A distribution device for distributing bulk material with a distribution spout on a cardan suspension that has a first and a second gimbal member pivotable about two perpendicular suspension axes where a drive arrangement has a first and a second transmission mechanism for controlling pivotal motion of the distribution spout about the suspension axes, and the drive arrangement has a further cardan joint, with a first part pivotable about a third axis and a second part pivotable about a fourth axis, and a rotary motor for driving a rotary drive shaft that is connected to the cardan joint by means of an articulated connecting arm such that the rotational position and the axial position of the drive shaft determine the pivotal position of the second part about the third and fourth axes respectively, where the transmission mechanisms transmit torque about the third and fourth axes from the cardan joint to the cardan suspension for pivoting the distribution spout about the first and second axes respectively.

The distribution device is a key component of any typical top charging installation because proper charge distribution is crucial for reactor operation.
In the iron-making industry, a charging system commercially known by the name bell less Top® has found widespread use for charging blast furnaces. This system typically includes a distribution device with a distribution chute that is rotatable about the vertical furnace axis and pivotable about a horizontal axis for distributing bulk material on the stockline as desired. The device has a mechanism for rotating and pivoting the distribution chute according to the desired charging profile. Systems of this type have been disclosed for example in international patent application WO 95/21272 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,806; U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,792; U.S. Pat. No. 3,814,403 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,693,812. By rotating the chute about the vertical furnace axis and by varying the inclination of the chute, burden in bulk can be directed to virtually any point of the charging surface. Besides many other advantages, this type of distribution device enables a wide variety of charging profiles due to its versatility in distributing the burden on the charging surface. Accordingly, it requires highly developed equipment, in particular as regards the mechanism for rotating and pivoting distribution chute.
A currently less widespread alternative is a so-called cardan-type or gimbal-type distribution device. This type has a tubular distribution spout that is suspended in cardanic manner so as to be pivotable about two generally perpendicular axes of which one is typically horizontal. Since cardan-type devices have no revolving spout support that rotates full turns (>360°), they theoretically facilitate construction of the drive equipment and, if cooling of the chute is desired, of corresponding cooling equipment.
An early example of a cardan-type distribution device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,351. The spout is suspended on a supporting fork, which is rotatably supported on its first end to provide for pivoting about a first horizontal axis. The spout is pivotally suspended on the pronged second end of the support fork to provide for pivoting the spout about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A first actuator is connected to the first end of the support fork for pivoting about the first axis. The support fork further carries a transmission mechanism for transmitting action of a second actuator from the first end of the supporting fork to the pivoting suspension of the spout on its second end. A variety of similar designs have been proposed in patent literature, e.g. in: U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,426; U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,827; U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,120; IT 1103916; IT 1126248 and DE 2 649 248. Examples of suitable drive arrangements for pivoting the spout are described in more detail e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,827 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,004 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,008. In such devices, the support of the spout is a generally fork-shaped member as described above that carries both the spout and a transmission mechanism connected to the second actuator for pivoting about the second axis. The fork-type support being designed for significant loads and torques, it has comparatively large size and heavy weight thus increasing the moment of inertia on the first axis, i.e. the main suspension axis.
Designs with reduced moment of inertia on the main suspension axis have been proposed in Japanese patent application JP 58 207303 and in European Patent EP 1 833 999. In these devices, a conventional cardan construction with two ring-shaped gimbal members supports the spout. A drive arrangement with two similar transmission mechanisms connects the cardan suspension, in particular the gimbal member that has both pivotal degrees of freedom, to respective actuators. Compared to the aforementioned fork-type designs, the gimbal members are compact and less heavy since they do not carry the load of any transmission mechanism. A drawback of designs according to JP 58 207303 and EP 1 833 999 resides in the actuators used in their drive arrangement. As opposed to drive configurations according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,827 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,004 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,008, they use linear actuators i.e. hydraulic cylinders for actuation of each of the two degrees of freedom. As will be understood, such design implies that each actuator is permanently oscillating for achieving typical charging patterns that require circular or spiral motion of the spout outlet. As a result, a device according to JP 58 207303 and EP 1 833 999 is inherently subject to a certain degree of actuator outage and consequent repair.

Device for distributing bulk material with a distribution spout supported by a cardan suspension


The present invention is directed to a novel trifluoromethylsulfonamide derivative which inhibits the processing of APP by the putative γ-secretase and thus is useful in the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease. This compound possesses favorable pharmacokinetic properties in higher species (rhesus) and thus can be dosed on an intermittent dosing regiment (e.g., once weekly). When dosed on such a regiment the compound exhibits significant and continuous Aβ lowering without the manifestation of Notch associated gastrointestinal toxicity for extended periods, e.g., 7 days. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are also included.

This invention relates to a novel compound for treating or preventing diseases associated with the deposition of β-amyloid peptide in the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease, or of preventing or delaying the onset of dementia associated with such diseases.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia. Its diagnosis is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., published by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV). It is a neurodegenerative disorder, clinically characterized by progressive loss of memory and general cognitive function, and pathologically characterized by the deposition of extracellular proteinaceous plaques in the cortical and associative brain regions of sufferers. These plaques mainly comprise fibrillar aggregates of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). Aβ is formed from amyloid precursor protein (APP) via separate intracellular proteolytic events involving the enzymes β-secretase and γ-secretase (see Selkoe, Physiol. Rev., 81(2), 741-766 (2001). Variability in the site of the proteolysis mediated by γ-secretase results in Aβ of varying chain length, e.g. Aβ(1-38), Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42). N-terminal truncations such as Aβ(4-42) are also found in the brain, possibly as a result of variability in the site of proteolysis mediated by 3-secretase. After secretion into the extracellular medium, Aβ forms initially-soluble aggregates which are widely believed to be the key neurotoxic agents in AD (see Gong et al, PNAS, 100 (2003), 10417-22), and which ultimately result in the insoluble deposits and dense neuritic plaques which are the pathological characteristics of AD.
Other dementing conditions associated with deposition of Aβ in the brain include cerebral amyloid angiopathy, hereditary cerebral haemorrhage with amyloidosis, Dutch-type (HCHWA-D), multi-infarct dementia, dementia pugilistica and Down syndrome.
The role of secretases, including that of γ-secretase, in the processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to form Aβ is well documented in the literature, and so inhibiting the processing of APP by γ-secretase is recognized as a likely means of treating or preventing AD and related conditions (a recent review of activity in this area is provided by Garofalo, Expert Opin. Ther. Patents (2008) 18(7), 693-703). However, attempts to develop such a treatment have been hampered by the fact that γ-secretase is active towards a number of different transmembrane proteins in addition to APP (for a review, see Pollack and Lewis, Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (2005), 6(1), 35-47), with the result that inhibition of γ-secretase can lead to unwanted side effects as well as the desired interruption of APP processing. In particular, γ-secretase plays a crucial role in the Notch cell-signaling process, which itself plays a crucial role in cell-fate determination. The Notch receptor protein is a transmembrane protein which, in response to activation by the relevant ligand, undergoes intramembranous cleavage by γ-secretase, releasing the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) which can then migrate to the cell nucleus and modulate gene transcriptions (Pollack and Lewis, supra). An example of cell-fate determination influenced by Notch is the differentiation of proliferative epithelial cells in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, with the result that suppression of Notch processing leads to intestinal goblet cell metaplasia and severe GI toxicity (Searfoss et al, J. Biol. Chem. (2003), 278(46), 46107-46116; Wang et al, J. Biol. Chem. (2004), 279(13), 12876-12882; Milano et al, Toxicological Sciences, (2004), 82, 341-358; and Van Es et al, Nature (2005), 435, 959-963).
There is therefore a need for a means of inhibiting the processing of APP that has minimal effect on the processing of Notch. Although there are a few reports of γ-secretase inhibitors showing selectivity for APP processing over Notch processing (see Garofolo, supra; and Petit et al, J. Neuroscience (2003), 74, 370-377), none has so far led to a viable treatment for AD. Furthermore, the present investigators have found that certain compounds which show selectivity for APP processing over Notch processing in vitro can still cause GI toxicity in vivo, particularly when administered to higher species such as primates. There is therefore an ongoing need for improved methods for inhibiting APP processing without incurring significant Notch-related GI toxicity.
The present invention is directed to a novel trifluoromethylsulfonamide derivative which inhibits the processing of APP by the putative γ-secretase and thus is useful in the treatment or prevention of AD. This compound possesses pharmacokinetic properties in higher species (rhesus) which are favorable for dosing on an intermittent dosing regiment (e.g., once weekly). When dosed on such a regiment the compound exhibits significant and continuous Aβ lowering without the manifestation of Notch associated gastrointestinal toxicity for extended periods, e.g., 7 days.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Trifluoromethylsulfonamide gamma secretase inhibitor


A method for the treatment of diseases related to loss of bone mass such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, hyperparathyroidism, parodontal diseases and implant-related bone loss comprising administration to a patient suffering therefrom an amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, effective to mitigate the symptoms of the bone disease.

