The present invention enables a broadcaster to vary the time and the descriptive information in a program guide on a per-channel basis. A priority ranking system of the channels allows the preparation of multiple versions of a program guide in order to fit the guide into the memory space allocated in a receiver. When constructing the program guide, the algorithm of the present invention fits the longest title variation allowed while still keeping the total size of the guide product within space constraints supported by the receiver.

Electronic program guide data for television is delivered to integrated receiver/decoders (IRDS), or set-top boxes (STBs), by way of a satellite network or a cable television system. The program guide typically contains scheduling information for programming services that are provided by the satellite or cable provider. Limitations of the electronic program guide stem from the amount of bandwidth available to carry the scheduling information and the amount of memory required to store the scheduling information at the integrated receiver/decoder.
Integrated receiver/decoders typically have a fixed amount of memory. Random access memory (RAM) is relatively expensive, and there is a need to keep the cost of the receiver/decoder low to keep it relatively inexpensive for consumers. This conflicts with the need to provide detailed program information to the consumer, for the amount of program information to be communicated increases as more channels are added by the satellite or cable provider.
One proposed solution involves limiting the program guide data to a particular region of interest. Irrelevant data is filtered from the program guide before being stored by the receiver. However, as the number of channels broadcast by a provider increases, the amount of content to a particular region of interest is also increased. Therefore, the problem of limited receiver memory still remains.
There is a need for accommodating an ever-increasing program guide within a fixed amount of receiver memory without limiting the information supplied to a consumer.


Methods and systems for organizing information in a grid. Aspects of this grid may be easily manipulated via user interface operations. This grid may be easily manipulated to create or edit a hierarchy. Grid elements may be expanded or collapsed alternatively to show or hide hidden elements. A block of textual information may contain elements that may be expanded or collapsed alternatively to show or hide hidden elements. Aspects of this block of text may be easily manipulated via user interface operations. This block of text may be easily manipulated to create or edit a hierarchy. A canvas may contain objects that may be easily moved and/or repositioned via user interface operations.

A text document is a flat, sequential structure. It requires that ideas, with all their parts and interrelationships, be woven into a linear thread and packed onto the flat surface of the medium. The author has to lay out scraps of information in a sequential mosaic, while the reader must parse the structure out of the page and visualize in his own mind the author's meaning. The connection between the author and the reader is through a wall of text with little transparency as to any structure or relationship among the ideas.
Prior art systems have employed various means to represent and organize unstructured textual information. Conventional text editors may provide bullet points and indentation to segment a block of text for easier readability. Certain note-taking applications blend long-form text with the ability to spatially arrange snippets of text on a two-dimensional canvas. Others group snippets of text into categories which can be searched in various ways. Concept- and cognitive-mapping tools typically eschew long-form text in favor of a graphical representation of information; they model knowledge as a web of simple concepts connected via links. Outliners are a class of note-taking applications that enable the organization of information in hierarchies.
Some outliners allow items to have typed attributes, displayed in columns, giving the effect of a hierarchical table. Spreadsheets may provide means to group rows and columns to form quasi-hierarchical structures that may be collapsed/expanded to hide/show the rows and columns. Certain word processing applications provide tables or grids that may be used to organize textual information.
Text editors in certain programming tools provide auto-indentation and syntax highlighting to better visualize the elements of a program text. Some provide means to hide/show various elements of a program text based on the hierarchical structure of programming constructs. Certain text editors provide pop up views similar to the familiar tool tips in response to a mouse pointer hovering over program text. A pop up view may display documentation associated with a program element underneath the mouse pointer at the time of the hover.
Certain web pages provide means to expand/collapse a portion of the text on the page to show/hide additional information respectively. Certain web pages, in response to a mouse pointer hovering over a link, display a pop up view containing some information about the link, such as a summary of the content of the link's target page. These effects may not be easy to achieve and may require non-trivial knowledge of the technologies used behind the scenes to generate and format web pages.

Method and apparatus for structured documents


An apparatus for thermal processing of waste having organic and inorganic components comprises at least a treatment station, a cooling station and a treated material-removal station, and at least three crucibles. The treatment station is adapted to thermally treat the organic components and/or inorganic components located in a given one of the crucibles located at the treatment station. The so-treated components in this given crucible are adapted to then be cooled at the cooling station, before the treated components located in the given crucible are removed therefrom at the treated material-removal station. The three crucibles are mounted on a turntable so that the three crucibles are each at one of the stations, before synchronously all moving to each crucible's next station.

The current practice, onboard Navy ships, is to use Golar-type incinerators to dispose of waste. These incinerators are refractory lined vessels into which un-shredded or shredded waste is fed through a feed port. Additional heat is typically supplemented by fuel oil burners. These incinerators typically do not have a secondary combustion chamber or any type of gas cleaning system. The off-gas is simply diluted and exhausted to a chimney through a fan. These incinerators typically have low temperature (around 600° C.). Consequently, several types of wastes (plastics, metal, glass, food, biomedical waste and sharps) cannot be processed in these incinerators, requiring segregation and the operation of several types of specialized equipment.
Plastic waste is processed in a plastic waste processor (PWP) that melts plastics at relatively low temperature into solid pucks. The PWPs are known to have a low processing rate and, since they are not equipped with a fume treatment system, they emit smelly fumes. The plastic pucks must be stored onboard possibly for long periods, since the navy ships can be at sea for several months. This takes up valuable space, as well as causing a nuisance to the sailors, as the plastics are often contaminated with food or other putrescible matter, releasing odours.
Food waste is typically processed in pulpers that break up food waste with large amounts of water into a fine pulp. This pulp can then be discharged to sea. However, the pulping of food requires sorting of the food, because any contaminants such as plastics are not allowed to be discharged into the sea.
Metal is separated and compressed using hydraulic presses. Glass is also separated and crushed in glass crushers. The operation of these additional pieces of equipment and the time required for segregation takes up valuable time from the sailors' routine, which would be better spent for other useful duties.
Biomedical waste can be treated in autoclaves that sterilize the waste. However, these autoclaves take up valuable shipboard space and require significant amounts of steam to operate.
Newer incinerators have been developed that operate at higher temperature and that include gas treatment systems. However, because they use oil burners, these incinerators tend to be large, typically requiring several decks of space.
Incinerators also present a number of safety problems. For example, the hot ashes that must be discharged could bum the operators. Sharps from biomedical waste stay in their original form and could cut and possibly contaminate the operators with dangerous pathogens, when being discharged with the ashes.
The present invention seeks to meet these needs and other needs.

Three step ultra-compact plasma system for the high temperature treatment of waste onboard ships


Packaging apparatus, such as a tray sealer, with a gas supply arrangement enabling a flushing gas to be conducted between a flushing gas outlet (26) and a flushing gas inlet (14) which are relatively moveable. The flushing gas inlet is positioned above the flushing gas outlet. The gas supply arrangement includes a barrel 15 connected to the inlet (14) and sliding in a sleeve connected to the outlet (26). In a first predetermined relative position of the flushing gas outlet and flushing gas inlet a fluid flow connection is established between the flushing gas outlet and flushing gas inlet. In a second predetermined relative position the flushing gas inlet and flushing gas outlet are disconnected and liquid may drain from the barrel 15.

Tray sealers are widely used to package foodstuffs. Conventional tray sealers have a lower tool for supporting trays containing foodstuff which in use is raised to bring it into contact with a sealing film positioned above the trays and to urge the film and rims of the trays into contact with a heated upper tool. This seals the film to the rims of the trays and cuts the film around each individual tray.
To prolong the shelf life of foodstuff packaged in this way it is known to flush the trays with a chosen, typically inert, gas before they are sealed with film. This displaces air from the trays, replacing it with the inert gas which slows oxidation or other deterioration of the packaged foodstuff.
To achieve this the lower tool of a tray sealer is provided with ports through which the inert gas is supplied. The inert gas is introduced into the tray whilst the tray is near or in contact with the sealing film, but before the film is sealed to the tray. The inert gas is supplied from a gas cylinder or other external gas supply via a valve of the tray sealer which is controlled by the machine so that gas is only discharged when required.
To accommodate the movement of the lower tool relative to the remainder of the tray sealer the lower tool is connected to the gas supply using a flexible hose which follows a U-shaped path from a gas outlet downstream of the control valve to an inlet of the lower tool, or of a support to which lower tool is mounted.
The flexible hose causes problems. During operation or cleaning of the machine matter such as foodstuff, contaminated cleaning water or other matter may enter the pipe either via the lower tool or directly when the lower tool is removed for cleaning of the machine. Such matter builds up in the U-shaped bend in the hose and may lead to growth of bacteria in the hose. When the machine is next operated flow of gas through the hose drives the matter into the lower tool and packaging, potentially contaminating foodstuff packaged by the machine. To guard against this risk it is necessary to periodically clean the hose. This involves removing it from the machine. To facilitate this both ends of the hose need to be easily accessible. One end will be connected to or near to the lower tool and so can relatively easily be accessed. The other end is connected to a gas outlet on the machine and so this also needs to be placed in a conveniently accessible location which places design constraints on the machine.
It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to address these problems.


