A CPU determines whether a generated low-level drawing command is associated with drawing of a gray object and a color value of the gray object is greater than a determination value. If the generated low-level drawing command is associated with drawing of a gray object and the color value of the gray object is greater than the determination value, the CPU executes an overprint drawing process wherein a minimum limit in number of pixels, which causes no defect in a fixing process, is set and a minimum necessary number of pixels are erased (i.e. thinned out).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the basis of PDL information.
2. Description of the Related Art
A trapping method (a print method wherein boundary portions of colors are made to overlap each other), an overprint method (a print method wherein the color of an object to be drawn is made to overlap another color) and a black overprint method (a print method wherein black is made to overlap another color) are known as methods of preventing occurrence of "white gap" due to misregistration of a black character, a black line, etc. in conventional image forming apparatuses.
An electrophotographic color printer forms a print image by overlapping four colors (Y, M, C, K). If misregistration in color takes place, an unsightly white gap occurs conspicuously on a high-density region, in particular, in the case of a black character on a dark background, or black graphic. One of measures to overcome this problem is a BOP (Black Over Print) process.
In the BOP process, a background region, which overlaps a black object, is not erased, and a neighboring background pattern is made to remain under the black object. Thus, exposure of the background due to misregistration is prevented. In the BOP process, the color to be processed is limited to black. However, a white gap due to misregistration is similarly conspicuous with respect to dark gray with high density, and the appearance of print matter becomes poor (degradation in image quality).


A curable resin composition contains (A) a curable resin and (B) a ketimine structure-bearing organosilicon compound obtained by reacting an amino-functional alkoxysilane with a monocarbonyl compound, the organosilicon compound having a monomer purity of 50-95% and an amino group blockage of at least 90%. The composition has good shelf stability and tight adhesion and is useful as an adhesive.

Organoalkoxysilanes having a ketimine structure are known in the art (see U.S. Pat. No. 2,942,019). The ketimine structure is inactive as such with its amino group remaining non-reactive. Upon contact with moisture or water, the ketimine structure readily degrades to regenerate a primary amino group so that the reactivity of amino group is resumed. By virtue of this characteristic, the ketimine structure can serve as an adhesion modifier when added to mixtures of an epoxy resin and a polyamide resin. It is also known from JP-B 57-11582 to use the ketimine structure as a curing agent. JP-B 2-19866 discloses that a ketimine structure-bearing organosilicon compound obtained by reacting an aminosilane with a dicarbonyl compound is used as an additive to polyurethane resins. JP-A 3-263421 discloses that the ketimine structure-bearing organosilicon compound serves as an adhesion modifier and curing agent in mixtures of an epoxy resin and a modified silicone resin.
Analyzing the ketimine structure-bearing organosilicon compounds used in these known resin compositions and adhesives, the inventor found that these compounds have not completed reaction and some of the amino group-containing organosilicon compound used as the reactant is left in the system. Since water resulting from the synthesis has not been fully removed from the system, the end compound contains a substantial proportion of oligomers and is not fully shelf stable.


A capacitance type moisture sensor having the capability of accurately detecting amounts of water is provided. This sensor has a sensor housing having an electrically-insulating wall, a pair of electrodes disposed on the sensor housing, and a circuit unit. An outer surface of the electrically-insulating wall faces a space where the amounts of water should be detected. On an inner surface of the electrically-insulating wall, at least one of the electrodes is formed. An electric field developed between the electrodes is defined as a moisture detecting region. The circuit unit includes a capacitance detecting circuit for detecting a capacitance value between the electrodes, which changes in response to the amounts of water in the moisture detecting region, and an output circuit for providing an electrical signal corresponding toe the amounts of water according the capacitance value detected by the capacitance detecting circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a capacitance type moisture sensor having the capability of accurately detecting amounts of water, and a method of producing the same sensor.
2. Disclosure of the Prior Art
Capacitance type moisture sensor is known as a kind of conventional moisture sensor, and detects amounts of water from a change of capacitance between a pair of electrodes in accordance with the nature that water is a polarization (dielectric) material.
For example, this type of moisture sensor is built in a garbage disposing apparatus, and used to detect amounts of water in the garbage. That is, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the moisture sensor comprises an electrically-insulating panel 2P, which is attached to an opening formed in a garbage vessel 100P of the garbage disposing apparatus, a pair of electrodes 30P, 35P arranged in parallel on the electrically-insulating panel, a capacitance detecting circuit 40P for detecting a capacitance value (Cx) between the electrodes, and an output circuit 42P for providing an electrical signal corresponding to the amounts of water according to outputs from the capacitance detecting circuit.
In this moisture sensor, the amounts of water (M) is represented by the equation (1):
M=V/(S*d)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
wherein xe2x80x9cVxe2x80x9d is a volume of water, xe2x80x9cSxe2x80x9d is an area of the electrode, xe2x80x9cdxe2x80x9d is a distance between the electrodes. Therefore, xe2x80x9cS*dxe2x80x9d gives a volume of a moisture detection region. A relationship between the amounts of water (M) and the capacitance (Cx) is shown in FIG. 22. This relationship is also expressed by the following equation (2):
Cx=[∈1xe2x80x2(water)*M+∈2xe2x80x2(others)*(1xe2x88x92M)]xc3x97∈xe2x80x20*S/dxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(2)
wherein (∈1xe2x80x2) is the dielectric constant of water (=80) and (∈2xe2x80x2) is a relative dielectric constant of a material other than water. For example, when the material other than water is woods, the relative dielectric constant (∈2xe2x80x2) is 2. When the material other than water is the air, the relative dielectric constant (∈2xe2x80x2) is 1. Thus, the capacitance (Cx) can be determined by the amounts of water in the detection region. In addition, the capacitance value (Cx) depends on the electrode size.
However, there is still plenty of room for improvement in the conventional moisture sensor from the following viewpoints. That is, since these electrodes project toward the interior of the garbage vessel, a space between the electrodes is easily filled with the garbage. In this case, the capacitance detecting circuit may detect only the amounts of water of the garbage caught between the electrodes. Therefore, to accurately detect a change of the amounts of water of the garbage in the garbage vessel, a cleaning mechanism for frequently removing the garbage caught between the electrodes is needed. This leads to an increase in production cost.
In addition, since the garbage is usually stirred in the garbage vessel to facilitate decomposition of the garbage, there is a problem that a breakage of the moisture sensor is accidentally caused by a collision of the garbage with the electrodes. Moreover, the electrically-insulating panel supporting the electrodes needs a mechanical strength sufficient for withstanding a load for stirring. This also leads to a further increase in production cost.
Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a capacitance type moisture sensor, which can accurately detect amounts of water of an object in a real-time manner without using the above-described cleaning mechanism for electrodes.
That is, this moisture sensor comprises a sensor housing having a electrically-insulating wall, a pair of electrodes disposed on the sensor housing, and a circuit unit. An outer surface of the electrically-insulating wall faces a space where amounts of water should be detected. On an inner surface of the electrically-insulating wall, at least one of the electrodes is formed. An electric field developed between the electrodes is defined as a moisture detecting region. The circuit unit includes a capacitance detecting circuit for detecting a capacitance value between the electrodes, which changes in response to the amounts of water in the moisture detecting region, and an output circuit for providing an electrical signal corresponding to the amounts of water according to the capacitance value detected by the capacitance detecting circuit.
With respect to the moisture sensor of the present invention, since the electric field developed between the electrodes provides the moisture detecting region outside the sensor housing through the electrically-insulating wall, it is not necessary to allow the electrodes to project toward the space where the amounts of water should be detected. In particular, when the moisture sensor is used in a garbage disposing apparatus, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the breakage of the moisture sensor is caused by the collision of the garbage with the electrodes, and accurately detect the amounts of water in the garbage in the real-time manner, while preventing the increase in production cost.
In the above moisture sensor, it is preferred that at least one of the electrodes is a metal film deposited on the inner surface of the electrically-insulating wall. In this case, even when the electrically-insulating wall has a curved surface, good adhesion strength between the electrode(s) and the electrically-insulating wall can be obtained. In addition, it is possible to easily form the electrodes on the sensor housing having a complex shape. Moreover, even when a plurality of ribs described later are formed on the inner surface of the electrically-insulating wall, it is possible to easily form a desired electrode pattern. Alternatively, the electrodes may be formed by means of an insert molding, or metal bonding.
With respect to the above moisture sensor, it is preferred that the sensor housing has a concave formed in an inner surface of a bottom wall thereof and a convex formed on an outer surface of the bottom wall at a position opposed to the concave, and a bottom surface of the concave is the inner surface of the insulating wall and a top surface of the convex is the outer surface of the insulating wall. In this case, for example, when the moisture sensor of the present invention is attached to a garbage vessel of the garbage disposing apparatus, only the top surface of the convex is exposed to the interior of the garbage vessel. Therefore, it is possible to minimize an area of the moisture sensor exposed to the garbage put in the garbage vessel. In addition, since the moisture sensor is attached to the garbage vessel such that the top surface of the convex is flush with the inner surface of the garbage vessel, it is possible to avoid a situation that a movement of the garbage in the garbage vessel by stirring is obstructed, or a situation that an excessive force is loaded to the moisture sensor by the stirring.
With respect to the above moisture sensor, it is preferred that the pair of electrodes are composed of a ring-shaped electrode having an open center and a central electrode, which is disposed in the open center of the ring-shaped electrode such that a circumference of the central electrode is spaced from an inner circumference of the ring-shaped electrode by a constant distance. In particular, it is preferred that the pair of electrodes are composed of a ring-shaped electrode having an annular open center and a central electrode having a circular shape, and the ring-shaped electrode is disposed in a concentric manner with respect to the central electrode such that an outer circumference of the central electrode is spaced from an inner circumference of the ring-shaped electrode by a constant distance. Alternatively, it is preferred that the pair of electrodes are composed of a ring-shaped electrode having a rectangular open center and a central electrode having a rectangular shape, which is disposed in the open center of the ring-shaped electrode such that an outer circumference of the central electrode is spaced from an inner circumference of the ring-shaped electrode by a constant distance. In these cases, since the distance between the electrodes is constant over the entire circumference of the central electrode, it is possible to obtain the same density of electric flux line on the respective electrodes, and stably provide further accurate detection of the amounts of water by reducing the stray capacitance.
With respect to the above moisture sensor, it is preferred that the sensor housing has a plurality of first ribs projecting on the inner surface of the electrically-insulating wall of the concave, which extend in directions of electric field developed between the electrodes. In other words, it is preferred that the sensor housing has a plurality of first ribs projecting on the inner surface of the electrically-insulating wall of the concave, which radially extend from a center of the central electrode. In addition, it is preferred that the sensor housing has at least one second rib projecting on the inner surface of the electrically-insulating wall of the concave such that an extending direction of the second rib is substantially perpendicular to a direction of electric field developed between the electrodes. In other words, it is preferred that the sensor housing has at least one second rib projecting on the inner surface of the electrically-insulating wall of the concave, which extends in a concentric manner with respect to the central electrode. In these cases, it is possible to prevent the non-uniformity of electric-field distribution by forming the first ribs radially extending from the center of the central electrode and the second rib(s) extending in the concentric manner with respect to the central electrode, to thereby accurately detect the amounts of water. In addition, the mechanical strength of the electrically-insulating wall can be improved. Moreover, when the electrodes are connected to a printed circuit board mounting electronic parts of the control unit by soldering a lead wire therebetween, the ribs can work as a barrier for stopping a flow of the solder. These ribs also work as guide means that facilitates the positioning of the electrodes.
With respect to the above moisture sensor, it is preferred that a width of the ring-shaped electrode is substantially equal to the width of the central electrode. In this case, since amounts of electric flux line provided from one of the electrodes are equal to the amounts of electric flux line provided from the other electrode, it is possible to reduce the influence of stray capacitance.
With respect to the above moisture sensor, it is preferred that the circuit unit comprises a signal processing means for detecting an unusual state by comparing a change of the amounts of water corresponding to the electric signal provided from the output circuit with a predetermined value. In this case, it is possible to detect the occurrence of such an unusual state in the space where the amounts of water should be detected, and give an alarm to the user.
With respect to the above moisture sensor, it is preferred that an exposed surface of each of the electrodes is coated with an electrically-insulating material. In addition, after the pair of electrodes are formed on the bottom of the concave of the sensor housing, it is preferred that an electrically-insulating material is filled in the concave. It is useful to prevent a situation that a short circuit between the electrodes is caused by condensation.
In addition, it is preferred that the above moisture sensor comprises a shied case composed of a bottom wall having an aperture and side walls projecting upward from the circumference of the bottom wall, which is disposed in the sensor housing such that the concave of the sensor housing is exposed to the interior of the shield case through the aperture, and the shield case is connected to a zero-voltage point of the capacitance detecting circuit. In particular, it is preferred that the above moisture sensor comprises a shield cover disposed in the sensor housing, and a printed circuit board mounting electronic parts of the circuit unit is housed between the shield case and the shield cover. By using the shield cover and shield case, electric wave that comes from the outside is shielded to prevent a faulty operation of the moisture sensor. In addition, since a leakage of electric wave from the moisture sensor is prevented, it is possible to avoid a bad influence to an electric appliance outside.
In addition, it is preferred that the above moisture sensor comprises an electric wave shield layer formed by depositing a metal material on an internal surface of the sensor housing other than the concave, and the shield layer is connected to a zero-voltage point of the capacitance detecting circuit. In particular, it is preferred that electrical connections between the electrodes and a printed circuit board mounting electronic parts of the circuit unit, and between the electric wave shield layer and the printed circuit board are made by use of a metal film deposited. In these cases, when depositing the metal material on the sensor housing to form the electrodes, it is possible to simultaneously form metal films for the electric wave shield layer and the electrical connections. Therefore, the production cost of the moisture sensor can be remarkably reduced.
A preferred method of producing the above moisture sensor comprises the steps of molding a synthetic resin material to obtain the sensor housing; depositing a metal material to form a metal film on the sensor housing; and selectively removing the metal film from the sensor housing to obtain the pair of electrodes. According to this method, it is possible to simultaneously form the electric wave shield layer, the metal films for the electrical connections and the electrodes on the sensor housing.

