A medicament delivery device has a housing for a medicament container and a drive unit for a stopper in the container to expel a dose of medicament, the drive unit having a plunger rod and a dual back-to-back force spring assembly connected to the plunger rod; and a lock and release mechanism connected to the drive unit that has a hold member connected to the plunger rod, a rotator member connected to the hold member, and a tubular actuation member linearly slidable in relation to the housing and connected to the rotator member. The hold member is attached to the housing and has a generally tubular lock tube through which the plunger rod extends and two half-cylindrical seats for the dual back-to-back force spring assembly. The lock tube has a resilient lock and release device to interact with both the plunger rod and the rotator member.

Many medicament delivery devices have an automatic dose delivery function that often consists of drive springs that are capable of acting on movable stoppers arranged inside medicament containers for expelling a dose of medicament through a medicament delivery member such as e.g. an injection needle.
The automatic delivery mechanism in a medicament delivery device often includes a compressed helical drive spring acting on a plunger rod to urge it in the proximal direction of the device upon activation. A compressed compression spring provides a force that is large enough to overcome the so called break loose force of the stopper, i.e. release the stopper from the inner wall of the medicament container, and the spring at its full extension, which usually is not the full decompression, provides a force that is large enough to complete the dose delivery but also can cause a breakage of the glass medicament container.
In order to handle this, some devices utilize so called constant force springs which are coil springs of strip material which have been shaped and pre-tensioned into tightly wound rolls. The spring is used in a linear movement, e.g. moving a plunger rod in the proximal direction, and produces almost constant force throughout its deflection. Document U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,316 discloses a medicament delivery device utilizing such a spring for driving a plunger rod during dose delivery. Further, it is sometimes desirable to have different force levels during different operations such as e.g. penetration and subsequent injection, but constant force during each operation.
Document EP 0 953 122 discloses such a spring. Although this type of springs is better in many aspects than the compression springs, they still have drawbacks. One such drawback is that the load on a plunger rod is non-symmetrical due to that the spring runs on the side of and parallel with the plunger rod, whereby a bending force is exerted on the plunger rod. The bending force could cause a breaking of the plunger rod or a deflection of the plunger rod such that it comes in contact with other components of the device, leading to increased friction or even jamming of the plunger rod.
A solution to these problems is known from document US 200610186143A1 wherein the load on the plunger rod is symmetrical. However, there is still rum for improvements wherein the device can be constructed with a few number of components where each component can achieve different functions.


A recording apparatus includes a recording unit recording an image, an endless belt which is stretched between rollers such that the inner circumferential surface thereof contacts the rollers and the outer circumferential surface thereof opposes the recording unit, a mark arranged on the profile of the belt, and a mark detection unit which detects that the mark moving in accordance with the travel of the belt is positioned at a predetermined position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus having a mark used for detecting a predetermined position on a conveyance belt conveying a recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Known technologies are arranged such that a predetermined position on a conveyance belt conveying sheets is detected in order to fix a region where ink is ejected when flushing is carried out. For example, according to a known technology, a position detection mark is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the conveyance belt, and a position on the conveyance belt is detected by detecting the mark by means of a sensor which is provided at a region where the mark passes through.

Liquid ejection apparatus having marked belt


There is described a method for implementing a system for authentication of an article based upon a signature generated from a set comprising groups of data points collected when a plurality of regions of an intrinsic surface structure of an article are sequentially subjected to coherent light and the light scattered by the intrinsic surface structure is collected. For a given system implementation, the method comprises: determining a set of parameters which influence the performance of the system; determining a definition of system performance which can be affected by the set of parameters; producing an initial population of parameter value sets, each parameter set including a value for each parameter to be used in achieving a desired system performance; determining for each parameter value set a fitness value in terms of the system performance definition; identifying mating pairs of the population in accordance with the determined fitnesses; producing a new population by crossing the mating pairs; repeating the determining of a fitness value for each parameter value set, identifying of mating pairs and producing a new population until an end criterion is satisfied; and configuring the system in accordance with a selected one of the parameter sets from the final population. Thereby, a flexible and appropriate approach to system implementation can be followed which provides high efficiency in terms of the human time input and which provides high quality reliable setup parameter values to enable a reliable and efficient system implementation to result.

In the fields of authenticating of physical articles it is known to rely upon an identifier for the article. An identifier based on a physical property of an unmodified surface of the article can be used (WO2005/088533). A system to implement article tracking and/or verification using such signatures can be a complex system involving equipment at multiple locations and depend upon a number of variable parameters.
The present invention has been conceived in the light of known drawbacks of existing systems.


A compound is provided including an organometallic complex represented by the formula I:

