitoring device can then be used via a corresponding processing unit as a control signal for an automatic change to another loading track.
In an advantageous embodiment, the shunt device comprises a channel system the inlets of which communicate with a respective loading track and whose at least one outlet communicates with a respective feed track, at least two inlet channels meeting each other at at least one channel crossing and being continued as a joint outlet channel. Thus the shunt device comprises a predetermined channel system by which the small parts are automatically guided in dependence upon the respectively connected loading track. Additional shunt elements will then provide for a corresponding transportation of the small parts. This can e.g. be carried out in that the shunt device comprises slider elements which for disabling or enabling an inlet channel and/or a loading track can be moved into or removed from said channel and/or track. Depending on the size of the small parts, pins or bolts of a simple design are also possible in this instance. These slider elements can be moved into an associated track or an associated channel at a specific angle or by reason of their shape such that a clamping action that is as great as possible is achieved if a small part is positioned in the displacement path of the slider element. As a result, the slider element must not exactly impinge within the gap between the small parts.
For reasons of safety each channel crossing of the shunt device may have assigned thereto a slider element for blocking or releasing the feeding channel. As a result, monitoring devices for monitoring the release of a channel crossing can be dispensed with, for it must be ensured that small parts are not supplied by both feeding channels at a channel crossing at the same time. This might cause a jam as well as an interruption of the material flow.
In particular, a control device may be provided for controlling the shunt device in dependence upon the monitoring signal of the monitoring device. For reasons of wear such a control device could also permit a manual switching operation, so that, if possible, all of the loading tracks are evenly used.
Furthermore, the control device may be designed such that the connection of a loading track to a feed track will only be released if the at least one associated channel crossing of the shunt device is free from chain parts. The control device switches the shunt device either at the right time or with the help of additional elements in such a way that a collision is prevented in the area of the channel crossing.
The small parts can be conveyed in the loading tracks and the feed tracks in the most different ways. Although according to one embodiment a transportation by gravity is preferred for reasons of costs, a forced guidance by means of vibration or compressed air, etc. is also possible. With such a forced transportation the throughput could even be increased considerably. Of importance is above all that a continuous transportation is ensured by the design of the loading tracks and the feed tracks.
To convey a sufficient number of small parts onto the loading tracks, it has been found that a rotating conveying pot with internally arranged blades is in particular suited as a feed device, said pot conveying the small parts into that section of the loading tracks that is upwardly open at least in the front area. The loading tracks are then preferably arranged with their front portion in the area of the rotational axis within the conveying pot such that the small parts are conveyed into the loading tracks by means of the blades. Such a conveying pot has a much higher output than formerly used vibration conveyors and is extremely robust in addition. This means that it is insensitive to soiled parts and that foreign matter does not lead to a failure of the conveying pot. The conveying pot may also be equipped with sieves or sieve walls so that undesired small parts or dirt are removed automatically. Furthermore, any desired number of loading tracks may be arranged in parallel that are loadable with a sufficient number of small parts. Since insensitive small parts are most of the time used in the field of chain assembly, such a conveying pot is excellently suited for ensuring an extremely high availability.
Furthermore, a stripper element, in particular a stripper roller and/or slider, may be provided which in cooperation with the conveying pot is assigned to the front area of the loading tracks, with incorrectly oriented small parts being stripped off or slid in a correct orientation into the loading tracks. Thus, the stripper element supports the correct positioning of the small parts in the loading tracks; in particular, upright small parts should be turned over by such a stripper element.
A further simplification is achieved in that the loading tracks and/or the component comprising the channel system of the shunt device are designed as upwardly open groove tracks in a substantially joint basic body.