Capacitance type moisture sensor and method of producing the same


The present disclosure provides a sump drain apparatus comprising a drain bowl, a ramp connected to the drain bowl comprising an incline plane configured to divert drainage water toward the drain bowl, and an attachment flange connected to the ramp and configured to couple the sump drain apparatus to a roof deck, wherein the ramp is configured to be positioned on top of the roof deck and contain sump insulation beneath the ramp and above the roof deck.

Conventional roofing systems typically include drainage systems configured to remove water on the roof resulting from precipitation. There are two basic types of drainage systems: perimeter evacuation systems in which water is transported to an edge of a roof prior to removal and internal evacuation systems in which water is transported to an isolated area on the roof prior to removal. Internal evacuation systems in particular may be prone to leaking due to the proximity of mating points between components near areas of high concentration of water.

Sump drain apparatus, system, and method of construction


A breath-responsive metered dose inhaler having a trigger mechanism for triggering delivery of a medicament and a trigger mechanism chassis for locating the trigger mechanism within the inhaler, the trigger mechanism including a breath responsive member moveable upon inhalation of the user from a primed position in which the inhaler is prevented from delivering medicament, to a triggered position in which the medicament is delivered to the user, a spring which is flexible along its longitudinal axis, wherein the spring is configured to bias the breath responsive member from its triggered position to its primed position by flexure along its longitudinal axis.

Delivery of aerosolized medicament to the respiratory tract for the treatment of respiratory and other diseases has been done using pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI), dry powder inhalers (DPI) and nebulizers. pMDI inhalers are familiar to many patients who suffer from either asthma or from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). pMDI devices often comprise an aluminum canister, sealed with a metering valve, which contains a medicament formulation. Generally, the medicament formulation is pressurized and contains either fine particles of one or more medicinal compounds suspended in a liquefied hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant, or a solution of one or more medicinal compounds dissolved in a propellant/co-solvent system. Formulations incorporating drugs in both solution and suspension form are also known.
Dry powder inhalers are sometimes described as "breath-actuated" because many of them utilise the energy of a patient's inhaled breath to release a dose of powdered medicament, usually admixed with a suitable carrier powder, for the patient to inhale directly. However, some DPIs are designed to dispense the dose actively by releasing a separate energy source to the powder, upon activation of a mechanism by the patient's inhalation.
In a conventional pulmonary pMDI, the sealed canister is provided to the patient in an actuator. The actuator is conventionally a generally L-shaped plastic molding comprising a generally cylindrical vertical tube that surrounds the canister plus a generally horizontal tube that forms a patient portion (e.g., a mouthpiece or nosepiece) that defines an inspiration (or inhalation) orifice. To use such an inhaler, the patient exhales, places the patient port into a body cavity (e.g., a mouth or nose) and then inhales to draw air through the inspiration orifice. Many such inhalers are of the pulmonary "press-and-breathe" type, where the patient must press down on the protruding end of the canister to operate the metering valve to release a metered dose of medicament from the canister into the inhaled air stream and thence through the mouthpiece into their lungs. This can require coordination of timing of inhalation and dose release if the emerging cloud of aerosolized medicament is to be taken far enough into the lungs to provide maximum therapeutic benefit. If the patient releases the dose before inspiratory flow has been established, then a proportion of the drug may be lost in the mouthpiece or the patient's mouth. Conversely, if released much after the start of inhalation, then the deeper regions of the lungs might already be full of air and not penetrated by the following bolus of released medicament aerosol.
Spacer devices have previously been devised which fit onto the mouthpiece of a pMDI to reduce the velocity of the emergent plume of medicament aerosol and to provide a volume in which it can expand and its propellant can evaporate more completely. This serves to avoid some of the problems of coordination and the tendency for high throat deposition caused by excessively fast drug particle inhalation. However, spacer devices are bulky and can retain an excessive proportion of the drug on their walls, thereby reducing the dose that reaches the patient. Spacer devices can also be highly sensitive to electrostatic charge, which can often be strongly affected by the way in which they are washed or dried.
To overcome what can be quite a challenge for some patients, some pMDI device designs have been created that employ automatic breath-actuated triggering, releasing a dose only in response to the patient's inhaled breath. The AUTOHALERT™ metered dose inhaler, available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., USA, and the EASIBREATHE™ inhaler, available from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Israel, are two such pMDI devices that use breath-actuation to attempt to better coordinate dose release with inhalation. Many other inhaler breath-actuated mechanisms have been proposed, but tend to have one or more weaknesses or disadvantages, for example high component counts (and hence high manufacturing costs), complexity (which can give rise to difficulties of assembly and/or complex dimensional tolerance stack-ups, etc.), performance issues (it is difficult to balance sensitivity (a light triggering force) against stability at rest and/or prior to inhalation) and/or excessive size and/or a less familiar or more awkward overall inhaler shape.
The issue of cost is a particular concern when considering price-sensitive markets such as those for generic drug products or in Asia. The embodiments of the present invention seek to provide breath actuation at a manufacturing cost low enough to make it highly attractive even in price sensitive markets.
Even though breath-actuated inhalers can be a useful aid in achieving coordination between inhalation and medicament dose release, some of the existing devices employ mechanical breath-actuation systems that may need to be tightly toleranced to be both stable and yet also sensitive. The nature of stored energy mechanical breath-actuation systems can be such that a large load of several tens of Newtons (e.g., held in a compression spring) needs to be held back (i.e., prevented from release) by a latching mechanism that has to be unlatched using only the force of the patient's breath (e.g., 1 Newton, from a reasonably sized vane). That requires a large 'mechanical advantage', whereby a small force can release a much larger one. For example, pMDI metering valves can require over 40 N to fire them, meaning that a compression spring to drive them needs to provide in excess of that force even after it has moved the valve by around 2-3 mm or so: i.e., it needs to provide >40 N even at the point where it has already unloaded by 2-3 mm from its compressed state at which the firing mechanism was primed (or 'cocked').


