An electrochemical reaction single cell including an electrolyte layer containing Zr and at least one of Y, Sc, and Ca, an anode disposed on one side of the electrolyte layer, a cathode containing Sr and Co and disposed on the other side of the electrolyte layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the electrolyte layer and the cathode. In the electrochemical reaction single cell, an SrZrO3 integrated value calculated by a predetermined method is 600 to 10,300. Also disclosed is an electrochemical reaction cell stack including a plurality of electrochemical reaction single cells.

A known type of a fuel cell for generating electricity by utilizing electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is a solid oxide fuel cell (hereinafter may be referred to as "SOFC"). A single cell of a fuel cell (hereinafter may be referred to simply as a "single cell"), which is a constitutive unit of SOFC, includes an electrolyte layer containing a solid oxide, a cathode, and an anode such that the cathode and the anode face each other in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a "first direction") and the electrolyte layer intervenes between these electrodes. The electrolyte layer is formed so as to contain, for example, YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia). The cathode is formed so as to contain, for example, LSCF (lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite).
In the single cell, the diffusion of Sr (strontium) contained in the cathode toward the electrolyte layer and the reaction between the diffused Sr and Zr (zirconium) contained in the electrolyte layer cause generation of SrZrO3 (hereinafter may be referred to as "SZO"), which is a substance of high resistance. The generation of SZO increases electric resistance in the first direction, resulting in poor electricity generation performance of the single cell. A known technique for preventing a reduction in electricity generation performance due to the generation of SZO involves disposing of an intermediate layer between the cathode and the electrolyte layer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The intermediate layer prevents diffusion of Sr from the cathode to the electrolyte layer, thereby preventing generation of SZO. The intermediate layer is formed so as to contain, for example, GDC (gadolinium-doped ceria).

Electrochemical reaction single cell and electrochemical reaction cell stack


In an under component having a proximal end and a distal end, the under component comprising a cylindrical portion extending from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the proximal end includes a rim that extends laterally from the cylindrical portion and that is flush with the proximal end; the rim extending from the cylindrical portion, wherein the rim includes a proximal edge and a distal edge. An over component having a proximal end and a distal end and a rim having a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein the distal end of the under component extending to a position flush with a proximal edge of the rim of the over component, wherein the distal end of the over component extending to a position flush with a distal edge of the rim of the under component. A central component, wherein the central component is coupled to the over component, and the over component is coupled to the under component

In this specification where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.
Jewelry such as finger rings, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces have traditionally been made of soft metals such as gold, silver and platinum because those metals are malleable, and easily formed by casting, forging and molding. Recently, jewelry items have been formed from harder materials such as alloys or composites such as "cemented carbides," as well as from combinations of harder materials and soft metals. An alloy is a mixture or metallic solid solution composed of two or more elements. A cemented carbide is a composite material composed of a metal where carbide particles act as the aggregate and a metallic binder serves as the matrix. The carbide particles are typically combined with the binder through sintering.
Some specific attempts to form jewelry from cemented carbides, such as tungsten carbide, include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,553,667; 6,990,736; 6,993,842; 7,032,314; and 7,076,972. Such jewelry is much more resistant to scratching and other damage than traditional jewelry made of softer metals.
Additional compositions providing desirable jewelry characteristics would be advantageous. The articles provided herewith address that need. In particular, conventional jewelry materials can be difficult or relatively expensive to manufacture:
While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate the present disclosure, Applicants in no way disclaim these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claims may encompass or include one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