The balance in normal subjects between on the one hand bone formation, which is associated with the number and activity of osteoblasts, that is cells associated with the production of bone in the organism, and on the other hand bone loss, which is associated with the number and activity of osteoclasts, that is cells associated with the absorption and removal of bone, is disturbed in several bone affecting diseases. At the present time there is no good treatment for any of these diseases, among which can be mentioned osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, hyperparathyroidism and related disorders, and several malignant neoplasms where tumor cells are producing osteoclast-activating factors and cause hypercalcemia.
Worldwide the most urgent need is for the treatment of osteoporosis and tumor associated hypercalcemia. In some areas, e.g. in England and in some other parts of Europe there is also high incidence of Paget's disease of bone.
In osteoporosis bone formation as well as bone resorption are disturbed, resulting in decreased bone mass. Osteoporosis predominantly affects the elderly, but also other groups such as postmenopausal women, where an estrogen deficit is believed to be a significant etiological factor, and immobilized patients. At this point it is not possible to clear up the whole picture of the disease mechanism and estimate which is the primary cause of osteoporosis. However, about 25% of osteoporotic females belong to what is called "rapid bone losers" and at least in those patients the bone resorption rate is probably increased. Landry and Fleisch showed in immobilization induced osteoporosis that bone resorption rate was accelerated, (Landry, M. and Fleisch, H,: The influence of immobilization on bone formation as evaluated the incorporation of tetracyclines. J. Bone Joint Surg. 46B: 764, 1964).
The clinical manifestations of osteoporosis comprise fractures, especially hip fractures, but also vertebral fractures and fractures of the proximal radius, and complication of such fractures.
In Finland it has been estimated that about 10% of all surgical hospital beds are used for the treatment of osteoporosis related fractures (Luthje, P.: Reisiluunkaulan ja trokantterin murtumapotilaiden hoito ja ennuste seka hiodon kustannukset. Thesis. Helsinki 1983).

Use of bafilomycine and derivatives to treat bone diseases


A multi-layered band and a method for manufacturing a multi-layered band are disclosed. The multi-layered band comprises a support (1) to hold at least one battery structure (10) formed by overlapped layers including a porous material (11) and two electroactive electrodes (12, 13), one oxidizing (12) and one reducing (13), separated at a certain distance between them and in touch with said porous material (11). The battery structure (10) is configured to be activated upon the addition of a fluid into a given region of the porous material (11) and to provide electrical energy while said fluid impregnates by capillarity the porous material (11). The overlapped layers are constituted by parallel strips extending longitudinally along the length of the support (1), such that said multi-layered band can be cut transversally providing individual batteries of a same or different width each including the porous material (11) and the electroactive electrodes (12, 13).

The most widely used technology for in vitro diagnostics (IVD) is the lateral flow immunoassay. This is mostly because they have a simple test design, they are compact, results are quick and easy to read, and their manufacturing is easy and inexpensive.
The first tests were made for the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), as pregnancy test. Today, there are commercially available tests for monitoring ovulation, detecting infectious disease organisms, analyzing drugs of abuse, and measuring other analytes important to human physiology. Products have also been introduced for veterinary testing, agricultural applications, environmental testing, and product quality evaluation. FIG. 1 of the attached drawings shows a typical configuration of a lateral flow test.
A lateral flow assay consists of different overlapped porous membranes placed over a flat substrate (backing). The sample is added on the sample pad and flows by capillarity towards the wick or absorbent pad. The conjugate pad contains colored particles conjugated with an antigen or antibody, these particles are re-dissolved with the sample and flow together to the nitrocellulose membrane. The nitrocellulose contains two regions onto which other specific biological components have been immobilized. These are typically proteins, either antibody or antigen, which have been laid down in bands in specific areas of the membrane where they serve to capture the analyte and the conjugate as they flow over the capture lines. Excess reagents move past the capture lines and are entrapped in the wick or absorbent pad. Results are interpreted on the reaction zone in the nitrocellulose membrane as the presence or absence of lines (test line and control line), these can be read either by eye or using an electronic reader.
The different porous membranes comprising the lateral flow are assembled over a backing material coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) (FIG. 2). The backing materials are typically cardboard, polystyrene or other plastic materials coated with a medium to high tack adhesive. The backing comes with a protective release liner, which is removed prior to lamination. This release liner can be kiss cut to allow the sequential removal of selected parts for lamination. The use of backing material provides rigidity and ease of handling to a lateral flow immunoassay strip and is a necessity in order to laminate multiple materials. The lamination process allows the alignment and overlapping of the multiple materials with acceptable tolerances.
Lamination of lateral flow components can be done by two methods, batch mode or in continuous in-line or reel-to-reel mode. In batch processing, card lengths of materials are processed individually, assembled into cards, and cut into strips. These backing cards usually have a length of 30 to 60 cm and include a series of peel-off covers to be removed to attach the various components. Batch lamination can be done by hand or using a laminator. The laminator helps placing the components and ensures a reproducible assembly.
In in-line or reel-to-reel processing, all components are maintained in roll format until they have been treated and laminated, and only then are they cut into either individual strip or card lengths for final packaging.
Once the assembly is laminated, the master card or roll is cut in individual test strips. There are three typical types of cutters: guillotine, single rotary blade, and rotary card cutter. Test strips are usually cut to widths of 3 to 6 mm.
After cutting, the strips can be placed inside a plastic box or cassette that provides a sample container, a buffer inlet if needed and a window to see the results area on the nitrocellulose strip. These cassettes can hold one or multiple test strips inside.
Apart from that, although lateral flow assays do not require any electric power to operate (they rely on capillary forces and the results can be read by the naked eye), their performance can be improved by the use of electrical elements or instrumentation providing electronic readers. These electronic readers may perform a variety of functions including, for example, sample pretreatment, hydraulic controls, heating, timing, light sources, photodetectors, RF communications and, in most cases, screens as the interface between the device and the user to set up the test and display the result. The use of an electronic reader has the advantage of providing an unambiguous qualitative/quantitative result of an assay and can improve the sensitivity and limit of detection. Either benchtop equipment or portable handheld devices, electronic instrumentation requires a source of electrical power in order to perform their functions. In portable readers the power demand has been fulfilled with either primary or secondary batteries.
Some products in the market offer disposable digital pregnancy or ovulation tests that rely on button-cell batteries to perform an optical measurement and yield semiquantitative results. After a single use (or a few uses in the case of ovulation tests), the whole device is thrown away. This includes the lateral flow strip, the plastic casing, the optical sensor, an LCD display, electronic components mounted on a PCB, and the almost fully charged battery.
Also, document "Paper-based enzymatic microfluidic fuel cell: From a two-stream flow device to a single-stream lateral flow strip", González-Guerrero Maria José et al. presents a first approach towards the development of a cost-effective enzymatic paper-based glucose/O2 microfluidic fuel cell in which fluid transport is based on capillary action. A first fuel cell configuration consists of a Y-shaped paper device with the fuel and the oxidant flowing in parallel over carbon paper electrodes modified with bioelectrocatalytic enzymes. The anode consists of a ferrocenium-based polyethyleneimine polymer linked to glucose oxidase (GOx/Fc-C6-LPEI), while the cathode contains a mixture of laccase, anthracene-modified multiwall carbon nanotubes, and tetrabutylammonium bromide-modified Nafion (MWCNTs/laccase/TBAB-Nafion). In the configuration proposed by this prior art document, see FIG. 3A, the electrodes are coplanar and facing each other perpendicular to the strip of paper through which flows the liquid that will activate the fuel cell.
"Microfluidic fuel cells on paper: meeting the power needs of next generation lateral flow devices", J. P. Esquivel et al. presents the development of microfluidic fuel cells as paper-based power sources in a standard lateral flow test format. These fuel cells benefit from the laminar flow occurring in a porous material by capillarity to separately react with two parallel streams, anolyte and catholyte, without an ionic exchange membrane or external pumps. This microfluidic fuel cell approach enables a more straightforward integration with typical lateral flow test strips and a cost-effective manufacturing. In the configuration proposed by this prior art document, see FIG. 3B, the electrodes are arranged at different levels, separated by the paper strip.
"Paper-based microfluidic biofuel cell operating under glucose concentrations within physiological range", González-Guerrero Maria José et al. addresses the development of a compact paper-based enzymatic microfluidic glucose/O2 fuel cell that can operate using a very limited sample volume (≈35 μl) and explores the energy generated by glucose at concentrations typically found in blood samples at physiological conditions (pH 7.4). Carbon paper electrodes combined with a paper sample absorption substrate all contained within a plastic microfluidic casing are used to construct the paper-based fuel cell. In the configuration proposed by this document, the electrodes are also arranged at different levels, separated by the paper strip (see FIG. 3C).
In any of the above-cited documents, the electrical contacts with the electrodes are lateral and protrude outside the dimension of the strip of paper that constitutes the fluidic of the battery or fuel cell. Moreover, the electrodes do not have continuity along all the surface of the strip of paper. Therefore, the arrangement of the electrodes in the quoted prior art complicates the design and the capacity to be integrated in line in band or roll format.
Apart from that, Final Report Summary—APPOCS (Autonomous Paper-based Point-of-Care Biosensing System) discloses the development of paper-based fuel cells, batteries and redox flow batteries to power point-of-care analytical devices. The devices allow the autonomous quantitative measurement of a biological sample and visualize the results within a thin, flexible and disposable package. The document discloses that the paper-based batteries can be fabricated with roll-to-roll processing, but it do not provide any details on the in line implementation in band or roll format.
Roll to Roll Processing, "Technology Assessments" makes reference to roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques but not to lateral flow. Throughout the document it is mentioned that battery components (membranes, electrodes, etc.) can be manufactured by roll-to-roll, but this document does not make reference to a whole battery manufactured by said manufacturing technique. Although Lithium batteries and printed batteries are acknowledged, these are a type of batteries that carry the electrolyte encapsulated (sealed), therefore have to be custom made designs and do not have the possibility to be cut in different sizes after the assembly or lamination of the different components/layers.
"Lateral-flow technology: From visual to instrumental", Cheung Mak et al. discloses the manufacture of lateral flow test strips. The document examines recent labelling strategies, the relative merits of optical and electrochemical transducers and explores the evolution of recognition elements that are now being incorporated into these systems.
Despite the known solutions in the field, there are not known multi-layered bands integrating one or more batteries, with a same or different width and performance (capacity or power), which are fabricated using the same materials and manufacturing methods used in the lateral flow test industry and that can also integrate/include a lateral flow assay. None of the known solutions present a battery system that can be fabricated in band or a roll format, where every individual cut along the band or roll dimension, constitutes a battery unit, independently of the cutting.