A permanent magnetic liquid treatment device, including a tubular housing in which ring magnets and magnetizable spacer discs are located, coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and which has contact pieces at both ends. The device also has mechanisms which produce a screw motion in the liquid passing through and an inner tube which is located in the housing, coaxially to the longitudinal axis thereof and at a distance from the inner housing pieces. The ring magnet and spacer discs are in the liquid-free area between the inner tub and the tubular housing in such a way that they lie one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing. The stacks of ring magnets and spacer discs are held in place in such a way that it cannot move and is tightly enclosed by means of sleeved screwed onto the contact pieces.

Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The invention relates to a permanent magnetic liquid treating device comprising a tubular housing in which ring magnets and magnetizable spacer discs are located, coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and which has connecting pieces at both ends, said device comprising means which cause a spiral motion of the liquid passing therethrough, and an inner tube which is located in the housing, coaxially to the longitudinal axis thereof and at a distance from the inner wall of the housing, the ends of said inner tube being connected liquid-tight to said connecting pieces, and the ring magnets and spacer discs being installed in the liquid-free space between the inner tube and the tubular housing so that they lie one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing.
A permanent magnetic liquid treating device of this kind is known by German Patent No. DE 195 32 357 A1 and this document forms the basis of the pre-characterizing part of claim 1. Such devices, which are also known from other patent documents, are used especially for the magnetic treatment of water in order to avoid the formation of lime deposits at the inner wall of pipes and tanks by causing that the calcium carbonate which is dissolved in the water is deposited not at the walls but in the form of separable fine particles.
While the treating device referred to above is in principle suitable for this purpose, its effect is not yet fully satisfactory. The rotating turbine which in the known device is used for creating a spiral motion of the liquid flowing therethrough can not provide for a spiral motion which is constant over the total length of the device, and the construction of the known device furthermore causes an undesirable higher pressure drop.
The object of the invention is therefore to improve a treating device of the above described type in such way that its construction is simplified and its effectiveness is clearly improved, that is that the formation of scale in pipes and tanks through which tap water flows but also in the liquid circulation of for example boilers or washing machines is avoided to an even higher degree.
This object is achieved by the dispositions of the characterizing part of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
By the cooperation of the specific coaxial arrangement of a stack of cylindrical ring magnets which are separated from each other by spacer discs consisting of metal and which surround an inner tube, with a helically wound strip consisting of a magnetizable rustproof metal, the width of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the inner tube and which is arranged in, said inner tube, the desired helical motion of the liquid flowing therethrough is realized in an even manner and practically without pressure drop and without moving parts, and an improvement of the magnetic flow which acts upon the molecules of the water flowing therethrough is achieved. The device according to the invention is of notably simple construction and can be manufactured at low costs.

Permanent magnetic liquid treating device


Devices can be controlled by group even when multiple devices compatible with different interface standards are connected. An iProduct identifier enabling recognition by the host side as interfaces in the same group is set in the USB 2.0 hub and USB 3.0 hub in the same publisher. The host side determines if the hubs belong to the same group based on the iProduct identifier, and coordinates operation of the USB devices to connected to the USB 2.0 hub and USB 3.0 hub determined to be in the same group.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a device control system that controls multiple devices through an interface, to a host device, and to a control method of the host device.
2. Related Art
Media processing devices that record data and print on CD, DVD, and other types of optical disc media are one type of a device control system that controls plural devices through an interface device. See, for example, JP-A-2012-198981.
The media processing device disclosed in JP-A-2012-198981 has a disc publisher (media publishing device) housed in the same case as plural USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices, such as drives and printers for recording data and printing, a USB hub (an interface device) to which the USB devices are connected, and a host device connected through a USB connection to the publisher. The host is able to record data and print on the media by coordinating operation of the USB devices in the publisher.
Whether a single publisher is connected to the host or plural publishers are connected to the host, the host can recognize all devices in each publisher through a single type of interface, and can group the devices by publisher and separately control the operation of each device group, because the plural devices in each publisher in this conventional configuration all use the same interface standard. For example, if all devices use the USB 2.0 standard, all devices are connected to the USB 2.0 hub of the host. By grouping devices by USB bus for group control, the host can coordinate operation of the USB devices in each publisher to record data and print on the media.
However, computers and other electronic devices increasingly use the USB 3.0 standard, which is capable of higher data communication rates. Because the USB 3.0 standard is backward compatible, both USB 2.0 devices and USB 3.0 devices can be connected by providing the host with a USB hub compatible with the USB 3.0 standard (a USB 3.0 hub).
The host, however, recognizes the USB 3.0 hub as different interfaces when the USB 3.0 hub functions as a USB 2.0 hub and when the USB 3.0 hub functions as a USB 3.0 hub. For example, when both USB 2.0 devices and USB 3.0 devices are connected to the USB 3.0 hub, the USB hub is recognized by the host as logically different hubs (a USB 2.0 hub and a USB 3.0 hub). In this event, a USB 2.0 device is recognized through the USB 2.0 hub, and a USB 3.0 device is recognized through the USB 3.0 hub.
As a result, because the host recognizes the devices according to the hub, devices in the same publisher are recognized and grouped by hub, and group control of the devices by publisher unit becomes difficult. When devices compatible with different interface standards are connected to the host, grouping and controlling the devices desirably by group is therefore difficult.

Device control system, host device, and control method of a host device


A plurality of items of content whose meaning content is the same and quality is different is acquired from a plurality of acquisition routes and managed as a single group. Each item of content in this group is analyzed, an evaluation value of each item of content is calculated from the results of analysis and content to be deleted is determined based upon the evaluation values.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for acquiring content from content acquisition routes, which include broadcast radio waves and networks, and recording the content.
2. Description of the Related Art
Advances continue to be made in broadcast techniques such as digital terrestrial broadcasting and satellite broadcasting, and network infrastructure for ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and optical fiber, etc., is being built. This has been accompanied by the ability to acquire content the semantic substance of which is identical although the format and amount of data, etc., differ.
For example, in a case where a certain drama program is to be viewed, it is possible to view the drama upon receiving it over various routes, such as by broadcast or re-broadcast by digital terrestrial broadcasting, analog terrestrial broadcasting and cable TV, and by distribution over the Internet. Although there is the possibility that each item of content will differ in terms of resolution, the presence or absence of commercial messages (CM) and the length thereof, the content is identical in terms of semantic substance, i.e., a drama.
It should be noted that examples of differences between such content are a difference in the image quality of the content owing to a difference in resolution, and whether or not redundant data unrelated to the content is included owing to the presence or absence of CM and length thereof.
Further, it is possible to record a large quantity of content by mounting a large-capacity storage medium as typified by an HDD (hard-disk drive) recorder. In addition, favored content or content desired to be saved can be recorded on a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or the like and thus preserved for future use.
The recording capacity of storage media such as hard-disk drives will increase greatly in the future as the technology advances. Accordingly, content recording devices having large-capacity storage media such as HDD recorders will be able to record content in greater quantity.
An information recording apparatus that has been proposed heretofore is so adapted that if a program that the user likes included among recorded programs has image quality that is unsatisfactory, then this program is re-recorded. For example, see the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-275072 (Patent Document 1).
However, the quality of content, such as the image quality and sound quality, the presence or absence of redundant data unrelated to the content, the content itself, the route by which the content was acquired and the circumstances at the time of content acquisition, differs.
For example, with regard to the content itself, the quality of the content is influenced by the method that was used to compress the content, the bit rate, the presence or absence of CM and the length thereof, and the unexpected inclusion of Telop such as that of a news flash. With regard to the route of content acquisition, the quality of the content differs depending upon whether it was acquired by analog broadcast or by digital broadcast. As for the circumstances of the time of content acquisition, the quality of content is affected by the influence of weather on radio waves, the presence of noise in the content owing to the load on a network, and resolution.
Accordingly, even if content is viewed and then re-acquired because the quality thereof is unsatisfactory, the quality of the re-acquired content will not necessarily be better than that previously Further, there is also the possibility that good-quality content the semantic substance of which is identical will be obtained from another route of acquisition.
A problem which arises is that in order to judge the quality of content, the user must verify the content fully and then pass judgment. Another problem is that in a case where there are multiple items of content of the same semantic substance acquired over various routes, a great deal of time and effort is required for verification for the purpose of preserving content of good quality.