A Doherty amplifier system including a quarter wave transformer/combiner circuit which may be implemented as a low cost radio frequency integrated circuit, thereby absorbing and minimizing the effects of parasitics such as bond wires and stray capacitance. The quarter wave transformer/combiner circuit may be a lumped pi network configured as an integral number of sections coupled in parallel, with each such section comprising a series combination of a shunt inductance, series capacitance, and shunt inductance. The circuit may also provide bias voltage to the carrier and peaking amplifiers and/or maintain DC isolation therebetween. The circuit may also decrease the load impedance presented to the carrier amplifier as input power increases, thus allowing the efficiency of the system to be kept relatively constant over a prescribed power range.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to Doherty amplifiers, and, more specifically, to the integration of a quarter wave transformer/combiner circuit with a Doherty amplifier.
2. Related Art
The Doherty amplifier, developed in the 1930""s, is a linear power amplifier that operates at low power consumption levels and high efficiencies. For an overview of the Doherty amplifier, see Doherty, W. H., A New High Efficiency Power Amplifier For Modulated Waves, Proceedings of the Institute of Radio Engineers, Vol. 24, No.9, pp. 1163-82, September 1936, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Although the Doherty amplifier has advantages in certain applications, problems have been encountered with applying the Doherty amplifier to low cost radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) for use in wireless communications equipment. In the past, Doherty amplifiers were designed at low enough frequencies and/or high enough impedances that parasitics such as bond-wire inductance and stray capacitance were not a significant factor. As such, topologies emerged for these applications where portions of the amplifier system were implemented off-chip, that is, outside the RFIC containing the Doherty amplifier, and downstream from any impedance matching circuit.
A problem with these topologies is that parasitic elements such as bondwires, stray capacitance, and losses in the matching circuit, which become more prominent at the high frequencies inherent in RF applications, can degrade the performance of the Doherty amplifier. Moreover, any phase shift that occurs in the matching circuit can further degrade the performance of the Doherty amplifier.
The present invention provides a Doherty amplifier system where a quarter wave transformer/combiner circuit (QWTCC) is directly coupled to the outputs of the carrier and peaking amplifiers of a Doherty amplifier. The QWTCC achieves about a relative net 90xc2x0 phase shift between the carrier and peaking amplifier outputs so that the amplifier outputs, after the phase shifting, are approximately in phase. The QWTCC then combines the relative phase-shifted outputs together at one or more nodes. An impedance matching circuit may be coupled between the one or more nodes and a system output in order to achieve a desired impedance at the system output. The QWTCC together with the Doherty amplifier may be implemented on one RF integrated circuit chip.
The QWTCC may be implemented as a plurality of circuit elements in a xe2x80x9cpixe2x80x9d network. In one example, the QWTCC includes an integral number of pi sections coupled in parallel, each section comprising a series combination of a shunt inductance (L), series capacitance (C), and shunt inductance (L). Each section may be coupled in parallel between the outputs of the carrier and peaking amplifiers. Each of the pi sections may also be coupled to a node, and the nodes for all the sections may form one or more outputs of the QWTCC. An impedance matching circuit may then be coupled between the one or more QWTCC outputs and a system output.
The shunt inductance elements in this example may be configured to provide collector or drain bias to the carrier and peaking amplifiers. These shunt inductors may be realized using bond wires that are generally used to connect an integrated circuit to its external circuitry. The series capacitance elements may be configured to provide DC isolation between the amplifiers and may be integrated directly on the RFIC.
The load impedance presented by the QWTCC to the carrier amplifier in this example may decrease as the input power increases. This allows the efficiency of the system to be held relatively constant over a selected power range.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with still in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Doherty power amplifier with integrated quarter wave transformer/combiner circuit


A hot-dip plating apparatus for plating a thin molten solder film can control a film thickness of a molten solder on a base material evenly and in increments of a few μm and achieve a thin-film solder plating having a film thickness less than a conventional system. As shown in FIG. 1, this apparatus comprises a solder bath 17 of accommodating the molten solder 7; a second conveying section 23 for drawing up a strip member 31 from the solder bath; and a blower section 19 for blowing hot gas on the strip member 31 immediately after being drawn up from the solder bath by a second conveying section 23; the hot gas having a predetermined flow volume and a predetermined temperature equal to or higher than a melting temperature of the molten solder 7. According to this configuration, the excess molten solder 7 can be trimmed from the strip member 31 corresponding to composition of the molten solder 7. Thus, the film thickness of the molten solder 7 coated on the strip member 31 can be controlled evenly and in increments of a few μm.

A shield case has been used for protecting electromagnetic wave interference between electronic parts and electronic circuits mounted on a printed circuit board in a high frequency operating electronic circuit, for blocking the electromagnetic effect thereof to the outside and for preventing malfunction thereof (EMI protection function). A frame is used for supporting the printed circuit board in an electronic equipment.
A copper member is generally used for the shield case. However, there are cases of using a metal member (hereinafter referred to as "base material") such as an albata material (Cu—Zn—Ni/C7521R, C7701R, etc.), stainless steel and other Kobar (Kovar/KOV-H; Fe—Ni—Co, etc.) from characteristic viewpoints of antimagnetic, anticorrosive, oxidation-resistant, heat expansion resistant and workability wherein Kobar is an alloy compounding nickel and cobalt to iron.
It is common that the base material as a case material, frame material, etc. has a predetermined width and elongated shape and is distributed under a condition that the base material is wound around a reel or the like in a roll (strip) type. The roll type wound base material is set to an automatic processing machine, is unreeled from the reel or the like, is punched out to a predetermined shape and is bending-processed to form the shield case or the frame.
As the electronic equipment is required to be compact and light weight and the electronic circuit is required to be high-density packaged, a method of plating (coating) the metal member as a material stage with the solder (hereinafter referred to as "solder coating method") is applied to the shield case and frame. In the base material, a finish processing is slightly difficult for the albata material but easy for Kovar. It is known that a solderability is slightly good for the albata material but hard for Kovar.
A coating method is proposed in a method of adhering the solder on the printed circuit board wherein a predetermined volume of the solder is adhered on a land of the printed circuit board on which electronic micro-parts such as flip-chip parts, BGA or the like and micro-QFP are mounted. In this coating method, after a resist is adhered on an area except of the land on the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board is dipped in the molten solder and ultrasonic sound wave is applied to the molten solder in order to adhere the solder to the land (refer to Patent Document 1).
Another coating method is disclosed to previously achieve the plating of the land on the printed circuit board, a lead of the electronic part or the like. In this disclosed method, a work of the printed circuit board, electronic part, etc. is dipped in the jet molten solder to which the ultrasonic sound wave is applied. Then, the work is moved horizontally or back and forth with respect to an ultrasonic sound wave horn and the work is pulled up from a molten solder bath (refer to Patent Document 2).
A solder pre-coated film forming method and an apparatus thereof are disclosed wherein a tin or solder pre-coated film is formed on a micro-area electrode pad or a narrow pitch lead surface of the electronic circuit board or electronic part (refer to Patent Document 3). In this approach, when it is drawn up from the molten solder bath, the excess adhered solder film is blown down by blowing heated organic aliphatic acid solution. In addition, a coating material of plating the molten solder on a longitudinal soldering material is disclosed (refer to Patent Document 4).

Device for coating thin molten solder film, thin solder film-covered component and manufacturing method therefor


A focusing device comprises a base unit and a mirror unit which is translatable relative to the base unit parallel to an optical axis of the focusing device. The mirror unit is configured to receive incident light along the optical axis in a first direction and to reflect the incident light parallel with the optical axis in said first direction. The mirror unit comprises at least four mirrors, at least one of the mirrors being curved.

Such refocusing devices are known per se. For example, a single lens, a single mirror or a double mirror may be used. However, it has been found that the known refocusing devices are not satisfactory for scientific observations. The use of a refocusing device in scientific observations puts strict requirements on the allowable impact on the focal path length. In this respect, it is desired to refocus during a scientific observation while minimizing the impact of the refocusing on the measurements.

Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO


A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user, including services for creating playlists, communicating with others, accessing other features, etc. is provided. In some exemplary embodiments, after a user is recognized, the jukebox system allows users to access a special front-end via an Internet-enabled device or on an actual jukebox. Then, the user may, for example, create playlists, share songs with friends, send messages to friends, and access other value-added content. Such a system preferably learns about networks of friends, and enables managers to send similar messages to regular customers and/or others known to the system. In some exemplary embodiments, changes via a first user interface on a first device are reflected on second user interface on other properly-configured devices.