The present invention relates to catalysts for the homogenous hydrogenation or hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds. More specifically, the invention relates to processes for the hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes using organometallic complexes of tungsten (W) and molybdenum (Mo) as catalysts or catalyst precursors. The invention also relates to processes for the hydrosilylation of ketones, aldehydes and esters using the same catalysts or catalyst precursors.
Hydrogenation reactions involve the addition of hydrogen to an organic compound whereby, for example, a ketone can be reduced to an alcohol. Prior art processes have generally required the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst with a solid phase of platinum, rhodium, palladium or nickel along with relatively high hydrogen pressure and elevated temperature.
Other hydrogenation processes currently in use employ inexpensive Mo and W metals to hydrogenate ketones under mild conditions of temperature and pressure. However, a limitation encountered with these processes is the decomposition of the catalysts, due to dissociation of a phosphine ligand.
Hydrosilylation reactions involve the addition of hydrosilane to ketones, aldehydes, or esters to form primarily alkoxysilanes. Prior art hydrosilylation processes have also required rhodium, platinum or palladium complexes as catalysts.
Thus, traditional homogeneous catalysts for hydrogenation or hydrosilylation of ketones or aldehydes use precious metals such as platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir) or ruthenium (Ru), which are expensive and, therefore, frequently uneconomical. In contrast, the catalysts of the present invention, which use either molybdenum (Mo) or tungsten (W), are prepared with less expensive metals, and, therefore, offer economic advantages.
The present invention relates to catalysts and processes that use the catalysts for the homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes to alcohols with H2 as the stoichiometric redundant and organometallic tungsten (W) and molybdenum (Mo) complexes as the catalysts.
The present invention also relates to catalysts and processes for the hydrosilylation of ketones, aldehydes or esters, represented by the formulas R(Cxe2x95x90O)R1, R(Cxe2x95x90O)H or R(CO2)R1. The functional groups R and R1 are selected from hydrogen, C1-30 hydrocarbyl radicals and substituted-hydrocarbyl radicals, which can be the same or different.
The catalyst or catalyst precursor includes an organometallic complex represented by the formula I
[CpM(CO)2(NHC)Lk]+Axe2x88x92xe2x80x83xe2x80x83I
wherein M is a molybdenum or tungsten atom; Cp is substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl radical represented by the formula [C5Q1Q2Q3Q4Q5], wherein Q1 to Q5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, hydrocarbyl radicals and substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, halogens (F, Cl, Br, I), halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, and radicals represented by the formulas xe2x80x94ORxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94C(O)Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94CO2Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94SiRxe2x80x23, xe2x80x94NRxe2x80x2Rxe2x80x3 wherein Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, hydrocarbyl radicals, halogens, and halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, wherein further Q1 to Q5 radicals can be optionally linked to each other to form a stable bridging group; NHC is any N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, L is either any neutral electron donor ligand wherein k is a number from 0 to 1 or L is an anionic ligand wherein k is 2, and Axe2x88x92 is an anion.
In an embodiment, the catalysts of the invention can be prepared by reacting a metal hydride represented by the formula II:
CpM(CO)2(NHC)Hxe2x80x83xe2x80x83II
with a hydride removing agent selected from BR3 or a compound represented by formula Y+Axe2x88x92, wherein Y+ is selected from the group consisting of (aryl)3C+, (aryl)2HC+, C7H7+, R3NH+, Ag+ and (C5R5)2Fe+, wherein R is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, Axe2x88x92 is an anion selected from the group consisting of BF4xe2x88x92, PF6xe2x88x92, SbF6xe2x88x92, CF3SO3xe2x88x92, CB11H12xe2x88x92, CB9H10xe2x88x92 CB9H5X5xe2x88x92; CB11H6X6xe2x88x92; wherein X is F Cl, Br or I, HBR3xe2x88x92, wherein R is hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, and [(Mxe2x80x2)Z1 Z2 . . . Zn]xe2x88x92, Mxe2x80x2 is an element selected from atoms of group 13, n is the total number of Z ligands or n is 4, and Z1 to Zn are independently selected from the group consisting of H radical, C1-20 hydrocarbyl radical, substituted hydrocarbyl radical, halogens, halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radical, hydrocarbyl-, halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl organometalloid radical, xe2x80x94OR, xe2x80x94C(O)Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94CO2Rxe2x80x2, and xe2x80x94NRxe2x80x2Rxe2x80x3, wherein Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, C1-20 hydrocarbyl radical, halogens, and halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radical; Z1 to Zn radicals can be optionally linked to each other to form a stable bridging group. In the metal hydride of formula II, Cp, M and NHC are as described herein above.
The process for catalytic hydrogenation includes contacting an organic compound which contains at least one reducible functional group selected from the group consisting of R(Cxe2x95x90O)R1 and R(Cxe2x95x90O)H, wherein R and R1 are each independently selected from hydrogen (H) or any C1-C20 hydrocarbyl or substituted-hydrocarbyl radical with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to form a reaction mixture, wherein the catalyst comprises an organometallic complex described above and represented by the formula:
[CpM(CO)2(NHC)Lk]+Axe2x88x92xe2x80x83xe2x80x83I
wherein Cp, M, NHC, Lk and Axe2x88x92 are as described hereinbelow.
The process for catalytic hydrosilylation includes contacting an organic compound which contains at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of R(Cxe2x95x90O)R1, R(Cxe2x95x90O)H, and R(CO2)R1, wherein R and R1 are each independently selected from hydrogen (H) or any C1-C30 hydrocarbyl or substituted-hydrocarbyl radical in the presence of hydrosilane with a catalyst to form a mixture, wherein the catalyst comprises an organometallic complex described above and represented by the formula:
[CpM(CO)2(NHC)Lk]+Axe2x88x92xe2x80x83xe2x80x83I
wherein Cp, M, NHC, Lk and Axe2x88x92 are as described hereinbelow.
The hydrogenation process is carried out in the presence of hydrogen at a pressure from 1 atmosphere to 5000 psi, and at a temperature of from xe2x88x9295xc2x0 C. to 120xc2x0 C. Preferably, the pressure is from about 1 atmosphere to about 800 psi and the temperature is from 20xc2x0 C. to 100xc2x0 C. The hydrosilylation process is carried out at a temperature from about xe2x88x9295xc2x0 C. to about 120xc2x0 C. and, in one aspect of the invention, from about 20xc2x0 C. to about 100xc2x0 C.
As a result of the present invention catalysts are provided with significantly higher lifetime and increased thermal stability. Moreover, the homogeneous organometallic Mo and W complexes of the present invention provide an effective hydrogenation or hydrosilylation catalyst at a considerably reduced cost over the prior art catalysts that use Pt, Rh, Ir or Ru complexes.
The present invention relates broadly to catalysts or catalyst precursors used for a variety of hydrogenation or hydrosilylation reactions.
The active catalyst of the present invention is an organometallic complex represented by the formula:
[CpM(CO)2(NHC)Lk]+Axe2x88x92xe2x80x83xe2x80x83I
wherein M is a molybdenum or tungsten atom; Cp is substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl radical represented by the formula [C5Q1Q2Q3Q4Q5], wherein Q1 to Q5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, hydrocarbyl radicals and substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, halogens (F, Cl, Br, I), halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, and radicals represented by xe2x80x94ORxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94C(O)Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94CO2Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94SiRxe2x80x23, xe2x80x94NRxe2x80x2Rxe2x80x3, wherein Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, hydrocarbyl radicals, halogens, and halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals), wherein Q1 to Q5 radicals can be linked to each other through a stable bridging group, NHC is any N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, L is either any neutral electron donor ligand, wherein k is a number from 0 to 1, or L is an anion ligand wherein k is 2, and Axe2x88x92 is an anion. NHC can be an unsubstituted or substituted N-heterocyclic carbene selected from the group consisting of carbenes represented by formula III
wherein R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 are each independently hydrogen, halogen or a substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthiol, aryl thiol, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl. Further, each of the R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 radicals can be optionally substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 hydrocarbyl, C1-C20 alkoxy, and other functional groups, examples of which include but are not limited to hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide, carbonate, isocyanate, carbodiimide, carboalkoxy, carbamate, and halogen, wherein R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 radicals are optionally linked to each other to form a stable bridging group. In the metal hydride or formula II, Cp, M and NHC are as described herein above.
The inclusion of an NHC ligand in the Mo and W catalysts of the invention has been found to improve the catalytic activity of these organometallic complexes.
In another aspect of the invention, the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand is 1,3-bis(2, 4,6-trimethylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes).
When NHC is IMes the catalysts of the present invention arc represented by the following formula:
wherein M is Mo or W.
The NHC ligands described above arc easily obtained in accordance with methods well known in the art such as are described by Herrmann et al. in xe2x80x9cN-Heterocyclic Carbenes,xe2x80x9d Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 36, 2162-2187, (1997) and Herrmann et al. in xe2x80x9cN-Heterocyclic Carbenes: A New Concept in Organometallic Catalysts,xe2x80x9d Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 41, 1290-1309, (2002).
In an embodiment, L can be selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon solvent molecule, a dihydrogen (H2) or dihydride (Hxe2x88x92)2, a ketone or aldehyde substrate, a product alcohol molecule and mixtures thereof.
In another embodiment, L can be selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon solvent molecule, a dihydrogen (H2) or hydrosilane, a ketone, an aldehyde or an ester substrate, an alkoxysilane, ether, or alcohol product molecule and mixtures thereof, or any combination of two anionic ligands such as hydride (Hxe2x88x92) and silyl (SiR10R11R12)xe2x88x92 and mixtures thereof, wherein R10, R11, R12 are independently hydrogen, halogen or a substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthiol, aryl thiol, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl, wherein further each R10, R11, R12 is optionally substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 hydrocarbyl, C1-C20 alkoxy, hydroxyl, thiol,thioether, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide, carbonate, isocyanate, carbodiimide, carboalkoxy, carbamate and halogen.
For purposes of this invention, the term xe2x80x9chydrocarbonxe2x80x9d refers to all permissible compounds having at least one hydrogen and one carbon atom. In a broad aspect, the permissible hydrocarbons include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, aromatic and nonaromatic organic compounds which can be substituted or unsubstituted having C1-30 for nonaromatic organic compounds and C3-36 for aromatic organic compounds.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9chydrocarbylxe2x80x9d refers to univalent groups formed by removing a hydrogen atom from a hydrocarbon having 1-30 carbons.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9csubstitutedxe2x80x9d includes all permissible substituents of organic compounds unless otherwise indicated In a broad aspect, the permissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranchcd, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, aromatic and nonaromatic substituents of organic compounds. Illustrative substituents include, for example, alkyl, alkyloxy, aryl, aryloxy, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, halogen and the like in which the number of carbons can range from 1 to about 30. The permissible substituents can be one or more and the same or different for appropriate organic compounds. This invention is not intended to be limited in any manner by the permissible substituents of organic compounds.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9carylxe2x80x9d refers to an aromatic cyclic structure containing at least one monocyclic carbon ring including without limitation phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl and the like. xe2x80x9cSubstituted arylxe2x80x9d refers to an aryl group substituted with substituents as defined hereinabove.
