Provided is a transparent softener composition having a high softening effect and imparting good feeling to clothes. The composition comprises (a) a compound having one group selected from an amino group and a quaternary ammonium group and one hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms in its molecule, (b) an anionic surfactant having a hydrocarbon group having 14 to 36 carbon atoms and a xe2x80x94SO3M group and/or a xe2x80x94OSO3M group [M: counter ion] in its molecule, (c) an organic solvent having a log P of 0.2 to 3.0 and water, wherein (a)/(b) is a specified molar ratio, or comprises (axe2x80x3) a compound having one group selected from an amino group and a quaternary ammonium group and one hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms in its molecule and (bxe2x80x3) an anionic surfactant having a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms and a xe2x80x94SO3M group and/or a xe2x80x94OSO3M group (M: counter ion) in its molecule wherein at least one of (axe2x80x3) and (bxe2x80x3) contains a hydrocarbon group selected from (1) a hydrocarbon group having one or more unsaturated bonds and 8 to 36 carbon atoms and (2) a branched alkyl group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms.

The present invention relates to a softener composition.
A quaternary ammonium salt having a long-chain alkyl group or an acid salt of a tertiary amine is conventionally used for softeners. These softeners have a good softening effect on various fabrics even if they are used in a small amount. However, these softeners are known to make fabrics oily finish and therefore softeners improving the feeling of fabrics have been desired.
In order to dissolve this drawback, a method in which a combination of a dialkyl quaternary ammonium compound and an anionic surfactant is used is disclosed in JP-B No. 61-37387 and a softener composition comprising a combination of a softening component having two or more cationic ions in its molecule and an anionic surfactant is disclosed in JP-A No. 9-111660. However, these technologies cannot succeed in compatibility between the flexibility and the feeling of finished fabric.
Also, studies have been made as to a development of a softener composition made its outward appearance transparent in recent years from an aesthetic point of view. In JP-A No. 11-507095, technologies using a specified softener compound having an alkenyl group and a solvent having a specified Clog P value are disclosed. However, even if such technologies are used, only an insufficient effect of improving the feeling of fabric is obtained.
Meanwhile, it has been already known that a mono long-chain alkyl tertiary amine is used for a softener. In the publication of JP-A No. 7-268773, a softener composition using a mono long-chain alkyl tertiary amine having an ester group or an amide group and a specified ester compound. Also, in the publication of JP-A No. 5-132865, a softener composition is disclosed in which an amine compound and an anionic surfactant are carried on a substrate in the condition that the both are not mixed. However, oily feeling cannot be improved even in the compositions disclosed in these publications and no liquid softener composition of which outward appearance is transparent cannot be provided.
WO99/27050 shows a transparent softener, which comprises softening materials, a solvent having a log P of xe2x88x922.0 to 2.6 and an electrolyte.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a transparent softener composition which has a high softening effect and imparts desirable feeling to clothes.
The invention provides a softener composition comprising (xcex1) an amino compound or a quaternary ammonium-having compound, (xcex2) an anionic surfactant and water, (xcex1) and (xcex2) being specified below as (I) or (II), at a mole ratio of (xcex1)/(xcex2) ranging from 9/1 to 4/6, further comprising an organic solvent having a log P of 0.2 to 3.0 when (xcex1) and (xcex2) are specified as (I):
(I) (a) a compound having one group selected from an amino group and a quaternary ammonium group and one hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms in its molecule and (b) an anionic surfactant having a hydrocarbon group having 14 to 36 hydrocarbons and a xe2x80x94SO3M group and/or a xe2x80x94OSO3M group, M being a counter ion, in its molecule, or;
(II) (axe2x80x3) a compound having one group selected from an amino group and a quaternary ammonium group and one hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms in its molecule and (bxe2x80x3) an anionic surfactant having a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms and a xe2x80x94SO3M group and/or a xe2x80x94OSO3M group, M being a counter ion, in its molecule wherein at least one of (axe2x80x3) and (bxe2x80x3) contains a hydrocarbon group selected from (1) a hydrocarbon group having one or more unsaturated bonds and 8 to 36 carbon atoms and (2) a branched alkyl group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms.
It is preferable that in the above shown composition (xcex1) and (xcex2) may form a complex with each other.
The embodiment (I) of the present invention is, to say in other words, a softener composition comprising (a) a compound [hereinafter referred to as a component (a)] having one group selected from an amino group and a quaternary ammonium group and one hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms in its molecule and (b) an anionic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as a component (b)] having a hydrocarbon group having 14 to 36 carbon atoms and a xe2x80x94SO3M group and/or a xe2x80x94OSO3M group [M: counter ion] in its molecule, (c) an organic solvent [hereinafter referred to as a component (c)] having a log P of 0.2 to 3.0 and water, wherein (a)/(b) is 9/1 to 4/6 in terms of molar ratio.
The hydrocarbon group of (b) may have 16 to 36 carbon atoms and (c) has a log P of 0.5 to 3.0.
The embodiment (II) of the present invention relates to a softener composition comprising (axe2x80x3) a compound [hereinafter referred to as a component (axe2x80x3) having one group selected from an amino group and a quaternary ammonium group and one hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms in its molecule, (bxe2x80x3) an anionic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as a component (bxe2x80x3)] having a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms and a xe2x80x94SO3M group and/or a xe2x80x94OSO3M group (M: counter ion) in its molecule and water wherein the molar ratio of (axe2x80x3)/(bxe2x80x3) is 9/1 to 4/6 and at least one of (axe2x80x3) and (bxe2x80x3) contains at least one hydrocarbon group selected from (1) a hydrocarbon group having one or more unsaturated bonds and 8 to 36 carbon atoms and (2) a branched alkyl group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms.
As to the components (axe2x80x3) and (bxe2x80x3) of the present invention, either both or any one of these components and preferably any one of these components are contained and most preferably the component (bxe2x80x3) contains at least one hydrocarbon group selected from (1) a hydrocarbon group (hereinafter referred to as a hydrocarbon group (1)) having one or more unsaturated bonds and 8 to 36 and preferably 14 to 26 carbon atoms and (2) a branched alkyl group (hereinafter referred to as a hydrocarbon group (2)) having 8 to 36 and preferably 12 to 26, more preferably 14 to 26 carbon atoms). Also in the case where the component (axe2x80x3) and/or the component (bxe2x80x3) are used in plural, at least any one of the compounds may contain at least one hydrocarbon group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1) and the hydrocarbon group (2). The hydrocarbon group (1) may contain a branched chain.
As the hydrocarbon group (1), an oleyl group, elaidyl group, linol group, linolenyl group, erucyl group and brassidyl group are preferable. Also, as the hydrocarbon group (2), an isostearyl group, isooleyl group and Guerbet type alkyl group are preferable. An oleyl group and erucyl group as the hydrocarbon group (1) and an isostearyl group and Guerbet type alkyl group as the hydrocarbon group (2) are more preferable in view of feeling.
Also, these hydrocarbon groups (1) and (2) may be connected with a quaternary ammonium group and/or an amino group used as the component (axe2x80x3) or an anionic group used as the component (bxe2x80x3) through an ester group, ether group or amide group. Concretely, a group represented by Rxe2x80x2xe2x80x94[Txe2x80x94Rxe2x80x3]bxe2x80x94 [wherein Rxe2x80x2 represents a hydrocarbon group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1) and the hydrocarbon group (2), T represents a group selected from xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CONHxe2x80x94 and xe2x80x94NHCO, Rxe2x80x3 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and h denotes a number of 0 or 1] is preferable.
 less than Component (a) greater than
As the component (a) according to the present invention, one or more types selected from a tertiary amine represented by the following formula (I) or its salt and a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the formula (2) are preferable.
wherein R1 and R5 independently represent an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, R2 and R6 independently represent an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R3, R4, R7, R8 and R9 independently represent an alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, A and B independently represent a group selected from xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CONHxe2x80x94 and xe2x80x94NHCOxe2x80x94, a and b independently denote a number of 0 or 1 and Y represents an anion.
R1 in the compound of the formula (I) is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 8 to 36 and preferably 14 to 24 carbon atoms and preferably an alkyl group. R2 is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. It is preferable that R3 and R4 be independently a methyl group, ethyl group or hydroxyethyl group. a is preferably 1. As most preferable compounds among the compounds of the formula (1), one or more types selected from compounds represented by the following formula (1-1) and compounds represented by the formula (1-2) are exemplified.
wherein R10 represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 9 to 35, preferably 15 to 23 and more preferably 17 to 21 carbon atoms, c denotes 2 or 3, R11 and R12 independently represent a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxyethyl group and preferably a methyl group or a hydroxyethyl group.
The compounds represented by the formula (1-1) and formula (1-2) maybe easily synthesized by reacting a fatty acid re presented by R10xe2x80x94COOH, an alkyl (1 to 5 carbon atoms) ester thereof or an acid chloride thereof with an N-hydroxyalkyl-N,N-dialkylamine or N-aminoalkyl-N,N-dialkylamine, wherein R10 may be either a single alkyl chain length or a mixed alkyl chain length.
The compound of the formula (1) may be a salt neutralized by an inorganic or organic acid. Also, in the case of using the compound as a salt, one in which the amino group is neutralized by an acid agent before the compound is compounded in the softener composition may be used. The amino group may be neutralized by an acid agent after the component (a) is compounded in the softener composition. As the acid for neutralization, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, glycolic acid, hydroxycarboxylic acid, citric acid, a sulfonic acid having an aromatic group in the molecule, a carboxylic acid, a fatty acid having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkylsulfuric acid having 1 to 3 carbon atoms is preferable and particularly, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, glycolic acid, citric acid or p-toluene sulfonic acid is preferable. These acid agents used for neutralization may be used either singly or in plural.