Multi-layered band and a method for manufacturing a multi-layered band


A unified swivel snap device provides optional rotational motion for use as fishing tackle to couple lures, bait hooks, and weights to a main fishing line. Embodiments include a rod rotatably held within a housing and a snap configured to lock the swivel by attaching to both the housing and the rod. Embodiments of the swivel can be unlocked by attaching the snap to the rod alone and allowing the rod to swivel relative to the housing. The swivel snap can be used for enhancing a variety of fishing mechanisms including the shank of jigs and the spindle of lures and other apparatus attached to fishing lines. Embodiments of the locking swivel snap can be used in other applications which call for selective locking of swivel motion.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to locking swivel apparati. In some embodiments, the locking swivel apparati may be used in fishing to fasten terminal gear to a main line.
2. Description of the Related Art
In some embodiments, the locking swivel apparati of the invention may be used for fishing. The practice of fishing typically entails use of a rigid snap connector at the end of a primary line. Such snap connectors are generally devices for attaching fishing lines by a wire snap or clip. These wire snaps are generally small closeable wire structures with an openable loop for attaching gear to the end of a primary line. For example, devices such as double end locking wire snaps, twisted wire hook closures with eyelets, and devices with dual locking arms with eyelets have been used for some time.
In many situations a swivel body can also be used in attachment of lines. Such swivel bodies generally comprise an upper end to which a main line can be attached, and a lower end configured to rotate relative to the upper end. Terminal gear can then be connected to the lower end of the swivel by a wire snap in order to allow the terminal gear to rotate without twisting the main line.
Anglers on larger rivers and lakes frequently fish for various species in varying water depths with a variety of fabricated spoons, lures, bottom bouncers, weights, and natural bait hook arrangements. Many of these devices function correctly with only a non-swiveling snap connector to the line, while others also require a swivel to avoid twisting of the gear or the line and to provide proper action for the hook assembly. Many existing swivel devices also include a snap. However, one must remove the entire assembly in order to replace it with a snap when a non-swiveling snap is desired.


Separable nanotubes are made from a transition metal oxide, preferably from a vanadium oxide of variable valence. They show a greater oxidation resistance than the carbon-based nanotubes known so far and offer many new and economic applications. The inventive nanotubes clearly show oxidation-reduction activities and are particularly suited as an active material for catalytic reactions.

Nanotubes and the process for their production is known according to the current state-of-the-art. The nanotubes are needle-shaped tubes with a length of 1,000 .ANG., for example, and a diameter of a few 100 .ANG.. Nanotubes are separated or separable and do not all point in one specific direction. Known are also sclerogenous structures, which are created by a network of tubes. The tubes of such a sponge-like structure have an inside diameter that is growth-limited to be not larger than 80 .ANG..
The currently known nanotubes and also the above-mentioned sclerogenous structures consist mainly of carbon and are produced by arcing. Reference is made to this in JP-A-071 65 406, JP-A-071 97 325 and in scientific discussions published in NATURE, volume 358, pages 220 through 222 and volume 363, pages 603 through 605. Known are also nanotubes made of gold or titanium oxide, as it can be seen in a publication of Langmuir, volume 12, number 6, 1996, pages 1411 through 1413.
Single nanotubes may be used, for example, to catch individual molecules. Nanotubes may be handled individually or they may be pasted on for microscopic examinations. However, carbon nanotubes have specifically the disadvantage that they are unstable relative to oxidizing effects.

Use and production of nanotubes containing a mixed valence venadium


An optical equipment with a lens position control device for a zoom lens of inner focus type, enabling a faster focusing operation and also enabling focusing to an object of a very short distance, regardless of the initial state of the zoom lens. The equipment is provided with a first detector for detecting the zoom state, a second detector for detecting the focus state, and a controller varying the control of the zooming lens group and the focusing lens group according to the zooming state. When the focusing lens is to be moved to a position for focusing to a shorter distance, the controller drives the focusing lens group and the zooming lens group during the same time, only if the zooming lens group is at the wide angle side with respect to a predetermined zoom state, thus reducing the focusing time without a significant change in the image angle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical equipment provided with a lens position control device.
2. Related Background Art
There are already known various optical designs for an image-taking lens with variable focal length, a so-called zoom lens, employed for example in a video camera. Among such designs, most commonly known is a so-called 4-group zoom lens consisting of a 1st front lens group for focusing, a 2nd lens group for varying the image magnification, a 3rd lens group for correction and a 4th fixed lens group for image forming, wherein the 2nd and 3rd groups are linked in a predetermined relation to achieve the zooming operation. In such a 4-group zoom lens, the focusing by the 1st lens group is totally independent from the focal length adjustment by the 2nd and 3rd lens groups, so that it is not necessary to move the 1st lens group for zooming nor to move the 2nd lens group for focusing. For this reason a relatively simple mechanism can be employed in the lens barrel.
On the other hand, there is also known a zoom lens of the so-called inner focus type in which the focusing is achieved by the 3rd and following lens groups. In such as lens structure, different from the 4-group zoom lens mentioned above, the shortest focusable distance achieved by most advancing the focusing lens group is variable depending on the focal length. Particularly it provides an advantage, not achievable with the 4-group zoom lens, of focusing even to a very short distance just in front of the lens at the wide angle end. However, in such a zoom lens of inner focus type, the focusing lens group has to be moved in case of zooming even when the distance to the object is constant, since the focusing lens group is positioned behind the zooming lens groups. For this reason such a zoom lens requires a very complicated mechanism in the lens barrel, and has been little used in practice. Nevertheless, a recent development in the automatic focusing device has realized a system of directly evaluating the image blur on the focal plane and controlling the position of the focusing lens group based on thus-obtained information. Thus, the combination of an automatic focusing device and an inner focus type lens in such a system allows proper positioning the focusing lens group, without a complicated barrel structure.
FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate certain examples of the inner focus lens. In a type shown in FIG. 5, a 1st lens group 1 is fixed. A 2nd lens group is movable between a solid-lined position 2 corresponding to the shortest focal length (wide angle end) to a chain-lined position 2' corresponding to the longest focal length (telephoto end). In this example a 3rd lens group is linked with the 2nd lens group with a certain relation as in the conventional 4-group zoom lens and is movable from a solid-lined position 3 (wide angle end) to a chain-lined position 3' (telephoto end). Said 2nd and 3rd lens groups are linked for example by a cam ring, as in the mechanism for the 4-group zoom lens. A focusing lens group 4 is rendered axially movable within a predetermined range as indicated by an arrow.
An example shown in FIG. 6 lacks the lens group 3 shown in FIG. 5. Also in this example, the lens group 4 is divided into a fixed front lens group 4A and a rear lens group 4B which is axially movable within a predetermined range for focusing.
In an example shown in FIG. 7, 1st and 4th lens groups 1, 4 are fixed, while a 2nd lens group is movable between a wide angle end position 2 and a telephoto end position 2'. A focusing lens group 3 is rendered axially movable within a predetermined range.
In an example shown in FIG. 8, a 1st lens group 1 is not fixed. The 1st and 2nd lens groups are moved in mutual linkage in zooming, between wide angle end positions 1, 2 and telephoto end positions 1', 2'. The focusing is achieved by a rearmost lens group 4B as in the example shown in FIG. 6.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show the relation, in the inner focus lenses shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, between the position of the focusing lens group and the focal length. FIG. 9 corresponds to the lenses shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 while FIG. 10 corresponds to the lens shown in FIG. 5, and the zero position in the ordinate indicates the position of the focusing lens group when focused to the infinite distance at the telephoto end.
In the lenses shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, as shown in FIG. 9, the shortest focusable distance is 0 m at the wide end, about 1 m at the intermediate position or about 0.6 m at the telephoto end. Also in the type of the lens shown in FIG. 5, said distance is 0 m at the wide angle end, and gradually increases to reach about 1 m at the telephoto end.
FIG. 11 shows the basic principle of an example of automatic focusing device of an the aforementioned type for directly evaluating the image blur on the focal plane. In FIG. 11A, there are shown an image frame 17 for example of a video camera, a distance measuring area for extracting a signal for automatic focusing, and a contrast pattern 19 of the object. FIG. 11B shows the method of signal processing. The contrast pattern (a) provides a luminance signal (b) which gives a differentiated signal (c). The absolute value of said signal is taken to obtain a signal (d), and sample holding provides a signal (e) with a height A. In a chart in FIG. 11 showing said value A in the ordinate as a function of the position of the focusing lens group in the abscissa, there is obtained a curve with a peak of which position (B) corresponds to the in-focus position of the focusing lens group.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram in case an inner focus lens shown in FIG. 6 is combined with such an automatic focusing device 12, 13. There are provided a sensor 12, an automatic focusing (AF) circuit 13 for detecting the focus state from the output of the sensor 12, and a motor 14 for axially driving a focusing lens group 4B.
In practice, however, in the structure shown in FIG. 12 it is often difficult to constantly maintain the in-focus state particularly during a zooming operation. This is because the track shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 for focusing to a given object distance cannot be traced due to the movement of the second zooming lens group in the course of the time required by the automatic focusing device 12, 13 to detect the image blur, to determine a front or rear focused state and to determine the direction of rotation of the motor 14.
In consideration of the foregoing, the present applicant already proposed, in the Japanese Patent Application Sho 63-109966, a method of dividing a map indicating the position of the focusing lens group in the ordinate as a function of the focal length in the abscissa, as shown in FIG. 9 or 10, into plural blocks I, II, . . . as shown in FIG. 13, then determining the moving direction and speed of the focusing lens group from the differentiated value of a track passing through the approximate center of each block and the moving speed of the second lens group in the course of the zooming operation, and activating the driving means for the zooming second lens group and that for the focusing lens group at the same time, even if the result of distance measurement is not obtained from the automatic focusing device, thereby preventing the out-of-focus state in the course of a zooming operation.
Also the inner focus lens explained above may become unable to be focused to an object if the focal length is improperly selected, since the shortest focusable distance at the most advanced position of the focusing lens group shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 varies depending on the focal length.
For avoiding such a drawback, the Japanese Laid-open Patent Sho 60-143310 discloses a method of determining, by calculation, whether the distance to the object identified by the automatic focusing device is shorter than the shortest focusable distance at the current focal length, and, if shorter, forcedly moving the zooming lens group toward the wider angle side.
Although such a method is relatively easily practiceable in case the in-focus lens position is predictable from the current position of the focusing lens group, as in the automatic focusing device of the so-called aberration detecting method, but is not applicable to an automatic focusing device capable only of identifying a rear or front focus state or incapable of detecting the exact distance to the object.
Another conceivable method for avoiding such a drawback consists, if an out-of-focus state is encountered at a short object distance, of moving the focusing lens group to the shortest distance position at the current focal length, and, if the out-of-focus state still continues, moving the zooming lens group toward the wider angle side.
However, this method will require a longer time before the in-focus state is reached.