An air filter assembly including abutting, cylindrical housing halves, with toothed outer ends, joined via spaced, T-shaped appendages; a cylindrical air inlet of abutting semi-cylindrical housing inlet portions; a primary filter pack, for slip-fit insertion into either housing half, having an end cap integral with a cylindrical primary filter pack having sealing material on its inner end; a filter outlet end with a toothed peripheral portion, for slip-fit insertion into and angular adjustment relative to either housing end, and a plurality of ribs defining locating surfaces for an air outlet portion, and main and safety filters; the latter having a truncated cone body and an inverted conical portion; and a filter attachment base having curved bed portions, for receiving a housing periphery portion, including spaced support pads and slot portions for angularly adjustably receiving like numbers of T-shaped appendages, with a locking mechanism joining the housing and attachment base.

Air filters or cleaners, while being used in a great variety of applications, are particularly useful for filtering the air prior to its ingestion in internal combustion engines and the like. Typically, an air filter assembly utilizes a primary filter pack assembly located inside a housing, having spaced air inlets and outlets, wherein unfiltered air passes centripetally into a cylindrical main filter element and out of the interior thereof, with undesired particulate material being consequently trapped in the filter medium. Generally, in heavy duty applications, a separate secondary or safety filter is also utilized, for back-up purposes, in case of primary filter pack failure, and is often structured to remain in place while the primary filter element is replaced. This permits greater engine life.
Installation space for such air filter assembly systems, particularly when utilized in mobile applications, such as in trucks and construction equipment or the like, is very limited and access thereto, for maintenance service, such as for the required periodic changing the primary and/or safety filter pack assemblies, is often very tortuous. Thus it is important that such air filter assemblies be versatile in terms of mounting positions, be they horizontal, vertical or therebetween. In addition, the filter housing should have an air inlet opening that is tangent to the housing shape and should be both angularly and rotationally displaceable relative to its mounting base so as to permit both incremental circumferential indexing as well as 180 degree horizontal rotation thereof. In addition, a manually actuated, simple, locking system should permit simple installation, as well as subsequent tool-less removal of both the filter housing and/or the primary filter pack assembly. Ideally, the primary filter assembly should include multiple radial sealing surfaces and be insertable, into the filter housing, from either end thereof. The filtered air outlet end, which should be similarly attachable to either housing end, should also be incrementally rotatable, relative to the filter housing, to permit ready access for the addition or hookup of CCV filter and air flow restriction indicators. The attachment of both the primary filter assembly and the air outlet end, to the housing ends, should be via simple tool-less latches. Such noted relative rotations and indexing, between the housing, the end cover and the primary filter assembly will also permit ready access to an independent, separate, safety filter assembly, for maintenance purposes, and even permit the removal of the entire filter housing assembly, from its installed position or location, without disturbing the outlet attachment to the engine or the CCV attachment, etc. Finally, the several noted filter assembly components should also be of light weight, durable and corrosion as well as heat resistant, together with being relatively easy to manufacture and cost effective.
The patent literature includes a large number of references that pertain to air cleaners, their components and their associated elements, including but not limited to the following, some of which will be discussed in more detail: U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,899 to Gauer; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,211,543 and 4,243,397 both to Tokar et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,182 to Coulvonvaux; U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,458 to Machado; U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,337 to Benzler et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,241 and B1 5,545,241 to Vanderauwera et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,244 B1 to Wake et al.; and published U.S. patent application Ser. No. US 2004/0134171 A1 to Scott et al.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,241 and B1 5,545,241 to Vanderauwera et al. show a filter assembly mounting bracket comprising a flexible band with radially-inward projecting, spaced blocks, with these blocks being received within corresponding recesses, formed in the filter housing, to rotationally orient and mount the housing, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,182 to Coulvonvaux, discloses a spring clasp which allows a filter housing to be rotationally mounted to a support. None of these references, however, show the particular mounting bracket of the present invention which includes a short arcuate segment and a pair of associated grooves that receive T-shaped tabs or abutments on the filter housing, together with a manually actuated locking mechanism to affix the housing to the mounting bracket.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,244 B1 to Wake et al. shows a filter combination which has a primary filter element and a safety filter element, both having compressible urethane end caps, with a detent on a housing flange providing a seal and the retention thereof, of the safety filter, when the primary filter is removed. However, in this structure, it is the end pan or cover that securely holds the filter in the housing, and is not an integral part of the filter element. In the present invention, the adhesive that is used to seal the end of the cylindrical filter pack assembly also securely bonds same to the rigid end plate or pan, while, in the reference structure, the adhesive only seals the end of the paper filter and then presses against the end pan when the former is installed in the housing.
None of the cited prior art references are deemed pertain to the combination of features that constitute the structure and function of the present invention.


An x-ray device includes an x-ray tube for generation of an x-ray emanating from a focal spot of a rotary anode rotatable around a rotation axis and a slit-shaped diaphragm for generation of a fan-shaped x-ray beam that is gated from the x-ray and emission is moved through an examination region in the manner of a scan. To improve the image resolution, the fan-shaped x-ray beam can be moved over the examination region essentially in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary anode by tilting the x-ray tube on the focal spot, with the x-ray tube being tilted on the focal spot so that the fan-shaped x-ray beam is always gated from the region of the overall emitted x-ray beam having the highest image resolution or the highest image definition in the movement through the examination region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns an x-ray device, in particular for a mammography x-ray apparatus of the type that emits an x-ray beam that exhibits a movement in the manner of a scan of a subject.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In x-ray imaging, the imaging properties are negatively influenced (such as blurring) by the scatter radiation of the x-ray beam generated by an anode, for example a rotary anode. To prevent such scatter radiation, in addition to scattered-ray grids scan methods are used in which a fan-shaped x-ray beam is excised from the totality of emitted, x-rays by a slit-shaped diaphragm, and the diaphragm and the x-ray beam are moved in a grid-like manner over the subject to be imaged. Furthermore, to prevent scatter radiation it is known to provide a further slit diaphragm between the subject and the radiation detector that converts the x-ray radiation into an image signal. It is also known to divide the detector into row-like regions and to only map the respective region passed over by the x-ray beam. It cannot be prevented, however, that regions of the x-ray beam that produce a different image resolution are gated by means of the movement of the diaphragm, such that the generated image exhibits differing image definitions.
An x-ray device for implementing a scanning method is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,297, in which an x-ray tube, a slit-shaped diaphragm and a row-like detector are arranged in a line and are fastened together on a shaft. This unit is mounted such that it can rotate around an axis intersecting the line, above the x-ray tube. The necessary synchronization of the mechanical movements is thereby made particularly simple.

X-ray device that emits an x-ray beam with a scanning-like movement


A device for inclusion in the line from a fuel reservoir which includes a fuel pump and a carburetor, a device arranged intermediate the carburetor and the fuel pump which includes a main container having an inlet port from an upstream inlet port above the floor level and a downstream outlet port at about the floor level and said device being arranged physically near the level of the entrance to the carburetor of the vehicle on which it is installed; the container is a pressure reduction unit and is under partial pressure from the fuel pump, operating under a somewhat reduced fuel pressure relative to that of the delivered fuel pump pressure; the pressure reduction is accomplished as follows, a return line controls the upper zone of the container to the fuel reservoir and this line includes a valve to adjust the normal pressure in the container to that which delivers the best pressure controlling the flow of fuel to the carburetor.

It has been found that the use of a carburetor to which fuel is supplied under pressure causes a loss of efficiency in that the fuel is not metered correctly with a consequent reduction in gas mileage per unit volume of fuel used.
It has further been found that if the fuel is pumped to a location physically at about the carburetor but delivered to the carburetor at a reduced, predetermined pressure for the particular engine on which it is installed so that in response to the demands of the operator of the vehicle on which it is installed an increased efficiency results.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved system for metering fuel to a carburetor which includes a container arranged in the fuel line physically near the level of the inlet of the carburetor and which includes an outlet from the lower zone of the container into which a supply of fuel is flowed by the fuel pump into the container from a point of entrance about the level of the exit and above the floor level and which preferably includes an overflow line of a predetermined diameter for return of fuel to the main vehicle fuel reservoir with a control valve in the container or overflow line to adjust the pressure in the container and, hence, the delivery pressure of the fuel.
It is a general object of this invention to provide an improved fuel economizer for vehicles, either land or water vehicles which is simple to install, inexpensive to manufacture is adapted to increase the efficiency and mileage of engines on which the same is installed.
In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter the instant invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:


A fiber-to-chip coupler includes a substrate, a waveguide on a top surface of the substrate, an optical fiber axially aligned to the waveguide, and a cap. The waveguide has a uniform region with uniform width and a tapered-waveguide region having a width that adiabatically increases from a minimum width to the uniform width. The optical fiber has a tapered fiber tip having a minimum core diameter, a cylindrical section having a maximum core diameter, and a tapered-fiber section therebetween. The optical fiber is located at least in part above the tapered-waveguide region, and has a core diameter that adiabatically decreases within a taper length of the tapered-fiber section. The cap extends from the tapered fiber tip toward the cylindrical section, is formed of a second material having a cap refractive index that exceeds a refractive index of the optical fiber, and includes a cap-region disposed on the tapered-waveguide region.