Anion (Axe2x88x92) can be selected from the group consisting of HBR3xe2x88x92, wherein R is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, BF4xe2x88x92, PF6xe2x88x92, SbF6xe2x88x92, CF3SO3xe2x88x92, CB11H12xe2x88x92, CB9H10xe2x88x92, CB9H5X5xe2x88x92, CB11H6X6xe2x88x92, wherein X is F, Cl, Br and I, and [(Mxe2x80x2)Z1 Z2 . . . xe2x80x94Zn]xe2x88x92 wherein, Mxe2x80x2 is an element selected from the atoms of group 13; n is the total number of Z ligands, and Z1 to Zn are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, C1-C20 hydrocarbyl radicals and substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, halogens (F, Cl, Br, I), halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, hydrocarbyl- and halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl organometalloid radicals, and radicals represented by the formulas xe2x80x94ORxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94C(O)Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94CO2Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94NRxe2x80x2Rxe2x80x3, wherein Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, C1-C20 hydrocarbyl radicals, halogens, and halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals; Z1 to Zn radicals can be optionally linked to each other to form a stable bridging group. In another aspect, the total number of Z ligands is four.
Mxe2x80x2 can be any metal of group 13 of the Periodic Table of Elements as published by CRC Press, Inc., 1984 including but not limited to boron, aluminum or gallium. Z1 to Zn are each fluorine substituted phenyl, naphtyl or anthracenyl radicals.
In another embodiment, the catalyst of the present invention can further include a solvent of crystallization thereby forming [CpW(CO)2 (NHC)Lk]+[A]xe2x88x92.Yxe2x80x2h, wherein h is a number from 0 to 1 and Yxe2x80x2 is selected from the group consisting of any hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, halocarbon, or ether, examples of which include but are not limited to hexane, benzene, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether and mixtures thereof.
The catalysts of the present invention have novel and valuable properties. For example, a stability at room temperature (about 23xc2x0 C.) and a useful combination of solubility properties allows the use of the catalyst in xe2x80x9cneatxe2x80x9d reagents, i.e., in the absence of a solvent. Another characteristic is that whenever the substrates do not have aromatic groups, the catalysts precipitate upon completion of the hydrosilylation reaction, and can be efficiently recovered from the reaction mixtures and reused. Thus many catalysts of the present invention are recyclable.
The catalysts of the present invention are prepared by reacting a metal hydride represented by the formula CpM(CO)2(NHC)H with a hydride removing agent selected from BR3 or a compound represented by formula Y+Axe2x88x92, wherein Y+ is selected from the group consisting of (aryl)3C+, (aryl)2HC+, C7H7+, R3NH+, Ag+ and (C5R5)2Fe+, wherein R is a hydrocarbyl radical or substituted hydrocarbyl radical, Axe2x88x92 is all anion selected from the group consisting of BF4xe2x88x92, PF6xe2x88x92, SbF6xe2x88x92, CF3SO3xe2x88x92, CB11H12xe2x88x92, CB9H10xe2x88x92, CB9H5X5xe2x88x92, CB11H6X6xe2x88x92, wherein X is F, Cl, Br or I, HBR3xe2x88x92, wherein R is a hydrocarbyl radical or subsubstituted hydrocarbyl radical, and [(Mxe2x80x2)Z1 Z2 . . . Zn]xe2x88x92, Mxe2x80x2 is an element selected from atoms of group 13, n is the total number of Z ligands or n is 4, and Z1 to Zn are independently selected from the group consisting of H radical, C1-20 hydrocarbyl radical, substituted hydrocarbyl radical, halogens, halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radical, hydrocarbyl-, halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl organometalloid radical, xe2x80x94OR, xe2x80x94C(O)Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94CO2Rxe2x80x2, and xe2x80x94NRxe2x80x2Rxe2x80x3, wherein Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, C1-20 hydrocarbyl radical, halogens, and halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radical; said Z1 to Zn radicals optionally linked to each other to form a stable bridging group.
In one aspect, the hydride removing agent is Ph3C+Axe2x88x92, wherein Ph is C6H5 and Axe2x88x92 is an anion as described hereinabove.
The metal hydride represented by the formula CpM(CO)2(NHC)H is prepared by reacting a metal phosphine hydride represented by the formula CpM(CO)2(PR3)H, wherein R is any C1-C20 alkyl or C6-C36 aryl group and combination thereof with NHC, which is as described herein above.
The active catalyst can be prepared prior to being mixed with the organic compound that is being hydrogenated or hydrosilylated, or it can be generated in the reaction mixture. When the catalyst is prepared in the reaction mixture, the metal hydride can be mixed with the hydride removing agent.
Method of Using the Organometallic Complexes
The organometallic complexes of the present invention can be used broadly as catalysts for hydrogenation or hydrosilylation reactions.
The present invention provides a process for hydrogenating of ketones and aldehydes to alcohols using organometallic molybdenum and tungsten complexes as catalysts. Using the process of this invention, unsaturated organic compounds can be hydrogenated to give the corresponding saturated derivatives. Organic compounds which may be hydrogenated in accordance with the present invention include but are not limited to ketones and aldehydes.
In an aspect, the organic compound that is hydrogenated can be represented by at least one reducible functional group selected from the group consisting of R1(Cxe2x95x90O)R2 and R1(Cxe2x95x90O)H, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from any C1-C20 hydrocarbyl group. The hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes involves the overall addition of two hydrogen atoms to the carbon-oxygen double bond to result in the formation of the corresponding alcohol.
The hydrogenation process of the invention includes contacting aldehydes or ketones with hydrogen in the presence of the organometallic catalyst of the invention that is represented by the formula I:
[CpM(CO)2(NHC)Lk]+Axe2x88x92xe2x80x83xe2x80x83I
wherein M is a molybdenum or tungsten atom, Cp is substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl radical represented by the formula [C5Q1Q2Q3Q4Q5], wherein Q1 to Q5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, C1-C20 hydrocarbyl radicals and substituted hydrocarbyl radicals halogens (F, Cl, Br, I), halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, and radicals represented by the formulas xe2x80x94ORxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94C(O)Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94CO2Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94SiRxe2x80x23, xe2x80x94NRxe2x80x2Rxe2x80x3, wherein Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radicals, hydrocarbyl radicals, halogens, and halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, said Q1 to Q5 radicals can optionally be linked to each other to form a stable bridging group; NHC is any N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, L is either any neutral electron donor ligand, k is a number from 0 to 1 or L is an anionic ligand, wherein k is 2, and (Axe2x88x92) is an anion as described hereinabove.
NHC can be an unsubstituted or substituted N-heterocyclic carbene as was more specifically described hereinabove. In an embodiment NHC can be IMes.
In a hydrogenation process, L can be selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon solvent molecule, a dihydrogen (H2) or dihydride (Hxe2x88x92)2, a ketone or aldehyde substrate, a product alcohol molecule and mixtures thereof.
Anion (Axe2x88x92) can be selected from the group consisting of BF4xe2x88x92, PF6xe2x88x92, SbF6xe2x88x92, CF3SO3xe2x88x92, CB11H12xe2x88x92, CB9H10xe2x88x92, CB9H5X5xe2x88x92, CB11H6X6xe2x88x92, wherein X is F, Cl, Br or I, HBR3xe2x88x92, wherein R is a hydrocarbyl radical or substituted hydrocarbyl radical, and [(Mxe2x80x2)Z1 Z2 . . . Zn]xe2x88x92 as was more specifically described hereinabove.
The present invention also provides a process for hydrosilylation of ketones, aldehydes and esters to alkoxysilanes, ethers or alcohols using organometallic molybdenum and tungsten complexes of the invention as the catalysts. The organic compound that can be hydrosilylated contains at least one reducible functional group selected from the group consisting of R(Cxe2x95x90O)R1, R(Cxe2x95x90O)H or R1(CO2)R2, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from hydrocarbyl radicals or substituted-hydrocarbyl radicals, which can be the same or different.
The hydrosilylation process includes contacting aldehydes, ketones or esters with hydrosilanes in the presence of the organometallic catalyst of the present invention as described herein above.
In a hydrosilylation process, L can be selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon solvent, a dihydrogen (H2) or hydrosilane, a ketone, an aldehyde or an ester substrate, an alkoxysilane, ether, or alcohol product molecule and mixtures thereof, or any combination of two anionic ligands such as hydride (Hxe2x88x92) and silyl (SiR10R11R12)xe2x88x92, wherein R10, R11 and R12 are each independently hydrogen, halogen or a substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthiol, aryl thiol, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl, wherein further each R10, R11, R12 is optionally substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 hydrocarbyl, C1-C20 alkoxy, hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide; carbonate, isocyanate, carbodiimide, carboalkoxy; carbamate and halogen.
Hydrosilylation of ketone is of synthetic interest because when followed by hydrolysis of the resulting alkoxysilane, this reaction provides a mild route for reducing ketones to secondary alcohols.
The hydrogenation and hydrosilylation processes of the present invention can be carried out over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. For example, the pressure of hydrogen in the hydrogenation reactions can vary over a range from about 1 atmosphere to about 5,000 psi, the temperature can vary over a range from xe2x88x9295xc2x0 C. to about 120xc2x0 C. Nevertheless, the processes of the present invention can be conducted under mild conditions of temperatures and pressures including without limitations 1 atmosphere and room temperature of about 23xc2x0 C. In certain embodiments the pressure can range from about 1 atmosphere to about 800 psi and the temperature from about 20xc2x0 C. to about 100xc2x0 C. The temperature range for hydrosilylation reactions is from about xe2x88x9295xc2x0 C. to about 120xc2x0 C. and, in another aspect of the invention, from about 20xc2x0 C. to about 100xc2x0 C.
Various solvents may be used with the inventive methods of hydrogenation or hydrosilylation.
Any solvent which is chemically inert, which does not interfere with the hydrogenation or hydrosilylation reaction and which at least partially dissolves the catalyst may be employed. The solvents can be aromatics such as toluene, xylene, mesitylene and benzene or halogenated aromatics and other well known solvents such as hexane, tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether. If the reactants are mutually soluble, the use of a solvent is not necessary and the catalysts can catalyze the reaction in the absence of a solvent as xe2x80x9cneatxe2x80x9d reagents. In addition, the substrate, either a ketone, aldehyde or ester, can be partially soluble or it can be completely soluble in the solvent.
The active catalyst can be prepared prior to being mixed with the organic compound that is being hydrogenated or hydrosilylated and it can also be generated in the reaction mixture. When the catalyst is prepared in the reaction mixture, the metal hydride is mixed with hydride removing agent as described hereinabove.
The processes of the invention can be conducted in any type of apparatus that enables intimate contact of the reactants and control of operating conditions. The hydrogenated product may be removed by known means such as distillation and/or chromatography.