Jewelry and methods of forming the same from multiple components


Linear and cyclic diorganopolysiloxanes containing thioalkyl (meth)acrylate functional groups bonded via an SiC linkage to the polysiloxane backbone are crosslinkable under the influence of UV or an electron beam, and thus are well suited, e.g., for the sheathing of optical fibers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to novel diorganopolysiloxanes comprising pendant thioalkyl (meth)acrylate functional groups bonded via an SiC bond to the polysiloxane backbone, to a process for its preparation of such novel diorganopolysiloxanes, and to their use for the sheathing (coating) of optical fibers.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The demand in this art for organopolysiloxanes having acrylate and/or methacrylate functional groups bonded via an SiC bond to the polysiloxane backbone is greatly increasing, because the polymer crosslinks faster than the commercially available vinylated organopolysiloxanes. Such organopolysiloxanes containing acrylate and/or methacrylate functional groups are generally in the form of diorganopolysiloxane oils and can be formulated either alone or in combination with unsaturated monomers or polymers, to be subsequently crosslinked, generally under the influence of UV radiation.
Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 3,577,264 describes film-forming paint binders including such oils that can be crosslinked under the influence of radiation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,035,355 describes the crosslinking of such oils in an anaerobic medium. European Patent EP-A-016,663 describes their use as an adherent coating. British Patent GB-A-949,126 describes hydrolyzable silanes employed as adhesion promoters for reinforcing materials made of glass fibers, certain of these silanes being prepared by hydrosilylation of allyl methacrylate.
However, it is well known to this art that the hydrosilylation of compounds containing an allyl substituent in the presence of a platinum catalyst can present undesirable secondary reactions, particularly resulting in the formation of propene, unless the silicon hydride contains electron-donating groups such as chlorine atoms or carbonyl groups. In this regard, see J. L. Speier et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 79. 51957 (1974) and I. W. Ryam et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 82, 3601 (1980) and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,503,208 and 3,767,690.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,011,247 and 4,554,339 describe diorganopolysiloxanes bearing both acrylyloxy units and SiH functional groups.
According to U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,339, oils which are gamma-hydroxypropylated at the end of the polymer chain are esterified with acrylic acid in the presence of an acidic earth of the montmorillonite type. This particular process presents the disadvantage of having to separate the solid catalyst upon completion of the reaction.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,261,875 and 4,294,974 describe a process for the preparation of diorganopolysiloxane oils having acrylate and/or methacrylate functional groups, and also hydroxyalkyl functional groups, by reacting the corresponding diorganopolysiloxane oil comprising hydroxyalkyl functional groups with acryloyl or methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine and with formation of the corresponding amine hydrochloride. The principal disadvantage of such a technique is in the necessity for removing the amine hydrochloride formed.
Another monomer which is also widely used is 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,543,398 and 4,600,751).
However, this monomer is sensitive to the presence of water and thus presents unavoidable toxicity hazards.
It is also possible to prepare oils containing an acrylate or methacrylate functional group by opening an epoxy (oxirane) ring using acrylic acid in the presence of a wide variety of catalysts (U.S. Pat. No. 4,293,678 and EP-A-269,114). Thus prepared are, for example, diorganopolysiloxanes comprising groups of the formula: EQU .tbd.Si(CH.sub.2).sub.3 OCH.sub.2 --CH(OH)CH.sub.2 OC(O)--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2
The oils produced are frequently very viscous because of the presence of hydroxyl groups which result in the formation of hydrogen bonds.
The reaction is also incomplete. Residual epoxy groups are often retained, and are less susceptible to UV radiation than acrylate groups. In addition, these oils display but mediocre storage stability.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,767,690 describes the preparation of organosilicon cinnamates by reacting allyl cinnamates with a silane or siloxane containing a mercapto functional group. The compounds produced crosslink under UV radiation, but much more slowly than the diorganopolysiloxanes containing acrylate or methacrylate functional groups. This process cannot be extrapolated to the preparation of diorganopolysiloxanes containing a thioalkyl acrylate functional group because it requires free-radical generators which polymerize the acrylate or methacrylate functional groups.
Furthermore, for such highly specific applications as the sheathing of optical fibers, silicone compositions are required having a high refractive index (higher than 1.48) for the primary coating of the optical fibers, and also having a high Young's modulus (higher than 100 MPa) for the secondary coating of the optical fibers.
In addition, these silicone compositions must be crosslinkable under gamma, UV, electron beam and similar radiations, in an irradiation time of less than one second.
The known diorganopolysiloxanes containing an acrylate functional group generally crosslink well in less than one second, but have a refractive index which is generally lower than 1.48 and a Young's modulus which is frequently lower than 100 MPa.

Photocurable diorganopolysiloxanes containing thioalkyl (meth) acrylate functional groups


In a 802.15.4 network, each reduced functionality device (RFD) is permitted to communicate with only an assigned full function device (FFD). The present invention allows each of the RFDs to communicate with another RFD upon the RFD determining that the local FFD assigned to the RFD is inoperable or unable to communicate. Under emergency conditions, the RFD is able to communicate with a closely located RFDs such that the closely located RFDs can receive and respond to an emergency situation and/or repeat the message. To satisfy the 802.15.4 standards, communication between the RFDs is allowed only during emergency conditions and when the FFD is inoperative. A comprehensive test procedure is included to insure the integrity of the system is preserved at all times.