A major challenge in the field of integrated photonics is the efficient coupling of light from a standard optical fiber to on-chip photonic waveguides and devices. For applications in digital computing and communications, coupling losses lead to significant contributions to the link power budget. For applications in quantum optics and quantum communication, losses on the order of a few percent may eliminate any quantum advantage.

The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate

Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Sec. of Commerce


A shrinkable polyester film having a sufficient shrinkage, a sufficient resistance to solvent for printing ink, a shrinking property not to cause wrinkles, a warm water resistance sufficient for preventing wrinkles, slack and whitening is disclosed herein.. The shrinkable polyester film of the present invention may be used as labels for various vessels such as glass bottle, heat-resistant PET bottle and non heat-resistant PET bottle.

The present invention relates to a shrinkable polyester film, and more in detail, relates to a shrinkable polyester film suitable for labels used on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles or other bottles and for various packaging.
Hitherto, as the shrinkable film used for packaging or labelling, a film of polyvinyl chloride, a film of polystyrene, etc. have been broadly used. However, the polyvinyl chloride film has the difficulties in disposal, that is, the polyvinyl chloride film has a high combustion calorie and generates harmful hydrogen chloride when it is burnt. And the polystyrene film has a defect of poor resistance to weather. Accordingly, a film of the other polymer which is suitable for the purpose has been desired.
Hereupon, as the characteristics necessary for the shrinkable film for packaging and labelling, the sufficient shrinkage, the resistance to solvents such as printing ink, the shrinking property not to cause wrinkles on the label at the time of shrinking treatment, the warm water-resistance not to cause wrinkles, slack and whitening, etc. in the warm water treatment carried out after shrinking treatment of the film for the sterilization of the bottle may be mentioned.
For the above-mentioned demands, it has been disclosed that a film having a sufficient shrinkage and being excellent in heat sealing property can be obtained by monoaxially stretching a noncrystalline copolyester, a blend of a noncrystalline copolyester and a crystalline polyester or a blend of two or more kinds of crystalline polyester in the machine direction or the transverse direction (refer to Japanese Patent Applications Laid-Open (KOKAI) Nos. 57-42726(1982), 57-159618(1982) and 59-97175(1984)). However, even in such a film, the satisfactory shrinking properties and the warm water-resistance could not be obtained, and particularly concerning the shrinkable properties, such a film is apt to cause wrinkles at the time of shrinking treatment as compared to the conventional films of polyvinyl chloride, etc. Namely, the above films hitherto proposed encounter with a severe problem in the practical use.
Furthermore, in recent years, it has been desired to use a shrinkable film to the containers of various shapes, and the respectively different characteristics have been demanded corresponding to the properties of the various containers, particularly widely used containers for the soft drinks such as PET bottle, glass bottles of a large type with a small mouth, heat-resistant PET bottle and non heat-resistant PET bottle. Accordingly, it has been demanded to obtain a shrinkable film of polyesters which satisfies the respective characteristics.


A sports racquet has a plurality of opposed string holes for anchoring the ends of the strings, at least one pair of contiguous string holes are replaced with an enlarged string hole having opposed bearing surfaces for securing the ends of a pair of contiguous string segments. Preferably, a plurality of contiguous enlarged string holes are employed along the sides, tip, and heel or throat bridge of the racquet, in order to reduce the weight of the racquet head. Also, preferably, the enlarged string holes are defined by a pair of opposed interior walls of the frame extending between the frame's inner and outer surfaces, thereby forming a truss-like internal structure for stiffening the frame. Moreover, the frame preferably has interior wall portions that extend between the string holes. Such wall portions lie in the string bed plane and underlie the string portions on the exterior of the frame.

The present invention relates to sports racquets, for example tennis, squash, badminton, and racquetball racquets. Such racquets have a head portion containing an interwoven string bed, a handle, and a shaft portion connecting the head portion to the handle.
High performance sports racquets normally have a frame made with a composite material such as carbon fibers embedded in an epoxy resin (known as a "graphite" frame). Other materials, such as tungsten or titanium, may also be included in the frame, for example at select locations.
Advances in materials technology permit racquet frames to be made lighter and stiffer, and also allow the racquet to be designed with characteristics geared towards certain types of players. For example, it is well known that the addition of weights at various portions of the racquet head can affect the playing characteristics of the racquet. Adding weight at locations spaced from the longitudinal axis will increase the polar moment of inertia, making the racquet more stable in the case of off-center hits. Adding weights to the head portion also will increase the mass moment of inertia (swing weight), making the racquet more head heavy. Depending on where the weights are located, such weights may advance the sweet spot (center of percussion) and increase the moment of inertia about the center of gravity.
It is also well known that the frame design can be varied to affect the stiffness of the racquet. For example, increasing the cross-sectional frame height tends to make the racquet stiffer in bending. Making the frame more box-like increases torsional stiffness. The bending as well as torsional stiffness of the frame are also affected by the orientation of the carbon fibers in the composite material. Thus, if greater bending stiffness is desired, the layers of composite material forming the frame can be oriented so that more of the carbon fibers extend axially. If greater torsional stiffness is desired, the layers of composite material that make up the frame are oriented so that more of the carbon fibers are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
While it is known that the properties of a sports racquet can be changed through these various techniques, the design of a sports racquet is complex due to the way that forces are transmitted through the racquet. For example, when a ball strikes the string bed, the strings partially transmit the energy of the ball impact to the head portion of the frame through torsion. Such force is transmitted to the handle through a combination of torsion and bending, depending upon the particular the location on the frame.
Racquet design under the current state of technology is based on diverse optimization criteria with the goal of principally obtaining frames which are both rigid and lightweight. Such features are important in that they provide greater control of the sports racquet and a reduction of the force that the player's arm must apply.
The known methods for reducing the weight of the racquet are predominantly the use of improved materials and varying the frame shape.