Optical equipment with lens position control utilizing zoom and focusing motors for focusing


An article of footwear is provided with a normally open reed switch and provides a visual or audible signal when the reed switch is closed. A magnet is provided movable under inertial forces between an ON position where it causes the reed switch to close and an OFF position where it allows the reed switch to open. The magnet is biased to OFF position.

It is known to provide circuitry for installation in an article of footwear wherein the motion of the circuit while walking causes a light source to be switched on. Such a light source must be battery powered and preferably, to avoid undue battery wear and/or battery replacement, means must be provided to ensure that the light is turned off when the circuit is not in use.


Provided are an image processing device and an image processing method for generating a disparity image from a first image and a second image. A vertical edge extraction unit detects vertical edges in the first image, and a horizontal segmentation unit divides a horizontal line in the first image into a plurality of segments using the detected edges as borders between the segments. A disparity search unit calculates, for each of the segments, a disparity between the segment and a region of the second image similar to the segment, and a disparity image generation unit generates the disparity image in accordance with the disparity calculated for each of the segments.

Conventionally, technology has been proposed for extracting disparity information from a pair of images, such as stereo images, of an object photographed from different locations, and for reconstructing 3D information on the object using the extracted disparity information. During processing to extract disparity information from a pair of images, a method called block matching is often used.
Block matching is a method for calculating the disparity of a target pixel. Given a target block composed of the target pixel and neighboring pixels in one image in a pair of images, this method searches for a corresponding block with similar pixel values in the other image and calculates the disparity of the target pixel to be the disparity between the target block and the corresponding block. In this context, for grayscale images, a pixel value indicates the brightness, and for color images, the pixel value indicates the brightness/color difference or is a value based on a color system such as RGB.
In stereo images, a region may exist in which pixel values greatly differ between the images, such as a region that is concealed by an object in the foreground of one image but appears in the other image. Block matching is processing to search for corresponding blocks using similarity between pixel values, thus making it difficult to search for the corresponding block if a region in which pixel values greatly differ between the images is included in the target block.
Patent Literature 1 proposes technology for solving this problem. In Patent Literature 1, edges are extracted from an image, and the target block is divided along the extracted edges, thereby excluding, from the target block, regions in which pixel values greatly differ. In a region in which pixel values greatly differ between a pair of images, pixel values often differ greatly from other regions within the same image as well. Extracting, from a block, a region in which pixel values greatly differ therefore results in extraction, from the block, of a region in which pixel values greatly differ between images.

Image processing device and image processing method


A work surface apparatus for a vehicle cargo area includes a tailgate including at least two panel-supporting posts adapted for translating between a stowed position and a substantially horizontal deployed position to hold a work surface and a cargo area extender configurable for supporting in a substantially planar configuration by the deployed at least two panel-supporting posts. The cargo area extender may be defined by a folding panel. The folding panel may be defined by hingedly connected sections and may be stowed within a portion of the tailgate.

For various reasons, it may be desirable to extend the effective length of a vehicle cargo area such as a truck bed, such as for hauling a particularly long piece of cargo that would not fit in the cargo area with the tailgate in the raised position. In some cases, this is done by lowering the tailgate and placing a cargo area extender thereon to effectively increase the usable cargo area volume. Such cargo area extenders may be cage-like structures comprised of stacked, curved bars, box-like structures comprised of adjoining panels, and others. While effective, this arrangement requires using a large, separate component for placement on the lowered tailgate, which must be stored apart from the vehicle when not in use. Alternatively, the cargo area extender may be carried in the vehicle cargo area, but this reduces the amount of usable space in the vehicle cargo area.
In turn, often vehicle users require work surfaces for performing various tasks, and it is highly convenient to the user to have such work surfaces associated with or carried in the truck cargo area for use. However, again storing work surfaces such as tables, sawhorses, etc. in a truck cargo area reduces the amount of space usable for carrying other items.
Thus, a need is identified for a vehicle cargo area work surface that can be easily stowed when not in use so as not to occupy otherwise usable cargo area storage space, but which can be rapidly and easily deployed from the stowed configuration for use.