Jukeboxes have been around for decades and provide users with the ability to select desired music for reproduction in a convenient and advantageous manner. Jukeboxes have conventionally been provided in commercial establishments, such as restaurants and bars, in order to provide desired music on demand for patrons thereof for a fee. Over the last several years, a new generation of jukebox devices have become available that provide significant improvements in the operation thereof for all parties involved. More specifically, the conventional standalone phonorecord and CD jukeboxes are being replaced by digital downloading jukeboxes that are controlled by and communicate with a central server. An example of this new generation jukebox system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,204, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A leading provider of this new generation of jukebox systems is TouchTunes Music Corporation.
FIG. 1 shows an overview of an exemplary embodiment of a digital downloading jukebox system 10 (hereinafter referred to simply as a "jukebox system"). As shown in FIG. 1, the jukebox system 10 includes a central server 12 that contains a master library of audio content (typically music), as well as or alternatively audiovisual content (typically music and associated video or graphics), that can be downloaded therefrom. The jukebox system also includes a series of remote jukebox devices 16, 16a-16f. Each of these jukebox devices are generally located in a bar, restaurant, club or other desired location, and are operable to play music in response to receiving a payment from a user, such as coins, bills, credit/debit card, etc., and having one or more songs selected by the user for play. In an alternative embodiment, a music service is paid for on a subscription basis by the location, and the selected music is free for the end-user. The jukebox device 16 typically includes a screen 18 that presents information to the user and allows the user to select songs therefrom, as well as an audio system 20 that plays the selected songs. The screen 18 may also be used for displaying song-related video or graphics. The screen 18 may also be used to display advertisements for the jukebox itself in order to attract customers thereto, to display other types of advertisements, and/or to display any other desired information.
The jukebox devices 16 (sometimes referred to as simply "jukeboxes" herein) are operable to communicate with the central server 12 through a communications network 14, such as, for example, the Internet. The jukeboxes 16 periodically communicate with the server 12 in order to provide information to the server 12 regarding the specific songs that have been played on the jukebox. The central server then uses this information in order to determine the appropriate royalties and/or other payments that are owed for songs played on each jukebox. Thus, one significant advantage of this new generation of jukeboxes is that the sound reproduction and/or other applicable music rights can be adhered to in a more accurate and reliable manner, thereby assuring the proper royalties are paid to the artists or music owners. The central server 12 can also provide new songs to the jukebox 16 in order to assure that the appropriate or most popular songs are maintained on the jukebox based on the specific customers at that location. Thus, the songs available on each jukebox can be customized through communication with the central server in order to provide the songs and/or types of music that customers generally request at each jukebox location. As described in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,204, the central server can also advantageously be used to update the operating software on the jukeboxes in order to, for example, change the operation of the jukebox, such as to provide new or improved features. Thus, another significant advantage of this new generation of jukeboxes is that the songs (or other audio and/or visual content), and the operation of the jukebox itself can be remotely changed as desired without the need to have someone (such as a routeman) personally service the jukebox. Instead, such updates can be done using the central server 12.
As indicated above, the jukebox devices 16 each include a mass storage device, such as a hard drive, which stores the songs and associated video/graphics data (if any), as well as any other desired graphical information for reproduction on the jukebox. The mass storage device of the jukebox typically has limited storage capacity relative to the storage device of the central server 12. As a result, only a fraction of the songs stored on the central server are typically stored on the mass storage device of the jukebox at any one time. There may be other reasons as well, such as for security of the data or limited room in the jukebox itself, for having limited storage capacity on the jukebox and/or limiting the number of songs stored thereon. For example, physical space may be limited on wall-mount jukeboxes or the like, which are designed to be small in size as compared to free-standing models. As explained above, the songs on the jukebox can be changed through communication with the central server, but typically any one jukebox only stores a relatively small subset of the complete library of songs maintained by the central server at any one time.
In order to maximize the revenue that a jukebox generates, it is important to make the most desired songs available on the jukebox over time. If customers cannot find songs they like on the jukebox, usage of the jukebox (and the revenue generated thereby) will dramatically decrease. On the other hand, it is impossible to predict in advance exactly what a customer at any particular location will desire to play on the jukebox. In fact, there are likely many instances where a customer would have selected a song that exists on the central server but is not currently present on the jukebox. As a result, the jukebox may not be enjoyed and used to its fullest extent. In order to address this problem and increase revenue, jukebox systems have in the past provided a feature which enables the user to search for songs on the central server from the jukebox and request an immediate download of a desired song from the central server to the jukebox for an additional fee. This feature enables the user to play any song in the master library of songs maintained by the central server using the jukebox, regardless of whether or not the specific song is presently stored in the mass storage of the jukebox itself. Thus, the user can first look for desired songs on the local storage of the jukebox and then, if desired, search further on the central server for desired songs. The jukebox device typically charges an additional fee (such as five credits instead on one credit) for an immediate download and play of a song from the central server as opposed to a standard play directly from the jukebox's local storage.
One problem, however, with the immediate downloading feature is that it is desirable to have an immediate and high speed connection with the central server to implement. In addition, the central server and network must be prepared for and capable of handling such requests in a reliable and efficient manner for the feature to properly operate. These requirements cannot always be met and, as a result, implementation of this feature has been limited. For example, many locations that have jukeboxes do not have high speed connections (such as DSL) and instead use dial-up modem connections. Jukeboxes which rely on dial-up connections generally are only designed to communicate with the server periodically and do not allow the user to immediately download a song. They have, however, enabled a user to vote for a song to be downloaded at a later time when the dial-up connection is made. This, of course, is not as satisfying to the user as being able to immediately download a song. Other problems can arise in connection with this download feature if the network or server is not currently available for the download, due to traffic, malfunctions or the like.
For most users, a relationship with a jukebox extends only as far as a choice of songs to play. Casual users may find it difficult to make selections rapidly and/or to locate specific songs. Regular users, however, frequently choose the same songs, and they may become frustrated with always having to make the same selections. Both problems may result in a loss of revenue from intimidation, frustration, etc.
Thus, it is a feature of the exemplary embodiments to create a relationship between the jukebox and the patrons, in view of the further feature of creating a relationship with a whole community of jukebox users. Such a system can establish a trust relationship between the jukebox and the patrons, while also creating a sense of ownership for the patrons by allowing them to customize their services and communicate with their friends. Such a relationship and feeling of ownership can greatly increase the convenience of using a jukebox and its related services while also decreasing intimidation, frustration, etc.
In certain exemplary embodiments described herein, the jukebox can be made the centerpiece for music services as well as other services that enhance the experience of users as well as the revenues of location managers. For example, a jukebox can become a contact point at a given location through which users can reach out to their friends. For instance, users may call a get together using the jukebox, share music through the jukebox system, or meet up at a jukebox if they become separated at a crowded club. Similarly, a jukebox can become, for example, a contact point at a given location through which the manager of the location can reach out to customers. For instance, a manager can advertise specials, notify regulars of special events, etc. Such communications can be initiated by users, by location managers, or by the jukebox itself.
When jukebox users leave a location, their connection to the music, and, more particularly, the jukebox itself, typically ends. Users provide massive amounts of data to the jukeboxes, such as, for example, which users like certain types of music or certain songs, when they listen to music, how frequently they listen to it, etc. With conventional jukeboxes, this information is not leveraged to provide additional features and/or services to interested users. Thus, collected information typically is wasted, and users experience only a fleeting sense of ownership. Users cannot, for example, recreate the experience of a particular night out.
Proprietors also lose out, because their connection to jukebox users disappears when users leave their establishments. Thus, proprietors lose customers until they return and are forced to rely on traditional, often ignored, methods of bulk advertisement. This form of advertising typically lacks specificity and does not reflect a personalized sense of belonging for users. Additionally, proprietors also cannot recreate specific events at which, for example, they had a particularly profitable nights.
Online communities typically, for example, on the Internet, have sprung-up to try to connect disparate users in a virtual space. These communities provide potentially continuous access to a broad range of features and users alike. However, conventional online communities are virtual only—when a user steps away from a computer, the connection, quite literally, is broken. Thus, while users may access this broad host of features and customize their experiences and even build an online persona complete with, for example, buying and viewing habits, the experience is fleeting.
By connecting jukebox users through an online community, however, the information provided to the jukebox can be used to provide a variety of features and services to the users. And, because jukeboxes are present at thousands of meeting points, connections exist at thousands of physical locations apart from the online virtual community. Thus, by leveraging the data collected by jukeboxes and tying users to an online community, a mixed real-and-virtual community may be established, for example, creating a lasting sense of ownership, personalizing services for potentially all users, drawing users together, establishing a vibrant socially active community of users connected by music, etc. Proprietors may similarly benefit by, for example, achieving a pipeline to additional business by connecting with customers while they are away from their locations, thus drawing them to their locations, etc.
In essence, a jukebox with an associated remote application can, for example, change users' perceptions of jukeboxes. Jukeboxes need not be stand-alone devices accessible only at bars. Rather, the instant invention allows users to consider jukeboxes as, for example, media centers, meeting points, portals to online communities, etc.
Moreover, with the advent of web-enabled portable devices (such as, for example, cell phones, personal digital assistants, etc.), users even can take the virtual community with them wherever they go. Users potentially may use portable devices to directly download music at any time, such as, for example, when they hear a song at home, in the car, at a bar, etc.
There is a need for an improved jukebox system that addresses various needs of users, location owners, and operators. The instant invention is designed to address these and other issues and to provide enhanced functionality for such jukebox systems.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Digital downloading jukebox system with user-tailored music management, communications, and other tools


The present invention provides unique technology, systems and methods of cultivating different types of seaweeds, including, but not limited to, Porphyra (Nori), Laminaria, Undaria, Eucheuma, Gracillaria, Ulva, Sargassum, Codium, Cladophora, Ascophyllum, Palmaria, Furcellaria, Fucus or Enteromorpha, in land-based seawater ponds having a climatically suitable and nutrient controlled environment. These land-based ponds may be built in any part of the world with structural engineering and architectural modifications. The land based units for cultivation of seaweeds comprise phycological laboratory facilities, U-shaped sleeves, to allow the maturation of the sporelings; growth tanks, U-shaped cultivation tanks, a plurality of small inoculation tanks aerated with air, and a harvesting unit.