R5 in the compound of the formula (2) is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 8 to 36 carbon atoms and preferably 14 to 24 carbon atoms. R6 is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. It is preferable that R7, R8 and R9 be independently a methyl group, ethyl group or hydroxyethyl group. As a particularly preferable compound among the compounds of the formula (2), one or more types selected from compounds represented by the following formula (2-1) and compounds represented by the formula (2-2) are exemplified.
wherein R13 represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 9 to 35 and preferably 15 to 23, more preferably 17 to 21 carbon atoms and preferably an alkyl group, d is 2 or 3, R14, R15 and R16 independently represent a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxyethyl group and preferably a methyl group or a hydroxyethyl group, Zxe2x88x92 represents an anion and preferably one or more types selected from a halogen ion, a sulfuric acid ion, a phosphoric acid ion, an alkyl sulfate ion having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a fatty acid ion having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and an arylsulfonic acid ion which may be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.
These compounds of the formulae (2-1) and (2-2) can be easily synthesized by reacting a fatty acid represented by R13xe2x80x94COOH or its alkyl (1 to 5 carbon atoms) ester or acid chloride with an N-hydroxyalkyl-N,N-dialkylamine or N-aminoalkyl-N,N-dialkylamine and by further making the resulting product into a quaternary compound by using an alkylating agent such as an alkyl halide, dialkylsulfuric acid or alkylene oxide. These compounds of the formulae (2-1) and (2-2) can also be synthesized by reacting an N,N,N-trialkyl-N-hydroxyalkyl quaternary ammonium salt or N,N,N-trialkyl-N-aminoalkyl quaternary ammonium salt with a fatty acid represented by R13xe2x80x94COOH or its alkyl (1 to 5 carbon atoms) ester or acid chloride. R13 may be either a single alkyl chain length or a mixed alkyl chain length.
The component (a) of the present invention is preferably the compound of the formula (1) or a combination of the compound of the formula (1) and the compound of the formula (2) in view of softening effect. In the case of using the combination, the ratio by weight of the compound of the formula (1) and the compound of the formula (2) is preferably 1/1000 to 1000/1.
 less than Component (b) greater than
The component (b) of the present invention is an anionic surfactant containing an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 14 to 36, preferably 16 to 26 and particularly preferably 18 to 26 carbon atoms and a xe2x80x94SO3M group and/or xe2x80x94OSO3M group [M: counter ion] in its molecule. Specifically, an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, alkyl (or alkenyl) sulfate, polyoxyalkylene alkyl (or alkenyl) ether sulfate, olefin sulfonic acid, alkanesulfonic acid, xcex1-sulfofatty acid and xcex1-sulfofatty acid ester wherein the alkyl group or the alkenyl group has the same carbon number as above and salts of these compounds are preferable. It is the most preferable to incorporate at least one selected from an alkylsulfate having a straight alkyl having 16 to 22 carbon atoms, an alkylsulfate having a branched alkyl having 18 to 26 carbon atoms and a salt thereof. Among these compounds, it is preferable to formulate one or more types selected from, particularly an alkyl (or alkenyl) sulfate having an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 16 to 26 carbon atoms and particularly 18 to 26 carbon atoms, polyoxyethylenealkyl (or alkenyl) ether sulfate which has an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 16 to 26 carbon atoms and in which the average number of addition mols of ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as EO) is 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4 and particularly preferably 1 to 3 and salts of these compounds. As the salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, ammonium salt and an alkanol amine salt and magnesium salt are preferable from the point of view of storage stability.
 less than Component (axe2x80x3) greater than
As the component (axe2x80x3) of the present invention, one or more types selected from a tertiary amine represented by the following formula (1xe2x80x2) or its salt and a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the formula (2) are preferable.
wherein R1 and R5 independently represent a group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1), the hydrocarbon group (2) and (3) a straight-chain alkyl group (hereinafter referred to as a hydrocarbon group (3)) having 8 to 36 and preferably 14 to 26 carbon atoms and R2, R6, R3, R4, R7, R8, R9, A, B, a and Yxe2x88x92 are the same as those in the formulae (1) and (2).
In the compound of the formula (1xe2x80x2), R2 is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferably R3 and R4 are independently a methyl group, ethyl group or hydroxyethyl group. a is preferably 1. As particularly preferable compounds among the compounds of the formula (1xe2x80x2), one or more types selected from compounds represented by the following formula (1xe2x80x2-1) and compounds represented by the formula (1xe2x80x2-2) are exemplified.
wherein R10 represents a group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1), the hydrocarbon group (2) and the hydrocarbon group (3), c is 2 or 3 and R11 and R12 independently represent a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxyethyl group and preferably a methyl group or a hydroxyethyl group.
R6 in the compound of the formula (2xe2x80x2) is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. It is preferable that R7, R8 and R9 be independently a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxyethyl group. As particularly preferable compound among the compounds of the formula (2xe2x80x2), one or more types selected from compounds represented by the following formula (2xe2x80x2-1) and compounds represented by the following formula (2xe2x80x2-2) are exemplified.
wherein R13 represents a group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1), the hydrocarbon group (2) and the hydrocarbon group (3), d is 2 or 3, R14, R15 and R16 independently represent a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxyethyl group and preferably a methyl group or a hydroxyethyl group, Zxe2x88x92 represents an anion and preferably one or more types selected from a halogen ion, a sulfuric acid ion, a phosphoric acid ion, an alkyl sulfate ion having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a fatty acid ion having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and an arylsulfonic acid ion which may be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.
 less than Component (bxe2x80x3) greater than
The component (bxe2x80x3) of the present invention preferably contains a group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1), the hydrocarbon group (2) and the hydrocarbon group (3) and more preferably a group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1) and the hydrocarbon group (2) in its molecule. Specifically, an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, alkyl (or alkenyl) sulfate, polyoxyalkylene alkyl (alkenyl) ether sulfate, olefinsulfonic acid, alkanesulfonic acid, xcex1-sulfofatty acid and xcex1-sulfofatty acid ester having above-mentioned hydrocarbon and salts of these compounds are preferable. Among these compounds, it is particularly preferable to formulate one or more types selected from an alkyl (or alkenyl) sulfate having a group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1) and hydrocarbon group (2), a polyoxyethylene alkyl (alkenyl) ether sulfate which has a group selected from the hydrocarbon group (1) and the hydrocarbon group (2) and in which the average number of addition mols of ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as EO) is 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4 and particularly preferably 1 to 3 and salts of these compounds. As the salts, a sodium salt, potassium salt, ammonium salt and alkanolamine salt are preferable from the point of view of storage stability.
The compounds of the formulae (1xe2x80x2-1) and (1xe2x80x2-2) may be synthesized in the same manner as in the case of the formulae (1-1) and (1-2). The compound of the formula (1xe2x80x2) maybe a salt neutralized in the same manner as in (1). The compounds of the formulae (2xe2x80x2-1) and (2xe2x80x2-2) maybe synthesized in the same manner as in the case of the formulae (2-1) and (2-2). As the component (axe2x80x2) in the present invention, the compound of the formula (1xe2x80x2) or a combination of the compound of the formula (1xe2x80x2) and the compound of the formula (2xe2x80x2) in the same ratio as in (a) is preferable in view of softening effect.
 less than Component (c) greater than
The embodiment (I) of the present invention contains the component (c).
The embodiment (II) of the present invention preferably contains the component (c).
The component (c) in the present invention uses an organic solvent having a log P of 0.2 to 3, preferably 0.5 to 3, more preferably 0.5 to 2 and particularly preferably 0.5 to 1.9, most preferably 0.5 to 1.6. Here, the aforementioned log P is a factor indicating the affinity of an organic compound to water and 1-octanol. The 1-octanol/water distribution coefficient P is the ratio of the equilibrium concentrations of a compound in each solvent in the state of distribution equilibrium when a small amount of the compound is dissolved as a solute in a solvent of two liquid phases consisting of 1-octanol and water and is generally expressed in the form of a logarithmic value of the ratio, namely, log P to the base 10. The value of each log P of many compounds has been reported. Many values are reported in the Data Base available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems, Inc. (Daylight CIS) and so on and these documents may be adopted as references. When there is no actual value of log P, it is most convenient to calculate the value by using a program xe2x80x9cCLOGPxe2x80x9d available from Daylight CIS. This program also outputs the value of xe2x80x9ccalculated log P (Clog P)xe2x80x9d calculated by Fragment Approach of Hansch, Leo when there is an actual value of log P. This Fragment Approach is based on the chemical structure of a compound and takes the number of atoms and the type of chemical bond into account (cf. A. Leo, Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 4, C. Hansch, P. G. Sammens, J. B. Taylor and C. A. Ramsden, Eds., p.295, Pergamon Press, 1990). Because this value of Clog P is an estimate which is most popular and reliable at present, it may be used in place of its actual value of log P when selecting a compound. In the present invention, if there was an actual value of log P, it was used whereas if there was no actual value, a value of Clog P calculated using the program CLOGP v4.01 was used.
As the organic solvent having such a log P, compounds represented by the following formulae (3), (4) and (5) are preferable.
R17xe2x80x94OHxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(3)
wherein R17 represents a hydrocarbon group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms and preferably an alkyl group, an alkenyl group or an arylalkyl group.
R18xe2x80x94(Oxe2x80x94R19)fxe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94R20xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(4)
wherein R18 and R20 respectively represent a hydrogen atom, R21COxe2x80x94 (where R21 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms) or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms and preferably a hydrogen atom, an alkylene group, an aryl group or an arylalkyl group, R20 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 9 carbon atoms and f is a number from 1 to 5.
R22xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94CH2CH(Oxe2x80x94R23)CH2xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94R24xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(5)