Vehicle cargo area extender work surface


The present invention includes an assembly and method to pump fluids produced by a drilled well within a geological formation having a borehole wall fixed by casing. The invention includes a subsurface pump having a stationary member and a mobile member. A pump anchor fixes the pump to the well casing. A hollow continuous tube or coiled tubing extends within the well bore from the surface down to the lower portion of the well bore. The bottom end of the coiled tubing is connected to the mobile member of the pump. Preferably, the coiled tubing can be coiled and uncoiled from a reel located on the surface. A hollow polished rod has a bottom end coupled to a free top end of the coiled tubing. The hollow polished rod is connected to means to operate the hollow rod according to a selected movement, preferably reciprocating axial movement. The pumped fluids are recovered on the surface from the hollow polished rod and coiled tubing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method to extract through pumping, an effluent produced by a drilled well within a geological formation. Preferably, it pertains to the extraction of hydrocarbons. Specifically, the assembly and method comprises the use of continuous coiled tubing capable of transporting effluents to the surface through its interior.
2. Description of the Related Art
Although the demand for liquid hydrocarbons and gas increases, crude oil prices are declining. The reduced prices bring about the need to develop new techniques and methods of artificial lift, and new devices or equipment that reduce the initial investment on a new well, and reduce the lifting cost in new, or even old wells.
Typically, a well is drilled once an underground oil and gas formation or formations are detected. The typical diameter of the drilled hole is about 121/4" in the first 300 feet of borehole, and about 81/2" to total depth or T.D.
Once the borehole is drilled to total depth, the borehole is cased from the surface to the bottom with either 51/2" or 7" steel pipe or casing. The casing is cemented in place by displacing cement through the annular space between the external wall of the casing and the wall of the borehole. Cementing the casing provides firm anchorage of the casing to the borehole and seals the annular space along the entire length of the borehole with the displaced volume of cement.
After the casing has been cemented, the casing is perforated. The perforations are made in the casing at selected elevations or locations according to the nature of the reservoir or reservoirs. The perforations are holes that extend through both the casing wall and the cement sheath in the annular space and allow the free flow of production fluids to the well bore.
In some regions, the pressure of the reservoir, via natural gas, is sufficient to allow the natural lift of the produced fluids to the surface. Such wells are typically identified as "flowing wells." However, reservoirs are, in general, of low pressure, making necessary the use of artificial lift techniques to convey fluids from the well to the surface.
A conventional artificial lift technique comprises a subsurface pump, also called a "rod pump," placed at the bottom of the well. The rod pump is mechanically activated by a string of rods known as "sucker rods" connected on the surface to a walking beam pumping unit. The rod pump and string of sucker rods are deployed or run inside a string of production tubing within the casing. The pumped fluids are conveyed to the surface through the annular space defined by the bore of the production tubing and the string of sucker rods. In conventional wells such as the one described, the production tubing is either 27/8" or 31/2" outside diameter ("OD") and the length of the production tubing string extends from the surface or wellhead to near the bottom of the well.
Among other limitations stated below, sucker rods are subjected to wear due to frictional contact with the wall of the production tubing. The sucker rod wear increases in deviated, slant or crooked holes. Sucker rods in general are subject to mechanical failures either on the rod itself or in the threaded connections joining the individual sections of sucker rods. The various sucker rod failures can result in frequent replacement of the sucker rods. Occasionally, the subsurface pump which needs to be retrieved to the surface for repair. Additionally, the production tubing also requires, from time to time, to be replaced due to mechanical wear or leaking connections.
In the above cases where there has been a failure in the sucker rod string, the subsurface pump, or the production tubing, it is typically necessary to move a rig, commonly referred to as a workover rig or pulling unit, onto the well to pull out of the hole the worn or damaged items for replacement or repair. Typically, workover rigs or pulling units include a derrick provided with working pulleys, a cable drum and drawworks to allow running in or pulling out of the hole the pipe or rods. To keep the cost of service as low as possible, rig up and rig down procedures, as well as going in and out of the hole, needs to be done efficiently and economically. Operations efficiency will also depend on the costs involved to move such rig or rigs from well location to well location, as well as the time involved in making or breaking tubing or sucker rod connections.
Various patents have attempted to reduce the costs involved in well operations. Patent AR 230316 discloses a sucker rod made of fiberglass, whose weight is considerably less, thus requiring less energy for its operation. Patent AR 234862 also discloses the replacement of steel sucker rods by fiberglass rods.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,369 to Cholet discloses the replacement of sucker rods with continuous coiled tubing to move the rotor of a progressive cavity pump ("PCP pump") by connecting the bottom end of the continuous coiled tubing to the rotor of the PCP pump. In this case, the rotor of the PCP pump turns by rotating the coiled tubing from the surface. Continuous tubing or coiled tubing weighs less and is easier to handle than sucker rods, although the use of a production tubing string is still necessary in Cholet.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,923 to Walling describes a coiled, composite tubing that allows the effluents to be conducted through its interior. The coiled, composite tubing supports an electric activated downhole pump. Electricity is conveyed from the surface to the downhole electric motor through conductors that extend along and through sheaths of the composite tubing. Thus, the composite tubing comprises a complex succession of sheaths wrapped in different materials able to provide the required strength to the composite tubing.
It is desirable to have an assembly and method to pump an effluent produced by a drilled well in a geological formation without the use of typical production tubing and sucker rods. It is further desirable to provide a lighter production string that can be run in the hole and easily retrieved without the need of a derrick, substructure and drawworks.

Assembly and method for the extraction of fluids from a drilled well within a geological formation


This invention is directed to polyimide films having a carbon nanotube filler to provide a surface resistivity in a range from 50 ohm/square to 1.0×1015 ohms/square. The electrically conductive polyimides of the present invention have an excellent balance of properties relative to conventional polyimides having a conductive filler, due at least in part to the film's water content, degree of imidization and polymer orientation.

Polyimide films are known to have excellent electrical insulating properties, as well as high mechanical strength and resistance to chemical degradation. Such films are often used as a base film for flexible circuit boards laminated to metal foils, such as copper foil or the like. However, unwanted static build-up and discharge can occur with standard polyimide films, and this can be problematic in certain types of circuit design. A need therefore exists for a polyimide film having anti-static properties without unduly harming other desired polyimide properties, e.g., high heat resistance, thin layer formability, high mechanical flexibility and excellent toughness.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,936 discloses an electrically conductive polyimide film with a carbon powder filler. Surface resistivity of these films range from about 130 ohms/square to 1010 ohms/square depending on the loading level of carbon used.

Electrically conductive polyimide compositions having a carbon nanotube filler component and methods relating thereto


Methods and systems are provided herein for measuring 3D apparatus (e.g., manual tool or tool accessory) orientation. Example implementations use an auto-nulling algorithm that incorporates a quaternion-based unscented Kalman filter. Example implementations use a miniature inertial measurement unit endowed with a tri-axis gyro and a tri-axis accelerometer. The auto-nulling algorithm serves as an in-line calibration procedure to compensate for the gyro drift, which has been verified to significantly improve the estimation accuracy in three-dimensions, especially in the heading estimation.

Arc welding has been developed and refined for years, as one of the most widely used material joining technologies. High-quality welds are critical for many applications, such as automobile manufacturing, refineries and ship building. The torch orientation is defined as the torch posture throughout a welding process. It is one of the most important welding parameters, and is directly contingent upon the weld quality and appearance. Optimal quality welds can only be guaranteed if the torch orientation is well adjusted. Inappropriate torch manipulations cause various weld defects and discontinuities, such as poor penetration, undercuts, porosity and different types of cracks. Therefore, detailed torch orientations for almost every welding process have been recommended by various bodies and organizations.
Limitations and disadvantages of conventional approaches to manual welding will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such approaches with some aspects of the present method and system set forth in the remainder of this disclosure with reference to the drawings.

Measurement of three-dimensional welding torch orientation for manual arc welding process

University of Kentucky Research Foundation


A vehicle input system is provided which includes: an input unit which accepts an operation instruction for a plurality of pieces of equipment on board an automobile; a control section which, in accordance with an operation instruction accepted by the input unit, transmits a control signal for controlling equipment targeted by the operation instruction; and an information acquisition section which, if at least one of the plurality of pieces of equipment is exchanged and if new equipment is added, then acquires, as control-signal information, information on a control signal for controlling the substituted or added equipment, in which the control section generates the control signal in accordance with the control-signal information acquired by the information acquisition section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle input system which is provided in the cabin of an automobile.
2. Description of the Background Art
In recent years, an automobile has more and more equipment on board so that safety and comfort can be improved. Specifically, an air conditioner or an audio system is provided as standard equipment, and a car-navigation system has been popular. In the years ahead, equipment related to car communication mainly including telematics is expected to be increasingly popular. As a single input unit which is capable of operating many kinds of such equipment in common, there is known, for example, the one described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-68162 specification. In this specification, a switch system is proposed which is shown in FIG. 12.
In FIG. 12, reference numerals 101 to 104 denote push selection switches, and a reference numeral 105 designates a dial operation unit. The dial operation unit 105 is formed by a disk-shaped member which turns around a shaft located in the up-and-down directions of FIG. 12. In the peripheral part of this disk-shaped member, grooves are formed for preventing slipping. The dial operation unit 105 shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to its disk-shaped member's periphery, if seen from the directions perpendicular to the rotation shaft.
For example, if the dial operation unit 105 is turned, the equipment to be operated is switched. Thereby, the push selection switches 101 to 104 each change into a switch for selecting equipment, such as an air conditioner, an audio system, a car-navigation system and a communication device. Or, they change into a switch for selecting a function of audio equipment, such as an FM radio, an AM radio, a CD (or compact disk) player and a tape recorder. Then, such a selection switch is displayed in a display unit, so that an operator can operate it while checking the contents of an operation.
However, in an input unit connected to various such in-vehicle equipment operation units as described above, let's assume that the connected equipment to be operated has been replaced. In this case, if the equipment provided by the replacement has the same function as the original equipment as well as if it is controlled using the same control signal, it can be operated without any trouble by the above described input unit. On the other hand, if the equipment provided by the replacement has a different function, or if it is controlled using a different control signal, the input unit cannot output a control signal which corresponds to the substituted equipment. This makes it difficult to operate such fresh substituted equipment using this input unit. In addition, if new equipment is added, then alike, the input unit cannot output a control signal which corresponds to the freshly-added equipment. Thus, it is hard to operate such newly-added equipment using this input unit.
Therefore, in such an input unit as described above, a disadvantage arises in that newly-added or substituted equipment cannot be operated.


Certain substituted benzyl amine compounds are histamine H3 receptor and/or serotonin transporter modulators useful in the treatment of histamine H3 receptor- and/or serotonin-mediated diseases.