Prioritizing a printing system""s basic processing resources includes providing a job contention manager (JCM) that adds a first basic job resource to queues of each basic resource which a first video capability requires to perform a first sub-job. The first basic job resources are ready for processing if they are at the top of all of the queues, of all the basic resources, required by the first video capability. The JCM adds a second basic job resource sub-job to queues of each basic resource which a second video capability requires to perform the first sub-job. The second basic job resources, are ready for processing after the first basic job resource, if the first and second basic job resources in the queue are submitted by the same job service and if the second basic job resource is for the same sub-job as the first basic job resource""s sub-job.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a multifunctional printing system with one or more queues and, more particularly, to a job contention management architecture which manages the printing system""s resources to enable a service to process a job for multiple video capabilities using commonly shared resources.
2. Brief Description of Earlier Developments
Electronic printing systems typically include an input section, sometimes referred to as an input image terminal (xe2x80x9cIITxe2x80x9d), a controller, and an output section or print engine, sometimes referred to as an image output terminal (xe2x80x9cIOTxe2x80x9d). In one type of electronic printing system, manufactured by Xerox(copyright) Corporation, known as the DocuTech(copyright) electronic printing system, a job can be inputted to the printing system from, among other sources, a network or a scanner. An example of a printing system with both network and scanner inputs is found in the following patent:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,340 Patentees: Prokop et al. Issued: Dec. 8, 1992
When a scanner is employed to generate the job, image bearing documents are scanned so that the images therein are converted to image data for use in making prints. When a network is used to generate the job, a stream of data, including various job related instructions and image data, expressed in terms of a page description language is captured, decomposed and stored for printing. As is known, a network job can have its origin in a remote client, such as a workstation, or a print server with a storage device. Jobs provided at the IIT may be stored in a memory section, sometimes referred to as xe2x80x9celectronic precollation memoryxe2x80x9d. An example of electronic precollation memory may be found in the following patent:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,955 Patentees: Shope et al. Issued: Sep. 10, 1991
U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,955 discloses a system in which input image data of a job is rasterized and compressed. The compressed, rasterized image data is then stored, in collated form, in a job image buffer. Once the job has been stored in the job image buffer, a selected number of job copies can be decompressed and printed without further job rasterization.
In one area related to electronic printing, namely digital copying, a demand for xe2x80x9cmultifunctionalityxe2x80x9d continues to grow. As illustrated by the following patent, a multifunctional digital copier can assume the form of an arrangement in which a single electrostatic processing printer is coupled with a plurality of different image input devices, with such devices being adapted to produce image related information for use by the printer.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,957,071 Patentee: Jones Issued: Jul. 27, 1971
U.S. Pat. No. 3,957,071 discloses that the image related information, in one example, could have its origin in video facsimile signals, microfilm, data processing information, light scanning platens for full size documents, aperture cards and microfiche.
The following patents also relate to the area of multifunctional digital copying:
U.S. Pat. NO. 4,821,107 Patentees: Naito et al. Issued: Apr. 11, 1989
U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,892 Patentees: Kita et al. Issued: Jun. 4, 1991
U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,633 Patentees: Saito et al. Issued: Dec. 29, 1992
U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,948 Patentees: Sakurai et al. Issued: Jun. 29, 1993
U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,799 Patentee: Rivshin Issued: Jan. 4, 1994
U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,458 Patentees: Fr eiburg et al. Issued: Apr. 26, 1994
Multifunctional copying devices are typically adapted to store a plurality of jobs for eventual printing. In one example, jobs are ordered for printing in an arrangement referred to as a xe2x80x9cprint queuexe2x80x9d. Xerox Network Systems have employed the concept of the print queue for at least a decade to manage jobs at network printers. Further teaching regarding network printing is provided in the following patent:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,730 Patentee: Hube Issued: Jul. 25, 1995
The concept of a print queue is integral to the operation of various digital reproduction systems. Through appropriate queue management, a job currently in the process of being printed can be interrupted with an interrupt job in a manner disclosed by the following:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,735 Patentees: Gauronski et al. Issued: Apr. 27, 1993
Referring particularly to the ""735 Patent, a special job is obtained from a mass memory, shown by way of a xe2x80x9cjob filexe2x80x9d, and inserted into the queue at a xe2x80x9clogical pointxe2x80x9d with respect to the job currently being processed. When printing reaches the logical point at which the special job was inserted, the job currently being processed is interrupted so that the special job is processed. Upon completion of the processing of the special job, processing of the interrupted job is resumed. The queue disclosed in the ""735 Patent is managed, in the normal case, on a first-come-first-serve (xe2x80x9cFIFOxe2x80x9d) basis except when special or interrupt jobs are inserted into the queue. In the illustrated embodiment of the ""735 Patent, the interrupt job is inserted into the queue as described above except when an interrupt job is currently in the process of printing. When an interrupt job is currently printing, a second interrupt job is placed behind the interrupt job in process. Essentially, priority is given to the interrupt job currently in process. The concerns associated with interrupting a first interrupt job with a second interrupt job are also addressed in the following patent:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,009 Patentee: Hansen Issued: Jul. 9, 1996
The queue management arrangement of the ""735 Patent is not optimally suited for use in a multifunctional context because it does not differentiate among job types for the purpose of managing the queue. Consequently, a print job cannot, in many common instances, be given priority over a copy job, or vice versa. Systems particularly well suited for use with a multifunctional printing systems are disclosed by the following references:
US-A4,947,345 Patentees: Paradise et al. Issued: Aug. 7, 1990
Japanese Application 58-152821 Published: August 22, 1983
Referring particularly to the ""345 Patent, a first queue is used to store copy and print jobs, while a second queue, communicating with the first queue, is used to store facsimile (xe2x80x9cfaxxe2x80x9d) jobs in parallel with the first queue. After a pre-selected number of one or more fax jobs is stored in the second queue, the stored job(s) is placed in front of the""jobs of the first queue so that the one or more fax jobs can be printed ahead of the currently queued copy/print jobs. While the queue management scheme of the ""345 Patent accommodates for job differentiation, it only does so in a limited manner. For instance, the fax queue can be given preferential treatment relative to the copy/print queue, so that one or more fax jobs can be printed ahead of a copy or print jobs. No mechanism for treating a given copy or print job preferentially, however, is suggested. Even though U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,150 to Beaudet et al. (Issued Apr. 23, 1996) accommodates for preferential treatment of copy jobs relative to print jobs, it does not do so in a queue context as discussed in the references above. Additionally, in the approach of the ""345 Patent, a copy or print job can get xe2x80x9cstuckxe2x80x9d in the copy/print job queue when multiple fax jobs are given preferential processing treatment relative to the copy/print jobs
U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,355 Patentee: Nomura Issued: May 12, 1992
Referring to the 355 patent, it discloses a printer control system for enabling queue identifiers, which identify different print jobs, to be sorted such that those queue identifiers identifying print jobs which require fonts that are already loaded in the print server are placed at the head of a print list, and those queue identifiers identifying print jobs which require fonts that are not loaded in the print server are placed at the end of the print list. The print jobs are then processed in the order that the queue identifiers appear on the print list. When a print job to be processed requires fonts that are not loaded into the system a message is displayed on a display unit in order to inform the operator which fonts need to be loaded into the system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,526 Patentee: Nomura et al. Issued: Jul. 4, 1994
Referring to the 526 patent it discloses a print job control system which processes print requests to set an order of priority for printing print jobs. A print job manager checks the print request and determines what print option is selected and manipulates the queue identifiers associated with respective print jobs and enters them into a print queue table. One feature allows changing the print order thereby overriding the designated print option. Another feature allows for increasing the priority of low priority jobs regardless of the designated print option assuring that the low priority jobs will be printed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,016 Patentee: Kashiwagi et al. Issued: Dec. 27, 1994
Referring to the 016 patent there is disclosed a control circuit which receives advance data representing a predetermined number of copy jobs to be provided from a scanner and data representing a predetermined number of print jobs to be provided from external equipment. The control circuit causes each of the copy jobs and print jobs on the basis of such data to be queued, and the jobs to be processed in a time divisional and parallel manner. Basically, the control circuit gives higher priority to the copy job. The priority order can be changed according to an instruction from a user interface. When a current job has been suspended, the control circuit causes a succeeding job to be processed earlier.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,826 Patentee: Grzenda et al. Issued: Jul. 13, 1999
Referring to the 826 patent there is disclosed a printing system comprising a digital reproduction system communicating with a remote document processing station by way of a print server. The printing system includes a first queue of first jobs to be executed with the digital reproduction system maintained at the print server and a second queue of second jobs to be executed with the digital reproduction system maintained at the digital reproduction system. The printing system further includes a queue process communicating with both the first and second queues for forming a composite queue to reflect an order in which the first and second jobs of the first queue and the second queues are to be executed with the digital reproduction system. A representation of the composite queue is then displayed at a user interface disposed at the remote document processing station.
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/015,144, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,252,681.
A method is provided for a multifunctional printing system in which a first job, developed at a first service, and a second job, developed at a second service are placed in a queue for processing. A first value is assigned to the first job and a second value is assigned to the second job, with the first and second values varying in magnitude as a function of the first and second services. In one example, the first job is placed in the queue and a portion thereof is processed. Subsequently, the second job is placed in the queue and processing of the first job is interrupted by the second job if the second value is greater in magnitude than the first value.
The aforenoted queuing approaches, while well intended for their limited purposes, lack the sort of efficient queue management that is required to make multifunctional printing systems having shared resources fully productive. Multifunction printing system""s capabilities and uses are expanding at an ever-increasing rate. It is desirable to provide a multifunctional printing system that gives improved productivity by utilizing queue management at the capability and resource sub-job levels in order to maximize the productivity of the system. At the same time, it is desirable to provide a queue management system for a multifunctional printing system facilitating the efficient thruput of all types of jobs which might be encountered by the multifunctional printing system.
The Xerox Corporation Digital Copier Multifunction Systems comprising the DC 240 ST and the DC 265 ST include a Job Contention Manager which provides queue management at the Basic Job Service level. This approach has the ability to concurrently process sub-jobs which do not conflict at the basic resource level. For example, a scan sub-job and a mark sub-job can be carried out concurrently, however, all the capabilities associated with each basic resource for the sub-job are tied up until the sub-job is completed.
A more productive approach as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/450,146, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,559, to Salgado et al., entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING JOB CONTENTION FOR SYSTEM RESOURCES IN AN ELECTRONIC REPROGRAPHIC SYSTEM, filed of even date herewith, releases capabilities to other sub-jobs when they are not being used or are required by higher priority sub-jobs. This is accomplished by providing job contention management at the lower level of capability job requests with both capability resource queues and basic resource queues. The present invention extends this prioritization approach to enable a job service to process a sub-job for multiple video capabilities.
The disclosure of each patent or application mentioned or discussed in the above Background is incorporated herein by reference.
In accordance with the presently disclosed invention there is provided a method and apparatus for prioritizing the use of multifunctional printing system""s basic processing resources to enable a job service to process a sub-job for multiple video capabilities (e.g. using various image processing packages) using commonly shared resources and thus streamlining the process. Improved performance and efficiency in processing jobs is provided by the streamlining resulting from the process and apparatus of this invention. It provides the ability to perform more extensive and complicated job processing by a job service. When a job service""s sub-job is made xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d, it is made active for all the capabilities the service has proposed for the sub-job.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of this invention, the printing system employs a controller with an improved job contention manager (JCM). The process in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises providing each of a plurality of basic resources of the printing system with a queue. One or more job services, at desired times, signals the JCM to carry out a sub-job of a given job. The signal for each of the sub-jobs includes information about the respective sub-job and its, priority and requesting job service. Responsive to the signal, the JCM adds, for a first video capability required by a first sub-job, a corresponding first basic job resource to the queues of each basic resource which the first video capability will require in order to perform the first sub-job. The JCM places the first basic job resources for the first sub-job in an xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d state ready for processing, if the first basic job resources are at the top of all of the queues, of all the basic resources, required by the first video capability. Responsive to the signal, the JCM adds, for a second video capability required by the first sub-job, a corresponding second basic job resource sub-job to the queues of each basic resource which the second video capability will require in order to perform the first sub-job. The JCM places the second basic job resources, which follow the first basic job resource in a basic resource queue, in an xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d state ready for processing after the first basic job resource, if the first and second basic job resources in the queue are submitted by the same job service and if the second basic job resource is for the same sub-job as the first basic job resource""s sub-job.
In accordance with another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of managing the processing of a plurality of jobs in a multifunctional printing system in which at least one job is inputted for processing at one or more job services. The process comprises providing a controller with a job contention manager (JCM) for prioritizing the printing system""s basic processing resources to enable the JCM to process a job for multiple video capabilities. A plurality of capability resources are provided for carrying out the one or more job services. A plurality of basic resources of the printing system are also provided. Each capability resource contains a list of the basic resources it needs to carry out its capability and each basic resource contains a list of the capability resources that depend upon it. A sub-job queue is provided for each capability resource and each basic resource.
Each respective job service, at a desired time, signals the JCM to carry out a sub-job of said at least one job. The signal for each of the sub-jobs includes information about the respective sub-job and its priority (FIFO or job based priority) and requesting job service. Responsive to a signal, the JCM creates for the at least one sub-job received from the job service, respective capability job resources containing the information, and adds each such capability job resource, based on priority, to the respective capability resource, job queue. Thereafter the JCM adds, for each capability job resource, component basic job resources to the queues of each basic resource which a respective capability resource will require. The JCM places the first basic job resources, which are components of a first capability resource, for the at least one sub-job, in an xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d state ready for processing, if the first basic job resources are at the top of all of the queues, of all the basic resources, required by the first capability resource. The JCM then places the second basic job resources, which are components of a second capability resource, which follow the first basic job resource in a basic resource queue, in an xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d state ready for processing after the first basic job resource, if the first and second basic job resources in the queue are submitted by the same job service and if the second basic job resource is for the same sub-job as the first basic job resource""s sub-job.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of this invention an apparatus is provided for prioritizing the use of multifunctional printing system""s basic processing resources. The apparatus employs a controller having a job contention manager (JCM). The apparatus includes: a plurality of basic resources of the printing system with each such resource having a queue; signal means, for one or more job services, at desired times, to signal the JCM to carry out a sub-job of a given job, the signal for each of the sub-jobs including information about the respective job and its job service and priority.
The apparatus further includes means for each respective job service, at a desired time, to send a signal to the JCM to carry out a sub-job of the at least one job, the signal for each of the sub-jobs including information about the respective sub-job and its job service and priority. The JCM includes: means for creating respective capability job resources containing the information, and for adding each such capability job resource, based on priority, to the respective capability resource, job queue; means for adding, for each capability job resource, component basic job resources to the queues of each basic resource which a respective capability resource will require; means for placing first basic job resources, which are components of a first capability resource, for the at least one sub-job, in an xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d state ready for processing, if the first basic job resources are at the top of all of the queues, of all the basic resources, required by the first capability resource; means for placing the second basic job resources, which are components of a second capability resource, and which follow the first basic job resource in a basic resource queue, in an xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d state ready for processing after the first basic job resource, if the first and second basic job resources in the queue are submitted by the same job service and if the second basic job resource is for the same sub-job as the first basic job resource""s sub-job.
An alternative apparatus in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of this invention is provided for managing the processing of a plurality of jobs in a multifunctional printing system in which at least one job is inputted for processing at one or more job services. The apparatus includes a controller having a job contention manager (JCM) for prioritizing the printing system""s basic processing resources. The apparatus comprises: a database which is associated with the JCM. The database includes a plurality of capability resources for carrying out the one or more job services and a plurality of basic resources of the printing system, with each capability resource containing a list of the basic resources it needs to carry out its capability and each basic resource containing a list of the capability resources that depend upon it. The database includes a sub-job queue for each capability resource and each basic resource. Signal means are provided, for permitting each respective job service, at a desired time, to signal the JCM to carry out a sub-job of the at least one job, with the signal for each of the sub-jobs including information about the respective job and its priority and requesting job service.
Each respective job service including means, at a desired time, for sending a signal to the JCM to carry out a sub-job of the at least one job, the signal for each of the sub-jobs including information about the respective sub-job and its job service and priority. The JCM includes: means for creating respective capability job resources containing the information, and adding each such capability job resource, based on priority, to the respective capability resource, job queue; means for adding, for each capability job resource, component basic job resources to the queues of each basic resource which a respective capability resource will require; means for placing first basic job resources, which are components of a first capability resource, for the at least one sub-job, in an xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d state ready for processing, if the first basic job resources are at the top of all of the queues, of all the basic resources, required by the first capability resource; and means for placing second basic job resources, which are components of a second capability resource, which follow the first basic job resource in a basic resource queue, in an xe2x80x9cActivexe2x80x9d state ready for processing after the first basic job resource, if the first and second basic job resources in the queue are submitted by the same job service and if the second basic job resource is for the same sub-job as the first basic job resource""s sub-job.
The prioritization approach used by the JCM in the process and apparatus of this invention can be FIFO or a combination of FIFO and job based priority as desired.