wherein R22 represents an alkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and R23 and R24 respectively represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and may be substituted with a hydroxy group.
More concretely, preferable examples of the compound include n-propanol, n-butanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, n-hexanol, cyclohexanol, phenol, benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, 2-phenoxyethanol, 2-benzyloxyethanol, diethylene glycol monobenzyl ether, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether, triethylene glycol monophenyl ether, 2-ethylhexane-1,3-diol, nonane-1,9-diol, 2-methyloctane-1,8-diol, 2-butoxyethanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 2-(2-methyl)propoxyethanol, diethylene glycol mono-2-methylpropyl ether, 2-propoxy-1-propanol, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, 2-butoxy-1-propanol, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, 2-t-butoxy-1-propanol, 2-phenoxy-1-propanol, 2-ethoxypropyl-1-acetate, 2-propoxypropyl-1-acetate, 1,2-diacetoxypropane, 3-dimethyl-3-methoxy-1-propanol, 1,3-dimethylbutyl glyceryl ether, pentyl glyceryl ether and hexyl glyceryl ether.
Among these compounds, n-hexanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenoxyethanol, 2-benzyloxyethanol, diethylene glycol monophenyl ether, triethylene glycol monophenyl ether, nonane-1,9-diol, 2-propoxy-1-propanol, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether and pentyl glyceryl ether are preferable.
[Softener Composition]
The softener composition (I) of the present invention comprises the component (a) in an amount of preferably 3 to 40% by weight, more preferably 5 to 40% by weight and particularly preferably 5 to 35% by weight, most preferably from not less than 5% by weight to less than 20% by weight, the component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.5 to 30% by weight, more preferably 1 to 25% by weight and particularly preferably 2 to 20% by weight, most preferably 2 to 9.5% by weight, and the component (c) in an amount of preferably 0.5 to 40% by weight, more preferably 5 to 40% by weight, still more preferably 5 to 35% by weight and particularly preferably 5 to 30% by weight for the purpose of obtaining transparent appearance. Also, it is desirable that the ratio by mol of the component (a)/component (b) be 9/1 to 4/6, further 9/1 to 5/5, particularly 8.5/1.5 to 5.5/4.5 and most preferably 8.5/1.5 to 6.5/3.5 from the point of view of flexibility and feeling. Moreover, it is preferable to contain the component (a) and the component (b) in a total amount of 5 to 60% by weight and preferably 10 to 50% by weight, more preferably 15 to 50%by weight, especially preferably from more than 15% by weight to less than 30% by weight from the point of view of softening effect and storage stability.
The amounts and ratio of (axe2x80x3) and (bxe2x80x3) contained in the embodiment (II) are the same as the above.
In the softener compositions (I) and (II) of the present invention, the aforementioned water is preferably distilled water or ion exchange water. Water is compounded in the composition in an amount of 30 to 95% by weight and preferably 50 to 85% by weight from the point of view of storage stability.
The composition of the present invention has a pH of preferably 1 to 8.5 and more preferably 1 to 8 from the point of view of storage stability and 2 to 8, more preferably 2 to 5 from the point of view of softening ability and feeling.
In the present invention, it is desirable to contain, in addition to the above essential components, a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 12 to 36, preferably 14 to 24 and more preferably 14 to 20 carbon atoms or its salt as the component (d) with the view of improving softening effect and feeling. To state in detail, examples of the fatty acid include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid or mixtures of these acids. Particularly, one or more types selected from palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid are preferable. Also, fatty acids having an alkyl composition derived from palm oil and beef tallow are preferable. When a salt is used, sodium salt, potassium salt and magnesium salt are preferable. Particularly, sodium salt and magnesium salt are preferable in view of storage stability. The amount of the above fatty acid or its salt (d) to be compounded is preferably 0.01 to 5% by weight and particularly preferably 0.05 to 3% by weight in the composition. Also, the ratio of the component (d)/the component (a) or the ratio of the component (d)/the component (axe2x80x2) is 1/500 to 1/10 and preferably 1/300 to 1/50 in view of softening effect.
In the present invention, it is desirable to contain, in addition to the above essential components, a nonionic surfactant from the point of view of storage stability as the component (e). As the nonionic surfactant, at least one selected from a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms, a polyoxyethylenealkylamine, a polyoxyethylenealkylamide, an alkylene oxide adduct to fats or oils or partial hydrolysis product of fats or oils and a condensation product of fats or oils, glycerin and an alkylene oxide is preferable and, particularly, a nonionic surfactant represented by the following formula (6) is preferable.
R25xe2x80x94Txe2x80x94[(R26O)gxe2x80x94H]hxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(6)
wherein R25 represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 10 to 18 and preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, R25 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms and preferably an ethylene group, g denotes a number of 2 to 100, preferably 5 to 80 and particularly preferably 10 to 60, T represents xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CONxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94Nxe2x80x94 and h denotes 1 when T is xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 whereas h denotes 1 or 2 when T is xe2x80x94CONxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94Nxe2x80x94.
As specific examples of the compound of the formula (6), the following compounds may be given.
R25xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94(C2H4O)rxe2x80x94H
wherein R25 has the same meaning as above and r denotes a number of 8 to 100 and preferably 10 to 60.
R25Oxe2x80x94(C2H4O)sxe2x80x94(C3H6O)txe2x80x94H
wherein R25 has the same meaning as above, s and t respectively denotes a number of 2 to 40 and preferably 5 to 40 and EO and propylene oxide may be either a random or block adduct.
wherein R25 has the same meaning as above, u and v respectively denotes a number of 0 to 40 and preferably 5 to 40 provided that u+v is a number of 5 to 60 and preferably 5 to 40, EO and propylene oxide may be either a random or block adduct.
The amount of the nonionic surfactant as the component (e) to be compounded in the composition is 0.5 to 10% by weight and particularly 1 to 8% by weight from the point of view of stability.
Also, the softener composition of the present invention may contain an inorganic salt as the component (f). As the inorganic salt, magnesium chloride is preferable from the point of view of storage stability. It is desirable to add the inorganic salt in an amount of zero to 3 percent by weight. When the component (c) is present in the composition, the amount of (f) is preferably zero to 2 wt. %, more preferably 0.1 to 1 wt. %, especially preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt. %, the most preferably 0.2 to less than 0.5 wt. %. When the component (c) is not present in the composition, the amount of (f) is preferably zero to 1 wt. %, more preferably zero to 0.5 wt. %, especially preferably zero to 0.3 wt. %, the most preferably 0.0001 to 0.2 wt. %. It is to be noted that although surfactants such as fatty acid salts contain sodium salts and potassium salts, inorganic salts to be mixed in the composition resulting from the use of such a surfactant are free from the above limitation.
Also, the softener composition of the present invention can use a solvent other than the above component (c) without any problem. However it is important not to impair the effect of the present invention. As the solvent [hereinafter referred to as a component (cxe2x80x2)] which may be used other than the above component (c), a solvent selected from ethanol, isopropanol, glycerol, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol is preferable and particularly ethanol is preferable from the point of view of fragrance. The component (cxe2x80x2) may be compounded in the composition in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight and particularly 0.5 to 10% by weight. It is to be noted that when using ethanol, it is preferable to use polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate modified ethanol or 8-acetylated cane sugar modified ethanol.
In the present invention, an ester compound of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol may be compounded as the component (g) for the purpose of improving the storage stability. However, it is necessary to pay special attention to obtain transparent appearance. As examples of the compound which maybe compounded, triglyceride, diglyceride, monoglyceride mono-, di- or tri-esters of pentaerythritol and sorbitan ester may be given. The amount of the compound to be added is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 3% by weight or less and particularly preferably 1% by weight or less.
A generally known sequestering agent and antioxidant may be compounded in the softener composition of the present invention in order to improve the color and fragrance of the composition after the composition is stored. Examples of the sequestering agent include aminocarboxylic acids represented by ethylenediamine tetraacetate, diethylenetriamine pentaacetate and the like, inorganic phosphorous compounds represented by tripolyphosphate and pyrophosphate and organic phosphoric acids represented by 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate, polyphosphonic acids and phytic acid. Examples of the antioxidant include 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol and 2(3)-butyl-4-oxyanisole. These compounds may be compounded either as an acid or as a salt. These sequestering agent and antioxidant are compounded in the softening composition of the present invention in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 1000 ppm based on the weight of the component (a) or (axe2x80x2)
Silicone, perfumes (particularly preferably, a combination of fragrant components as shown in the components (c) and (d) described in the publication of JP-A No. 8-113871) and pigments which are usually compounded in a fiber treating agent may be compounded in the softener composition of the present invention.
As a method for the production of the softener composition (I) of the present invention, a method in which the component (c) and, as required, the component (e) are dissolved in water, the mixture is heated to raise the temperature to 40 to 70xc2x0 C. and preferably 45xc2x0 C. to 65xc2x0 C., thereafter the component (a), the component (b) and, as required, the component (d), the component (f) and the component (g) are added to the mixture, which is then mixed with stirring, adjusted to a predetermined pH by using an acid agent and cooled and then other components are added to the resulting mixture is preferable from the point of view of storage stability.
As a method for the production of the softener composition (II) of the present invention, a method in which the component (c), the component (cxe2x80x2) and the component (e) are dissolved in water according to the need, the mixture is heated to raise the temperature to 40 to 70xc2x0 C. and preferably 45xc2x0 C. to 65xc2x0 C., thereafter the component (a), the component (b) and, as required, the component (d), the component (g) and the component (f) are added to the mixture, which is then mixed with stirring, adjusted to a predetermined pH by using an acid agent and cooled and then other components are added to the resulting mixture is preferable from the point of view of storage stability.