The histamine H3 receptor is primarily expressed in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), with some minimal expression in peripheral tissues such as vascular smooth muscle. Several indications for histamine H3 antagonists and inverse agonists have been proposed based on animal pharmacology and other experiments with known histamine H3 antagonists (e.g. thioperamide). (See: "The Histamine H3 Receptor-A Target for New Drugs", Leurs, R. and Timmerman, H., (Eds.), Elsevier, 1998; Morisset, S. et al., Nature 2000, 408, 860-864.) These include conditions such as cognitive disorders, sleep disorders, psychiatric disorders, and other disorders.
Compounds that possess histamine H3 receptor activity and serotonin transporter (SERT) activity may be useful in the treatment of SERT-mediated disorders such as substance abuse disorders and sexual dysfunction (including premature ejaculation), and particularly beneficial in the treatment of depression. Activation of the H3 receptor on neurons by histamine or an agonist decreases the release of several neurotransmitters including noradrenaline and serotonin, key neurotransmitters involved in depression (Hill, S. J. et al. Pharmacol. Rev. 1997, 49(3), 253-278). Although H3 receptor antagonists alone may not be capable of increasing serotonin levels in vivo to those required for antidepressant effects, concomitant blockade of the SERT will simultaneously decrease the neuronal reuptake of these neurotransmitter molecules, leading to enhanced concentrations of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and an enhanced therapeutic effect and a potentially reduced side effect profile as compared to a compound with SERT activity alone.
Histamine H3 antagonists have been shown to have pharmacological activity relevant to several key symptoms of depression, including sleep disorders (e.g. sleep disturbances, fatigue, and lethargy) and cognitive difficulties (e.g. memory and concentration impairment), as described above. Therefore, a combined H3/SERT modulating compound would provide symptomatic relief for the sleep disorders, fatigue, and cognitive problems during the first weeks of treatment, before the mood-elevating effect of the SERT modulation is noticed.
Compounds that have H3 receptor activity and SERT activity have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publ. US 2006/0194837 A1 (published Aug. 31, 2006; based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/300,880), U.S. Pat. Publ. US 2006/0293316 A1 (published Dec. 28, 2006; based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/424,734), and U.S. Pat. Publ. US 2006/0287292 A1 (published Dec. 21, 2006; based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/424,751), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Aminomethyl phenyl ethers have been described by Pfizer, in Intl. Patent Appl. Publ. No. WO 01/72687, WO 02/18333, and U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. No. US 2002/0143003. Heteratom-linked aryl benzamides have been described by Glaxo SmithKline, in Intl. Patent Appl. Publ. No. WO 05/040144.
However, there remains a need for potent histamine H3 receptor and/or serotonin transporter modulators with desirable pharmaceutical properties.


Various embodiments of the invention may include an antenna for a wireless device, the antenna operable to store electrical energy received from a power source. The stored electrical energy may then be used to power the circuitry of the device. Storing electrical power in this manner may allow the device to temporarily continue operating when the incoming harvested energy becomes too weak to instantaneously provide all the power needed to continue operating the device. In some embodiments the wireless device is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

Many devices obtain their electrical operating power from a source with irregular availability, but must be able to operate even when the source is providing no power or insufficient power. Similarly, some devices occasionally require a short burst of increased electrical power that their normal power source is unable to supply. Although rechargeable batteries with a battery charger can be used for some of these applications, batteries are unfeasible for many other applications, due to cost, size, weight, or other considerations. Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are one example of such devices. They get their operating power by harvesting a portion of the energy received through their antenna from a nearby transmitting wireless device, and the harvested energy is sufficient to operate the tag's circuit. The RFID tag works well when the incoming signal is strong, but may be unreliable when the incoming signal is weak or erratic, and the tag stops completely when the incoming signal stops and thereby denies the tag its source of power. Temporarily storing excess energy for use when it's needed would be very beneficial, but batteries are impractical for use in most RFID tags, and the circuitry may be much too small to contain a storage capacitor of the required size.


A method of determining a pressure parameter of a plant sample (1) comprises the steps of subjecting the plant sample (1) to a clamp pressure (pclamp) created with a clamp device (10), measuring at least one pressure response value (pp) of the plant sample (1), which depends on the clamp pressure (Pclamp)/and determining the pressure parameter on the basis of the at least one pressure response value (pp), wherein the clamp pressure (pclamp) is adjusted, such that the plant sample (1) has a viscoelastic pressure response to the clamp pressure (pclamp). Furthermore, an apparatus (100) for determining a pressure parameter of a plant sample (1) is described.

Water management is an important aspect for successful agricultural plant production since water stress may a pronounced effect on the vegetative growth, and number and size and quality of fruits. Excessive irrigation is expensive, can cause vigorous vegetative growth as well as delayed ripening and increases the need for disease and pest control. Excessive water supply will also cause percolation of water below the root zone, leaching nitrate and other chemicals into groundwater. Furthermore, the need to optimize crop water use has become more important given the decrease in the amount of available water for agriculture and the increase in the irregularity of rain distribution.
In practice, various irrigation methods have been developed for optimizing the amount of water and frequency of application in dependency on the evapotranspirative demand, weather conditions and the type of soil. Efficient irrigation requires precise information on the specific water requirements of the plant species at different growth stages and under varying (micro-)climatic conditions, and on crop water consumption to meet the correct irrigation scheduling timing and amount of water, fertilizers and to limit losses through deep percolation.
The water status of leaves can be determined using a pressure chamber (P. F. Scholander et al. in "Science" vol. 148, 1965, p. 339-346). The method is simple, but massively invasive, time-consuming and unsuitable for automation. Further drawback is that the number of leaves that can be measured is rather limited and, therefore, data can be misrepresentative of the overall in-situ conditions (due to variability in height, sun exposure, microclimate conditions, canopy circumference etc.). Most importantly and frequently ignored, the readings cannot always straightforwardly be interpreted in terms of xylem pressure and/or turgor pressure.
Further techniques for investigating the water status of plants, in particular for irrigation purposes, are known in practice. As an example, humidity sensors can be used for measuring soil moisture content directly. Although such sensors can be permanently installed at representative sites in an agricultural field, particular disadvantages are given in terms of soil heterogeneity and the requirement of a close contact to the soil matrix.
The most reliable information on the water status can be obtained if the turgor pressure in the plant cells is measured directly. Various types of turgor pressure measuring devices have been described in the past. An early example is the pressure measurement in plant cells described by U. Zimmermann et al. ("Die Naturwissenschaften", 1969, vol. 56, p. 634), whereas the turgor pressure is sensed with a combination of a micro-needle and a pressure probe. Further turgor pressure measuring techniques, like e.g. ball tonometry, micro-indentation, cantilever bending measurements or aspiration measurements have been described by U. Zimmermann et al. ("New Phytologist", vol. 162, 2004, p. 575-615) and by A. Geitmann ("American Journal of Botany", vol. 93, 2006, p. 1380-1390). As another approach, the relationship between leave thickness and plant water potential has been described by T. McBurney ("Journal of Experimental Botany", vol. 43, 1992, p. 327-335).
Generally, the conventional turgor pressure measurement techniques have disadvantages in terms of limited reliability and applicability under practical conditions of agriculture. It has been found that the results obtained with the conventional techniques have a limited significance. Furthermore, the conventional techniques are not suitable for long-term outdoor applications especially because of their susceptibility to gusty or high winds.

Method and device for determining a pressure parameter of a plant sample

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V.


A production organizing method and a method and apparatus for assembling vehicle body are provided. The production line organizing method comprises the steps of classifying all parts for all types of vehicles to be assembled into groups of main part, synchronous subparts, and non-synchronous subparts, and the manhour for the non-synchronous subparts are assigned to the difference in manhours for assembly of main parts and synchronous subparts. In addition, a vehicle body assembly method and a vehicle body assembly line are also provided, which are capable of reducing a length of a main line and increasing the productivity by classifying all of the parts used for all vehicle types into three groups of main parts and two groups of subparts including non-synchronous main parts and subparts, and by assembling and storing the non-synchronous main parts and subparts in the separate section and supplying the sub-assembled non-synchronous subparts to the main line when necessary.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for organizing a production line, for example, a method for organizing a production line capable of producing a plurality of types of vehicles by a single production line, and in particular, relates to a method for organizing a production line capable of providing efficient production by absorbing differences in manhour due to the type of vehicles and to a vehicle body assembly method and a vehicle body assembly line, capable of reducing the length of the single line and exhibiting a high productivity.
2. Background Art
A conventional design concept for organizing the flow production system of, for example, vehicles is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. Sho 61-21870, in which two assembly lines including a main line for integrating main parts and a sub-line for integrating subparts are constructed.
A production line design for producing a plurality of types of vehicle mixed on a single line is disclosed in Japanese Patent (Granted) Publication No. 2920801. The concept of the above patent is known as a production line whose assembly speed is changed suitably for producing a plurality of vehicle types on a single line with a favorable production efficiency.
As described above, a plurality of types of vehicle bodies are usually assembled by two production lines. In most cases, these two lines include the main line for assembling the main components and a subsidiary line for supplying the components collectively to the main line after assembling the parts into the sub-assembled components.
For example, car bodies, conveyed to an assembly line after the coating process, are assembled while passing through the main line, which comprises an installation line, an underside assembly line and so on. In assembling the car body in the main line, the sub-assembled components, which are sub-assembled in the sub-assembly line connected to the main line, are supplied to the main line.
In conventional production lines, it is inevitably necessary to design the production line to be able to produce the type of vehicle having the largest number of parts, when taking various factors such as forms of production, equipment, specifications, and the number of parts into consideration. Thus, the length of the main line increases, which results in increasing the redundant manhours and unnecessary utility expenses, and increasing the production cost.
That is, in order to produce a plurality of types of vehicles having different numbers of parts on the same line, the manhours required for one particular type of vehicle differ from those for other vehicles. Accordingly, when a type of vehicle having a small number of parts is conveyed on the main line, some of the manpower available for another type of vehicle having a larger number of parts becomes redundant.
One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a method of organizing a production line, capable of producing a plurality of types of vehicles efficiently while absorbing differences in manhour due to the vehicle type.
Recently, the production of vehicles has changed from large scale production of a few types of vehicles to the small scale production of multiple types of vehicles, it has been a general trend to produce multiple types of vehicles on the same production line in response to diversified consumer demands. Accordingly, there has been a tendency for the production lines to become longer.
That is, considering the assembly forms, equipment, specifications, and the number of parts or components to be assembled, each of which differs for each vehicle type, the length of a production line for producing multiple types of vehicles must be determined based on the type of vehicle using the largest number of parts. Therefore, the length of the production line for producing a multiple types of vehicles inevitably becomes long, which results in increasing the supplementary facilities, substantially reducing the productivity, and increasing the costs.
Furthermore, since a variety of vehicles comprising different numbers of parts and components are assembled on the same line, the number of manhours varies according to the type of vehicle. When a type of vehicle having a small number of parts is conveyed, the operators required for assembling a type of vehicle comprising a larger number of parts become redundant, and the productivity is reduced. Consequently, this redundant labor causes a reduction of the productivity and an increase of the cost.