Catalysts for hydrogenation and hydrosilylation, methods of making and using the same

Abstract: wherein M is an atom of molybdenum or tangsten, Cp is substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl radical represented by the formula [C5Q1Q2Q3Q4Q5], wherein Q1 to Q5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radical, C1-20 hydrocarbyl radical, substituted hydrocarbyl radical, halogen radical, halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radical, xe2x80x94OR, xe2x80x94C(O)Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94CO2Rxe2x80x2, xe2x80x94SiRxe2x80x23 and xe2x80x94NRxe2x80x2Rxe2x80x3, wherein Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H radical, C1-20 hydrocarbyl radical, halogen radical, and halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl radical, wherein said Q1 to Q5 radicals are optionally linked to each other to form a stable bridging group, NHC is any N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, L is either any neutral electron donor ligand, wherein k is a number from 0 to 1 or L is an anionic ligand wherein k is 2, and Axe2x88x92 is an anion. Processes using the organometallic complex as catalyst for hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones are provided. Processes using the organometallic complex as catalyst for the hydrosilylation of aldehydes, ketones and esters are also provided.


A communication control method, for causing a wireless communication device including an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements to execute a process, includes: executing a first process that includes dividing the plurality of antenna elements into a plurality of element blocks, each of the plurality of element blocks including two or more antenna elements; executing a second process that includes forming a broad beam by steering beams that are formed by first and second element blocks of the plurality of element blocks the beam formed by the first element block being orthogonalized with the beam formed by the second element block; and executing a third process that includes orthogonalizing a first signal to be transmitted by the first element block and a second signal to be transmitted by the second element block.

In a fifth-generation mobile communication system, in order to realize increase in gain in a high frequency range or increase in system throughput using an antenna array (a multi-element antenna) including a plurality of antenna elements, research and development have been conducted. For example, beam tracking technology in which a wireless terminal that moves is caused to track a beam by beam-forming (BF) using a multi-element antennal has been examined.
It is possible to narrow down a beam in a specific direction by performing BF using a multi-element antenna and thus achieve a high gain. On the other hand, when a wireless terminal goes off from the direction of the beam, reception characteristics are deteriorated. If a beam width is narrow, a risk that a wireless terminal goes off from the direction of a beam increases. However, when a beam (a broad beam) with a wide beam width is used, a risk that a wireless terminal goes off from the direction of a beam is reduced.
Note that a method in which the number of antenna elements is increased to increase a diversity gain and thus improve a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a receiver has been proposed. In this method, first and second representative data streams which have been coded using a Walsh code are transmitted from first and second antenna groups arranged apart from one another by a distance that is ten times or larger than a carrier wavelength, respectively.
Examples of the related art include Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2001-237750.

Base station, wireless terminal, wireless communication system, and communication control method


A drying device for use with a baseboard heater includes an upper member of heat resistant plastic or metal with an open rack portion on which items are placeable for drying, a heater engaging portion for interlocking engagement with the top of the heater. The device also includes a substructure witha plurality of legs spaced from the heater engaging portion and from each other for supporting the upper member while engaging a floor. The legs are of adjustable length so the rack portion can be set horizontally regardless of the height of the top of the heater above the floor. A drip tray is releasably held under the rack portion. The upper member also has a downwardly sloping closed portion between the rack portion and the heater engaging portion for directing hot air from the heater to the rack portion.

This invention relates to an item drying device, and more particularly to a drying device for gloves, shoes, boots and other articles of clothing that have become wet with rain or melting snow. Still more particularly, the device makes use of heat from a baseboard heater.
The inventive drying device is of simple, economical construction. The device is connected to a baseboard heater and efficiently utilizes heat from the baseboard heater to dry items placed on the device.
The inventive drying device readily accommodates itself for use with baseboard heaters having tops which are at varying heights above the floor.
Important objects of the invention are to provide an item drying device with the foregoing objects and advantages. Drying devices which are mounted on finned radiators are known in the art. Examples of such devices are those of the following U.S. Pat. Nos.:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Date Inventor(s) ______________________________________ 2,087,757 July 20, 1937 Foss 2,151,510 March 21, 1939 Gorfein 3,833,127 September 3, 1974 Schoen et al. 4,637,517 January 20, 1987 Barbosa et al. ______________________________________
Also known in the prior art are boot racks with drip trays, as typified by Collins et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,573 which issued Oct. 2, 1973.
Petre U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,168 which issued July 23, 1985 shows a combination boot carrier and drying device which is mounted on a wall bracket above but completely independent of a baseboard heater.
The aforementioned items of prior art do not teach or suggest the invention disclosed herein, either in structure or in the manner of functioning.


Methods, systems, and devices for exposure control are described, including capturing a first and second field of view with a first and second sensor. The techniques may include identifying a brightness difference and an exposure time difference between the first and second sensor, and capturing a first image and a second image, and outputting a third image including both the first and second image. Techniques may include determining an exposure bias, identifying a hypothesis total gain for the first sensor and a peer sensor total gain for the second sensor, and selecting a total gain for each sensor based on comparing the hypothesis total gain and the peer sensor total gain, and based on a maximum brightness difference between the two sensors. The total gain for each sensor may be adjusted to satisfy the maximum brightness difference and the exposure bias, or based on a region of interest.

The following relates generally to exposure control, and more specifically to low-power auto-exposure control (AEC) for multi-sensor systems. In some examples, a multi sensor system may be implemented to capture images. For example, a home automation or building security system may include one or more sensors (e.g., cameras) to capture a field of view (e.g., an outdoor area outside an entry to a building, home, or other structure, an indoor area captured by security cameras in a room, or the like). A multi-sensor system may utilize AEC to identify a single exposure for the entire field of view. However, in multi-camera or multi-vision-sensor systems, the field of view of the system can span a very wide area (e.g. 100 degrees), and a single AEC setting is unlikely to be sufficient to maintain proper light exposure across all the sensors in the system. In cases where the multi-sensor system captures a wide field of view (e.g., multiple sensors capturing smaller fields of view that make up the large field of view), traditional AEC tends to get the correct exposure in one area but at the expense of over-exposure or under-exposure in a different area. Improved image capture by multiple sensors with a wide field of view may be desirable.

Low-power auto-exposure control (AEC) for multi-sensor systems


The technology relates to a system on chip (SoC). The SoC may include a network on layer including one or more routers and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) layer bonded to the network layer, the ASIC layer including one or more components. In some instances, the network layer and the ASIC layer each include an active surface and a second surface opposite the active surface. The active surface of the ASIC layer and the second surface of the network may each include one or more contacts, and the network layer may be bonded to the ASIC layer via bonds formed between the one or more contacts on the second surface of the network layer and the one or more contacts on the active surface of the ASIC layer.

A system on chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that generally includes components of a computer or other such electrical system on a single substrate in a single housing. The components within a SoC may include any combination of processors, memory, controllers, power management, network controllers, and other such computer components. By integrating these components onto a single substrate in a single housing of a SoC, the amount of space taken up by the components may be reduced relative to if the components were implemented discretely.
Communication between the components of the SoC, as well as communication between components of the SoC and off-package components, such as memory not located in the SoC housing, is controlled through the use of communication subsystems. Communication subsystems may route data between the components of the SoC via one or more computer buses and/or crossbars. As the number of components within a SoC increases, the number of buses and crossbars increases. In some instances, the length of the buses and crossbars may also increase. The increase in the number of buses and crossbars, as well as the length of the buses and crossbars may lead to communication delays and increased power usage by the SoC.
Some SoCs have implemented network-on-chip (NoC) communication subsystems. In a NoC communication subsystem, networking interfaces, each associated with a component of the SoC, packetize data to be passed to other components. The networking interfaces communicate with a set of interconnected routers which direct the packetized data to its intended destination component. A networking interface at the destination component may de-packetize the data and pass the de-packetized data into the destination component.
A NoC communication subsystem may decrease communication delays typically encountered in bus and crossbar communication subsystems by directing the packetized data through a more direct communication path to its destination component. However, NoC communication subsystems may still suffer from delays caused by inefficient communication paths resulting from the limited amount of real estate on the substrate caused by the density of components on the substrate in the SoC. In this regard, the NoC communication subsystem may need to be routed around components, thereby increasing the length of the communication paths.
Processors generally use NoC communication subsystems to retrieve date from cache memory located off of the processor die, such as L2 or L3 cache memory. Given the limited space around a processor die, the size of L2 cache memory may be limited. As such, the processor may need to rely on typically slower L3 cache memory that is located further from the processor die or off-package cache memory, such L4 cache memory which is typically located outside of a SoC. The use of a NoC communication subsystem may provide more efficient read and write operations to L3 and L4 cache than previously possible with buses and crossbar communication subsystems. However, due to the distance data needs to travel to and from the processor to L3 and L4 cache memory, the processor may be required to delay processing as it waits for data from the L3 and L4 cache memory.


A carbinol-containing polyimide oligomer terminated with epoxide-reactive end groups has the structure ##STR1## wherein Ar is ##STR2## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently divalent organic radicals; R.sup.3 is a trivalent organic radical; Y is an epoxide-reactive group (e.g.); m is 0 or 1 and n is 0-10. Suitable epoxide-reactive groups include a phenol, thiol, amine, or carboxyl group. Polyimide-polyepoxide adducts are prepared by reacting the polyimides with a polyepoxide, preferably a diepoxide used in excess. The polyimide oligomers are useful as coatings or adhesives. The adducts are useful as adhesives, for composites, and particularly for impregnating the fiberglass sheets which are used to form circuit boards.