Conveyor system for feeding small parts to a chain assembly unit

Joh. Winklhofer and Sxc3x6hne GmbH and Co. KG


The present invention relates to a method for controlling a reactor system comprising a plurality of reactors for a thermal decomposition reaction. Based on the operational control limits of each reactor in the system, a preliminary load allowance function is obtained, and during operation of the system, control factor data for each reactor is fed into a computer to calculate a load allowance for each reactor. Based on the total amount of conversion reactor product and the respective load allowances of each reactor, a system load change is distributed to each reactor, resulting in respective reactor load changes. This data is fed back into the operational control factors for each reactor, resulting in adjustment of the output of each reactor. Operational control factors for each reactor include product output, product composition, reactor temperature, reactor efficiency, and physical properties of the starting material. The present method provides a means for controlling the output of a series of parallel thermal decomposition reactors, such that a desired rate and composition of thermal decomposition product is obtained from any of a number of starting materials supplied to the reactor system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a reactor system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a reactor system comprising a plurality of reactors such as furnaces for thermal decomposition of a hydrocarbon such as naphtha or furnaces for thermal decomposition of a chlorinated hydrocarbon such as 1,2-dichloroethane, for efficient operation of such reactor system.
2. Discussion of Background
In a chemical plant of a type wherein a conversion reaction is conducted by a reactor system comprising a plurality of reactors, it is common to sequentially and periodically stop the operation of the reactors for tuning up, while maintaining the overall size of production of the required product of the entire system at a constant level. Chemical plants of this type include, for example, a plant for thermal decomposition of a hydrocarbon and a plant for thermal decomposition of a chlorinated hydrocarbon. The conventional operation will be described mainly with respect to the plant for thermal decomposition of a hydrocarbon.
A process for producing an olefinic hydrocarbon such as ethylene or propylene by thermal decomposition (steam cracking) of a gaseous hydrocarbon such as ethane, propane or butane, or a liquid hydrocarbon such as naphtha, gas oil, kerosine, light oil or heavy oil, in the presence of steam, is well-known. In such thermal decomposition, formation of carbonaceous substance (coking) takes place in the decomposition tubes of the thermal decomposition furnace, and the carbonaceous substance deposits on the inner walls of the tubes. Therefore, it is common to periodically stop the operation of the decomposition furnace for decoking. An industrial plant for the production of an olefin usually comprises a plurality of decomposition furnaces, e.g. 10 or more furnaces, and it is common to conduct decoking treatment of the respective decomposition furnaces sequentially and periodically, while maintaining the size of production of the olefin of the entire plant at a constant level. In such a case, the operator distributes, based on his experience, the work load corresponding to the size of olefin production of the decomposition furnace under decoking treatment to other furnaces in operation taking into consideration the existing operational conditions of the respective furnaces with due care not to create overloading for the operation of the respective furnaces and accordingly changes the operational conditions (such as the supply of the hydrocarbon starting material or the temperature for thermal decomposition).
However, by such a method wherein the work load for the olefin production is distributed to the respective reactors on the basis of the experience of an operator, the state of deterioration of the respective reactors can not adequately be grasped, and the allowance or tolerance to the operational limits of the respective reactors can not finely and accurately be determined, whereby there have been problems such that an undue load is likely to be exerted to a reactor having no substantial allowance, the cycle for tuning up the reactors, such as decoking of decomposition furnaces, is obliged to be short, and the state of deterioration varies among the reactors.


The motions of mountain climbing and running are simulated by an exerciser having a pair of movable treadles which are connected to ropes that extend around plural pulleys and having free ends provided with handles which are gripped by the user and pulled during movement of the treadles to thereby exercise both the arms and legs. The treadles are connected to hydraulic cylinders which permit the treadles to be utilized independently of the ropes.

The present invention relates to an exerciser for simulating mountain climbing and running, and more particularly to an exerciser equipped with plural pulleys, driving ropes and handles for the user to swing correspondingly when he treads on a pair of treadles, thus imitating the actual movements of mountain climbing and running.
The exerciser of the present invention provides a simple and convenient method of exercise to maintain bodily health, and also train the muscles, and improve stamina and physical agility.
As the need for functions of mechanical products increase, indoor exercisers are being designed to fit a certain sport and become the exclusive trainer of that sport, such as skiing trainer, rowing training and climbing trainer. The exerciser of the present invention is designed to simulate climbing and running and train the four limbs of the human body without concern about the weather. However, skiing, rowing and climbing are unique sports and require sports techniques and coordination of the four limbs. For example, skiing is mostly done by both hands, rowing is done by swinging arc circles repeatedly by both hands and bending the waist in the same rhythm, and climbing has to be done by all four limbs. Obviously, any one trainer has its own unique exercise method to train different parts of the human body.