Method for assembling a plurality of vehicle body types


A method and apparatus is provided to analyze social and content networks, to identify new relationships among users and content, and to more effectively link users to content. Embodiments of the invention also facilitate more relevant searches over both social and content data. One embodiment is directed to analyzing integrated social and content networks, and includes specifying a social network comprising multiple user nodes, and specifying a content network comprising multiple multimedia content nodes. Data elements associated with respective nodes of the user and content networks are analyzed, in order to detect a set of nodes comprising at least first and second user nodes and first and second content nodes, and to further detect at least three commonality links that join all the nodes of the set together. It is also determined whether a further link is a valid commonality link. The further link is initially inferred to extend between two of the nodes in the set, and to cooperatively join with the three identified commonality links to form a closed loop.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention disclosed and claimed herein generally pertains to a method and apparatus for linking together users of a social network with objects of a multimedia content network, in order to consider possible new relationships between the users and objects. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method of the above type that analyzes multiple linkages and relationships among the users and objects of the respective networks. Even more particularly, the invention pertains to a method of the above type that improves targeting of content delivery to users, and uses linkage analysis to enhance connections among users.
2. Description of the Related Art
Online communities are increasingly being formed into dynamic social networks that provide rich channels for interaction and communication among network users. There is great wealth of information contained within the relationships and links that make up these social networks. Moreover, global, distributed, multi-source multimedia (e.g., image, video and audio) information dissemination, such as through the Internet, wireless phones, and television, produces ever increasing amounts of content that is targeted to users. However, currently available solutions for connecting users to content rely mainly on matching user profiles or preferences to metadata that describes the content, or use recommendation systems such as collaborative filtering. Collaborative filtering is a method of making automatic predictions (filtering) about the interests of a user by collecting taste information from many users (collaborating).
A drawback with the above currently available solutions is that they tend to require explicit creation of user profiles, or else they must have sufficient past history to effectively observe access patterns. Also, relying on a scoring or rating system that is averaged across an entire user base ignores the specific demands of the individual user. This approach is particularly deficient when used for tasks in which there is large variation in interest, such as making recommendations for movie titles or the like to a large and disparate user base.
Another emerging trend in social networks is crowd sourcing collaborative tagging of shared multimedia content. In collaborative tagging, metadata is generated by both the creators and the consumers of particular content, rather than by a single individual. The term metadata, as used herein, can include but is not limited to information pertaining to artifacts or other data, such as source, name, alt tag, attributes, the name of the collection to which the artifact belongs and/or its general purpose. The collaborative tagging approach has shown value, in supporting user access to online multimedia content through various recommendation systems in interactive social communities. Golder and Huberman, in "Usage Patterns of Collaborative Tagging Systems", Journal of Information Science, Vol. 32 (2), 2006, showed that there are common social patterns to be discovered in collaborative tagging systems. As they analyzed a structure of these systems, they discovered regularities such as in user activity and tag frequencies. However, numerous technical problems still remain for effectively leveraging user communities from multimedia content enrichment, using collaborative tagging. These include dealing with ambiguity and synonymy in tags, and lack of vocabulary control.
Generally, the subject of achieving rich multimedia information linkage over multiple content sources has been largely ignored. With the growing variety of distribution channels for open source multimedia, the boundaries between different types of multimedia content domains are loosening. Nonetheless, existing content linking services tend to be of very narrow scope, and are typically based on associated metadata such as user, video title and related comments (e.g. YouTube, copyright © 2007 YouTube, Inc., or MySpace, © 2003-2007 MySpace.com.). As a result, information contained in the audio, visual and temporal dimensions of the multimedia content, and in their inherent semantic relationships, has not been significantly exploited. On the other hand, recent multimedia understanding research has produced significant results for automatic tagging of image, video and audio content, and using multimedia content analysis tools. For example, Tesic and Smith, in "Semantic Labeling of Multimedia Content Clusters", IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo (ICME), 2006, extended the scope of video summarization in a way that allows users to much more efficiently navigate the semantic and metadata space of the video data set.
It is anticipated that the relationships of a social network could be used to improve and enhance efforts to connect users to content networks and repositories. However, in the past little effort has been devoted to predicting important patterns and deriving relevant links in joint social and content space. Currently available techniques, including those discussed above, pertain to social and content links that are substantially limited to specific content and user domains. Such techniques include: (i) collaborative filtering, recommendation system and preference elicitation methods of connecting content to the users of social networks; (ii) social network analysis and collaborative portal invitations for user-to-user connections; and (iii) clustering and similarity searches in the visual space or associated metadata space (e.g., picture search based on tagging, file name and camera metadata), for content-to-content connections. However, in the present age of information explosion, each of these techniques, while useful, tends to be insufficient in view of the extremely large number of items that can now be found in even a single content category.

Joint analysis of social and content networks

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention discloses a tray-out control method for moving out a loading tray of an optical drive. A first forcing function is applied to the loading tray to overcome a lesser magnetic attraction when an optical disk is placed on the loading tray. A second forcing function is applied to the loading tray to overcome a greater magnetic attraction when the optical disk is not placed on the loading tray. A maximum value of the second forcing function is larger than a maximum value of the first forcing function.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tray-out control method for moving out a loading tray of an optical drive, and more particularly, to a method for controlling a tray-out force according to whether an optical disk is placed on the loading tray.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram showing a spindle motor, a loading tray, and a clamping device installed in an optical drive. The optical drive includes the spindle motor 10, the loading tray 20, and the clamping device 40. The loading tray 20 can be used to hold an optical disk 30, and the loading tray 20 further includes a plurality of tabs 25. When the optical drive is vertically arranged, the tabs 25 can be used to help keep the optical disk 30 steady, so that the optical disk 30 will not drop out from the loading tray 20.
Please refer to FIG. 2. When the optical disk 30 is placed on the loading tray 20 and the loading tray 20 is moved into the optical drive (tray-in), the spindle motor 10 will rise and support the optical disk 30. Because the spindle motor 10 is embedded with a magnetic material (not shown) and the clamping device 40 is also embedded with a permanent magnet (not shown), the permanent magnet embedded in the clamping device 40 will be attracted by the magnetic material in the spindle motor 10 after the spindle motor 10 rising to an appropriate position. Therefore, the clamping device 40 and the spindle motor 10 can fix the optical disk 30, and the spindle motor 10 will rotate the optical disk 30 to proceed with data-search or data-access operations.
Please refer to FIG. 3. Similarly, if the loading tray 20 is moved into the optical drive (tray-in) without the optical disk 30, the spindle motor 10 will still rise and attract the permanent magnet in the clamping device 40, so that the clamping device 40 and the spindle motor 10 will be in contact with each other.
Whether the optical disk 30 is placed on the loading tray 20 or not, the spindle motor 10 will rise and attract the clamping device 40 after the loading tray 20 moves into the optical drive. When the loading tray 20 moves out (tray-out), the spindle motor 10 will descend to separate the spindle motor 10 and clamping device 40 so that the loading tray 20 can move out of the optical drive. As shown in FIG. 2, when the optical disk 30 is placed on the loading tray 20, a space will exist between the clamping device 40 and the spindle motor 10. Because the optical disk 30 is placed between the clamping device 40 and the spindle motor 10, the magnetic attraction is diminished. As shown in FIG. 3, when the loading tray 20 is not placed with the optical disk 30, the clamping device 40 and the spindle motor 10 are closely in contact with each other and the magnetic attraction between the clamping device 40 and the spindle motor 10 is strengthened.
When the loading tray 20 moves out, the force applied to the loading tray 20 must overcome the strengthened magnetic attraction for separating the closely contacted spindle motor 10 and the clamping device 40. If the loading tray 20 is placed with the optical disk 30, the magnetic attraction is lower and the same face described above moves loading tray 20 will vibrate more seriously.
According to the prior art, when the optical drive is horizontally arranged and the loading tray 20 is placed with the optical disk 30, the vibration of the loading tray 20 will not lead to harmful impacts. However, when the optical drive is vertically arranged and the loading tray 20 is placed with the optical disk 30, the vibration of the loading tray will cause the tabs 25 of the loading tray 20 to be unable to hold the optical disk 30 when the loading tray 20 moves out by applying the same force. Afterwards, the optical disk 30 will drop and be damaged.
If the tray-out force applied to the loading tray 20 diminishes, the tray-out force may not overcome the magnetic attraction so that the loading tray 20 may not successfully move out.