Currently, the maricultured Porphyra, commonly known as Nori, and other types of seaweeds, are cultivated in the open sea, in a habitat that is suitable to changing climatic conditions in an uncontrolled manner and gathered manually along the coasts of Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. The algae are grown on nets covering approximately 70,000 hectares of the sea. Approximately 300,000 workers participate in the cultivation and gathering of Porphyra. This labor-intensive traditional cultivation system has several drawbacks and yet it has been the only system available for commercial cultivation of Nori. Moreover, the Nori crop grown by this cultivation system is exposed to seawater pollution, to climatic fluctuations and environmental conditions that control its quality and quantity of yield.
Because of its high protein and vitamin content, Nori is considered to be a valuable nutritional product and its consumption has been increasing progressively in recent years. For example, the market for Nori is large with total sales of seaweed products exceeding six billion dollars, and the market for Nori sheets in the US alone is estimated to be worth fifty million dollars annually. Once manually gathered, the Nori is dried into sheets and world-wide production of Porphyra totals about fourteen billion Nori sheets. Yet, currently, large-scale seaweed mariculture is carried out Mainly in Asia because the demand for seaweed products was traditionally high in Asia. Eleven countries produce seaweed products, for example, Japan, Korea, China, Phillipines, Indonesia, Chile, Taiwan, Vietnam, Russia, United States and Italy. Of these countries, only Japan, Korea and China produce Porphyra, and therefore, these countries are the exclusive suppliers for the US and European markets.
Other types of seaweeds produced in the ten countries listed above include Laminaria, Undaria, Eucheuma, and Gracilaria. The US and European markets are supplied with unsophisticated Nori products with minimal differentiation, that is, US and Europe receive the low grade and cheap Nori. The high-end, premium Nori products are mainly reserved for the consumption in Japan. In 1997, about 350,000 wet tons of Nori were produced in Japan with a retail value of one billion dollars. There are approximately seventy species of Porphyra and about thirty-three species occur in Japan. Nori cultivation is a well developed industry in Japan, where improvements have been made in techniques for controlled culturing of the conchocelis stage in shells and for artificial seeding of spores produced by the conchocelis onto cultivation nets which can be stored until placed in the open sea environment.
Genetic improvement of cultured species to maximize the yield of Nori and to develop cost-effective cultivation programs was restricted to classical breeding methods such as strain selection. Mitsua, O. et al., JP 11113529, Apr. 27, 1999.
Prior art describes methods for producing wall-less cells or protoplasts from Nori and protoplast fusion techniques used to produce new hybrid, polyploid and aneuploid genomes possessing combinations of genetic material found in the respective parental species. The new strains produced have altered chromosomal composition and are grown in the open sea. They show modifications in growth, pigment or metabolite composition. Cheney D. et. A., WO/99/29160, published Jun. 17, 1999. The main disadvantage of this approach is that new strains have to be developed, and even then there is a geographical constraint because, an open sea environment is required to cultivate the various seaweeds.
The technology of the present invention overcomes the above disadvantages and takes a unique approach to improving the quality and quantity of Nori and other seaweed products by providing specialized technology, systems and methods for cultivation of the various seaweeds, not in the natural ocean habitat, but inside land-based ponds that provide a stable, fully controlled habit having optimal cultivation conditions. These land-based seawater ponds may be installed in any part of the world, and preferably near a coastal region having an abundance of marine algae and suitable climatic and water temperatures, and at a site close to the processing and manufacturing plant location. The economic benefit of this cultivation technology is the reduced cost, as well as controlling the quality and yield of Nori and other seaweed products produced by changing the nutrient supply to the growing algae by altering the ingredient present in the seawater in the ponds rather than altering the genetic traits of the original species, although the technology can be applied to genetically altered or genetically engineered species as well.
Prior art describes a variety of pharmaceutical or medicinal compositions that were extracted from or derived by chemical process from marine algae, and showing useful effects.
For example, Yvin J. C. et al., describe compositions that have effects in modulating apoptosis dysfunction, WO/99/39718, Aug. 12, 1999.
Winget, R. R., describes compositions that have anti-inflammatory actions, WO/94/24984, Nov. 10, 1994.
Soma, G. et al., describe compositions that exhibit anti-herpes activity, EP 0462 020 A2, Dec. 18, 1991.
Boratyn, D. C., describes sunscreen compositions derived from naturally occurring plants and marine algae, U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,329, Oct. 24, 2000 and Huner N. et al., WO/0024369, May 4, 2000.
Kiriyama S described compositions derived from marine algae that are useful for treatment of hyperglyceridemia, U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,481, Feb. 18, 1992.
Prior art describes methods for producing wall-less cells or protoplasts from Nori and protoplast fusion techniques used to produce new hybrid, polyploid and aneuploid genomes possessing combinations of genetic material found in the respective parental species. The new strains produced have altered chromosomal composition and are grown in the open sea. They show modifications in growth, pigment or metabolite composition. Cheney D. et. A., WO/99/29160, published Jun. 17, 1999. The main disadvantage of this approach is that new strains have to be developed, and even then there is a geographical constraint because, an open sea environment is required to cultivate the various seaweeds.
The present invention overcomes the above disadvantages. It takes a unique approach to improving the quality and quantity of Nori and other seaweed products produced by providing specialized technology comprising of land-based seawater ponds that can be installed in any part of the world. The invention provides systems and methods for cultivation of the various seaweed species, not in the natural ocean habit, but inside land-based ponds that provide a stable, fully controlled habitat having optimal cultivation conditions. These land-based seawater ponds may be installed in any part of the world and preferably a coastal region having an abundance of marine algae species and suitable climatic and water temperatures. The ambient environmental conditions inside the land-based seawater ponds can be controlled so that the cultivation period may be all year round instead of relying on climatic conditions. The nutrient content of the seawater bonds can be formulated to design the composition and nutrient content of the seaweed cultivated in the land-based seawater ponds of the invention. The economic benefit of this cultivation technology is the reduced cost, as well as controlling the quality and yield of Nori and other seaweed products. The invention allows for growing seaweeds all year round by dividing the growth cycle into different stages of growth, by changing the environmental conditions for each stage to achieve maximum growth, and by changing the nutrient supply to the growing algae by altering the seawater in the ponds rather than altering the genetic traits of the original species. The technology is also applicable to genetically altered or genetically engineered species as well.


Embodiments of systems, computer-implemented methods, and non-transitory computer-readable medium having one or more computer programs stored therein are provided to enhance borehole image analysis associated with a hydrocarbon reservoir. A neural network mapping process can first be performed, responsive to openhole log data and core data, to thereby generate a material-type scheme. Then, an image-based petrophysical analysis process can distribute and calibrate borehole image data, responsive to the core data and material-type scheme. Consequently, an approximated material type and an approximated grain size can be produced for each borehole image reading. The openhole log data, the core data, the material-type scheme, and the approximated material types and grain sizes, for example, can then be displayed to thereby increase consistency in categorizing subsurface material associated with hydrocarbon wells by material type and enhance interpretation of subsurface material texture, fabric, and features to predict subsurface material composition of the hydrocarbon reservoir.

Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate to hydrocarbon industries and, more particularly, systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer program stored therein for borehole image analysis.
Description of the Related Art
An understanding of the subsurface material within a hydrocarbon reservoir may play an important role in development of the hydrocarbon reservoir to produce hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas. More specifically, an ability to identify types and their associated properties—sometimes called "lithotype" or, in some circumstances "facies"—of subsurface material may significantly enhance development of the hydrocarbon reservoir. At least one reason that such an understanding may be important is that the types and properties of subsurface material, as well as the orientation and position of different types of material, may affect how hydrocarbons flow through the reservoir. For example, an individual material type may be associated with porosity and permeability ranges that differ greatly from those of another material type. An ability to identify the material types and characteristics within a hydrocarbon reservoir may consequently enhance models of the hydrocarbon reservoir that are used to simulate fluid flow within the hydrocarbon reservoir, for example. Numerous approaches to identifying subsurface material types and properties may exist, including analysis of borehole images.
Borehole images—representations of walls of a hydrocarbon well borehole—may be analyzed to help identify subsurface material types and characteristics. Borehole images may be acquired, for example, by measuring material resistivity along uncased borehole walls. For example, one or more pads containing electrodes and sensors ("buttons") may be positioned against a borehole wall. The one or more sensor pads may apply an electrical current into the borehole wall to measure the resistivity of the subsurface material surrounding the borehole. This procedure may be repeated with the one or more pads oriented in other directions within the borehole, as well as at a plurality of depths within the borehole. That is, measurements or readings of material resistivity may be taken at various depths along the length of a borehole, and they may further be taken in a plurality of directions at each depth. Consequently, material resistivity may be measured for a significant portion of the subsurface material surrounding the borehole. The measured resistivity data may then be used to develop a "picture" of the subsurface material through which the borehole passes. As a result, borehole image (BHI) data—sometimes called borehole image log (BHI) data or simply BHI—may include resistivity measurements from within a borehole.
Borehole image data may sometimes be analyzed in conjunction with other data, including, for example, openhole log data (sometimes described as "openhole data," "open hole log data," "open hole data," or "well logs") and core data. Openhole log data may include measured data from within an uncased borehole such as, for example, density measurement data, neutron measurement data, gamma ray (GR) measurement data, induction log data, lateral log ("laterlog" or "laterolog") data, porosity log data, photoelectric (PE) curve data, and petrophysical calculations (e.g., water saturation). Core data, on the other hand, may include data measured, observed, or derived from a core sample associated with a hydrocarbon well. A core sample can include, for example, a piece of subsurface material that has been removed from a hydrocarbon wellbore, at a substantially known depth, during or after drilling. A core sample may be analyzed to identify, for example, one or more types of subsurface material within the core sample, presence and location of pores and vugs within the core sample, and grain size of subsurface material within the core sample. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, grain size may include, for instance, particle size of individual components that make up subsurface material, such as, for example, clastic material. Although a core sample may be related to subsurface material properties only at one interval of the wellbore from which the core sample originated, information garnered from the core sample may be used—with openhole log data and borehole image data—to predict and model subsurface material at other depths, i.e., at uncored intervals of the wellbore. For example, subsurface material type, orientation, fabric, and texture may be modeled. Texture may include, for example, the size, shape, and arrangement of grains and spaces between grains of subsurface material, such as rock, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, fabric may include the pervasive internal structure and arrangement of subsurface material, such as the preferred orientations of grains or fragments, related to the primary depositional or secondary diagenetic processes. A model of subsurface material surrounding a wellbore may itself be used to enhance a model of the hydrocarbon reservoir associated with the wellbore.
Also, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0221306 (Hurley et al.), core samples first may be described to identify facies, fabrics, and material types 271, for example, as depicted in FIG. 1a. Facies may include a body or unit of, typically, sedimentary rock or subsurface material with specified characteristics from which an inference may be drawn that the subsurface material was formed by a particular geological process or within a particular geological environment. Porosity and permeability of a core sample then may be analyzed 272. Existing core analyses, core descriptions, and material types then may be integrated 273 before well logs are analyzed 274. Finally, borehole images and openhole log data may be interpreted and compared to facies as identified from a core sample 275 as part of a "core calibration" process. That is, an interpreter may integrate grain size, lithology, and texture simultaneously on a well-by-well basis to produce electrofacies 264, given openhole log data sets 261, core data sets 262, and borehole image reading sets 263, as depicted, for example, in FIG. 1b. Electrofacies, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may include facies that are determined from analysis of a diagnostics or individual set of wire-line log responses that characterize the physical properties of subsurface material and fluids contained within or related to a volume and depth of investigation by a wire-line logging tool. Electrofacies may usually be confirmed in the first instance by calibration to core data.
Manual interpretation of borehole image log (BHI) fabrics and textures, in conjunction with openhole logs and core calibration, is an established industry methodology for extrapolating into uncored intervals. This manual methodology, although often utilized, may usually only be detailed in internal company reports, e.g., in Ajay Samantray, Martin Kraaijveld, Waleed Bulushi & Laurent Spring, Interpretation and Application of Borehole Image Logs in a New Generation of Reservoir Models for a Cluster of Fields in Southern Oman, AAPG Memoir 92, Spring 2010, at 343, 343-57 (hereinafter Samantray). It may be a time-intensive method that relies heavily on the experience of the BHI interpreter for consistency. Typically, during manual interpretation when multiple wells and reservoir intervals are involved, spurious variations in reservoirs' rock properties from similar facies may be generated due to the introduction of minor inconsistencies in "lithotype" classes. Lithotype, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may include subsurface material or a geological unit characterized on the basis of a combination of selected physical, textural, or stratigraphic parameters.
Manual interpretation of facies from borehole images has been applied to many reservoirs over the last twenty years. It is an established industry method for creating geologically-based facies utilizing borehole image logs (BHI) in conjunction with open hole logs and core calibration to extrapolate into uncored intervals. The methodology may rely heavily on the experience of the BHI interpreter to correctly identify the image features, textures, and orientation data. It is an established technique, but the methodology may largely be concealed and only occasionally elucidated through reference to specialist internal company reports or one-off papers, e.g., in Samantray. In Samantray, the borehole image log facies interpretation scheme by MacPherson et al., (2005) from a company report was reproduced. This scheme, now widely used, may be an amalgamation of previous works, but what may make it particularly unique, as displayed in Samantray, is its simplicity. On a single page it may summarize open hole logs with image log textures.
For example, an image facies scheme for clastic rocks after MacPherson may be illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1e(i). In FIG. 1e(i), an experienced geologist may have created a field-specific image facies scheme from a geological image interpretation of borehole image features with a petrophysical interpretation of open hole logs. Characteristic log cutoff values for certain rock types (e.g., argillaceous sandstones) may have been determined depending on formation log responses, log data availability, and data quality in the field. These image log rock facies types may be calibrated against core data in initial phases of projects and combined with geological fabrics interpreted from the image log and core, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1e(ii). That is, image facies for clastic rocks after MacPherson may be illustrated in FIG. 1e(ii), for example. This integration of geological textures identified from the borehole images, core, and the open hole logs may create a geological facies (e.g., bedded argillaceous sandstone). The method may rely heavily on the experience of the BHI interpreter to correctly identify the image features, texture, and orientation data. The developed facies may then be used to identify depositional environments and sediment dispersal directions within the geological reservoir models. Finally, the facies may be combined into facies associations to assess reservoir property groups rather than geological facies, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1e(iii). A facies association, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may include a group of individual facies that are considered to have been in a particular sedimentological environment or by particular depositional processes. More specifically, an image facies association scheme for clastic rocks after MacPherson may be illustrated in FIG. 1e(iii), for example. This may help to distinguish between good and poor reservoirs for the simulation of the reservoir, e.g., a cross-bedded clean sandstone (Sx) is seen to have a better reservoir quality than a laminated clean sandstone.
The manual interpretation of borehole image log (BHI) fabrics and textures, in conjunction with open hole logs and core calibration, is an established industry methodology for extrapolating into uncored intervals. This manual methodology, although often utilized, may usually only be detailed in internal company reports, e.g., in Samantray. It was only recently fully reproduced by the inventors. It may be a time intensive method that relies heavily on the experience of the BHI interpreter for consistency. Typically, during manual interpretation when multiple wells and reservoir intervals are involved, spurious variations in reservoirs' rock properties from similar facies may be generated due to the introduction of minor inconsistencies in "lithotype" classes.
For example, a project utilized a borehole image log facies interpretation scheme developed by MacPherson et al., (2005) as reported in Samantray. This methodology may be frequently applied in the industry but seldom detailed outside of company reports. It may be only occasionally elucidated through reference to specialist internal company reports or one-off papers, as in Samantray. This scheme, now widely used, may be an amalgamation of previous works, but what makes it particularly unique, as displayed in Samantray, is its simplicity. On a single page it may summarize openhole logs with image log textures. For example, in FIG. 1c(i), an experienced geologist may have created a field-specific electrofacies scheme from a geological image interpretation of borehole image features with a petrophysical interpretation of openhole logs. That is, an example of an electrofacies scheme for clastic rocks after MacPherson in Samantray, for example, may be illustrated in FIG. 1c(i). An electrofacies scheme may include wireline response data 221 and borehole image response data 222, for example. As illustrated, wireline response data 221 (i.e., openlog data) may include measurements of gamma ray radioactivity in API 227, including a mean gamma ray measurement 223. Wireline response data 221 may also include measurements of density/neutron porosity 224, measurements of sand separation 225, and measurements of shale separation 226, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Further, borehole image response data 222 (i.e., BHI data) may include indications of bedding types 228. Borehole image response data 222 may further include indications of often conductive mottled 229 and indications of conductivity of image character (in hydrocarbon leg) 230. Borehole image response data 222 may still further include indications of where a subsurface material falls on a scale between finely speckled image character 232 and flat/matte image character 231. An electrofacies scheme, as depicted, may include data related to heterolithics, such as an indication of how regular laminae are 233 and an indication of caliper enlargement 234 (i.e., increasing caliber size). Characteristic log cutoff values for certain rock types (e.g., argillaceous sandstones) may have been determined depending on formation log responses, log data availability, and data quality in the field. These image log rock facies types may be calibrated against core data in initial phases of projects and combined with geological fabrics interpreted from the image log and core, as illustrated in FIG. 1c(ii), for example. That is, an example of electrofacies for clastic rocks after MacPherson in Samantray, for example, may be illustrated in FIG. 1c(ii). For each of the image associations 235, electrofacies may include an image facies code 236, an image facies 237, and possible alternatives 238. This integration of geological textures identified from the borehole images, core, and the openhole logs may create a geological facies (e.g., bedded argillaceous sandstone). The method may rely heavily on the experience of the BHI interpreter to correctly identify the image features, texture, and orientation data. The developed facies may then be used to identify depositional environments and sediment dispersal directions within the geological reservoir models. For example, electrofacies (old workflow) used for a depositional environment and sediment dispersal analysis in Oman by MacPherson in Samantray is illustrated, for instance, in FIG. 1d. As depicted, recordings and observations may include (1) wireline caliper, GR, PE, density, and neutron porosity recordings and observations; (2) static and dynamic images recordings and observations; (3) manual picks, bedding, and fractures/faults recordings and observations; and (4) stratigraphy and relative porosity difference (RPD) recordings and observations. More specifically, wireline caliper, GR, PE, density, and neutron porosity recordings and observations may include hole shape measurements/representations 278, gamma ray (GR) and photoelectric (PE) measurements 279, density and neutron porosity measurements 280, and depth in meters 281. Static and dynamic images recordings and observations may include static normalized resistivity image data 282 and dynamic normalized resistivity image data 283. Additionally, manual picks, bedding, and fractures/faults recordings and observations may include manual dips 284, bedding azimuth frequency histograms by structural zone 285, and strike frequency histograms and poles by structural zone 286. Further, stratigraphy and RPD recordings and observations may include uncorrected fracture density measurements 287, structural dip and fault position measurements 288, stratigraphy 289, and SW, porosity, density, and RPD measurements 290. In addition to recordings and observations, electrofacies and sediment dispersal analysis may include interpretation, which in turn may include borehole image facies, facies association, and depositional sub-environment. More specifically, interpretation may include indications of image facies 291, indications of gross facies association 292, indications of depositional environment and cross bedding 293, and indications of gross depositional environment 294. Interpretation may also include residual dip azimuth histograms by gross depositional environment polar plots of low angle sandstones and heterolithics with residual dip greater than three degrees 295. Residual dip azimuth histograms 295 may in turn include indications of residual dip of cross beddings, sandstone bedding, and erosional surfaces 296. Sediment dispersal analysis, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may be determined as an overall general direction of movement of grains that constitute facies. For example, different mechanical or biological mechanisms—e.g., wind (saltation), water (traction), and mass movement (land slips)—may physically move grains that make up a formation. But the sum of and recognition of the individual directions of movement from interpretation of image log fabrics are sediment dispersal and sediment transport trend analysis. Finally, the facies may be combined into facies associations to assess reservoir property groups rather than geological facies, as illustrated in FIG. 1c(iii), for example. An electrofacies association scheme for clastic rocks after MacPherson in Samantray may be depicted, for example, in FIG. 1c(iii). An electrofacies association scheme may include, for instance, image association names 239, dominant facies 240, subordinate facies 241, and common sub-environments of occurrence 242. As depicted, image facies codes are represented by different colors and patterns, although the colors or patterns may vary. This may help to distinguish between good and poor reservoirs for the simulation of the reservoir, e.g., a cross-bedded clean sandstone (Sx) is seen to have a better reservoir quality than a laminated clean sandstone.