Method and apparatus to enable processing multiple capabilities for a sub-job when using a set of commonly shared resources


A magnesium secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator membrane and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution includes nitrogen-containing heterocyclic magnesium halide and an organic ether solvent.

Magnesium is one of the metal elements having the largest reserves on earth. Magnesium has excellent mechanical, physical and chemical properties and is used in various fields. In the periodic table of the elements, magnesium and lithium are located at positions diagonal from each other and these elements have the similar ionic radii and similar chemical properties. The electric potential for magnesium is higher than that of lithium (the potential for lithium is −3.03 V while the potentials for magnesium are −2.37 V (acidic) and −2.69 V (alkaline). Theoretical specific capacity of magnesium is lower than that of lithium (the theoretical specific capacity of lithium is 3862 mAh/g while that of magnesium is 2205 mAh/g). However, since magnesium is low cost, easy to handle and highly safe, a magnesium secondary battery including magnesium as a negative electrode has attracted attention as a subject of research for new types of battery systems. See Gregory T D, Hoffman R J, Winterton, Development of an ambient secondary magnesium battery, J. Electrochem. Soc., 137(1990)775-780; Aurbach D, Lu Z, Schechter A, Gofer Y, Gizbar H, Turgemann R, Cohen Y, Moshkovich M, Levi E, Prototype systems for rechargeable magnesium batteries Nature, 407(2000)724-727; YUAN Hua-tang; WU Feng; WU Xu-li; Li Qiang, The study and development of rechargeable magnesium battery, battery, 2002, 32(6): 14-17; FENG Zhen-Zhen; NULI Yan-Na; WANG Jiu-Lin; YANG Jun Development of rechargeable magnesium battery, Chemical and Physical Power Sources, 2007, 1:79-79.
An electrolytic solution for a magnesium secondary battery is closely related with reversible electrochemical deposition of magnesium. Thus, studies regarding properties of magnesium in various electrolytic solutions have been widely conducted. As an electrolytic solution having high reversibility of magnesium deposition and dissolution, a system including a Grignard reagent of an organic ether is known. However, this system of Grignard reagent has low electric conductivity (less than 0.5 ms/cm) and low anodic stability (i.e., potential of anode oxidization decomposition is less than 2.3 V vs. Mg). For example, electric conductivity of a system of ethyl magnesium bromide(chloride)/THF is as low as 0.26 ms/cm, and the potential of anode oxidization decomposition is 1.5 V vs. Mg (Genders J D, Pletcher D, Studies using microelectrodes of the Mg (II)/Mg couple in teraphydrofuran and propylene carbonate, J. Electroanal. Chem. 199(1986) 93-100; Lu Z, Schechter A, Moshkovich M, Aurbach D, On the electrochemical behavior of magnesium electrodes in polar aprotic electrolyte solutions, J. Electroanal. Chem., 466(1999)203-217; Guo Y S, Yang J, NuLi Y N, Wang J L, Study of electronic effect of Grignard reagents on their electrochemical behavior, Electrochem. Commun., 12(2010), 1671-1673). Anodic stability of the system of a Grignard reagent-electrolytic solution is determined based on a C—Mg bond in the Grignard reagent. Since the stability of the C—Mg bond is low, when the Grignard reagent-electrolytic solution is used for an electrolytic solution for a rechargeable battery, improvement of its anodic stability, in particular, improvement of its compatibility with a material for a positive electrode is expected (Aurbach D, Moshkovich M, Schechter A, Turgeaman R, Magnesium Deposition and Dissolution Processes in Ethereal Grignard Salt Solutions Using Simultaneous EQCM-EIS and In Situ FTIR Spectroscopy, Electrochem. Solid-State Lett., 3(2000)31-34).
At present, the most advanced system for an electrolytic solution for a magnesium secondary battery is a system of 0.25 mol/L Mg(AlCl2EtBu2)/tetrahydrofuran (wherein Et is ethyl and Bu is buthyl) proposed by Israeli scientist Mr. Aurbach. The potential for anode oxidization decomposition is 2.5 V vs. Mg (Aurbach D, Luz, Schechter A, Gofer Y, Gizbar H, Turgernann R, Cohen Y, Moshkovich M, Levi E, Nature, 407(2000)724-727).
A major direction of development for current magnesium secondary batteries is to facilitate the development of magnesium secondary batteries having high performance at low cost to seek a low-cost system for an electrolytic solution having at least one of high potential of anode oxidization decomposition, high electric conductivity, high reversibility of magnesium deposition and dissolution, and excellent cycle performance.