The mouthpiece includes an arch-shaped guard having an inner surface. The inner surface is contoured to follow a shape of a dentition. The arch-shaped guard is sized to span at least a portion of upper teeth and a portion of lower teeth in the dentition. The mouthpiece includes a bite plate positioned along the inner surface and dividing the arch-shaped guard into an upper and lower portion. The mouthpiece includes a first light array arranged along the lower portion of the arch-shaped guard, and a second light array arranged along the upper portion of the arch-shaped guard. The first and second light arrays are arranged at offset distances from the bite plate where the offset distance of the second light array is greater than the offset distance of the first light array. The first and second light arrays are arranged to direct light onto the upper and lower teeth, respectively.

The present disclosure relates generally to teeth whitening, and more specifically to mouthpieces for teeth whitening.
Various types of teeth whitening treatments exist, including kits and procedures that can be carried out by a user in their own home or in the office of a dental professional. Some teeth whitening kits include trays that a whitening gel is administered to before the trays are positioned in the user's mouth for a duration of time. Some teeth whitening kits include strips that are positioned onto and around the user's teeth for a duration of time. Some teeth whitening procedures include the use of teeth whitening lights located on a teeth whitening apparatus inserted into a user's mouth. However, teeth whitening lights typically direct light on only a limited number of teeth and at undesirable angles and positions, which results in some teeth not being sufficiently whitened leading to inconsistent results. For instance, teeth whitening light mouthpieces do not accommodate for the different dimensional size of the upper teeth with respect to the lower teeth. Additionally, a whitening light mouthpiece may be uncomfortable when positioned in a user' mouth due to the dimensions of the mouthpiece and how it fits in the mouth of the user and accommodates their teeth.


A solid-state imaging apparatus comprising a semiconductor layer, a first region on a side of a first surface of the semiconductor layer, and a second region on a side of a second surface of the semiconductor layer, wherein photoelectric conversion portions are arrayed in the semiconductor layer, lens portions are arrayed in the first region, and an interconnection pattern and reflection portions are arrayed in the second region, in one of pixels of the apparatus, the apparatus has a structure in which sectional areas, on the second surface and on a reflection surface of the reflection portion, of the light beam traveling from the photoelectric conversion portion, are larger than a sectional area, in a portion between the photoelectric conversion portion and the reflection portion, of the light beam traveling from the photoelectric conversion portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging apparatus and an imaging system.
2. Description of the Related Art
A back-side illumination solid-state imaging apparatus generally includes a semiconductor layer that is thinner than in a front-side illumination solid-state imaging apparatus. For this reason, incident light (especially, light having a long wavelength) may transmit through the semiconductor layer without being sufficiently absorbed. Each of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-118412 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,755,123 discloses a structure including a reflection portion that reflects light that has transmitted through a semiconductor layer (semiconductor substrate). According to the structure of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-118412, a microlens 110 condenses incident light in a photoelectric conversion portion 130, and a reflection portion 150 condenses reflected light in the photoelectric conversion portion 130. According to the structure of U.S. Pat. No. 7,755,123, light components L1 and L3 (vertical incident light) that have vertically entered the apparatus are condensed on a surface 126 of a reflection portion 128.
In the solid-state imaging apparatus, interconnections for power supply, pixel driving, or signal read are provided on the obverse surface side of the semiconductor layer. For this reason, instead of providing a reflection portion having a large area on the entire surface, a plurality of reflection portions having small areas are preferably divisionally arranged. However, when the plurality of reflection portions having small areas are provided, gaps are generated between the reflection portions.
The condensing position of light (oblique incident light) that has obliquely entered the solid-state imaging apparatus shifts from the condensing position of vertical incident light. For this reason, when reflection portions having small areas are formed, the oblique incident light partially leaks to the gaps between the reflection portions. Since some light components are not reflected by the reflection portions, the light sensitivity may lower.

Solid-state imaging apparatus and imaging system


The present disclosure generally relates to game consoles including game controllers and connected to one or more computing device. Specifically, a game console may receive, via a game controller, a first input triggering an activation of a multi-mode controller switching application at the game console. Further, while a multi-mode controller switching application is active and the game controller is operating in the first controller mode, the game console may receive, via the controller, a second input representing a selection of the second controller mode different from the first controller mode, switch from the first controller mode to the second controller mode in response to receiving the second input, and controlling the computing device in communication with the game console in accordance with the second controller mode.

The present disclosure relates to a peripherals for controlling games, and more particularly, to a game controller that can be utilized as a mouse or gamepad for a computing device connected to a game console.
Game controllers may facilitate user interaction with video games via a game console. Game controllers may come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations depending upon the desired gaming environment in which the controllers are to be used. There may be multi-purpose controllers that have one or more multi-function actuators for controlling a wide range of games. There may also be specialty controllers designed for specific genre of games, such as steering wheels for racing games, weapons for shooting games, and navigation sticks for aviation games.
Game controllers may often be designed to operate with one corresponding host gaming system. Some controllers may be designed for use with personal computers, while others may be dedicated to various types of console-based systems, such as the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft Corporation. Further, gaming systems have evolved from those that provided an isolated gaming experience to networked systems providing a rich, interactive experience that may be shared in real time between friends and other gamers.
Such gaming systems or environments may include not only a game console, but also one or more devices such as personal computers and/or displays (including televisions) connected to or in communication with the game console via a network connection. The one or more devices may provide additional functionality and enhanced user experience by permitting access to content and/or software on the one or more devices via the game console and using the game controller. However, the game controller may be limited in controlling some devices such as personal computers.
Thus, there is a need in the art for improvements in game controller functionality.

Using a game controller as a mouse or gamepad


A static timing analysis controller includes a feedback loop identification module that identifies invariable flip flop feedback loops of an integrated circuit design, and adds the identified feedback loops to false path lists. The static timing analysis controller then performs timing update operations and identifies hold violations based on the invariable flip flop feedback loops included in the false path list. In turn, the static timing analysis controller identifies reduced or less pessimistic numbers of hold violations, resulting in fewer buffers added to the integrated circuit design.

Integrated circuit (IC) designs include large numbers of logic gates and synchronous devices connected by interconnects. ICs are designed according to an IC design flow that specifies the steps and order of the steps performed to design an IC. Some of the steps are automated through implementation of electronic design automation (EDA). The computer software programs that run on computers to contribute to the IC design and/or analyze the IC design are referred to as EDA tools.
One type of EDA tool is a static timing analysis (STA) tool that performs a timing analysis that analyzes an IC design to ensure that timing constraints are met. The STA tool identifies timing violations where the timing constraints are not met, and fixes the timing violations by adding various delays, such as in the form of buffers, that affect the timing of signals propagating through the IC.
Computers, through execution of STA tools, are used to perform the timing analysis given the complexity of IC designs. However, because of their complexity, the STA tools may overestimate the number of timing violations in an IC design upon performing a timing analysis, which in turn may cause the STA tool to add more buffers that are needed to adequately fix the timing problems in the design. As a result, the IC design is larger in size (or footprint) than it needs to be. Thus, ways to improve the STA tools to reduce the overestimation of timing violations and the number buffers unnecessarily added to the IC design may be desirable.

Less-pessimistic static timing analysis for synchronous circuits


Provided is a curable granular silicone composition which has hot-melt properties, is excellent in terms of handleability and curability in overmolding and the like, and gives cured objects and the like highly inhibited from taking a color at high temperatures. The curable granular silicone composition comprises: (A) organopolysiloxane resin fine particles which do not have hot-melt properties and have a curing-reactive functional group containing a carbon-carbon double bond and in which siloxane units represented by RSiO3/2 (where R is a monovalent organic group) or SiO4/2 account for at least 20 mol % of all the siloxane units; (B) a liquid, linear or branched organopolysiloxane having, in the molecule, at least two curing-reactive functional groups containing a carbon-carbon double bond; (C) a hardener; and (D) a functional filler. The composition as a whole has hot-melt properties. Uses of the curable granular silicone composition are also disclosed.