Systems, methods, and computer medium to produce efficient, consistent, and high-confidence image-based electrofacies analysis in stratigraphic interpretations across multiple wells


In order to provide leather with the desired cushioning properties and desirable soft handling properties, especially a grained leather with a grain structure on its upper surface, or a split leather with a surface finish, even if this leather is of minimal thickness, a foam layer is created on the non-visible underside surface of the leather. This foam layer is formed by applying a liquid plastic material containing means to create the foam and is subsequent solidified by removal of the solvent.

The invention relates to a leather. More specifically, the invention relates to a grained leather with a surface grain structure on its visible side, or a split leather with a surface finish, which has on its non-visible underside a surface coating or layer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for the production of such leathers. The term xe2x80x98Grained Leatherxe2x80x99 also includes Nubuk-leathers, as well as natural leathers to which a surface grain has been applied. As leathers, especially cow hide, calf leather, kangaroo leather and goat leather may be utilized.
Especially thin napped leathers, which are used, for example, in the production of shoes or in automobile interiors, are usually of minimal thickness and therefore tend to lack sufficient cushioning properties. Nevertheless, leather, because of its very soft handling properties, even at a low weight per area, is still the preferred material, especially for use in car interiors and for foot wear, but is also used in other applications, for example, for luggage. As such very thin leathers lack this desirable softness to the touch, present procedures are to bond foam sheeting with adhesives to the non-visible underside of the leather.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,670 describes an application for automobile seats in which the leather is bonded to some foam material only at the edges and subsequently sown up. Such processes tend to be very labor intensive, costly and produce a lot of waste, since the foam sheets have to be cut to match the size of the piece of leather. An essential disadvantage of this process is that the foam material bonded to the underside of the leather can easily come apart or split, since the foam itself tends to have little internal strength. Furthermore, if such leather has to be shaped or formed, as in the case of making shoes, fitting out car interiors, making coor inlays, covering consoles for equipment, steering wheels and similar, any uncontrolled and undesirable movements of the laminated leather may produce unattractive slippage areas and creases.
In order to achieve the desired degree of cushioning, the bonded foam sheeting must have a thickness of greater than 1 mm. Such foams are easily compressed in volume by a minimal forces and the cushioning effects is therefore lost.
Utility Model DE 29908503.1 U1 already describes a process whereby the reverse side of a leather, with an upper surface finish, is given a coating of a primer which improves the adhesion between the leather and a surface to which the leathers is to be attached. Such an adhesive aid, simply applied to the leather surface, does not exhibit a foam structure.
It is accordingly an object of this invention to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages and to create leather that exhibits an optimal elastic recovery even at minimal thickness. Such leather would possess the desired cushioning properties, a soft handle and a low mass to area ratio.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, the application of a plastic material in liquid form to the non-visible underside surface of the leather, which subsequently sets into a foam layer when the solvent is removed. Such foam terminates, even at low thickness and density, provides the leather with the desired cushioning as well as soft handling properties. The foam layer is also intimately bonded to the leather so that it is unlikely than it would become detached. Contrary to leathers with conventionally bonded foam sheeting, uncontrolled and undesirable movements between the leather and the foam layer of this invention is not possible and annoying shippage areas would therefore not appear.
It was found to be efficacious for the foam layer to have open as well as enclosed cells, preferably at least 85% enclosed cells.
According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the foam layer is applied so that at least a part of the plastic material becomes impregnated into the leather surface. In this way, the fibers on the leather""s underside surface become embedded in the material, which also fills any hotels so that an intimate contact between the leather and the foam material is assured.
According to this invention, the foam layer may consist of plastic dispersions that solidify as a foam, more specifically it may consist of solidified dispersions containing a cross linking agent as well as Polyurethane and/or Polyacrylic acid esters. It is further possible to produce the foam layer from a solidified dispersion containing Polybutadiene and/or Polystyrene and/or Chlorinated Rubber. In such cases, the foam layer may simultaneously act as an adhesive, when the leather-foam laminate is bonded onto a plastic surface of compatible chemical composition by a direct spraying or foaming process.
The above mentioned plastic dispersions in liquid form, after they are applied, penetrate partly into the leather surface where they, on solidifying, do not only ensure an intimate bonding with the leather, but also provide the leather on its underside with a resilient, elastic reinforcement.
In order to achieve the desired foam structure, this invention proposes that the foam layer contains hollow spheres of microscopic size, with the spheres thin shells of plastic material enclosing a gas, preferably air. These micro-spheres form enclosed cells acting as air cushions and create the desired cushioning effect and soft handle. However, the foam layer may also be produced through the incorporation of tiny air bubbles, which also produce a partly open cellular structure, into the foamed plastic material.
The thickness of the foam layer can be varied to suit the desired requirements and could, for example, be 1 mm. Unexpectedly, it was found that the desired cushioning effect was already produced by a foam layer thickness of less than 0.3 mm. For practical purposes, foam layers with densities between 0.1 to 0.6 g/cm3 are suitable, the preferred density being 0.3 g/cm3.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the foam layer formed from a plastic dispersion which forms a film, after the removal of the solvent material, that has a hardness of less than 90 Shore A units, preferably less than 45 Shore A units.
Should such a foam layer of 0.3 mm thickness be subjected to a load factor of 1 kg/cm2/h, then a maximal 20% compression would result, on removing the load, the material would return to its original thickness.
As a covering for the foam layer on the non-visible side, sheeting, such as textile cloth, leather or fleece material may be bonded to the foam.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a process for producing leather, especially grained leather with a grain structure on its surface, or split leather with a surface finish, which has on its non-visible underside a surface coating or layer, is, accordingly to the invention, characterized by the fact that, a plastic material in liquid form is applied to the underside surface, which contains means to create a foam and which may be solidified, preferably by heating curing. The foam layer may be formed by applying a number of layers one after the other. According to the invention, the application of the liquid plastic material is preferably carried out by means of an adhesive spraying process. It is also, possible to apply the material onto the leather underside by means of a roller, e.g. with roller equipment. For practical purposes, a dispersion containing a cross linking agent and Polyurethane and/or Polyacrylic acid ester is applied on the underside of the leather.
To create a foam structure, there are embedded into the liquid plastics material before it is applied hollow microscopic spheres, the shells of which consist of thin plastic films enclosing a gas, preferably air. Such micro-spheres may be formed in situ, from plastic particles embedded into the plastic material before it is applied, which in a subsequent heating stage, form hollow microscopic spheres, whose thin plastic shells enclose a gas, preferably air.
A foam structure may also be produced by the incorporation of air, for example by means of stirring or injection, into the liquid plastics material before it is applied. In practice, the foam layer is formed by both the incorporation of hollow micro-spheres and tiny air bubbles.
As a covering for the liquid plastic material applied to the underside of the leather, sheeting such as textile cloth, leather or fleece materials may be utilized. In this way, the adhesive properties of the plastic material may be used to bond the sheeting to the foam layer.