This invention relates to carbinol-containing polyimide oligomers terminated with selected epoxide-reactive groups and to the reaction products thereof with polyepoxides.
Polyepoxides are thermosetting resins which can be cured at reasonably low temperatures with little or no by-product formation. They are viscous liquids or brittle solids which are noted for low shrinkage, lasting adhesion, high dieletric strength and chemical resistance; however, they lose strength at high temperatures. They are useful as coatings, adhesives, or molding compounds.
Polyimides are synthetic organic resins characterized by repeating imide linkages in the polymer chain. They are noted for their outstanding chemical and physical properties, particularly their high temperature oxidative stability and strength. They are likewise useful as coatings, adhesives, and composites. Most polyimides, especially the preferred aromatic polyimides, are extremely difficult to process due to their extremely high softening points as well to their insolubility in organic solvents.
Various methods have been used to insure processibility, such as the use of the polyamic acid intermediates or low molecular weight polyimides terminated with unsaturated polymerizable groups. The solubility has been improved by the use of selected carbinol-containing polyimides, as disclosed in European patent application No. 82401866.7 filed Oct. 11, 1982 and published under No. 0 077 718 on Apr. 27, 1980 and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,185 issued to J. E. Schoenberg on Dec. 18, 1984.
Polyimides have been combined with polyepoxides and crosslinked with or without typical epoxy catalysts such as amines or anhydrides. The carbinol-containing polyimides described in the above European patent application have also been combined with a polyepoxide (see Example 18) and cured to an insoluble, infusible state by evaporating off the solvent and heating for 30 minutes at 190.degree. C. The problem with these prior art combinations is that the two part systems are frequently mutually incompatible and the curing reaction which takes place between the polyimide and the polyepoxide is poorly controlled.
There is a need for a polyimide-polyepoxide adduct with improved processibility (e.g., good solubility in organic solvents) and an intermediate Tg.

Carbinol-containing polyimide oligomers terminated with epoxide-reactive groups

National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation


A particular gear oil composition is provided that contains (A) a base oil, (B) an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, (C) a sulfur-containing compound, (D) an organomolybdenum compound and (E) a phosphorus-containing compound, which is excellent in extreme pressure properties, shear stability and wear resistance, and is excellent in fuel saving properties.

A gear oil is a lubricating oil for a gear device, and is used for preventing damages and seizing of gears, for a high-speed and high load gear for an automobile or the like, a relatively low load gear for an ordinary machinery, a relatively high load gear for an ordinary machinery, and the like. The gear oil is generally demanded to be excellent in extreme pressure properties, and particularly, extreme pressure properties are important for a differential gear oil, as compared to MTF (manual transmission fluid). Enhancement in various other properties are also demanded corresponding to the purposes, and various technological developments have been made. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a lubricating oil composition containing a particular ethylene-α-olefin copolymer. The lubricating oil composition is a lubricating oil composition that is excellent in temperature characteristics and is excellent in shear stability. The characteristics that are demanded for a gear oil also include wear resistance, oxidation stability, thermal stability and the like, in addition to the above.
In addition to these capabilities, enhancement of fuel saving properties is demanded for a gear oil for an automobile and the like. As a method for enhancing the fuel saving properties, for example, the use of a gear oil having a low viscosity may be considered for decreasing the viscosity resistance, but the method may suffer shortage of an oil film, which causes additional problems, e.g., deterioration of the seizing resistance and deterioration of the fatigue life of the bearing and gear. It is thus difficult to achieve both the enhancement of fuel saving properties and the basic capabilities of the gear oil simultaneously, and further technological developments have been demanded.


A method for amplifying a target DNA sequence, said method comprising amplifying said sequence in the presence of: a) a nucleic acid polymerase; b) at least one primer capable of hybridising to said target polynucleotide; c) an internal control sequence to which said primer is capable of hybridising and which is of similar length to the target DNA sequence but with a different percentage GC content; and d) label means for detecting the hybridisation of nucleic acids in the reaction; and detecting the hybridisation of the target and control sequences at different temperatures.

The present invention relates to a method of carrying out an amplification reaction and in particular a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using an internal control mechanism.
Amplification reactions such as PCR reactions are well known and widely used. The PCR reaction procedure, in outline consists of the following steps, repeated cyclically.
Denaturation A mixture containing the PCR reagents (including the DNA to be copied, the individual nucleotide bases (A,T,G,C), suitable primers and polymerase enzyme) are heated to a predetermined temperature to separate the two strands of the target DNA.
Annealing: The mixture is then cooled to another predetermined temperature and the primers locate their complementary sequences on the DNA strands and bind to them.
Extension: The mixture is heated again to a further predetermined temperature. The polymerase enzyme (acting as a catalyst) joins the individual nucleotide bases to the end of the primer to form a new strand of DNA which is complementary to the sequence of the target DNA, the two strands being bound together.
A common problem in amplification reactions is establishing that the amplification has progressed adequately. In order to ensure that the amplification has progressed, it is common to include an xe2x80x9cinternal controlxe2x80x9d or standard sequence. This sequence is present in a known amount in the starting material and is designed such that it is amplified by the same primers as those used to amplify the target DNA sequence. The size of the amplified fragment however is different to that of the target DNA sequence. Hence, when the product is obtained, and analysed, for example using gel electrophoresis, the amplified control sequence produces a separate spot on the gel, and can indicate that the amplification reaction has progressed.
The problem with this method however is that because of the different size of the amplification target and the internal control sequence, they may be amplified with different efficiencies. Hence the degree of amplification of the control which has taken place will not be the same as that of the target sequence, which can give a misleading result in terms of the actual progress of the reaction.
The applicants have found an improved method for monitoring the progress of an amplification reaction, based upon the difference made to the hybridisation temperature of a sequence by the content of G and C bases present in the sequence.
The present invention provides a method for amplifying a target DNA sequence, said method comprising amplifying said sequence in the presence of (a) a nucleic acid polymerase (b) at least one primer capable of hybridising to said target polynucleotide, (c) a control sequence to which said primer is capable of hybridising and which is of similar length to the target DNA sequence but with a different percentage GC content, and (d) label means for detecting the hybridisation of nucleic acids in the reaction; and detecting the hybridisation of the target and control sequences at different temperatures.
Because the control sequence and the target sequence are of similar length, they will be amplified with similar amplification efficiencies. However, they will hybridise and denature at different temperatures, and so they will generate two discrete signals from the label means when they undergo denaturation in the course of the amplification reaction.
In general, the amplification will be effected in the presence of at least two primer sequences, a forward and reverse primer, which define each end of the sequences to be amplified, as is well known.
Suitable label means include are fluorescent labels. The signals can therefore be read using well known fluorescence monitoring devices.
Suitable fluorescent labels include intercalating dyes, which are interposed between the strands of a double stranded region of a DNA sequence. When the double stranded DNA region containing the intercalating dye reaches the predetermined temperature, it will be denatured, thus releasing the intercalating dye present between the strands. At this point the fluorescence from the mixture will reduce significantly, giving a readable signal.
The process using a double stranded DNA control sequence is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1 hereinafter.
When intercalating dye (2) is added to a solution of double stranded DNA (1), it becomes interposed between the strands. The concentration of the dye (2) in this way produces a recognisable signal. On heating of the DNA so that it is denatured, dye is released and this event can be witnessed. Cooling to a temperature at which the said sequence will anneal again results in the intercalating dye becoming again trapped between the strands (see FIG. 1).
Suitable intercalating dyes include SYBRGreen(trademark), SYBRGold(trademark) and ethidium bromide or other commercially available dyes.
Alternatively, the fluorescent label used in the method of the invention may utilise fluorescence resonance transfer (FRET) as the basis of the signal. These labels utilise the transfer of energy between a reporter and a quencher molecule. The reporter molecule is excited with a specific wavelength of light for which it will normally exhibit a fluorescence emission wavelength. The quencher molecule is also excited at this wavelength such that it can accept the emission energy of the reporter molecule by resonance transfer when they are in close proximity (e.g. on the same, or a neighbouring molecule). The basis of FRET detection is to monitor the changes at reporter and quencher emission wavelengths.
For use in the context of the present invention, the control DNA sequence can be provided with a reporter and a quencher molecule, arranged so that the hybridisation of the strands alters the spatial relationship between the quencher and reporter molecules. Examples of such arrangements are illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
FIG. 2 illustrates an Example where the control sequence is a single stranded xe2x80x9chairpinxe2x80x9d type sequence (3), where the end portions hybridise together. A reporter molecule (4) is attached in the region of either the 5xe2x80x2 or the 3xe2x80x2 end of the sequence and a quencher molecule (5) is attached at the opposite end such that they are brought into close proximity when the sequence is in the form of the loop. In this arrangement, FRET occurs and so fluorescent signal from the reporter molecule is reduced whilst the signal from the quencher (5) molecule is enhanced.
On denaturation however, the opposed end regions of the sequence separate so that the reporter and quencher molecules become spaced and so FRET no longer occurs. This changes the signals from the respective molecules and so this event can be detected.
Another arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this case, the reporter (4) and quencher molecules (5) are located on different strands (6, 7 respectively) of a DNA control sequence and are located such that on hybridisation of the strands, they are brought into close proximity to each other so that FRET can occur.
Yet a further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this case, an intercalating dye (2) is used as an element of the FRET system. A quencher molecule (5) which can absorb radiation from the dye may be arranged on a strand of the control sequence such that it can absorb radiation from dye which is close proximity to on hybridisation of the strands. When the control sequence reaches a temperature at which it is denatured, the dye (2) is dispersed and so the signal from the quencher molecule (5) changes.
This embodiment is advantageous in that only a single label need be applied to the control sequence. Single labelled sequences of this type are more economical to produce.
In yet a further embodiment (FIG. 5), the reporter (4) and quencher (5) molecules are positioned on two oligonucleotide strands (9 and 10 respectively) which do not hybridise together. They are however designed so that in use, they hydridise to a DNA sequence present in the reaction mixture, which may be a plasmid (11), such that the reporter (4) and quencher (5) are brought into close proximity and FRET can occur between them, giving a recognisable signal.
The DNA sequence to which they bind may be part of the reaction system, for example where the reaction being monitored is a PCR reaction wherein the DNA sequence comprises or is part of the amplification target sequence. Alternatively, the sequences may be added to the reaction in order to provide the basis for the temperature probe of the invention.
The control sequence of the invention may be designed so that it denatures at any desired predetermined temperature depending upon the amount of the bases G and C contained therein. It is known that the bases C and G bind together more strongly than A and T. Therefore, the greater the higher the content of the bases G and C contained within a sequence, the higher the melting point of the sequence will be. This feature is illustrated in FIG. 6 which shows the melting temperature of a DNA sequence plotted against the percentage of and GC base pairs which are present within in. Thus, by adjusting the GC content, the control sequence of a predetermined length may be designed so that it denatures at a temperature which is remote from that of the amplicon.
This facilitates the overcoming of another problem which is known to occur with amplification reactions which include conventional internal control sequences. Frequently, the copy number or concentration of the sequences present has a significant impact on the efficiency of the amplification. If one of either the target or the internal control sequence is present in high copy number or concentration, it will be amplified preferentially and the other will not be seen. Using internal controls of the invention, the amplification conditions, in particular the denaturing temperature, can be adjusted so as to limit amplification of the dominant amplicon so both signals can be detected.
For example, where one of the target sequence or the internal control is going to be present in higher quantities in the reaction, the internal control may be designed such that the denaturation temperature of the lower concentration component, for example the control, is lower than that of the high concentration sequence which in this case would be the target sequence. If then during the amplification reaction, the denaturation conditions are adjusted such that the higher denaturation temperature (of the target sequence for example) is not reached, the internal control only will be amplified, at least for a limited number of cycles, so as to generate a distinguishable signal.
Thus in a preferred embodiment, the amplification reaction is effected under conditions which favour the amplification of the one of the target sequence and under conditions which favour amplification of the internal control sequence. The denaturation temperature is the most convenient way of effecting this since by simply not allowing the mixture to reach the denaturation temperature of the higher melting component, the latter will not denature and so not hybridise with the primers and extend during the extension phase.
The method of the invention is particularly applicable for use in amplification reactions such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this case, the control sequence of the invention is introduced into the reaction vessel either separately to the target DNA sequence, or where appropriate, as part of the same plasmid.