Curable silicone compositions are utilized in a wide range of industrial fields because they are cured to form cured objects having excellent heat resistance, cold resistance, electrical insulation, weather resistance, water repellency, and transparency. The cured object of such a curable silicone composition is also suitable as a sealant for optical materials and semiconductor devices because it is hardly discolored as compared to other organic materials and physical properties are less deteriorated.
The present applicant has proposed, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a hot-melt curable granular silicone composition and a reactive silicone composition for molding. These silicone compositions are composed of a so-called phenyl silicone resin, and have the advantages of having excellent hot-melt properties and excellent hardness and strength of the cured object as compared with a methyl silicone resin.
On the other hand, in recent years, miniaturization and high output of optical semiconductor devices and the like have been advancing. So, when these hot-melt curable granular silicone compositions are applied, in particular, coloring derived from the phenyl silicone resin may occur at a high temperature of 200° C. or higher, and particularly, the light reflectance may decrease in the field of reflective materials. Therefore, there is a strong demand for a silicone composition that satisfies the requirements of higher heat resistance and coloring resistance while realizing hot-melt properties and mechanical strength of a cured object after molding.
Here, Patent Document 3 discloses a hot-melt curable silicone sheet using a methyl silicone resin, but does not describe or suggest a granular composition in the present invention. Furthermore, there is no description or suggestion of a composition or a granular composition in which an organic solvent is essential in the kneading step of the composition and which contains a large amount of functional fillers (particularly, white pigments) suitable for a molding material. Furthermore, it is necessary to remove the organic solvent from the composition in the step of preparing a sheet, and only a thin film sheet can be prepared in order to avoid the residual solvent; hence, it is difficult to use it as a composition for molding. Also, heat is applied in the step of removing the solvent; therefore, it is difficult to achieve fast curability/rapid curability required in the molding step. Hence, the composition disclosed in Patent Document 3 has been difficult to apply to the solution of the above problems.
Patent Document 4 discloses a curable silicone pellet for molding using a methyl silicone resin. However, since the preparation of the present composition requires melt kneading at high temperatures, it is difficult to control the curability of the composition, and it is difficult to mold at a low temperature for a short time.

Curable granular silicone composition, cured object obtained therefrom, and production method therefor


Example methods and systems for virtual tunnel virtualized computing instance (VTEP) learning based on transport protocol information are described. In one example, a computer system may learn first mapping information and second mapping information. The first mapping information may associate (a) a first VTEP with (b) first transport protocol information and inner address information associated with a first virtualized computing instance. The second mapping information may associate (a) a second VTEP with (b) second transport protocol information and inner address information associated with a second virtualized computing instance. The computer system may detect an egress packet that is addressed to the inner address information. In response to determination that the egress packet specifies the first transport protocol information, a first encapsulated packet may be generated and sent towards the first VTEP. Otherwise, a second encapsulated packet may be generated and sent towards the second VTEP.

Virtualization allows the abstraction and pooling of hardware resources to support virtual machines in a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environment, such as a Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC). For example, through server virtualization, virtualization computing instances such as virtual machines (VMs) running different operating systems may be supported by the same physical machine (e.g., referred to as a "host"). Each VM is generally provisioned with virtual resources to run an operating system and applications. The virtual resources may include central processing unit (CPU) resources, memory resources, storage resources, network resources, etc. In practice, a logical overlay tunnel may be established between a pair of virtual tunnel endpoints (VTEPs) to forward packets between a pair of virtualized computing instances (e.g., VMs). To facilitate packet forwarding over various logical overlay tunnels, VTEP learning may be performed to learn mapping information for different pairs of VTEP and VM. In some cases, multiple VMs may be assigned with the same address information, which might lead to a packet being forwarded to the wrong VTEP.

Virtual tunnel endpoint (VTEP) learning based on transport protocol information


The present invention relates to a semiconductor storage device for executing an address multiplex method. An object of the invention is to provide a semiconductor storage device capable of higher access speed, and the semiconductor storage device includes a first timing circuit (1) for detecting a time at which a row address strobe signal is inactivated and for outputting a first timing signal; a second timing circuit (1) for detecting a time change from the inactive state to the active state of the row address strobe signal and for outputting a second timing signal; an address change detection circuit (5) for detecting a change of content of a row address signal between the first timing signal and the second timing signal and for outputting an address change signal; a row decoder (13) for decoding the content of the row address signal in accordance with the first timing signal, and when the address change signal is output, for decoding the content of the row address signal in accordance with the second timing signal; and a word line driver (14) for activating the decoded word line in accordance with the second timing signal; and is applied to a random access memory.

Generally, in a DRAM (dynamic random access memory) the contents of all the memory cells in a specified row are read by a sense amplifier, and the contents are rewritten in the same memory cells, thus completing a basic operating cycle. If the contents of all of the bits in a specified column are read and output externally, the operation is a read cycle. If the contents of the bits in a specified column are changed before rewriting, the operation is a write cycle. If both processes are executed, the operation is a read (modify) write cycle.
As described above, in a DRAM, first, a row is read, and a column is selected thereafter, wherein a row address and a column address are obtained from memory using a time division or a so-called multiplex method.
In this conventional semiconductor storage device prior art, the multiplexed row address signal and column address signal are obtained from memory in accordance with a row address strobe signal (hereinafter, RAS) and a column address strobe signal (hereinafter CAS). Both of these strobe signals are negative logic signals and the falling edge is defined as an address signal fetch timing. Accordingly, in the RASor CAS, the signal is changed from inactive to active at the falling edge and is changed from active to inactive at the rising edge.
Namely, for example, in a DRAM comprising N channel MOS transistors, a circuit is precharged at the rising edge of the RAS, at the falling of the RAS a circuit on the row side is operated dynamically and the row address signal is fetched. Then, after the content of the signal is decoded and one of word lines is selected and activated, a circuit on the column side is operated dynamically at the falling of the CAS and the column address signal is fetched. Further, the content of the signal is decoded, one bit line is selected, and one memory cell connected to the above one word line and one bit line is accessed.
In such a DRAM, however, the time required to access one memory cell starts from the falling of the RAS and until the time of data outputting. In this case, since the operation of the column side, in response to the fall of the CAS, does not start immediately after the operation of the row side, sufficiently high speed access is not achieved.
As another prior art example, a DRAM using a so-called fast column method is known Wherein each circuit is precharged at the rising of the RAS, at an appropriate time after the falling of the RAS an internal timing signal is generated, and in accordance with this signal, the column address is automatically fetched. In this DRAM, a memory cell can be accessed without waiting for the falling of the CAS, and a high speed operation can be planned.
In such a conventional DRAM using the fast column method, however, although an effect which is substantially equivalent to advancing the falling time of the CAS is obtained, since access start timing for the row side input address assigned to memory depends on the falling time of the RAS, there is a problem in that it is necessary to plan for higher access speed.


A method and apparatus for temperature compensation of a resistive based Read-Only Memory device is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the invention, the input voltage supplied to ROM device is adjusted in response to changes in temperature to maintain the current through the ROM at a substantially constant level even as the resistivity of the temperature-dependent connection resistors changes. In one embodiment of the invention, the voltage across the reference resistor is determined by providing a constant current source to the reference resistor and this voltage level is applied to the input of the ROM device. The reference resistor is selected to have similar properties of conductivity as those of the data resistor, for example, a polysilicon. As the temperature increases, the resistivity of a polysilicon data resistor and resistor decrease in a similar manner and, accordingly, the voltage across the reference resistor also decreases. The voltage across the reference resistor decreases at a rate commensurate with a decreased voltage drop across the data resistor, thus maintaining the current through a selected data resistor constant.

This invention relates generally to electronic circuits and, more particularly, to temperature compensation of read-only-memory (ROM) electronic circuits.
Read-Only Memories (ROMS) are well known in the art. Typically, ROMs are used in computer systems to provide a permanent storage of program instructions, such as mathematical functions, or informational data that is processed by mathematical functions. As is known in the art, a ROM typically consists of a planar array of parallel word lines, which are perpendicular to and insulated from a planar array of parallel bit lines. In one embodiment of a ROM device, the two planes containing the word lines and bit lines are vertically disposed from each other and separated by an insulating layer. Active semiconductor devices such as bi-polar transistors or metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) interconnect the junction of each word line and each bit line to form a memory cell. Typically, in the fabrication process, and for economy of scale, all the cells are populated with devices, and then a link to a particular device is opened in the encoding process to render that cell inactive. The connection or lack of connection of a device at a memory cell determines whether a logic xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d is stored in the cell. The control electrode (base or gate) of the active device is connected to the word line, and the emitter or source electrode is typically connected to the bit line, for transistor or MOSFET devices, respectively. A positive potential on a word line turns xe2x80x9conxe2x80x9d the device at that cell. Where there is no physical link at the cell there is no signal transmitted to the bit line. The bit lines are then read in parallel to obtain a group ofxe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d signals that form the output of the ROM.
ROM devices may also be fabricated with resistive interconnections. U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,442 to Mills, et al., entitled xe2x80x9cStructure for Read-Only Memories,xe2x80x9d which is incorporated by reference herein teaches a ROM device fabricated using resistive devices to interconnect word and bit lines. The use of resistive devices is advantageous over transistor devices as resistive devices are easier to fabricate and smaller in size. A brief summary of the incorporated reference is presented to provide a better understanding of the invention claimed herein.
A ROM device fabricated with resistive devices is illustrated in FIG. 1 of the referred to U.S. Patent and is repeated herein as FIG. 1. In the device shown, only certain word lines 28 are connected to bit lines 40 by resistive device 30. The connection between word line 28 and bit line 40 is specified by the specific data stored in the ROM device. Resistive device 30 is formed as a column, or post, within the insulating material that separates parallel word line 28 from the vertically disposed parallel bit line 40.
Resistive device 30 may be fabricated within a wide range of values. In order to reduce cross-talk between word line 28 and bit line 40 the minimum value of resistance is in the order of tens of Megaohms. To achieve resistive values in the order of tens of Megaohms in the space allocated, resistive device 30 is typically comprised of a polysilicon material having a controlled resistivity. Polysilicon materials are well known in the art and, as is known, may be formulated in a doped or undoped condition. Doping elements are typically selected from a group of elements consisting of boron, phosphorous, arsenic, and antimony. As discussed in the referenced patent, a significant advantage of using a polysilicon post as a resistor device to interconnect word and bits lines is a decrease in the size of a memory cell as resistive devices are smaller and required less power than transistors or MOSFETs.
However, polysilicon is highly temperature sensitive, and, as is known in the art, the resistance of polysilicon decreases significantly with an increase in temperature. As the temperature increases and the resistivity of the connecting polysilicon resistive device decreases, the current through the resistive device increases. The increased current is known in the art to adversely affect the output voltage of the ROM as the output voltage is directly related to the current. One method of compensating for the increased output voltage is also disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent. This method discloses using an operational amplifier with a gain characteristic responsive to the change in temperature as sense amplifier 42. As disclosed, the operational amplifier employs a feedback resistor with electrical and thermal characteristics similar to those of data resistor 30. In this method, the gain of the operational amplifier decreases as the resistance of the feedback resistor decreases. The decreased gain compensates for the increased data current and maintains the output voltage substantially constant.
However, a disadvantage of this method of compensation is that the current flowing through the ROM device remains strongly related to the change in temperature. This change in current flow further affects the switching speed of the ROM device, and accordingly, the switching speed remains strongly influenced by the change in temperature.
The present invention relates to temperature compensation of Read-Only Memory (ROM) that uses a temperature sensitive resistive material to connect word and bit lines. In such devices, the change in temperature adversely affects the output voltage and the switching speed of the ROM.
In accordance with the invention, the current through a data resistive device is maintained at a substantially constant level by supplying to the ROM an input reference voltage that is responsive to changes in temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, an input reference voltage is developed by supplying a constant current source across a temperature-dependent reference resistor. The resistance of a reference resistor changes in response to changes in temperature and the voltage across the reference resistor (and input to the ROM) changes accordingly. By changing the input voltage in response to a change in temperature, the data current to the ROM data resistors remains substantially constant. With a substantially constant current flow through the ROM device, the output voltage and ROM switching speed are maintained substantially constant.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the reference resistor is made from a material that has a similar temperature-dependent resistivity as the material selected as the resistive device that interconnects word and bit lines within the ROM. In this embodiment of the invention, a change in resistance of the reference resistor matches a change in resistance of the data resistor, thus causing the current flow through the data resistor to remain substantially constant for any change in temperature.