Exerciser device for simulating mountain climbing and running


An aqueous ink is provided which comprises a dispersible colorant comprising a colorant and chargeable resin pseudo fine particles smaller than the colorant, the colorant and the chargeable resin pseudo fine particles fixing to each other; and at least one of a water-soluble nonionic resin and an emulsion particle. As a result, it becomes possible to provide an aqueous ink suitable for ink jet recording which has high dispersion stability, is excellent in long-term dispersion stability, and is capable of providing an image excellent in fastness such as rubfastness, especially a highly glossy image. Further, there can also be provided an ink tank, an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink jet recording method, and an ink jet recorded image each using such aqueous ink.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an aqueous ink using a dispersible colorant and a water-soluble nonionic resin and/or an emulsion particle, an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink jet recording method, and an inkjet recorded image.
2. Related Background Art
The ink jet recording system adopts various working principles to produce images, letters or the like by ejecting fine ink droplets from nozzles onto a recording medium (paper or the like). It has been rapidly spreading in various uses because of their advantages of high speed, low noise, capacity of easily producing multi-color images, high flexibility of recorded patterns, and unnecessity of development/fixation. In particular, the full-color aqueous ink jet recording system techniques have recently made remarkable progress, and can now produce multi-color images which are by no means inferior to those by the conventional printing method or photography. It has been widely applied to the full-color image recording area, because of its capacity of producing printed matter at a lower cost than the conventional printing method or photography, when the number of copies is limited.
The ink jet recording apparatus and recording method using an aqueous ink have been improved to satisfy the requirements for improved recording characteristics, such as higher speed, finer images and full-color images. In general, the aqueous ink used for an ink jet recording apparatus is required to have the following performances; (1) even images of high resolution and high density can be obtained without occurrence of bleeding or fogging on paper, (2) the ink is ejected without being dried at the nozzle tips to prevent clogging there while keeping good ejection response and ejection stability, (3) the ink can be well fixed on paper, (4) the images have good weatherfastness, and (5) the images are stable for a long period of time. Especially, an ink that is dried and fixed rapidly and provides printing of high image-quality is being required with a recent increase in printing speed.
Colorants for use in the ink jet recording with an aqueous ink mainly include a dye and a pigment. Water-soluble dyes have hitherto been mainly used because of their handleability as aqueous inks and good color developability. More recently, however, essentially water-insoluble colorants, particularly pigments, have been extensively developed as colorants for aqueous inks for ink jet recording which can realize higher weatherfastness of produced images. For allowing a water-insoluble colorant, particularly pigment, to be used for aqueous inks for ink jet printing, it becomes necessary to stably disperse the colorant in water.
In this case, high dispersion stability has been generally achieved with the aid of a surfactant or polymeric dispersant (hereinafter, also referred to as dispersing resin). Further, another method has been proposed which chemically modifies the surface of a water-insoluble colorant (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-195360). On the other hand, a microcapsule type pigment having a pigment coated with a resin has also been proposed (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. H08-183920 and 2003-34770). Especially, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-34770 discloses an aqueous colored fine-particle dispersion comprising a water-insoluble coloring agent which is prepared by dispersing a water-insoluble coloring agent in an aqueous medium in the presence of a dispersant and then adding a vinyl monomer and polymerizing it, and which shows dispersion stability when dispersing the water-insoluble coloring agent, while the stability of the resultant latex is poor when polymerizing the vinyl monomer in the presence of only the dispersant, and describes "when emulsion-polymerized into the water-insoluble coloring agent dispersion, because the affinity of the dispersant with the vinyl monomer and resulting polymer is not so high with the result that the dispersant is difficult to be desorbed from the pigment particle surfaces and the polymerization proceeds on the dispersant-adsorbed pigment particle surfaces, the pigment-surface-coated, fine-particle dispersion can be obtained with a high yield without causing agglomeration, and further describes that by using the colored fine-particle dispersion, an aqueous ink is obtained, which is excellent in dispersion stability and printing characteristics, shows little metallic gloss, has no dependency on the paper type, and gives an image excellent in waterfastness, lightfastness and rubfastness.
However, there have been cases where these techniques do not provide dispersion stability of a colorant and gross of a recorded image sufficiently. The present inventors have made extensive study and considered that in order to improve the dispersion stability, it is necessary to increase the density of functional groups on the surface of a colorant. However, in the conventional technique using a polymeric dispersant and the technique disclosed by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H08-183920 using a resin-coated pigment, there were cases where when the acid value of a resin was increased in order to improve the dispersion stability, the hydrophilicity of the resin also increased and the resin became liable to be separated from the colorant with the elapse of time, so that the storage stability could not be maintained for a long period of time. On the other hand, with the technique of chemically modifying the surface of a water-insoluble colorant as disclosed by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-195360, there have been posed the problems that the modifiable functional groups and the density thereof are limited, and that effecting direct chemical modification, particularly when the colorant is an organic pigment, will cause the so-called "pigment exfoliation" in which pigment molecules, which are originally water-insoluble and crystallized, become water-soluble through bonding of hydrophilic groups to be dissolved out from pigment particles, thereby significantly change the hue (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). Therefore, these conventional techniques are not fully developed to sufficiently satisfy the recent requirements.