The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator door frame apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a refrigerator door frame: a first side section forming a first side of the door frame; a second side section forming a second side of the door frame; a third side section forming a third side of the door frame, the third side section integrally coupled to the first side section and the second side section; and a fourth side section forming a fourth side of the door frame; the fourth side section integrally coupled to the first side section and the second side section; wherein the first side section, the second side section, the third side section, and the fourth side section are integrally formed with one another, and one or more ribs are formed on one or more of the first side section, the second side section, the third side section, and the fourth side section.

A refrigerator is an apparatus for storing food in a controlled temperature environment (e.g., to help food cool, keep food fresh, etc.). Refrigerators typically include a storage chamber that is accessible through a door which opens and closes. Traditional refrigerator doors typically include a frame assembly and a panel.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustration of a exemplary traditional refrigerator door including a frame assembly 10, a front panel 11 which is provided at a front side of the frame assembly 10, and a rear panel 12 which is provided at a rear side of the frame assembly 10. The frame assembly 10 includes both lateral side frames 10a which include a home-bar seating portion A, an upper frame 10b which is coupled to an upper side of both the lateral side frames 10a, and a lower frame 10c which is coupled to a lower side of both the lateral side frames 10a.
Conventional frame assembly configurations (e.g., frame assembly 10) can give rise to a number of issues or problems. Coupling members (for example, screws for coupling the plurality of frames sides or frame pieces 10a, 10b, and 10c, etc.) and reinforcing members (for example, ribs) to ensure durability are separately required and typically increase costs to manufacture the conventional door frames. In addition, work associated with coupling the respective frame pieces is required. Significant effort and work can be also expended to prevent urethane foam resin filled within the respective frames from leaking through the connection portions between the frames pieces. These issues and problems can cause decreases in manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, because the respective frames 10a, 10b, and 10c are coupled to each other, gaps can form between the frame pieces or the frames are easily bent, such that durability of the door deteriorates.

Refrigerator door frame apparatus and method


A lens receptor that includes relief mechanism, such as a kerf-like slotted spring lock, that releases under pressure to allow the insertion of the lens and once inserted, provides sufficient force to retain the lens in position even during athletic activity. The lock includes an interior space that includes latches. The lens includes catches and detents that correspond to the latches. In operation, the lock is forced into the open position as the catches of the lens are forced to the backside of the latches, and as the lock closes, the latches are forced into the detents thereby securing the lens to the lock.

The present disclosure relates to structures for eyeglasses and sunglasses with interchangeable or removable lenses, and more particularly, to a frame and/or a receptor that can be incorporated into a frame, that receives a lens or lenses and retains the same by employing a relief mechanism, such as a kerf-like slotted springing lock.
One of the early runners in the history of sunglasses were the Inuit sun goggles made from bone, wood or hammered out seal skins and included a slit across the front to minimize the amount of light that would reach the eyes. Eyeglass and sunglass technology has advanced considerably since this time. In addition, as eyeglasses and sunglasses have been incorporated into the arena of competitive sports, where hundredths of seconds can mean the difference between a gold medal or cup of GATORADE, the precision, durability and usability of the products has greatly increased the price—although one may argue from the perspective of the animal that donated its bones to the Inuits that the price has actually gone down.
With the increase in precision, durability and price that has occurred during these technological advancements, the inventive spirit was aroused in the development of multi-purpose equipment. Initial advancements in this area included the clip-on sunglasses that allowed quick conversion between eyeglasses and sunglasses. Such advancements were quickly followed by flip-up sunglasses, shutter shades, gradient lenses and interchangeable lenses. The advantage of each of these innovative products is that a single product can be used for a variety of purposes. However, from a sporting perspective, each of these solutions has one or more pitfalls.
The present disclosure presents embodiments that provide a new, innovative solution that provides versatility in and cost effectiveness for a multi-purpose solution for glasses.


The present invention is a method for removing an obsolete drill platform that includes a body having a plurality of caissons embedded in a ground of an ocean or inland sea. The method includes the steps of vibrating at least one of the caissons, and lifting the at least one caisson from the ground while it is still being vibrated. The present invention is further directed to a method for installing a caisson on a floor of an ocean or inland. The method includes the steps of placing an end of the caisson on the floor, vibrating the caisson and forcing a portion of the caisson into the floor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the removal of obsolete drill platforms from inland seas and ocean floors.
2. Description of Related Art
Presently, drill platforms are used in oil and gas exploration in inland seas and ocean floors. After a period of time, the platforms become obsolete because gas and oil can no longer be extracted from the sea floor and ocean floor.
Several options currently exist for the removal of drill platforms after they have become obsolete. However, these options suffer from various drawbacks. First, a crane or other lifting device may be used to remove the caissons of a drill platform that were hammered into the soft mud or sand of the ocean floor. This method has achieved only very limited success and will not work with larger caissons.
Another method is to use explosives either above or below the mud line surrounding the caisson. While this method is both quick and inexpensive, it has a drastic, negative effect on marine life. The shock waves of such explosives tend to kill sensitive marine organisms and other living creatures. Furthermore, the byproduct residue from the explosions is detrimental to marine organisms and animals in the immediate area of the explosion as well as more distant areas.
A third method of removal is for divers to use various cutting tools, such as cutting torches, high-pressure water with an abrasive assist and diamond chain saws, to remove the caissons. This method also has a variety of drawbacks. First, this type of removal is dangerous for the divers. Further, some of the abrasive assists used with a high-pressure water cutting device are not environmentally friendly. Finally, since the caissons cannot be cut below the mud line, jagged edges are left above or near the mud line which could endanger future recreational divers and any future undersea cables, pipelines or the like.
A final method is to merely leave the platforms in place or modify them so a portion of the platform remains under water for the formation of a coral reef. This method is generally unacceptable or impossible. Furthermore, the United States Federal Government has recently instituted regulations for the removal of obsolete drill platforms. These new regulations have been implemented primarily because of environmental concerns. These regulations require the owner to take responsibility for all platforms in federal waters, the owner of a platform to remove the structure 15 feet below the mud line once it has become obsolete and obtain a permit to create an artificial reef.
Accordingly, a need exists for a method for removal of obsolete drill platforms that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art methods for removal and conforms to the new United States Federal Government regulations.

Removal of obsolete drill platforms from inland seas and ocean floors


The present invention provides compositions for stimulating an increase in islet proliferation and xcex2-cell mass using an insulin homolog polypeptide. The present invention also includes methods for treating diabetes by stimulating islet proliferation and xcex2-cell mass increases and affecting insulin levels.