Method and apparatus for temperature compensation of read-only memory


A polymeric device and method for the control of insects on animals is disclosed. The device is in the form of an ear tag or other shape which can be attached to an animal using known techniques. A unique polymer/insecticidal formulation is provided by combining an ectoparasiticidal active compound, preferably an organophosphate, with a polyurethane polymer. The polymer is the reaction product of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polytetramethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol. By utilizing the particular polymers described, high loadings of insecticides are possible and the resulting product shows no tendency to exude insecticide during prolonged storage. The product made according to the invention can provide effective control of horn flies on cattle for six months or more utilizing a single ear tag or the like where it would take two tags constructed according to the prior art to achieve comparable results. The result is lower costs in product and labor, greater safety to an animal and workers and a lower quantity of residual product to dispose.

It has long been known that ear tags impregnated with insecticide are an effective means for providing control of horn flies and other insects on domestic livestock, particularly cattle. The most common material for formulating insecticidal animal tags has heretofore been polyvinyl chloride. In recent years, concern from ecological and human safety viewpoints have been raised with regard to utilizing plasticized polyvinyl chloride on animals intended for human consumption. Also, since polyvinyl chloride must be plasticized to perform satisfactorily as a tag, the quantity of active insecticide which can be incorporated into the product is reduced in direct proportion to the quantity of plasticizer required.
Another disadvantage of present insecticidal tag formulating techniques is that the high loadings of plasticizer and insecticide cause the completed product to "bleed" (exude) insecticide. This makes an unacceptable commercial product which requires special packaging to accommodate a relatively long shelf life, necessitates avoiding high temperatures in transport and storage, and demands special handling requirements when the product is removed from the package for application to an animal.
It has also been previously known to utilize polyurethane resins for forming identification (I.D.) tags for animals. It is also known to use polyurethane I.D. tags and attach to same a porous or semi-permeable membrane in the form of a cell for holding a reservoir of insecticide. These membranes are made of a variety of different polymers including polyurethane. Their construction is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,794. The purported advantage to utilizing such a membrane is to provide greater control over the uniformity of release rate of the insecticide and higher insecticide depletion than can be obtained when the insecticide is within the polymer matrix. Some of the polymer which have heretofore been utilized for tags of the type contemplated by the referenced patent would not, however, permit sufficiently high loadings of insecticide to achieve a satisfactory tag by blending directly with an ectoparasiticidal compound. Inherently, this known construction is costly to manufacture because of the complicated steps of forming and filling the cell as well as making the mechanical fastener for joining the cell to the tag. Also, there is a higher than desirable incidence of product failure because of the membranes being punctured while in use on animals.
The polyurethane resins which are useful in the present invention are polyurethane aromatic polyether elastomers, specifically the polymers which are the reaction product of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polytetramethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol. These resins generally conform to Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number CAS 9018-04-6.

Polyurethane insecticidal ear tag, methods of use and preparation


A distributed power system that is connected to a utility grid during both daytime and nighttime includes a plurality of power supplies including a solar array, a non-isolated DC-DC converter that has an input terminal and an output terminal and raises, at a predetermined step-up ratio, a DC voltage input from the power supplies via the input terminal and outputs the DC voltage via the output terminal, an inverter that converts the DC voltage output from the DC-DC converter via the output terminal into an alternating current, and a potential adjustment section that adjusts a potential at a negative electrode of the solar array to a potential higher than a potential at a negative electrode of the inverter at least during nighttime.

A photovoltaic system for generating power using sunlight includes a solar array connected to the utility grid or a load through a power conditioner including components such as an inverter, and feeds power generated in the solar array to the utility grid and the load.
Recent photovoltaic systems have higher voltages, and increasingly use inverters including no transformers to achieve higher efficiency. This may cause a large potential difference to appear between the solar cells and the grounded frame. The potential difference, combined with external factors such as temperature and humidity (high temperature and high humidity), is known to produce a leakage current, which can possibly cause the potential induced degradation (PID) phenomenon.
FIG. 47 is a conceptual illustration of an example PID phenomenon. FIG. 47 shows one solar module string 10 included in a solar array in a photovoltaic system. The solar module string 10 includes multiple solar modules (solar panels) 1 that are connected in series. The solar module string 10 is connected to a utility grid 40 through a power conditioner 30. Each solar module 1 in the solar module string 10 receives sunlight during the daytime to generate power, thus producing a potential difference between a positive input terminal 301 and a negative input terminal 302.
FIG. 48 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the solar module 1. As shown in FIG. 48, the solar module 1 includes a frame 11, a back-sheet 12, a cell 13, a glass sheet 14, and a sealant 15.
The cell 13 is a device including a semiconductor layer (power generation layer) that converts light energy into power with the photovoltaic effect. The glass sheet 14 is placed above the cell 13 on its light-receiving side, whereas the back-sheet 12 is placed below the cell 13 on the light non-receiving side. The cell 13 is sealed by the sealant 15 placed between the glass sheet 14 and the cell 13 and between the cell 13 and the back-sheet 12. The frame 11, which is on the outer periphery of the solar module 1, fixes the solar module 1 onto a support. The frame 11 is formed from conductive metal, and is grounded.
Of the solar modules 1 that are connected in series, as shown in FIG. 47, solar modules 1 adjacent to the input terminal 301 include cells 13 having positive potentials to ground, whereas solar modules 1 adjacent to the input terminal 302 include cells 13 having negative potentials to ground. As the difference between the potentials to ground increases, a leakage current may appear between the cell 13 and the frame 11 in a solar module 1 or between water 91 on the glass surface and the cell 13 as indicated with dashed arrows in FIG. 48. In this case, sodium ions in the glass sheet 14 and other components may move to the cell 13 and interfere with the electron transfer of the cell 13 to reduce the performance of the cell 13 or to cause the PID phenomenon. For example, in a cell of the solar module 1 including a p-type semiconductor, a negative potential to ground can reduce performance. In a cell of the solar module 1 including an n-type semiconductor, a positive potential to ground can reduce performance.

Distributed power system, DC-DC converter, and power conditioner


A method for securely transferring a master key from a host to a terminal, such as an automated teller machine, is disclosed. Each of the host and terminal is initialized with a certificate, signed by a certificate authority, and containing a public key used in used in connection with public key infrastructure communication schemes. An identifier of an authorized host is stored in the terminal. Upon receiving a communication from a host including a host certificate, the terminal validates whether it is already bound to a host, if not, whether the host identifier of the remote host matches the preloaded authorized host identifier, before further communicating with the remote host, including the exchange of certificates. In this way, the terminal is protected against attacks or intruders. Following the exchange of certificates, the host may securely transfer the master key to the terminal in a message encrypted under the terminal's public key. The terminal may decrypt the message, including the master key, using its corresponding secret key.