Aqueous ink, ink tank, ink jet recording apparatus, ink jet recording method, and ink jet recorded image


A program writing method in which a program is written into a flash ROM that a microcomputer includes therein includes: a generating step for generating a version representative value indicating a version of a source directory from predetermined types of files included in the source directory; an additionally writing step for additionally writing the version representative value into a source file included in the source directory; and a program writing step for writing a program corresponding to the source directory generated by compiling the source file into which the version representative value has been additionally written into the flash ROM.

The present invention relates to a program writing method, a control method of an apparatus, a program for program writing, and a control program of an apparatus.
A technique for sending back, in an apparatus on which an incorporated microcomputer including a flash ROM that stores a program and version information on the program is mounted, this version information in response to a query command from a host computer is known (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-203112).

Program writing method, control method of apparatus, program for program writing, and control program of apparatus


A load/eject system for a magnetic tape recorder receiving a magnetic tape cartridge. The system provides a motor/worm gear/pinion and rack transport mechanism which drives a chassis having grippers and lifters engaged in cammed slots for gripping and lifting a cartridge partially inserted into the recorder and transporting the cartridge to an operating position. The system locks the cartridge in proper longitudinal and vertical position for operating. At that operating position, a lost motion spring arrangement imparts a resilient holding force of the cartridge in a longitudinal direction, and deflectable fingers resiliently clamp the cartridge in a select vertical position.

The present invention relates to a mechanism for loading a tape cartridge into a read/write unit, and particularly for loading a 31/2 inch data cartridge into a magnetic recorder.
In read/write units utilizing a 31/2 inch data cartridge, the data cartridge is inserted longitudinally into the read/write unit in a direction toward a longitudinally fixed read/write head which moves vertically to read tracks on the magnetic tape carried in the cartridge. It is known to provide a system wherein the 31/2 inch cartridge is manually longitudinally inserted to its operating position within the read/write unit. It is not known in a read/write unit for a 31/2 inch data cartridge to provide a mechanical transport system for loading the cartridge into the read/write unit.
A device for drawing such a cartridge into a read/write unit which also resiliently locks the cartridge in proper longitudinal and elevational position is also not known.

Auto load/eject system for tape cassette


A travel support device including a memory that stores section information including information on a position along a traveling direction of a lane and connection information, sign information indicating contents indicated by a sign, and related information including information associating the section information with the sign information, the related information further including specifying information and regulation information, and processing circuitry that specifies a current location of a vehicle using the sign information in response to determining that the specifying information indicates that the sign can be used to specify the position of the vehicle traveling at the predetermined point, and guides the vehicle using the sign information in response to determining that the regulation information indicates that the sign contents correspond to the regulation on the vehicle traveling at the predetermined point.

In recent years, a device which accurately estimates a position of an own vehicle and supports driving of the vehicle has become popular. In connection to this, a technique has been proposed which is configured to include an imaging device mounted on the own vehicle and a feature information acquiring unit, to check an image obtained from the imaging device and feature information obtained from the feature information acquiring unit, and to determine a lane in which the own vehicle is present among a plurality of lanes (Patent Literature 1).