Magnesium secondary battery, use of electrolytic solution in magnesium secondary battery and electrolytic solution for magnetic secondary battery


An object of the invention is to diagnose whether an overcurrent detecting function with respect to a power semiconductor element of a power conversion apparatus is normal. The power conversion apparatus of the invention is provided with IGBTs as the power semiconductor element which performs a switching operation to convert DC power supplied from a DC power source into AC power, an overcurrent detecting circuit, and an overcurrent simulating circuit. The IGBTs include an emitter sensing terminal which outputs a sense current according to a current flowing to an emitter electrode. The overcurrent detecting circuit detects the overcurrent flowing to the IGBTs on the basis of the sense current output from the emitter sensing terminal. The overcurrent simulating circuit outputs a simulation signal which simulates the overcurrent flowing to the IGBTs and toward the overcurrent detecting circuit.

Conventionally, a power conversion apparatus (inverter) has been widely used for the purpose of driving a motor for running a vehicle, which is mounted in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and converts DC power into AC power. Such a power conversion apparatus generally includes a semiconductor element called a power semiconductor element as a switching element, and converts the DC power into the AC power using the power semiconductor element.
In the power conversion apparatus described above, there is a concern about that the power semiconductor element may be broken when an overcurrent flows due to a short circuit. Therefore, PTL 1 discloses a power conversion apparatus as a technique of preventing the power semiconductor element from being broken due to the overcurrent. The power conversion apparatus is provided with a transistor having as emitter sensing terminal as the switching element, and detects a magnitude of a sense current outputting from the emitter sensing terminal according to a current flowing to the transistor to detect the overcurrent.

Power conversion apparatus with overcurrent simulating circuit


A method for displaying the migration of lane oil over bowling alleys during play comprises the steps of incorporating an additive into the lane oil that is non-discernable when viewed with ambient light; applying the lane oil and incorporated additive to the surfaces of a bowling alley in a conventional manner; and selectively illuminating the surfaces with light from a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum having a wavelength to which the additive is responsive, thereby rendering detectable the presence of the lane oil and the migration thereof over the bowling alley.

Bowling lanes have long been coated with various clear protective coatings to keep them clean and free of ball marks, provide longevity and render a consistent friction coefficient permitting stable ball performance. However, the coatings along are not adequate to achieve these goals. As untreated they will eventually wear away from the constant rotation and sliding of the heavy bowling balls. Many of the balls are also somewhat abrasive and can eventually wear paths on the lane surface. In response to this weakness, oil preparations were introduced to protect the coatings and make lanes consistent.
While all bowling establishments use oils, application is standarized only for PBA tournaments. In those tournaments, the oil is sprayed on the lane across the entire width for a measured distance from the foul line. As the game progresses, the balls carry the oil beyond the application area along paths described by the ball. In championship, televised play, most of the balls are thrown on a path leading to the "pocket". As a result of most bowlers being right-handed, a path of oil grows along the right side of the lane. Spares shots and left-handed bowlers will spread the oil more slowly along the other areas of the lane.
Most professional bowlers are familiar with this oil migration and actually change balls as the game progresses to accommodate the change in lane conditions. Balls with greater friction characteristics are utilized later in the tournament to maintain ball control or hook. Also, balls are selected during the tournament for individual spare shots that travel outside the area deemed by the professional to be dry, or where oils has not yet spread.
Thus, despite the fact that millions of league bowlers regularly watch televised bowling tournaments, not only to be entertained but also to learn to become better bowlers, the existing art and broadcasting technology has failed to provide a method for visually displaying the migration of bowling lane oil during televised broadcasts of bowling activity.

Method for the visual display of the migration of bowling lane oil during play


The present invention is related to novel oral compositions comprising an irreversible gastric H+/K+ ATPase proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as a gastric acid secretion inhibitor and one or more small carboxylic acid molecules as parietal cell activators in the gastric lumen. Unexpectedly, the compositions of the present invention are capable of enhancing the anti-acid activity of PPI in the stomach. The present invention further relates to a method of using such compositions to reduce gastric acid secretion in a mammal.

A wide number of pathological conditions are characterized by the need to suppress gastric acid secretion. Such conditions include, but are not limited to Zollinger/Ellison syndrome (ZES), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, duodenal ulcers, esophagitis, and the like. Conditions such as peptic ulcers can have serious complications and represent some of the most prevalent diseases in industrialized nations.
Presently, the main therapies employed in the treatment of GERD and peptic ulcer diseases include agents for reducing the stomach acidity, for example by using the histamine H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs act by inhibiting the parietal cell H+/K+ ATPase proton pumps responsible for acid secretion from these cells. PPIs, such as omeprazole, and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts are disclosed for example in EP 05129, EP 124495 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,431.
PPI agents are acid-labile pro-drugs that are usually administered in enteric-coated granules and are weak bases. Following absorption in the small intestine, PPIs preferentially accumulate within the acid milieu of the acid-secreting parietal cells. The acid environment within the acid milieu of parietal cells causes the conversion of the pro-drugs into the active sulfenamides, which are the active agents that bind and inhibit the parietal cell H+/K+ ATPase pumps. Thus, pre-activation of parietal cells is required for the conversion of PPIs to its active protonated form. The pre-activation of parietal cells is usually achieved by meal ingestion that initiates gastrin-dependent parietal cell activation. Indeed, patients are instructed to take PPI one hour prior to meal intake in order to ensure that parietal cells are activated when the PPI reaches the parietal cells via blood stream.
Despite their well-documented efficacy, PPIs have notable limitations. The conversion of PPI to its active form requires pre-activation of parietal cells. The pre-activation of parietal cells is usually achieved with food. Thus, the PPI must be taken prior to ingestion of food in order to synchronize between the pre-activation of parietal cells and PPI absorption into the blood. Furthermore, PPIs have a relatively slow onset of pharmacological action and may require several days to achieve maximum acid suppression and symptom relief, limiting their usefulness in on-demand GERD therapy (Sachs G, Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2001; 13 Suppl 1:S35-41).
Moreover, once daily PPI administration fails to provide 24-h suppression of gastric acid while nocturnal acid breakthrough that leads to heartburn pain in GERD patients occurs even with twice-daily dosing of PPIs (Tytgat G N, Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2001; 13 Suppl 1:S29-33; Shaker R. et al., Am. J. of Gastroenterology, 98 (7), 2003). Thus, an improvement of PPI-mediated activity, especially at nighttime, is a well-recognized challenge in gastroenterology. (Scarpignato C. et al Dig. Dis 2006; 24:11-46.
Maleic acid and succinic acid, chemically characterized as four-carbon dicarboxylic acids, are known as powerful stimulants of gastric acid secretion (Teyssen et al., J. Clin Invest. 1999 103(5): 707-713). Teyssen et al. studied the stimulation of gastric acid secretion in fermented alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation (e.g., beer and wine). Interestingly, maleic acid and succinic acid extracted from fermented alcoholic beverages were found to stimulate gastric acid output in humans as that produced by beer, champagne, wine, and pentagastrin (a powerful exogenous stimulus to induce acid secretion), but without gastrin being their mediator of action.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,152 discloses that a mixture of succinic acid and citric acid in the dose of 3.5 mg/kg is capable of inducing gastric acid secretion in dogs as reflected by significant reduction in the pH of the gastric juice measured on an empty stomach 40 min following drug administration. This patent further discloses that succinic and citric acid stimulate acid secretion in healthy human volunteers.
Pokrovskiy et al. (Physiologicheskiy Z'urnal 10:1567-1573, 1973) also disclosed that molecules involved in the mitochondrial respiration circle (krebs cycle) such as pyruvate, succinate, alpha-ketoglutarate, malate or glucose may stimulates proton secretion in ex vivo model of frog mucosa.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,489,346; 6,645,988; and 6,699,885; to Phillips (jointly the "Phillips patents") disclose pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating acid-caused gastrointestinal disorders using oral compositions consisting of a PPI, at least one buffering agent and specific parietal cell activators. The parietal cell activators disclosed in the Phillips patents include, for example, chocolate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, coffee, tea and colas, caffeine, theophylline, theobromine and amino acids residues.
The development of an effective treatment for pathologies in which inhibition of gastric acid secretion is required would fulfill a long felt need. Despite the wide-spread use of PPIs, a need still exist for increasing the PPI efficacy, e.g., prolonged effect to control night time acid breakthrough, greater effect at reduced dosage and meal-independent administration. Applicants' invention disclosed herein meets many of these long felt needs.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Compositions and methods for inhibiting gastric acid secretion