Amplification of DNA with a control sequence differing in GC content

Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Secretary of State for Defence


Systems and methods for remotely programming a set top box and for remotely scheduling an event on a set top box. A set top box includes a server that allows an access device to access the set top box over an always on connection between the set top box and a network such as the Internet. The access device retrieves program guide data that is locally stored on the set top box and, using the program guide data, selects and schedules events. The events are sent back to the set top box over the connection where they are implemented by the set top box.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods for remotely accessing and programming a set top box. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for remotely scheduling events on a set top box.
2. Background and Related Art
Consumers are beginning to have access to a large number of television programs over an increasing number of television channels. Set top boxes such as cable boxes, satellite receivers, and digital video recorders or combinations thereof are becoming more popular because they provide certain advantages that were not previously available. Set top boxes, for example, allow users to digitally record programming content such as television programs, lock certain channels from being accessed without permission, view electronic program guide data, and set personal preferences that control how the program guide data and/or programming content is presented to the user.
The ability to digitally record a television program is particularly useful because users are often unable to view a particular television program when it is scheduled for broadcast or because there is more than one program that the user desires to view. Sometimes, the user knows that he or she will be unable to view a certain television program well in advance. For example, the user may be taking a planned vacation. In this instance, the user is able to directly program the set top box from their home to record the program. By recording the television program, the user is able to view the program at their leisure.
Some users, however, decide to record a program shortly before the program is scheduled to begin. Because of the relatively short notice, these users often find themselves in situations that prevent them from successfully recording the desired program. For example, the user may be at work, cannot get home in time to record the television program, have another commitment that conflicts with the television program, etc. For example, a user, while at a sporting event, may discover that their favorite program is a new episode instead of a repeat episode. In these types of situations, the user is simply unable to record their favorite program because they are not home to program the set top box to record the program.
Many set top boxes simply require the presence of the user in order to schedule an event, such as recording a television program. The problem, stated generally, is that users are unable to access their set top boxes from a remote location such that an event can be scheduled at the set top box. Attempts have been made, however, to provide a way for users to record programs or schedule events when they do not have direct access to their set top box.
One attempt involves using a proprietary server that stores program guide data. Periodically, the set top box will access the proprietary server in order to update the program guide data stored in the set top box. To schedule an event in this case, the user accesses the proprietary server through a network, such as the Internet. Once logged on to the proprietary server, the user may view the program guide data stored on the proprietary server and input programming instructions or schedule an event that will be downloaded to the set top box of the user.
One of the problems with this approach is related to the difference between the program guide data provided by the proprietary server and the program guide data that is stored on the user's set top box. When a user is at home, the program guide data is often personalized. For example, favorite channels have been selected and identified, locks have been set on certain channels, the amount of program guide data displayed has been customized by the user, events that have already been scheduled are reflected to the user, and the like. In other words, some users have personalized their program guide data such that it is easier to navigate when they are scheduling an event such as recording a program or simply browsing the program guide data.
The program guide data provided by the proprietary server, on the other hand, is not personalized and is most likely not organized in the same manner as the program guide data stored on the user's set top box. Previously scheduled events of the user are not reflected in the program guide data and the user's preferences are not available to the user. In addition, the program guide data provided by the proprietary server may be much more voluminous than the program guide data stored on the set top box of the user. For example, the user's set top box may have access to many different channels, but the user set input preferences such that the program guide data for only 15 channels is displayed by the set top box. When the user logs on to the proprietary server, the user may have to wade through program guide data for significantly more than 15 channels in order to find a television program the user desires to record. Being presented with such a large quantity of information by the proprietary server is burdensome to the user. The user thus experiences difficulty when interacting with the proprietary server that they would not experience at home when using their own program guide data. In spite of these difficulties, a user can overcome these limitations and identify an event at the proprietary server, such as identifying a program to record. However, users may experience more difficulty in navigating the program guide data as the volume of the program guide data provided by the proprietary server continues to grow.
Another problem with this approach is that the set top box only accesses the proprietary server and downloads data periodically. When the set top box downloads guide data, it usually downloads guide data for an identified time period, a week for example. This creates a problem when a user desires to record a program on short notice because the set top box may not access the proprietary server to retrieve the instructions left by the user soon enough to actually record the program.

Remotely accessing and programming a set top box


A storage shelf (10) comprising a plurality of stacked supports (12) for supporting containers (13) of articles suitable for handling by an automated storage and retrieval device (15) including at least one storage and retrieval opening (20) for storage and retrieval of the containers (13) and a computer (17) in which information as to the stored articles (14) is memorized. To improve the overview of the stored articles at least one digital camera (16) is provided which senses the articles (14) held in the containers (13). The resulting digital information is memorized in the computer (17) for display by means of a monitor.

The invention relates to a storage shelf comprising a plurality of stacked supports for supporting containers of articles suitable for handling by an automated storage and retrieval device including at least one storage and retrieval opening for storage and retrieval of the containers and a computer in which information as to the stored articles is memorized.
It is known in storage shelves for storing a variety of articles to sense the nature and quantity of the articles held in the containers, it also being known in this respect to sense the quantity of the articles automatically by their weight. The sensed information is memorized via an inventory management program in the computer, on the monitor of which the memorized information is displayed.
The invention is based on the objective of proposing a storage shelf of the aforementioned kind in which the overview of the articles held in the containers is improved.
To achieve this objective it is proposed in accordance with the invention to provide in a high-bay shelf of the aforementioned kind at least one digital camera which senses the articles held in the containers and to memorize the digital information in the computer for display by means of a monitor.
In the storage shelf in accordance with the invention the articles held in the containers are now rendered visible at a single glance on the monitor without the container needing to be removed. Such visual information is significantly more operator-appreciative than digital data. In addition, the storage location within the container can also be sensed which is particularly of advantage where wide containers are involved.
Advantageous aspects of the invention read from the sub-claims.
To advantage the digital camera is arranged in the region of the storage and retrieval opening in this assuring that the articles are sensed by the digital camera in both storage and retrieval of the container.
In another aspect an imaging program memorized in the computer generates a raster system with which the number and size of free storage locations in the container can be sensed and displayed. The raster system may be configured two-dimensional or three-dimensional.