Tray-out control method for moving out a loading tray of an optical drive


Disclosed is electronic device including a case body including a front surface side portion of the case body and a rear surface side portion of the case body; a flat display module accommodated in the case body; a conductive layer formed on an internal wall of one of the front surface side portion of the case body and the rear surface side portion of the case body, the internal wall being around a contact portion of both portions of the case body; a circuit board having electrical components mounted thereon; and a ground means that electrically connects the conductive layer to a GND of the circuit board.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic device whose representative is a mobile phone terminal and a flat display module used for the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, a mobile terminal having a flat display using a flat display panel mounted thereon is widely used, which is a representative of liquid crystal display (LCD). In this situation, it is important to prepare measures for electrostatic discharge (ESD) with respect to the flat display module as a component having the flat display panel mounted therein in order to guarantee quality and reliability of products.
For example, in the case of the liquid crystal module, a transparent electrode constructed of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) and the like is exposed on its surrounding side, and a liquid crystal driving circuit to drive the liquid crystal module and the like are arranged on the side of the display unit. When the ESD enters into these portions, there is a concern that it causes a display malfunction of the liquid crystal display or an eternal destruction of components. Accordingly, it is desirable to protect the liquid crystal panel and driving circuit from ESD.
As to the ESD measure, it is desirable to obtain a way in which a minimization of a case body can be promoted without increasing the number of components and affecting a mechanism structure as much as possible. As to an ESD measure with respect to camera and speaker of mobile terminal apparatus, a technology described in JP-A-2008-130912 is suggested as a way in which a minimization of a case body can be promoted without increasing the number of components.

Electronic device and flat display module


A method of treating urinary incontinence includes making an incision and exposing tissue of a urethra. The method additionally includes inserting a non-porous sheet into the incision and forming a cuff around the urethra with the non-porous sheet by directing a first end of the non-porous sheet through a slot formed in a second end of the non-porous sheet. The method additionally includes directing an extending member that is attached to the non-porous sheet to a location exterior of a pelvis. The method further includes configuring the cuff to tighten around the urethra when pulling on the first end of the non-porous sheet, and configuring the cuff to be loosely positioned around the urethra when pulling on the extending member.

Devices for treating urinary incontinence include slings, supports, artificial urinary sphincters and other devices that are implanted in a user to support and/or coapt the urethra.
A sling is a device that is surgically implanted to support the urethra and inhibit urine from undesirably leaking from the urethra. Slings are typically fabricated from mesh and are implanted through one or more incisions. The sling is secured to supporting tissue(s) and the tissue eventually grows through the mesh to support the urethra. The surgeon will peri-operatively determine and achieve the appropriate level of tension in the sling relative to the urethra that will post-operatively provide the user with a continent state.
An artificial urinary sphincter is generally provided as an inflatable ring or "donut" that is surgically implanted around the urethra. Some people become incontinent after having a portion or all of the prostate gland removed, which can result in a loss of some or all of the function of the prostatic urinary sphincter. An artificial urinary sphincter implanted around the compromised prostatic urinary sphincter can provide the patient with improved control of urinary function.
Improved incontinence treatment devices would be welcomed by both the patient and the surgical staff.

Method of treating incontinence and treatment device including non-porous cuff and extending members


An aircraft wing assembly, comprising a front spar, a rear spar, and upper and lower wing covers extending between the front and rear spars, wherein the upper and/or lower wing cover overhangs the rear spar and has a non-linear trailing edge profile forming an array of tabs and cut-outs. Also, a method of assembling the aircraft wing.

Conventional aircraft wings comprise a wing box with front and rear spars. Upper and lower wing covers (skins) are attached to the spars and extend between them to form the upper and lower boundaries of the wing box. Leading and trailing edge structures, such as shroud panels or D-nose covers, are typically attached to the upper and lower covers with a butt joint. The leading and trailing edges of the upper and lower covers typically have a substantially linear profile for ease of manufacture and assembly with the leading and trailing edge structures.
The trailing edge of the covers typically overhangs the rear spar. Trailing edge ribs, which support trailing edge control surfaces such as, e.g., spoilers and ailerons, are typically fastened to the covers overhangs. These fastener holes can be highly loaded due, predominantly, to high span-wise wing cover strains in the region due to wing bending. Additional loading introduced from the ribs compounds the high loads on these fastener holes. This is not a new problem but the move to greater use of composite structures (such as fibre-reinforced laminates), which are generally less tolerant to bearing stress than their metallic predecessors, means that the overhang portion of the covers at the trailing edge needs to be relatively thick to support these loads. The weight penalty of this structural build up in the region is significant.
It is therefore an object of this invention to reduce weight in the region of the wing covers trailing edge.


A silicon nitride-bonded SiC refractory is provided, which includes SiC as a main phase and Si3N4 and/or Si2N2O as a secondary phase and which has a bending strength of 150 to 300 MPa and a bulk density of 2.6 to 2.9. A method for producing a silicon nitride-bonded SiC refractory is also provided, which comprises a step of mixing 30 to 70% by mass of a SiC powder of 30 to 300 μm as an aggregate, 10 to 50% by mass of a SiC powder of 0.05 to 30 μm, 10 to 30% by mass of a Si powder of 0.05 to 30 μm, and 0.1 to 3% by mass, in terms of oxide, of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Al, Ca, Fe, Ti, Zr and Mg.

Silicon nitride (SiC) refractory materials are important in industry for the excellent heat resistance and refractoriness and are being used in a large amount in, for example, setters for firing tiles, pottery, honeycomb structures, etc.; kiln furniture for firing other than the setters; and saggers.
In firing a to-be-fired material to obtain a ceramic product (e.g. tiles, pottery or honeycomb structures), plurality of block-shaped pillars are generally placed on the corners of the respective setter floors to form a space that is necessary for uniform firing of to-be-fired material, setters and the pillars are alternately piled up to form a multi-layered setter, be-fired material is placed on each setter of the multi-layered setter, and firing is carried out.
Assembly of such a multi-layered setter has often been made manually. However, in recent years, automation and labor saving have been adopted in firing and production lines for ceramic product, and automation has been progressed in transfer of setter and produced articles.
As the base material for the setters and pillars constituting a multi-layered setter, there have been used mainly mullite, alumina and zirconia which can be used at high temperatures (e.g. 1,200 to 1,600° C.). They, however, are insufficient in strengths (bending strength and Young's modulus); therefore, oxide-bonded SiC refractory and nitride-bonded SiC refractory all having higher strengths are in use depending upon the application purposes.
In a multi-layered setter made of such an oxide-bonded SiC refractory or a nitride-bonded SiC refractory, however, it is necessary to make the thicknesses of the setter floors and pillars thick in order to obtain a strength capable of withstanding the external stress which appears at the time of assembling, use and disassembling of the multi-layered setter. This has resulted in a larger weight and lower operating efficiency, a larger heat capacity which makes it difficult to well respond to a recent years' requirement for energy saving, and a lower thermal conductivity which makes difficult the uniform heating of to-be-fired material.
In order to secure the oxidation resistance and strength required for the above-mentioned refractory, a bulk density of 2.6 or more is necessary, and oxides such as alumina and iron oxide have ordinarily been added in an amount of 3 to 10% by mass. When alumina and an iron oxide are added in an amount of 3 to 10% by mass, the amount of glass phase at the bonding portion between SiC and added oxide increases, which contributes to a reduction in creep resistance otherwise required for a refractory material and resusts in a shorter useful life. Further, alumina and an iron oxide have a dispersion effect in compounding raw materials, and also act as a sintering aid; therefore, in the conventional method, when the amount of alumina and an iron oxide added was reduced to 3% or less, there was a problem in the reduction of the bulk density and insufficient strength.
For solving the above problems, there is in use a multi-layered setter made of a (porous or dense) Si-containing material containing, as a metallic Si phase, Si high in strength and superior in heat resistance, oxidation resistance and thermal conductivity; for example, a metallic silicon-silicon carbide composite material (a Si-impregnated SiC refractory) containing Si and SiC as main phases.
In the case of a multi-layered setter made of such a Si-impregnated SiC refractory, the setter and pillars can be thinner and lighter; therefore, a higher operating efficiency and incresed energy saving are expected, and it is possible to obtain a longer useful life and better recycling of setter.
In the case of the multi-layered setter made of a Si-impregnated SiC, however, the use at high temperatures, for example, at 1,400 to 1,600° C. is difficult because the upper limit of temperature for practical use of the base material, the Si-impregnated SiC is less than 1,400° C.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of prior art and aims at providing a silicon nitride-bonded SiC refractory which has heat resistance, thermal shock resistance and oxidation resistance and which is high in strength and superior in creep resistance and thermal conductivity, and a method for producing such a silicon nitride-bonded SiC refractory.

SiC refractory comprising silicon nitride bond thereto and method for production thereof