Travel support device and non-transitory computer-readable medium


A game call striker for use in association with a game call includes a body and a plurality of tips that are selectively and interchangeably attachable to the body. In a first embodiment of the present invention, each tip includes a holder that carries a striker element. The striker element can be any of a wide variety of materials that are known and understood in the relevant art for frictionally interacting with the game call to produce a game sound. A second embodiment of the invention is presented wherein at least a portion of the game call striker is coated with an anti-reflective coating to reduce the likelihood of alerting game with movement and/or the reflection of light from the game call striker. A third embodiment of the invention is presented wherein the tips do not include a holder but are manufactured entirely of the striker element. The tips of the third embodiment may include an attachment socket for facilitating attachment onto the body depending upon the specific material characteristics of the particular striker element.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to game calls and, more particularly, to a friction game call employing a game call striker. Specifically, the invention relates to a game call striker for frictionally interacting with a game call, the game call striker having a removable and replaceable tip.
2. Background Information
Numerous devices are known and understood in the relevant art for use by hunters and others for producing game sounds. Such game sounds are intended to be heard by wild game for the purpose of attracting the wild game to the source of the game sound. Such devices are collectively known as game calls and are of numerous configurations such as horns for attracting ducks, rosin-based frictional chirping devices for attracting various species of birds, frictional call and striker combinations that produce a wide variety of sounds, as well as other devices. The present invention is most particularly directed to a frictional call and striker apparatus.
As is known and understood in the relevant art, a game call is a handheld device that typically includes a sounding plate having a frictional upper surface and a cup in which the friction plate is disposed. The friction plate typically is manufactured of a material such as slate, ceramic, or other materials. The cup is typically manufactured of a plastic or other material and often includes one or more sound chambers to amplify the sound produced by the friction plate when frictionally excited by a game call striker.
As is understood in the relevant art, a game call striker includes a striker element that is attached to a block. A game call striker of the type known and understood in the prior art is depicted generally in FIG. 8 of the accompanying drawings. The striker element A is a solid, cylindrical member that extends outwardly from block B. The striker element is typically manufactured from one of a variety of materials such as various woods, metals, and other materials. The block is typically manufactured of any of a variety of materials such as wood and plastic, as well as other materials.
The device is used by holding the game call in one hand with the upper surface of the friction plate facing upwardly and with the game call striker held in the other hand. The game call striker is typically held by the striker element close to the exposed tip of the striker element, much like one would hold a writing instrument between the thumb and the first two fingers. The tip of the striker element is then frictionally rubbed across the upper surface of the friction plate in various fashions and in various directions to produce different types of animal calls.
Much of the appeal of the call and striker type of game call comes from the wide variety of sounds the device can produce. For instance, a given game call striker can produce numerous types of sounds by varying the speed, direction, angle, and force with which the tip is frictionally slid across the upper surface of the game call. Additionally, different game call strikers having striker elements manufactured of different materials likewise produce different types of sounds. For instance, a game call striker having a striker element manufactured of hickory wood will produce a group of sounds that are different than the sounds produced by a maple wood striker element which are, in turn, different than the sounds produced by an aluminum striker element. Inasmuch as the hunter or other person who uses the game call and striker assembly is seeking to attract game, the hunter or other person must be prepared to produce as many various types of game sounds as is necessary to attract the desired game.
It is thus desired that a hunter or other person typically carry several different game call strikers at any one time for producing a wide variety of animal sounds as needed. Additionally, game calls are most typically employed outdoors where the game call and striker components can become wet. Moisture from various sources can affect the sound produced between a game call striker and a game call and often can impair the friction therebetween to the extent that no sound is produced. As such, it is desired that a person employing a game call and striker apparatus carry a plurality of replacement strikers for use if one or more of the strikers that are being used become damp or wet.
While such devices are generally effective for their intended use, such devices have not, however, been without limitation. For instance, the large number of different and replacement game call strikers that must be carried at any one time often become cumbersome, both in terms of the weight as well as the volume of materials that must be carried by the user. Additionally, the user must typically visually inspect several different game call strikers until locating a specific game call striker having the desired striker element, which is additionally cumbersome. As such, a need exists for an improved device that produces numerous types of game sounds without requiring the user to carry the heavy and voluminous number of game call strikers as is presently done when employing prior art devices. Such an improved device preferably would include a game call striker having a plurality of interchangeable tips.