xcex2-cells are specialized cells that secrete insulin and are found in pancreatic islets. Insulin belongs to a group of protein/polypeptide hormones. Insulin increases the rate of synthesis of glycogen, fatty acids, and proteins and stimulates glycolysis and cell proliferation. It also promotes the transport of glucose, and some other sugars, and amino acids into muscle and fat cells. Insulin levels are regulated to maintain glycemic homeostasis, and an important mechanism for regulating insulin production, and hence insulin levels, is xcex2-cell mass.
During the lifetime of an individual metabolic needs can change drastically, requiring dynamic changes in cells and tissues that regulate homeostasis. During pregnancy (Marynissen et al., Diabetes 36:883-891, 1987) xcex2-cell mass increases, as well as in response to obesity (Kloppel et al., Surv. Synth. Pathol. Res. 4:110-125, 1985). These increases in xcex2-cell mass are attributed to an increased requirement for insulin to maintain normal glucose levels (Parsons et al., Endocrinology 130:1459-1466, 1992). It has also been shown that xcex2-cell mass normally decreases post-partum, primarily by apoptosis (Scaglia et al., Endocrinology 136:5461-5468, 1995).
It is generally believed that increases in xcex2-cell mass occurs in three ways: 1) an increase in cell size and function; 2) increased proliferation of mature xcex2-cells; and/or 3) increased,recruitment and differentiation of xcex2-cell progenitors. In diabetic mice, animals that received islet transplants and then achieved normal glycemia, showed xcex2-cell hypertrophy, rather than an increase in cell replication (Montana et al., J. Clin. Invest. 91:780-787, 1993). Adult xcex2-cell regeneration has been demonstrated in rodents (Hellerstrom et al., in xe2x80x9cThe Pathology of the Endocrine Pancreas in Diabetesxe2x80x9d, P. J. Lefebvre and D. G. Pipeleers, eds., pp. 141-170, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, 1988). In partially pancreatectomized rats both preexisting xcex2-cells, as well as proliferation and differentiation of precursor cells, have been demonstrated to expand (Bonner-Weir, Diabetes Nutr. Res. 5, Supp. 1:21-25, 1992).
Several factors have been shown to increase xcex2-cell mass. These factors include glucose (Woerner, Anal. Rev. 71:33-57, 1938), IGF-I (Rabinovitch et al., Diabetes 31:160-164, 1982), reg protein (Terazono et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263:2111, 1988) and possibly a combination of TGF-xcex1 and gastrin (Bonner-Weir, Recent Prog. Hormone Res. 12:91-104, 1994). While some factors have been shown to increase xcex2-cell mass in vitro or in vivo, understanding of the process is poorly understood and the possibility that other unidentified factors are involved is likely.
Recently a new member of the insulin superfamily has been identified, early placenta insulin-like factor or placentin (Chassin et al., Genomics 29:465-470, 1995). Placentin cDNA was isolated from first trimester human placenta and found to have a 139-amino acid open reading frame. Based on homology to the rest of the insulin superfamily it was predicted that placentin, like preprorelaxin and preproinsulin, would have a signal sequence, followed by the B chain, C peptide, A chain. The mature molecule would have the signal peptide and C peptide removed, with the B and A chains joined by both inter- and intra-chain disulfide bonds (Chassin et al., 1995, ibid. and James et al., Nature 267:544-546, 1977). The B-chain, C-peptide, A-chain motif is found in several other proteins, including relaxin (U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,251), insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II (Bang and Hall, in xe2x80x9cInsulin-like Growth Factorsxe2x80x9d, P. N. Schofield (ed.), pp. 151-177, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1992), and Leydig Factor (Bullesbach et al., J. Biol. Chem. 270:16011-16015, 1995). Unlike other members of the insulin superfamily, IGF I and IGF II have D and E domains that are cleaved post-translationally. Cysteines that are involved in disulfide bonds are conserved in.all the members of the family and play a role in the tertiary structure of the molecules.
Placentin has been shown to stimulate 3H-thymidine uptake in human placental 3AsubE cells and stimulate human chorionic gonadotropin production in primary cultures of trophoblasts (Koman et al., J. Biol. Chem. 271:20238-20241, 1996). This activity suggests that placentin may play a role during placental development. However, the present inventors, surprisingly, have found that a molecule encoded by the DNA for placentin, but a different amino acid structure, increases xcex2-cell mass and may be useful in treatment of diabetes, and further that the biologically active molecule differs from the molecule described in the art.
The present invention provides proteins produced by a method comprising: culturing a host cells into which has been introduced a DNA expression vector comprising a transcription promoter; a DNA segment comprising a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 from nucleotide 76 to nucleotide 417; and a transcription terminator, wherein said host cell expresses the polypeptide encoded by said DNA segment and recovering said protein.
In another embodiment, the host is a mammalian cell. In another embodiment, the host has had a second DNA expression vector introduced into it, wherein the second expression vector comprises a transcription promoter; a DNA segment encoding an endoprotease; and a transcription terminator, wherein said host cell expresses the a DNA segment comprising a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 from nucleotide 76 to nucleotide 417 and said DNA segment encoded by the endoprotease.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an isolated and purified protein comprising a first polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 26 (Ala) to residue 110 (Ser) or 114 (Arg); and a second polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 115 (Ser) to residue 139 (Thr), wherein said first polypeptide and said second polypeptide are capable of disulfide associating.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an isolated and purified protein comprising a first polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 26 (Ala) to residue 48 (Lys), 49 (Thr) or 50 (Phe); and a second polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 115 (Ser) to residue 139 (Thr), wherein said first polypeptide and said second polypeptide are capable of disulfide associating.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of stimulating proliferation of pancreatic islet comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof, an amount of an isolated and purified polypeptide comprising: a first polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 26 (Ala) to residue 110 (Ser) or 114 (Arg); and a second polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 115 (Ser) to residue 139 (Thr), and wherein said first polypeptide and said second polypeptide are capable of disulfide associating, sufficient to produce a clinically significant increase in insulin secretory capacity.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of stimulating proliferation of pancreatic islets comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof, an amount of an isolated and purified polypeptide comprising: a first polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 26 (Ala) to residue 48 (Lys), 49 (Thr) or 50 (Phe); and a second polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 115 (Ser) to residue 139 (Thr), and wherein said first polypeptide and said second polypeptide are capable of disulfide associating, sufficient to produce a clinically significant increase in insulin secretory capacity.
In other embodiments, the present invention provide methods wherein the clinically significant increase in insulin secretory capacity results in a decrease in fasting plasma glucose levels.
In other embodiments, the present invention provide methods wherein the isolated and purified protein is administered in combination with an insulin sensitizer.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for stimulating in vitro proliferation of pancreatic islet cells comprising culturing islets with an amount of an isolated and purified protein comprising: a first polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 26 (Ala) to residue 110 (Ser) or 114 (Arg); and a second polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 115 (Ser) to residue 139 (Thr), and wherein said first polypeptide and said second polypeptide are capable of disulfide associating, sufficient to produce an increase in the number of islet cells as compared to islet cells cultured in the absence of the protein.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for stimulating in vitro proliferation of pancreatic islet cells comprising culturing islets with an amount of an. isolated and purified protein comprising: a first polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 26 (Ala) to residue 26 (Ala) to residue 48 (Lys), 49 (Thr) or 50 (Phe); and a second polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 115 (Ser) to residue 139 (Thr), and wherein said first polypeptide and said second polypeptide are capable of disulfide associating, sufficient to produce an increase in the snumber of islet cells as compared to islet cells cultured in the absence of the protein.
In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods wherein said cells are cultured in 0.1 ng/ml to 100 ng/ml of said protein.

Zinsi polypeptide composition stimulating pancreatic islet growth


The invention relates to an industrial robot having an apparatus for driving an attachable/detachable four-bar link mechanism, comprising: a base frame having a rotating joint for a robot body; a pivot frame which is coupled to the rotating joint and which has a rotating joint; a column frame which is coupled to the rotating joint of the pivot frame, and which has a straight-line joint; a motor arranged in the pivot frame to rotate the column frame; a decelerator attachably/detachably mounted on the rotating joint of the pivot frame or directly on the pivot frame to receive driving force from the motor; and a four-bar link installed between an output shaft of the decelerator and the column frame.

In general, an industrial robot refers to a general-purpose machine which has both motor functions and intelligence like human beings. Specifically, the industrial robot indicates a general-purpose machine which may be provided with an operating arm based on an engineering method, vision and tactile sensations to understand its environment, a function of planning and executing a working order by itself, and a unit to communicate with an operator, may freely operate, and may be programmed to perform various operations as an integrated mechanical system.
The industrial robot is designed to have an operation and loading weight optimized in the corresponding industrial field or operation process. Therefore, the industrial robot has a limitation in exhibiting different loading weights in various environments or processes like a common robot.
The common robot may refer to a robot which commonly uses a robot body. Specifically, only an end effector or tool in the robot body may be replaced depending on different operations, and a process program for a corresponding operation in a robot controller may be replaced to support another operation.
As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional polar coordinate robot includes joints 41, 42, 43 corresponding to two rotating axes 30 and 31 and one straight axis 20, and frames 51, 52, 53, which are formed over a base 10.
In the robot, a first joint 41 corresponding to the rotating axis 30 serves to rotate a first frame 51 about the base 10, a second joint 42 corresponding to the rotating axis 31 serves to vertically rotate a second frame 52 about the first frame 51, and a third joint 43 corresponding to the straight axis 20 serves to advance and retreat a third frame 53 with respect to the second frame 52.
Since the polar coordinate robot has an excellent vertical motion characteristic with respect to a vertical surface, the polar coordinate robot may perform an operation in a place of which the working area is wide and which is inclined. Therefore, the polar coordinate robot is suitable for a welding operation or coating process.
Meanwhile, when the conventional industrial robot inclusive of the polar coordinate robot is designed, it is very important to decide the loading weight of the industrial robot, in order to determine the use or purpose of the robot. The loading weight is decided by an actuator, a decelerator, a power transmission mechanism which form a joint.
Therefore, when the manufactured industrial robot is to be used for different use, there are difficulties in applying the industrial robot, as long as the loading weight thereof is not allowed. Therefore, a method capable of increasing the loading weight is strongly required.
In order to increase the loading weight, the actuator and the decelerator of the joint may be simply changed. In this case, however, the design of the robot is inevitably changed, an additional cost for purchasing a large actuator is required, and the weight of the robot body is increased. Therefore, this is almost the same as an operation of manufacturing a new industrial robot. An example for the structure for increasing the loading weight is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-519608 registered on Oct. 6, 2005.
Furthermore, since the conventional industrial robot may have a loading weight only within a predesigned and predetermined range, the conventional industrial robot cannot be used as a robot body of a common robot requiring different loading weights.
Furthermore, when the conventional industrial robot is docked with a separate robot for carrying the industrial robot or transferring the industrial robot, the weight of the robot body is limited. Accordingly, there are difficulties in unconditionally mounting the actuator and the decelerator having a large volume and weight on the robot.

Industrial robot having an apparatus for driving an attachable/detachable four-bar link mechanism