The present invention relates generally to the area of encryption of messages sent from one device to another, in this case, between an automated teller banking machine (ATM) and a host computer. More specifically, the present invention relates to securely transferring a "master key" from a host to a remote ATM over a communications network. As used herein, "ATM" refers to any automated banking or teller machine, as well as any other terminal or communications used in making financial transactions or directives, the communications for which are secured using symmetric encryption techniques. A "host" may refer to a computer or communications system at a bank, other financial institution, a transaction processor, acquirer, switch, or other entity authorizing and/or executing financial transactions or directives made from an ATM.
When an ATM sends to a host a message containing a customer's PIN number and a request to transfer funds to/from the associated account, the PIN number is securely encrypted to prevent persons from obtaining this information and accessing the customer's account without authorization. When an ATM sends to a host or receives from a host a sensitive message, a Message Authentication Code or MAC may be appended to the message to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the message. When an ATM sends to a host or receives from a host a sensitive message, some or all of said message may be encrypted to ensure the privacy of the message. More specifically, the encryption of the PIN, the generation and verification of the MAC, and the encryption and decryption of some or all of the message, are performed by an Encrypting PIN Pad or EPP on the ATM. That is, the EPP itself contains a processor programmed with instructions to perform these cryptographic operations. These cryptographic operations are performed according to published standards that are known to those skilled in the art.
A typical ATM may include an output device such as a video display for communicating with a customer or an operator, an input device such as a keypad or touchscreen functionality as part of the display, a card reader mechanism for reading a customer's ATM card, a cash dispenser mechanism, a depository mechanism for accepting deposits into the machine, a receipt printer, and a computer system in operative communication and control of the foregoing components for processing input and output and performing tasks The computer system contains a processor programmed with software, including an operating system, to communicate with and control the foregoing devices to cause them to correctly perform their respective functions, and including to communicate with the EPP and with external systems over a communications network, using protocols suitable to that network. Where it is stated herein that an EPP communicates with a host, or vice versa, it should be understood that the communication occurs through the software and hardware of the ATM in which the EPP is an operative part. Further, while the foregoing description is applicable to an ATM that processes banking transactions, not all banking ATMs will have all such components (such as the depository mechanism), and the principles of the invention disclosed herein are applicable to other secure terminals that process financial transactions that do not contain a cash dispenser, such as a terminal in a gasoline pump.
"Working keys" are used to encrypt the PIN, to generate and verify a MAC, and to encrypt and decrypt some or all of the messages described above. The working keys are initially exchanged between the ATM and host over a communications network, which may not be secure. For security, the working keys are therefore enciphered under "master keys" or "terminal master keys" during the exchange. The master keys must be known to both the ATM and the host.
A master key must be loaded into the EPP in a secure manner. In the past, this has been accomplished by having two persons, each knowing only a portion of master key code, manually enter his portion of the code into the ATM in a secure environment. Then, the ATM would execute an algorithm to generate the master key from the data manually input by the two operators. It can be expensive and cumbersome to deploy two human operators to load the master keys into the EPP.
The present invention relates to a method and system to securely and remotely load the master keys, that is, from a host machine to the EPP/ATM over a communications network. This process may be referred to as remote key transfer (RKT). The purpose of RKT methodology is to validate that the transfer is taking place between the known and intended entities (the particular host and EPP involved) and to securely encrypt the master keys during transfer. The present invention also provides a secure method for RKT transfer that will allow the EPP/ATM to become associated with a new host (for example, if the ATM was sold) without compromising or using any information (including the master key) associated with the previous host and without a requirement to replace the EPP, to reload a new EPP certificate, or reload a new EPP secret key.

Method and system for secure remote transfer of master key for automated teller banking machine


An intent engine that automatically detects user intent from messages of a social network (e.g., messages with questions to ask) and outputs intent data. The engine is intelligent in that it can process natural language input such as questions and terms. The user is then directed to an answer page filtered according to the intent data and which provides answers related to a question, for example. The intent engine can be designated (e.g., tagged, or “friended”) and then linked into a specialized relationship (e.g., a “friend”). Accordingly, in one example, a URL link is constructed that points to the answer page, with filters configured based on the intent data. The URL is then sent back to the user as a friendly response. When the user selects the link, the user is presented with an answer page that provides answers which match the user intent derived from the user messages.

The of users of social networks continues to steadily increase, which provides a new source of search engine business opportunity. Tapping into the data of social networks then offers myriad possible data handling and processing capabilities to not only better serve users but also vendors. Moreover, ways in which to provide more effective search results is a continuing challenge for vendors.

Intelligent intent detection from social network messages


A reduced component wear valve is comprised of a valve body having a passage therethrough and a disc attached to a rotatable shaft. The disc is utilized with a seal forming a gap between the disc and the seal proximate to the rotational axis of the disc. When the disc is in the open position, the seal major axis is greater then the disc diameter and they do not touch. As the disc rotates to near closure, the disc perimeter engages the minor axis of the seal (which is smaller than the disc diameter), and the disc stretches the seal in the minor axis direction thus decreasing the major axis such that the gap is closed. The seal can be pre-formed in an elliptical shape or it can be formed into an elliptical shape by a retaining mechanism. The seal may be a single-piece or a multi-piece assembly press-fit into the valve body. Zero or light disc to seal contact during the majority of the valve disc rotation minimizes valve seal wear and rotational friction.

Rotary valves, commonly referred to as "butterfly" valves, are typically provided with a disc which is rotationally drivable between an open position and a closed position about a central axis diametrically extending through the interior of a generally annular valve body. In the open position, the disc permits fluid flow through the valve body. Upon rotation of the disc to the closed position, a peripheral edge of the disc operatively engages an annular seal member portion of an annular seal cartridge structure supported within the valve body, to prevent fluid flow through the valve and associated piping sections.
Rotary valves are often utilized in applications requiring "bi-mode" operations, i.e. where the valve is either open or closed, such as a safety shut-off valve that generally remains open but must close, and disable the flow, during an emergency condition, such as a fire or chemical spill. Another application of rotary valve usage is throttling which regulates the amount of fluid flow per unit of time in a process. Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, by way of example, typically incorporate throttling rotary valves to deliver precise quantities of the chemical components constituent to a product batch. A sophisticated process control system, such as the pharmaceutical process described above, may further control the throttling rotary valve to regulate the fluid flow in a time varying or cyclical manner. Applications such as these often result in the disc and the seal member remaining in constant sliding contact in relation to one another throughout the control process resulting in increased wear on both components.
While the use and operation of rotary valves in fluid throttling and shut-off applications is well known in the art, the valves are still subject to several well-known problems, limitations, and disadvantages. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a prior art circular disc or circular seal rotary valve, wherein a portion of the circular valve seal along the rotational axis of the valve stem is continually in contact with a portion of the circular disc adjacent to the valve shaft resulting in continuous wear on the valve seal adjacent to the valve shaft. FIG. 9 illustrates a prior art circular rotary valve 206 in a partially open position disposed within a passage 204. FIG. 10 is a cross section of circular valve from FIG. 9 taken along the section line 10-10. The circular rotary valve 206 includes a valve stem 202 rotatable along an axis 200. By rotating the valve stem 202 along the axis 200, in the direction indicated by an arrow 211, the circular disc 203 comes into contact with a circular valve seal 209 to close off a passage 204. A wear area 205 (FIG. 10), located proximate to the axis 200 of the valve stem 202, is in continual engagement with the circular valve seal 209 as the circular disc 203 rotates in relation to the circular valve seal 209. As a result of continual engagement between the circular disc 203 and the circular valve seal 209, wear occurs either on the disc 203 or on the circular valve seal 209 at the wear area 205 adjacent to valve stem 202. As the distance d between the circular disc 203 and the centerline of the valve seal 209 decreases, the wear area 205 between the circular disc 203 and the circular valve seal 209 increases, thereby increasing the total associated wear. Stated another way, the prior art rotary valve 206 when utilized for actively throttling fluid flow to provide a small percentage of total flow capacity, incurs significant wear as a result of the wiping motion of the circular disc 203 relative to the circular valve seal 209. The presence of abrasive particulates suspended within the fluid may accelerate the wear experienced by the valve seal 209 and disc 203 at the contact area 205.
The wear inherent to this type of circular disc/seal interface often results in reduced seal integrity leading to an inability to completely retard the fluid flow through the rotary valve. The loss of accurate fluid flow control attributable to worn seals may cost a manufacturer substantial sums of money in either lost process control or valve services. As a result, a worn valve must be either repaired or replaced which may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in material and/or process downtime. For example, shutting down a nuclear reactor to replace a valve or replacing a ruined batch of pharmaceutical product caused by a malfunctioning control valve, can result in significant losses due to lost productivity or product.
Another problem associated with by the prior art rotary valves is overcoming the "break away" friction of the valve, i.e. overcoming the static friction of the ball or disc required to open, close, or adjust the valve. Typically "high performance" rotary valves, which generally have a large break away friction, require a large initial force to overcome the static friction which can cause valve positioning instability because the large initial force is considerably greater than the force required to overcome the dynamic friction and hence an actuator will likely overshoot the desired setting. It would therefore be desirable to provide a "frictionless" rotary valve that would solve such valve control problems.
Another problem associated with the prior art rotary valves is the complicated centering and adjustment procedures required to position the disc relative to the valve seal. Because the periphery of the disc is used as the seal contact surface for the valve, it is critical to proper seal performance that the disc be precisely centered within the valve body. Numerous structures have been incorporated into the prior art rotary valve assemblies to address this problem and permit the installed disc to be adjusted within the valve body in a manner effecting this necessary disc centering. This centering adjustment, of course, must be carefully and accurately performed to achieve the desired sealing effectiveness. Adjustment error, on the other hand, can seriously reduce the valve's sealing efficiency.
Another problem associated with the prior art rotary valves is the complicated manner in which an actuator, a motorized device used to rotate the disc between its open and closed positions, is operatively mounted on the valve body. Typical rotary valves include an actuator base structure integrally formed or joined to the valve body and projecting radially outwardly from the valve body. An adaptor structure affixed to the outwardly projecting base structure provides a platform for mounting the actuator to the valve body. This complex mounting and adaptor structure undesirably adds to the overall manufacturing cost and complexity of assembly of the prior art rotary valve.
As highlighted by the foregoing discussion, a need exists for an improved rotary valve assembly, and the fabrication methods associated therewith, to eliminate or substantially reduce the above-mentioned problems, limitations, and disadvantages typically associated with rotary valves of conventional construction. It is desirable to provide a rotary valve having an effective mechanism for providing extended service life. It is a further desirable to reduce the wear between the disc and the sealing surface of the valve over a relatively large range of rotational distances. It is further desirable to provide a rotary valve having enhanced controllability, and substantially no seal engagement and wear until the disc provides substantial closure of the valve passageway, and to provide a simplified mechanism for the mounting of actuators to a valve body.