A method for detecting improper operation of a charge motion control device (CMC) based on exhaust temperature is disclosed. It has been found that when the charge motion control device is switched between two positions, the exhaust temperature changes by as much as 100 degrees C. The expected exhaust temperature, based on commanded charge motion control device position and current engine operating condition, and the measured exhaust temperature are compared to determine whether the charge motion control device has failed to attain the desired position.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to internal combustion engines and more particularly to methods and systems for diagnosing proper operability of air or air-fuel mixture, referred to herein as charge, motion control (CMC) devices used in such engines. Still more particularly, the invention relates to cam profile switching mechanisms and swirl control valves used in such engines to provide such charge motion.
2. Background Information
As is known in the art, charge motion control devices (CMCs) are used to provide greater combustion stability over a wider range of operation in internal combustion engines. One such charge motion device is a cam profile (CPS) switching mechanism. For example, cam profile switching is a mechanism by which the cam operating an intake valve of the engine is changed from following a first cam to following a second cam, such change occurring in about one engine revolution. This switching action results in the generation of charge motion in the cylinder.
As is also known in the art, at marginal combustion conditions, e.g., with lean air/fuel mixtures in the cylinder or air/fuel mixture diluted with a large fraction of exhaust gases in the cylinder, it is desirable to have a high air/fuel motion turbulence level to aid in the ignition produced flame propagating through the cylinder. At more robust combustion conditions, such as those that occur at high torque demand, high turbulence causes harsh, noisy combustion in the cylinder due to the flame propagating too fast thereby causing an excessive rate of pressure rise in the cylinder. With a CPS device, the cam can be switched to provide the appropriate charge motion in the cylinder, thereby conforming to the engine operating condition.
The inventors of the present invention have recognized the desirability of confirming that the charge motion control device is operating as expected. Since CPS affects primarily charge delivery, it is natural to attempt to determine CPS integrity based on a charge model. However, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that engineering data show little or no sensitivity in charge data to CPS position at part load.
The inventors of the present invention have observed that when CPS position is changed from one cam to the other, at a constant engine operating condition, engine exhaust temperature changes by 50 to 100 degrees Celsius, depending on engine operating condition. The inventors have discovered that a determination can be made as to whether a charge motion (CMC) device is operating properly by comparing actual exhaust temperature with exhaust temperature expected from operating the engine with the CMC device in a predetermined one of at least two different charge motion generating positions.
The exhaust temperature difference that is noticed when the CMC device is in the other of the positions than is expected is due to the fact that when the electronic control unit commands a first position, the electronic controller also commands spark timing, fuel injection, exhaust gas recirculation quantity, and other parameters assuming that the CMC device has, indeed, assumed the commanded position. If the CMC device is inoperable and is in the other position than that commanded, but the electronic control unit commands the other engine parameters for the appropriate positioning of the CMC device, then the values of the engine parameters are inappropriate for the actual CMC device position, thus, yielding the rather substantial difference in exhaust temperature from that expected, i.e., a 50-100 degree Celsius differential.
The inventors have also discovered that if the CMC device has been found to operating improperly, information about the improper operation can also be assessed. By comparing both measured exhaust temperatures and expected temperatures with the CMC commanded to be in a first one of the positions and then with the CMC commanded to be in the other position, such an assessment can be made.
The inventors disclose a method for detecting a proper operability in a charge motion control device in an internal combustion engine, the charge motion control device being capable of assuming one of at least two positions. The method includes commanding the charge motion control device to assume one of the two positions. The method determines a measured exhaust temperature, Tm1. The method also determines a first expected exhaust temperature, Ts1, based on a present engine operating condition and the position commanded to the charge motion control device. The method provides detection of improper operability in response to the measured temperature and said first expected exhaust temperature. Further, a second expected exhaust temperature, Ts2, based on a present engine operating condition and the charge motion control device being in the other of the two positions is determined. The improper operability is detected based also on the second expected exhaust temperature. Additionally, the charge motion control device is commanded to assume such other position. A second measured exhaust temperature, Tm2, is measured in response to commanding the charge motion control device to be in the other position. The improper operability detection is further based on Tm2.
The inventors also disclose a system for detecting an improper operating charge motion control device disposed in an internal combustion engine. The charge motion control device is capable of assuming a first position and a second position. The system includes a temperature sensor disposed in an engine exhaust and an electronic control unit operably coupled to the charge motion control device, the engine, and the temperature sensor. The electronic control unit commands the charge motion control device to assume the first position. The electronic control unit determines a first expected exhaust temperature, Ts1, based on a present engine operating condition and the charge motion control device being in the first position. The electronic control unit detects the improper operation based on the first expected exhaust temperature and a measured temperature, Tm1, determined from the temperature sensor. The electronic control unit determines a second expected exhaust temperature, Ts2, based on the present engine operating condition and the charge motion control device being in the second position and bases the improper operation detection further on Ts2.
The present invention provides a robust method for detecting improper operation of a charge motion control device based on a signal from a temperature sensor in the engine exhaust.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides differentiation between a dislocated and a stuck charge motion control device. A stuck device is one that is stuck in an unknown position, i.e., could be in the first position, the second position or any position in between. A dislocated device is one that is in the second position when it is commanded to the first position or vice versa.
Another advantage of the invention is that the method provides several levels of error checking provided to prevent a false indication that an error has occurred.