IEEE standard 802.15.4 was developed to standardize communication between devices operating within a local area network (LAN). The IEEE standard was targeted at home, building and industrial automation and controls, consumer electronics, PC profiles and medical monitoring. The standards define the interoperability, certification testing and branding of devices that operate within the IEEE standard.
In a standard 802.15.4 network, the network includes three different device types. The first device type is classified as a network coordinator and maintains overall network knowledge.
The second type of device type in a 802.15.4 network is referred as a full function device (FFD). Each of the FFDs has full communication functionality with all the features required by the 802.15.4 standard. Further, the FFD includes additional memory and computing power that makes it ideal for acting as a network router. Each of the FFDs is able to communicate with both the network coordinator and lower level devices referred to as reduced function devices (RFDs).
The third type of device included in the 802.15.4 network is a reduced function device (RFD) that is designed to communicate with a single FFD. Each RFD includes limited functionality as specified by the 802.15.4 standard to limit the cost and complexity of the RFD. As required by the literal interpretation 802.15.4 standard, each RFD communicates solely with an FFD and cannot communicate with other RFDs.
The 802.15.4 network is contemplated as being particularly desirable in transmitting information within a building automation system. For example, each of the RFDs could be an environmental sensor, smoke detector, motion detector or any other kind of monitoring equipment that is required for monitoring and controlling the operation of a building.
Although the 802.15.4 networking configuration has worked well, a problem can occur if and when a FFD is rendered inoperative or is out of communications, such as during a power interruption. FFDs are generally designed to be online at all times and therefore are normally line powered. RFDs, by design, are not always online and typically are battery powered. When one of the FFDs is removed from the network, such as during the power loss to the FFD, the RFDs associated with the disabled FFD are unable to communicate information across the network unless they are within communication range of another FFD. If most or all of the FFDs are removed from the network (as might be the case during a power outage), then all of the RFDs will be unable to communicate a detected alarm condition. This drawback can become important when the RFDs are safety devices, such as smoke detectors.
Therefore, a need exists for an improved communication method operating within the 802.15.4 standard or any extension thereof, that allows for communication during emergency situations or when one or more of the FFDs has been rendered inoperative.

Method of communication between reduced functionality devices in an IEEE 802.15.4 network


Provided is an active hood apparatus for a vehicle including a main frame, a hood latch assembly, and a hood rise and fall device. The main frame is fixed to a vehicle body. The hood latch assembly is disposed at a back side of the main frame to lock and release a hood. The hood rise and fall device is disposed between the back side of the main frame and the hood latch assembly to move the hood latch assembly substantially vertically by a control signal of a controller that receives a sensing signal from a pedestrian collision sensor.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an active hood apparatus for a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to an active hood apparatus for a vehicle, which can absorb impact with a pedestrian and significantly reduce damage of the pedestrian, by lifting both front and rear ends of a hood upon collision with the pedestrian.
2. Description of Related Art
The hood of a vehicle is a part that covers the engine room of the vehicle and reduces the engine noise. Recently, active hood systems are being widely used.
The active hood systems lift hoods to protect a pedestrian upon collision with a vehicle. The active hood system is a sort of pedestrian protection safety apparatus that can absorb impact and reduce damage upon collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian.
As shown in FIG. 8, a typical active hood system includes a hinge assembly disposed at both rear ends of a hood 10 to serve as an opening/closing point, a hinge actuator 50 disposed near the hinge assembly to lift the hinge assembly, a pedestrian collision sensor 40 disposed at a bumper of a vehicle, and a controller 42 for receiving a signal from the pedestrian collision sensor 40 and driving the hinge actuator 50.
Accordingly, upon collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian collision sensor 40 senses the collision, and the controller 42 receives a collision sensing signal and drives the hinge actuator 50. In this case, the hinge assembly is lifted by the driving of the hinge actuator 50, and simultaneously the rear end of the hood 44 equipped with the hinge assembly is lifted and pushes up a pedestrian to absorb impact.
However, in a typical active hood system, since only a part of pedestrian body is pushed up only by the lifting of the rear end of the hood, the impact-absorbing and damage-reducing functions are ineffective.
The information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.


An industrial textile, such as a papermaking fabric, including a plurality of pre-crimped thermoplastic components. The pre-crimped components include dimensioned indentations that are complementary in size and shape to the components with which they are assembled. Methods of manufacture of the components and assembly of the textiles are also provided.