Elliptical sealing surface for butterfly valve


System and method for controlling a transmission in response to transient torque events are disclosed. The method includes commanding a maximum transmission output torque; comparing the commanded output torque to a feedback torque to determine if they are equal; and incrementally increasing the transmission output torque until equal. A machine and a powertrain include a controller configured to command a maximum negative transmission output torque in response to a transient torque event, and incrementally increase the transmission output torque until such time as the transmission output torque is equal to or within a preset range of the feedback torque.

Various vehicles or machines such as wheel loaders, cars, trucks and other wheeled machines, use powertrains that include a torque converter between the engine and transmission. The torque converter can be used in a locked or an unlocked mode when the machine is moving, which provides for a desirable torque control feature for some machines that may encounter relatively immovable obstacles. For example, a wheel loader may push a bucket against a pile of material, a ripper may encounter a boulder, and so forth. Torque converter slippage is relied upon to provide a transmission output torque control benefit, for example, when contact with the obstacle is initiated, because it results in limiting transmission input torque and reducing the possibility of low engine lug issues, such as engine underspeed or stalling. However, torque converter slippage and other losses have been found to increase overall fuel consumption of the machine when compared to other power transmission methods such as continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
CVTs provide a continuously variable torque capability, which is an improvement over a traditional torque converter/transmission powertrains. A typical CVT employs a torque controlling element that provides a continuously variable torque or speed transmission capability. One known application of CVTs for machine use is embodied as a split torque transmission, which includes a drive train that is powered by dual inputs—one input being a torque- or speed-controlled input, such as from a hydraulic variator, and the other being a direct power input from an engine. These two inputs are combined in one or more planetary gear arrangements, each of which includes outputs driving the various gear ratios of the transmission.
Split torque transmissions, however, do not realize the inherent torque control benefits of a torque converter based powertrain. Accordingly, it is desirable to accurately control the variator, especially when rapid changes in the torque passing through the transmission occur, for example, when an obstacle is encountered. Control of the variator under such conditions requires the swift detection of torque changes, which in most current implementations is left to the perception of the operator. Thus, in most current implementations, the operator must cut or reduce machine torque when the operator perceives that an immovable object has been encountered. As can be appreciated, there is a lag time between the instant when the machine begins to encounter the obstacle until the time when the operator has sufficiently reduced the torque command to the transmission and the transmission has adjusted its operation accordingly. This time lag may cause the machine to rock, thus causing operator discomfort, system inefficiency, and/or increased drive train wear. In some instances, such time lag may cause engine underspeed and/or stall.

System and method for avoiding engine underspeed and stall


A carrier ring for an encoder assembly includes a suspension device with resilient members. The encoder assembly includes a sensing device, such as a sensor head, for scanning directly toward a rotatable encoding member positioned on the carrier ring. The carrier ring is intended to be installed on a shaft of a machine.

Encoders are often used in environments where they are subjected to significant vibrations, and often in a heavily contaminated environment. The encoder may, for example, be used to generate the position values of shaft rotation in a machine. For example, the encoder may be attached to a rotating shaft in the machine. The encoding disk is caused to rotate as the shaft rotates, and the encoder casing and detector are firmly affixed to the casing of the machine.
Conventionally, an optoelectrical state encoder is used, which includes an encoding disk that has an optically readable pattern. The disk pattern is read by one or more sensor heads having at least one detector, which each deliver an electric signal in relation to the amount of light that is received in the detector, so that movement of the encoding disk in relation to the detector will be indicated by changes in the electric signal.
The encoding disk includes a periodic pattern, such as a plurality of reflective and non-reflective fields of mutually the same size, for example. When the encoding disk is turned or rotated, the change between and non-reflective fields can be detected and a change in angle thus determined.
Besides the use of optical/reflective encoders, there are also encoders for magnetic and inductive scanning.
However, when the shafts have very large diameters, such conventional encoders meet their limitations due to the need for specialized mounting, such as toothed belt arrangements, that are complicated and expensive. In addition, conventional encoders cannot be used for shaft ends that are inaccessible or for hollow shafts. Recently, magnetic encoders have been introduced in the market, including a magnetic tape that can be installed on large shafts more easily and inexpensively compared to conventional encoders. When a magnetic tape is used, a solid unseparated carrier ring is installed on the shaft, which carrier ring supports the magnetic tape. A sensor head for reading the magnetic tape is arranged with a small air gap close to the magnetic tape on the carrier ring that is arranged on the shaft. There is also similar equipment involved in magnetoresistive, optical/reflective and inductive scanning, including also the use of a sensor head for reading/scanning towards a carrier ring that is arranged on a shaft.
One problem with the use of magnetic, optical/reflective, and inductive encoders is still that it is difficult or even impossible to install the encoder equipment, and especially the carrier ring on a shaft. In some machines and applications, such as in wind turbines of a wind power plant, there is very little space for installations of additional equipment. The installation of an unseparated carrier ring on a shaft is dependent on the sequence of mounting of, for example, a wind turbine. In, for example, wind turbines, etc., there is also a need for keeping the weight as low as possible. Consequently, it is desirable to use light weight materials, such as light metals, for all additional equipment. When a carrier ring is mounted on a shaft in a machine, the ring has to be heated in order to mount the ring onto the shaft. A carrier ring mounted onto a shaft is screwed to a flange of the shaft. However, a shaft is often made of steel and when a carrier ring is installed by heating on the steel shaft there will be subsequent difficulties with alignment and straightening of the ring on the shaft due to different coefficients of thermal expansion of steel compared to a light metal. The problem with high stress still remains if there are materials involved having different coefficients of thermal expansion for the carrier ring and the shaft, although the carrier ring is fixed to a flange. It is important that the installation of the ring does not produce too much stress. It is a major problem and time consuming to adjust a conventional carrier ring when mounted on a shaft with conventional methods.
Usually the shaft has a form defect, for example, an oval shape or a polygon shape in a cross section of the shaft. Hence, the mounted carrier ring must be subsequently adjusted when mounted in place on the shaft, taken the form defect into consideration. With the installation of the carrier ring by heating onto the steel shaft according to conventional methods, and fixing the carrier ring to the flange of the shaft, the subsequent adjustment work to compensate for the form defect is time-consuming and troublesome.
In addition to the form defect, a position defect due to eccentricity of rotation between the carrier ring and the shaft is often present and that needs to be adjusted after mounting the carrier ring in place on the shaft. To correct for both a form defect and a position defect in an encoder, having a carrier ring installed in its position on a shaft, is complicated.
PCT International Published Patent Application No. WO 2011/018330 describes a pole wheel arrangement for a rotary encoder, wherein the pole wheel includes pole wheel segments.


A lighting and indicating apparatus for a motor vehicle, for use in poor visibility. The unit includes a fog lamp and apparatus for automatically detecting the presence of poor visibility. The control system for automatic control of the lighting and indicating apparatus includes a humidity detecting circuit and an optical visibility detecting circuit, the outputs from which are combined by a combining circuit, the combined signal then being processed so as to control lighting or extinction of the fog lamp.

It is known that the presence of fog is a major danger on the roads. For this reason, in the prior art it has already been proposed to use lighting and/or indicating systems which in particular enable visibility to be improved under foggy conditions (as a lighting function), and which also improve the effectiveness of the various indicators of the vehicle when it is in conditions of poor visibility in relation to other vehicles. In this connection fog lamps have been developed which have optical characteristics whereby the light beams which they emit can penetrate fog more effectively than ordinary lighting and/or indicating devices.
In the prior art, the illumination (lighting) or extinction of the fog lamp is controlled manually by the driver, using a switch which is arranged on the fascia. The signal initiated by the driver in this way is processed by a central lighting and indicating control unit which controls the indicators and lights of the vehicle. When used in the absence of poor visibility, such an arrangement can be a nuisance for the users of other vehicles, and more particularly when the device concerned is a fog lamp. In addition, if the lighting and/or indicating apparatus used in poor visibility has been ignored when there is a need for its use, there is a dangerous situation.
That is why in the prior art there have been proposals for automatic systems such that a fog lamp can be lit or extinguished in response to weather conditions. In particular, optical systems have in the past been proposed which comprise an emitter/receiver for infra-red radiation of suitable wavelength, which is diffused by the fog particles. The part of this radiation which is retrodiffused (diffused back towards the vehicle) is detected, and is then compared with a threshold value in such a way as to cause the fog lamp to be lit or extinguished.
However, poor visibility results from a very varied range of physical conditions, and the above mentioned solutions do not enable all types of poor visibility situations to be detected easily under all circumstances.

Lighting and/or indicating apparatus for use in foggy conditions