Diagnosing proper operability of a cylinder charge motion control device


A method of converting a vehicle into a utility structure includes the steps of selecting a used vehicle having a vehicle body having seats therein and at least one door and a plurality of wheels. A support stand is selected for attachment to at least one of the wheel studs of the vehicle for supporting the vehicle on a surface and replacing each of the plurality of wheels with a support stand. The process includes attaching the support stands to the vehicle wheel studs and removing one or more seats from the vehicle. The process may also include the step of removing the engine and fuel tank from the vehicle and placing the vehicle wheels in storage in the vehicle body for later use in moving the utility structure by replacing the support stands with the wheels. The support stand has an elongated post having openings therein for fitting over the axle hub and onto the lugs and a flat base for supporting the post on a surface.

The present invention relates to a method of converting a vehicle into a utility structure and especially to a process which replaces the wheels of the vehicle with support stands and removes the vehicle seats to form a utility structure.
In the past, it has been common to junk used vehicles, such as automobiles, vans and the like, which have run their useful life. Typically, a vehicle is cannibalized of parts for use in the repair of other vehicles and the vehicle body crushed for recycling the metal. Tires, however, are removed from the vehicles for disposal, such as in a recycling program. Most vehicles have useful components, such as the engine, fuel tank, radiator, and operative components which are removed from the vehicle body leaving a body which is water and weathertight and having doors with door seals for sealing the interior of the vehicle body against the weather. The door and trunk lid of the vehicle body also includes locks for locking the body and can be modified for providing power to the interior lights and for other components of the vehicle as desired. The present invention is directed towards a process for converting used vehicles which have spent most of their useful life and cannibalize those components, such as the engines and other operative components, but not thereafter crushing the vehicle, as is the current practice but rather converting the vehicle to a useful weathertight structure complete with locking doors. The operative components, including the fuel tank, engine, transmission, and interior seats as well as air conditioning components, alternator, radiator, and the like can then be recycled as used automotive parts and the vehicle then made into a utility structure.
In the past, it has also been suggested to convert various types of vehicles into expanded camping structures, such as may be seen in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,442,549 to Granger which removes the trunk of an automobile for mounting the camper body into the trunk and over the roof of a sedan automobile. In the Beggs U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,939 an attachment for converting a vehicle, such as a compact vehicle, into an expandable vehicle having an enlarged expandable usable volume. In the Alford U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,613 a van having a forward cab section and a rear passenger cargo section is convertible to a tall wall pickup or camper shell configuration by an overhead door or roof panel which is removable from a position overlying and covering an overhead roof opening to an upstanding vertical position. In the U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,225 to Wolf a convertible seat bed and storage unit has a pair of frame elements which support a plurality of panels in a seat configuration and which convert to support the same panels in a bed configuration and is suited for mounting in the cargo space of a van-type vehicle.
The present invention is for a process for converting a used vehicle which might otherwise be ready for a junk yard and which allows for the removal and use of the main operative components for recycling while converting the body portion into a utility structure.
A method of converting a vehicle into a utility structure includes the steps of selecting a used vehicle having a vehicle body having seats therein and at least one door and a plurality of wheels. In one variation of the invention, a support stand is selected for attachment to at least one of the wheel studs of the vehicle for supporting the vehicle on a surface and replacing each of the plurality of wheels with a support stand. The process includes attaching the support stands to the vehicle wheel studs and removing one or more seats from the vehicle. The process may also include the steps of removing the engine and fuel tank from the vehicle and placing the vehicle wheels in storage in the vehicle body for later use in moving the utility structure by replacing the support stands with the wheels. The support stand has an elongated post having openings therein for fitting over the axle hub and onto the wheel studs and a flat base for supporting the post on a surface.