A piezoelectric vibration component that includes a piezoelectric vibrator, a substrate, and a conductive adhesive that bonds the piezoelectric vibrator to the substrate. The conductive adhesive contains a silicone-based base resin, a cross-linker, a conductive filler, and an insulating filler. The silicone-based base resin has a weight-average molecular weight of 20,000 to 102,000. The cross-linker has a number-average molecular weight of 1,950 to 4,620. The conductive filler and the insulating filler have a particle size of 10 μm or less.

Conductive adhesives containing conductive fillers dispersed in binder resins are used to mount electronic components on substrates. When pressure bonding is performed with a conductive adhesive interposed between a terminal of an electronic component and a wire arranged on a substrate, the conductive filler particles interposed between the terminal and the wire come into contact with each other and extend to form a conductive path. Examples of this type of conductive adhesive include those in which an insulating filler in addition to a conductive filler are dispersed; and those in which a binder resin therefor contains a cross-linker used to promote the crosslinking between base resin molecules to increase the molecular weight, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3. Patent Document 1 describes that a base resin preferably has a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000 or more and less than 1,000,000 in order to enhance the mixing properties with another material to be mixed. Patent Document 2 describes that poly(oxypropylenediamine) having a molecular weight of 2,000 or more and less than 5,000 or Jeffamine (registered trademark) having a molecular weight of 2,000 or more and less than 4,000 is used as a cross-linker for an epoxy resin. Patent Document 3 exemplifies an average particle size of 4 μm of a conductive filler and an average particle size of 3 μm of an insulating filler.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-179006
Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-343397
Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 4816827

Piezoelectric vibration component and application method


A piezoelectric transducer for energy-harvesting systems includes a substrate, a piezoelectric cantilever element, a first magnetic element, and a second magnetic element, mobile with respect to the first magnetic element. The first magnetic element is coupled to the piezoelectric cantilever element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are set in such a way that, in response to relative movements between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element through an interval of relative positions, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element approach one another without coming into direct contact, and the interaction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element determines application of a force pulse on the piezoelectric cantilever element.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a piezoelectric transducer for an energy-harvesting system and to a method for harvesting energy through a piezoelectric transducer.
Description of the Related Art
The disclosure is particularly suited to the production of piezoelectric microtransducers that may be used in miniaturized energy-harvesting systems capable of supplying, among others, electronic components and/or devices, such as low-consumption sensors and actuators, frequently used in portable electronic devices, such as cellphones, tablet computers, portable computers (laptops), video cameras, photographic cameras, consoles for videogames, and so forth.
As is known, systems for collecting energy from environmental-energy sources (also referred to as energy harvesting or energy scavenging systems) have aroused and continue to arouse considerable interest in a wide range of fields of technology. Typically, energy-harvesting systems are designed to harvest (or scavenge), store, and transfer energy generated by mechanical sources to a generic load of an electrical type. In this way, the electrical load does not use batteries or other supply systems that are frequently cumbersome, have low resistance to mechanical stresses and entail maintenance costs for replacement operations. Furthermore, systems for harvesting environmental energy are of considerable interest for devices that are in any case provided with battery supply systems, which, however, have a rather limited autonomy. This is the case, for example, of many portable electronic devices that are increasingly becoming widely used, such as cellphones, tablets, portable computers (laptops), video cameras, photographic cameras, consoles for videogames, etc. Systems for harvesting environmental energy may be used for supplying components or devices in order to reduce the energy absorbed from the battery and, in practice, increase the autonomy.
Environmental energy may be harvested from several available sources and converted into electrical energy by appropriate transducers. For instance, available energy sources may be mechanical or acoustic vibrations or, more in general, forces or pressures, chemical-energy sources, electromagnetic fields, environmental light, thermal-energy sources.
For harvesting and conversion piezoelectric transducers may, among others, be used.
Piezoelectric transducers are in general based upon a microstructure comprising a supporting body, connected to which are piezoelectric cantilever elements, having at least one portion made of piezoelectric material. The free ends of the piezoelectric cantilever elements, to which additional masses can be connected, oscillate elastically in response to movements of the supporting body or to vibrations transmitted thereto. As a result of the movements of bending and extension during the oscillations, the piezoelectric material produces a charge that can be harvested and stored in a storage element.
In miniaturized transducers, however, the use of just the piezoelectric cantilever elements and the additional masses does not enable adequate levels of efficiency to be achieved. In practice, the conversion of kinetic energy is not satisfactory because the natural frequency of the system formed by the piezoelectric cantilever element and by the additional mass is too different from the typical environmental frequencies that can be transduced.
To improve the efficiency of piezoelectric transducers, it has been proposed to use a movable mass separate from the piezoelectric cantilever elements and magnets that enable temporary coupling of the movable mass and piezoelectric cantilever elements. The magnets are arranged in part on the movable mass and in part on the piezoelectric cantilever elements and are oriented so as to exert attractive forces. The movable mass is constrained to the supporting body so as to be able to come into contact with the piezoelectric cantilever elements and enable coupling of the magnets. The piezoelectric cantilever elements are drawn along in motion by the movable mass and undergo deformation until the elastic return force exceeds the magnetic force. At this point, the magnets separate, and the action of the magnetic force on the piezoelectric cantilever elements ceases almost instantaneously as the movable mass moves away, allowing the elastic force alone to act. In practice, this is equivalent to applying a force pulse on the piezoelectric cantilever elements, which are hence stimulated over a wide frequency band, which also includes the resonance frequency.
Albeit far better from the efficiency standpoint, the devices described present, however, some limits in terms of reliability. In fact, each oscillation of the movable mass causes impact between the magnets of the movable mass itself and the magnets of the piezoelectric cantilever elements. Even though the frequency of oscillation of the movable mass is low (generally less than about 10 Hz), in the long run repetition of the impact may cause damage to the microstructure. In particular, microcracks may be formed, which rapidly propagate until they render the transducer unserviceable.

Piezoelectric transducer for an energy-harvesting system


A floor-scrubbing machine is provided having a main body and a cleaning fluid delivery system. At least one rotatable brush having a brush body and bristles extending from the brush body is included. The brush is carried by the main body whereby the bristles of the brush engage the floor being scrubbed. A fluid distributor is provided to distribute cleaning fluid supplied to the fluid distributor to the brush. The brush defines a recess having a sidewall and at least one opening formed in the sidewall for distributing the cleaning solution radially outward.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cleaner such as a carpet-cleaning device having a power brush assembly. More particularly, the present application pertains to such a brush assembly that distributes the cleaning solution onto the surface.
2. Background Information
It is known in the prior art to provide a carpet extractor having powered brushes to assist in scrubbing of the surface being cleaned as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,594 issued to Crouser. Such a brush assembly 20 includes gear brushes 25 that each distribute the cleaning solution axially through openings 81 in the bottom of brush cups 77 formed in its center hub. However, visual analysis of the fluid distribution on the carpet revealed that the solution was more concentrated under the brush hub, which could result in some areas in the cleaning path to be less cleaned than the other areas.
Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide a brush assembly for a cleaning machine that distributes cleaning solution evenly along the cleaning surface in its cleaning path.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a brush assembly of a cleaning machine that distributes cleaning solution along the cleaning surface in manner that improves the cleaning of the surface.


A wireless telephone having a user-selectable pager mode in which, in response to a page message associated with an incoming call, the wireless telephone transmits a data message which causes the incoming call to be redirected to a voice mail system without delay due to a system-determined time interval for allowing wireless telephone users to answer incoming calls.