The present invention relates to industrial textiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to industrial textiles assembled from a plurality of pre-crimped components, methods of manufacturing those components and methods of assembling the textiles.
Industrial textiles, such as papermaking, filtration and like fabrics, are commonly assembled from a plurality of thermoplastic monofilament or multifilament yarns. Due to the size of these textiles, the preferred method of assembly is generally to interweave the yarns as warp and weft materials in an industrial loom or similar device. Other assembly methods are also known and used. For example, it is known to assemble papermaking fabrics and conveying belts from a multiplicity of helical coils interdigitated and interconnected by means of inserted pintles or hinge yarns. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,236 (Finn et al.). It has also been proposed to manufacture industrial textiles built upon a polymeric grid-like material into which reinforcing yarns are embedded to increase the strength of the grid. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,409 (Lefkowitz). It is also known to assemble industrial textiles from one or more strips of woven, knit or nonwoven fabric layers which are spirally wound one over the other and then interconnected by various means. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,076 (Best et al.) It has also been more recently proposed, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,777 (Shipley) which is commonly assigned to the present assignee, to assemble industrial textiles from smaller strips or panels which include an integral joining means, such as hook-and-loop type fasteners.
Woven fabrics are commonly heat set to fix the component yarns prior to use and permanently set crimp at locations where two or more yarns cross over one another (commonly referred to as xe2x80x9ccrossover pointsxe2x80x9d), and, thereby, stabilize the fabric. The amount of crimp imparted to the yarns at a crossover point is dependent on several factors, including: the tension applied to the warp yarns during weaving, tension applied during heatsetting, the so-called xe2x80x9cbeat-upxe2x80x9d capability of the loom, and the physical characteristics of the yarns (i.e.: their size and material composition).
Generally speaking, relatively larger yarns must be woven at higher weaving tensions than relatively smaller yarns in order to impart the desired crimp during beat-up. The degree to which either warp or weft yarns are crimped can be controlled, to an extent, by the weaver in accordance with the end use requirements of the fabric. However, the physical limitations of this control will be dictated by the physical properties of the warp and weft yarns and the beat-up capability of the loom. For example, in experiments conducted to provide a 100% warp fill papermaking dryer fabric woven using 0.8xc3x971.2 mm rectangular PET weft yarns and 0.33xc3x970.66 mm PET warp yarns at tensions between 550 and 1000 kg/m, it was observed that virtually no crimp was imparted to the large weft yarns following weaving and heatsetting. The fabric had minimal interlocking at the crossover points and was slack and exhibited poor dimensional stability.
In the manufacture of industrial textiles, particularly by weaving, it is frequently desirable to use relatively large diameter yarns, for example yarns having a diameter or thickness of at least 0.8 mm, in either, or both, the warp and weft directions. Large diameter yarns, particularly when used as the weft material in the weaving of papermaking press or dryer fabrics, offer several advantages. Such fabrics can be woven at a low xe2x80x9cknockingxe2x80x9d (number of weft yarns per unit of fabric length) so as to provide a fabric having a relatively high air permeability (economy of manufacture). The resulting fabrics are very stiff in the cross-machine direction, but remain flexible in the machine direction, which is highly desirable in certain applications. It may also be desirable to produce a textile product having a relatively low permeability to air but a high drainage rate for other fluids. However, as previously noted, as the size of the warp or weft yarns increase, the dimensional stability of fabrics in which they are incorporated tends to decrease due to the difficulty of imparting sufficient crimp to the yarns during weaving and/or heat setting. A degree of crimp is necessary to interlock the yarns and stabilize the fabric.
It is also desirable in other applications, such as producing woven or braided strapping or sleeving, to utilize larger diameter yarns or yarns made from heat and/or moisture resistant materials. However, due to the difficulties encountered when attempting to impart sufficient crimp to these yarns during weaving or braiding so as to provide a dimensionally stable textile product, it is frequently not possible to make the desired article. This is also true for brittle or inflexible materials, such as (polyphenylene sulfide) PPS, that has many desired properties, but is not generally amenable to being woven or braided because the yarns tend to crack and break at temperatures normally used for these assembly processes.
It is also necessary in some applications of industrial fabrics, such as papermaking fabrics, to insert stuffer yarns into the open weave to further reduce fabric permeability. However, it is difficult to insert more than one stuffer in a given channel or path through the woven fabric. Often, it is desirable to insert two or more stuffer yarns, which can more easily conform to the available space in the weave, and which could also be made of different materials, rather than a single larger stuffer yarn.
It may also be desirable to impart certain surface characteristics to the belting or fabric so as to emboss or transfer a texture to the product being conveyed. This can be done by applying a liquid polymeric resin to a textile substrate and then curving it provide the desired surface texture. It may also be done by utilizing a weave pattern which creates relatively large floats of the warp and/or weft yarns, leaving empty xe2x80x9cpocketsxe2x80x9d in between. However both methods are relatively costly and, in the former case, requiring an extra process step (or steps) to complete.
It would also be desirable to form belting from polymeric materials, which could be used in various applications, such as tire reinforcement belting, rubber hose reinforcement, or tubing, which has high strength and stability. It is believed that such polymeric belting could be more easily bonded to by rubber compounds, and can provide economy of manufacture over known materials, such as steel belting used in tires.
A need therefore exists for an industrial textile and/or weaving or braiding components for such textiles or industrial articles, such as yarns or strips, which are pre-crimped or thermoformed so as to impart a plurality of dimensioned indentations sized and shaped so as to be substantially complementary to the cross-sectional size and shape of the components with which they will be assembled or mated. Pre-crimping or thermoforming textile components prior to assembly makes it possible to assemble dimensionally stable industrial textiles from yarns or components previously impractical for such applications due to weaving or heat setting difficulties associated with them.
The present invention relates to industrial textiles that are assembled, at least in part, from a plurality of pre-crimped polymeric components, particularly yarns, strips and the like. Crimp is imparted to the components so as to provide dimensioned indentations that will be generally complementary, in shape and size, to the components with which they are to be assembled or mated. The textiles may be assembled by weaving, braiding or a similar process such as mechanical interlacing.