Process of converting a vehicle into a utility structure


The present invention provides a component that exhibits a designed thermal response which may be used in an image forming apparatus. The component may include a roller that contacts a heating device such as a fuser.

An image forming apparatus may incorporate a fixing device, such as a fuser, for fixing toner or other image forming substances to media. The fixing device may include a heating device, for example, a belt fusing system or a hot roll system, which applies heat and/or pressure to the image fixing substance on the media. The fixing device may also include a roller in cooperation with the heating device to form a nip through which the media passes. The roller may contact the heating device either directly or indirectly, through contact with the media, creating an additional thermal load on the heating device. The roller may or may not drive the media through the nip.

Component for an image forming apparatus with designed thermal response


The present invention provides an aluminum-diamond composite which combines high thermal conductivity and a coefficient of thermal expansion close to a semiconductor element, and in which the difference between the thicknesses of both surfaces is reduced so as to be suitable for use as a heat sink etc. for a semiconductor element. Provided is a flat plate-shaped aluminum-diamond composite that has an aluminum-diamond composite part and a surface layer that coats both surfaces of the composite part and includes a metal that has aluminum as a principal component, wherein: the composite part is composed of a composite material that is composed of an aluminum or aluminum alloy matrix and diamond particles dispersed in said matrix; the composite material is composed of a diamond powder in which diamond particles having a particle size of 1-20 μm, inclusive, make up 10-40 vol % of the diamond particles and diamond particles having a particle size of 100-250 μm, inclusive, make up 50-80 vol %, said powder not containing diamond particles having a particle size of less than 1 μm or diamond particles having a particle size of more than 250 μm; and the average value for the differences in in-plane thickness per 50 mm×50 mm is 100 μm or less.

Generally, it is important for a semiconductor element such as a semiconductor laser element and a high-frequency element used in the optical communication field and the like to efficiently release heat generated from the element during operation, in order to prevent malfunction or failure. Recently, technological development of semiconductor elements has promoted the speed, power, and high integration of the elements, and a demand for the heat dissipation has become increasingly more challenging. Thus, in general, a high thermal conductivity has been also required for heat dissipating components such as a heat sink, and copper (Cu) having a high thermal conductivity of 390 W/mK has been used.
On the other hand, the size of individual semiconductor element has been increased with an increase in output power, and problems of a thermal expansion mismatch between the semiconductor element and the heat sink used for heat dissipation have become apparent. To solve these problems, there is a need for development of a heat sink material exhibiting high thermal conductivity and a coefficient of thermal expansion equivalent to that of the semiconductor element. As such a material, a prior art proposes a composite of a metal and a ceramic, for example, a composite of aluminum (Al) and silicon carbide (SiC) (Patent Document 1).
However, the Al—SiC composite only has a thermal conductivity of 300 W/mK or less even if the conditions are optimized. Therefore, there is a need for development of the heat sink material having higher thermal conductivity. As such a material, a prior art proposes a metal-diamond composite having a high thermal conductivity and a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of the semiconductor element, by a combination of the high thermal conductivity of diamond and the large coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal (Patent Document 2).
Further, a prior art discloses that forming of β-type SiC layers on surfaces of diamond particles suppresses generation of a metal carbide having a low coefficient of thermal expansion formed during production of a composite and improves wettability to a molten metal, thereby improving thermal conductivity of a diamond composite material obtained (Patent Document 3).
In the production of a metal-ceramics composite, a step of molding ceramics powder conventionally uses a powder filling method or a preform method. In the preform method, a porous molded body can be produced by sintering the ceramic particles or mixing them with an inorganic binder, molding them and then firing them, which is expected to improve dimensional accuracy. However, the power filling method has a problem that it cannot be applied to ceramic particles which cannot be sintered, such as graphite or diamond. Further, the preform method has a disadvantage that the heat conductivity of the heat sink is decreased because the inorganic binder is present in the resulting composite. To solve the problems, the applicant of the present application developed a process for producing an aluminum-diamond-based composite using the powder filling method, by placing diamond grains in the form of powder in a porous mold member, sandwiching them between dense mold release plates to which a mold releasing agent has been applied, to form a structured body, and carrying out molten metal forging with molten aluminum (Patent Document 4).

Aluminum-diamond-based composite and method for producing same