Conventional wireless telephones generally offer both voice and data communications capabilities and allow real-time voice communications. As described below, such real-time communications are not always desirable by a user who wishes only to receive a message without having his current activity disturbed.
Pagers, on the other hand, are miniature receivers which receive data transmissions from at least one paging terminal which covers a selected geographic area. A pager is generally tuned to a particular tone or data bit-modulated frequency that is shared with many other pagers. A particular sequence of tones or data bits is used as an address or the identification of a selected pager. Reception of the particular sequence activates an acoustic, tactile or visible alert, thereby indicating that a call has been placed to the paging terminal from a telephone connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or other telecommunications network and communicated via the transmitter to the pager. Depending on the complexity of the pager, the paging device may receive a voice or data message following the alert, or the alert alone may simply indicate to the user that a call was made and a prearranged action should be taken. To respond to a page, the paged party typically must find an available conventional or wireless telephone and initiate a telephone call to the party that initiated the page.
There have been several attempts to make wireless telephones a substitute for pagers by incorporating pager features into the wireless telephone system. The objective of these attempts is to enable the wireless telephone user to receive short digital messages and to allow the user to screen incoming calls and respond to selected messages when time allows, without interrupting the user's activities.
One such attempt is called short messaging services (SMS). Using SMS, an alpha-numeric or numeric message (hereinafter collectively "alpha-numeric message") is transmitted to a wireless telephone and appears on the screen of the unit. This may be accomplished in at least three different ways: First, the caller may call the wireless telephone number and be transferred to the user's voice mailbox. The caller is then prompted to enter the caller's telephone number or other alpha-numeric message, which is transmitted to the wireless telephone by the voice mail system. Second, a caller can use either e-mail or a web page to send an alpha-numeric message to a user's wireless telephone. A third way is to use a paging system such as a voice response system (VRS), whereby the caller calls a toll-free number, is prompted by the system to enter the user's PIN number (usually the user's 10-digit telephone number or a 7-digit alias) and the caller's telephone number or other alpha-numeric message which is transmitted to the wireless telephone by the VRS. Only the first of these methods permits the caller to call the user's wireless telephone number, as opposed to calling another number or accessing e-mail or the world-wide web. Moreover, these SMS methods have the drawback that their use is not controlled by the wireless telephone user, and consequently he cannot force callers to use SMS during time periods when he does not want his activities disturbed by calls to his wireless telephone.
From the wireless telephone user's perspective, he has several options for making his wireless telephone function like a pager. Conventional wireless telephones have several operating modes, including silent or meeting mode and a pager mode. In silent mode, there is no audible or tactile ringing signal in response to incoming calls. In meeting mode, the user is alerted by different ringing signals (e.g. different tone volumes or patterns) corresponding to various Caller IDs stored by the user in the memory of the wireless telephone. In pager mode, the user is alerted to an incoming call with yet another distinguishable tone. In any of these conventional modes, unless the user answers the call, the caller must wait several rings before being transferred to voice mail, where he is prompted to leave either an alpha-numeric or recorded voice message for the user. Although the ringing signal is typically silenced in both the silent mode and pager mode, the caller still must wait a system-determined time interval (e.g., 60 seconds) before being transferred to voice mail. In addition, in some wireless telephone systems such as the Global System Mobile (GSM) system (implemented in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and parts of the Orient), a user can screen calls based on the Caller ID and send selected calls directly to voice mail by pushing a button. Even in the GSM system, however, unless the user accepts or rejects a call, the caller must wait several rings before being transferred to voice mail.
In view of the foregoing drawbacks in existing wireless telephone systems, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless telephone which functions similar to a pager. Another object of the invention is to provide a pager mode for a wireless telephone in which incoming calls are transferred immediately to voice mail without waiting for 60 seconds or other system- or user-determined time interval for allowing wireless telephone users to accept incoming calls. A further object of the invention is to provide a high priority screening feature which allows certain preselected high priority calls to circumvent the pager mode and be answered by the wireless telephone user in the normal fashion. A still further object of the invention is to provide a screening feature which permits the user to screen the Caller IDs of all incoming calls before they are transferred to voice mail, while the wireless telephone is in pager mode.

Wireless telephone with improved pager mode

BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation


Plug-socket connector apparatus for optical fiber termination comprises first and second plugs and a socket. The first and second plugs are both single ferrule plugs. The socket is a molded interconnect device and a plug holder, and includes terminals located on the bottom face of the socket, first and second bores located at one side of the socket, and first and second retainers. The retainers retain latches formed in the plugs so as to prevent the plugs from falling out of the bores and to restrict rotation angles of the plugs around the axes within predetermined rotation angle ranges, when the plugs is plugged in the bores.

Japanese Patent Application Publication Number H11-329637 issued Nov. 30, 1999 discloses connection apparatus between printed circuit boards, which is formed of a transmission connector and a reception connector. The transmission connector is a molded interconnect device (MID) including a light emitting element, and is mounted on a first printed circuit board. The reception connector is an MID that includes a light receiving element facing the light emitting element, and is mounted on a second printed circuit board piled on the first printed circuit board. Since this apparatus transmits an optical signal through the light emitting element and light receiving element, contacts to be connected each other can be omitted. However, the apparatus is configured to be located between two printed circuit boards, and accordingly cannot be used for optical communication with external devices. In addition, print circuit boards cannot be placed side by side in a horizontal direction.
Japanese Patent Application Publication Number H11-214100 issued Aug. 6, 1999 discloses hybrid optical-electrical connector apparatus that is formed of a hybrid plug and a hybrid socket. The plug is formed of an upper and lower cases, and has an optical signal transmitter, an optical signal receiver and a power plug. The transmitter and receiver are connected to two optical fiber cables included in a hybrid cord, respectively. The power plug is connected to a power cord included in the hybrid cord. The socket is formed of case and cover that contain a print circuit board mounted with a light emitter, a light receiver, a power jack and an external connector. The light emitter is mounted on the front of the board to face the optical signal receiver of the plug connected to the socket. The light receiver is mounted on the front of the board to face the optical signal transmitter of the plug connected to the socket. The jack is mounted on the front of the board to be electrically connected with the power plug of the plug connected to the socket. The external connector is mounted on the back of the board to be electrically connected with a connecter from external. If plug-socket connector apparatus is formed based on this apparatus of plug-socket-socket coupling type, namely the external connector is omitted, optical communication with external devices becomes possible through the optical fiber cables (hybrid cord). In addition, print circuit boards can be placed side by side in a horizontal direction.
However, since the hybrid plug is connected to the hybrid socket in a vertical posture with respect to the print circuit board, thickness dimension of an electronic product equipped with the plug-socket connector apparatus becomes large. In addition, the hybrid plug is formed of the upper and lower cases, and accordingly the thickness dimension is further increased. Moreover, since the square shaped optical signal transmitter and optical signal receiver are plugged in two square shaped cavities of the hybrid socket, respectively, stress is put on the optical signal transmitter and optical signal receiver as well as the two cavities through the hybrid cord (optical fiber cables).
FIGS. 19A and 19B show a photoelectric conversion connector which has been proposed conventionally. This connector comprises a plug 900 connected with an optical fiber cable, an MID substrate 920 detachably connected with this plug 900, and a metal shell 930 to which the plug 900 and MID substrate 920 are attached. The plug 900 has a plug body 901 formed of a rectangular synthetic resin mold. The left and right sides of the facing surface (the front face) with the MID substrate 920 in the plug 900 are formed with a pair of fit projections 902 projecting to the MID substrate 920 side. The front faces of the fit projections 902 are formed with openings of one side of a through hole 903 piercing the plug body 901 in the front and back direction, respectively. Two optical fiber cables 910 are inserted into the through holes 903 from the back side and then and fixed. The facing surface with the plug 900 in the MID substrate 920 is formed with a pair of fit cavities 921 into which the pair of fit projections 902 are fit, respectively. An optical element (a light emitting element or a light receiving element) 922 is mounted on the facing part with the end face of the optical fiber cable held by the plug 900 in the bottom of each fit cavity 921. The metal shell 930 comprises a rectangular bottom plate part 931, three hold spring parts 932 and three hold spring parts 933. The plug 900 and MID substrate 920 are put on the bottom plate part 931. The three hold spring parts 932 project from the front edge and the front side of left and right edges in the bottom plate part 931 toward upside, respectively and hold the MID substrate 920. The three hold spring parts 933 project from the back edge and the back side of left and right edges in the bottom plate part 931 toward upside, respectively and hold the plug body 901.
When the plug 900 is connected to the MID substrate 920, the MID substrate 920 is inserted into the metal shell 930 from upside. Each hold spring part 932 is then latched to the MID substrate 920. Consequently, the MID substrate 920 is fixed to the metal shell 930, and a receptacle is obtained. The plug 900 is then inserted into the receptacle from upside. In the state that the fit projections 902 of the plug body 901 are fit into the fit cavities 921 of the MID substrate 920, each hold spring part 933 is latched to the plug body 901. Thereby, the plug 900 is connected to the receptacle, and the optical fiber cables 910 of the plug 900 face the optical elements 922 mounted on the MID substrate 920.
In this photoelectric conversion connector, the plug 900 is connected to the metal shell 930 fixing the MID substrate 920 form the vertical direction of the optical axes of the optical elements 922 mounted on the MID substrate 920. Because of this, there is an issue that positioning precision between the optical axes of the optical fiber cables 910 held by the plug 900 and the optical axes of the optical elements 922 is low, and also the position relationship of the optical axes changes when the optical fiber cables 910 held by the plug 900 receive stress, so that transmission loss increases. Also, the optical elements 922 are mounted on the facing surface with the plug 900 in the MID substrate 920, but there is another issue that influence of noise and so on increases in case that electrical separation between the optical elements is insufficient. In addition, as shown in FIG. 19B, in the state that the plug 900 is connected to the receptacle, the upside of attachment and detachment direction of the plug 900 in the connector is not shielded, and accordingly shield performance cannot be secured.