Industrial textiles assembled from pre-crimped components


A supercharger drive device (1) for a combustion engine (E) includes a gear carrier shaft (6) operable to rotate in unison with a crankshaft (2) of the combustion engine (E), a high speed gear (8) and a low speed gear (10) provided in the gear carrier shaft (6), a drive shaft (14) of a supercharger (12) which is rotatable when coupled with either one of the high speed gear (8) and the low speed gear (10), a gear shifter (16) for selecting one of the high speed gear (8) and the low speed gear (10) for transmitting a motive force from the gear carrier shaft (6) to the drive shaft (14) through the selected one of the high and low speed gears (8) and (10), and a shifter drive unit (18) for actuating the gear shifter (16) in dependence on the rotational speed of the combustion engine (E).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a supercharger drive device for variable transmission of a supercharger driven by a combustion engine.
2. Description of Related Art
The supercharger connected with and driven by the combustion engine has such a tendency that if it is adjusted to be suitable for a low-to-medium speed region, the supercharged pressure (the amount of charged air) in a high speed region will increase too much, but if it is adjusted to be suitable for the high speed region the supercharged pressure in the low-to-medium speed region will become insufficient. The patent document listed below discloses the drive device operable to switch the supercharger, which is operatively linked with a transmission connected with the combustion engine, on or off in dependence of a gear shifting of the transmission. The drive device disclosed in the patent document has, however, been found having such a problem that the change gear ratio of the supercharger itself remains constant and is therefore insufficient.


When an impact energy absorbing mechanism on a vehicle is in operation, a paid-out length of a seat belt is detected by a displacement sensor, and a paid-out speed of the seat belt is calculated by a paid-out speed calculating unit. Based on speed information from a speed sensor, a vehicle speed detecting unit calculates a speed of the vehicle with respect to a ground surface on which the vehicle runs. Then, an occupant acceleration calculating unit calculates an acceleration of an occupant with respect to the ground surface from the calculated paid-out speed and the calculated speed of the vehicle. Impact forces applied to the occupant can be reduced simply and highly accurately irrespectively of the weight of the occupant and whether an air bag is installed in the vehicle or not.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an occupant restraint apparatus having an impact energy absorbing mechanism for restraining an occupant while preventing a seat belt from being paid out in an emergency and allowing the seat belt to be paid out when a load in excess of a preset load is applied to the occupant, and a method of controlling such an occupant restraint apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, occupant restraint apparatus such as seat belt apparatus are effective to protect vehicle occupants against injury upon collision of the vehicle. For example, a seat belt apparatus has an emergency locking retractor (hereinafter referred to as an "ELR") for winding back a seat belt known as a webbing around a take-up shaft under spring forces and preventing the seat belt from being paid out in order to restrain an occupant when subjected to a collision-induced impact.
When the seat belt is prevented from being paid out by the ELR, since the occupant is abruptly retrained against forward movement, the occupant suffers from an impact force imposed via the seat belt. In order to reduce such an impact force applied to the occupant, there has been employed an impact energy absorbing mechanism (hereinafter referred to as an "EA mechanism") for paying out the seat belt while keeping the seat belt under a predetermined webbing tension (hereinafter referred to as an "EA load") thereby to absorb impact energy acting on the occupant when a load in excess of a preset load acts on the seat belt after the seat belt is locked by the ELR, as disclosed in Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 8-127313, for example.
As indicated by an equation of motion: Fs (restraint force)=m (mass of the occupant).times..alpha. (acceleration or deceleration), if the mass of the occupant, i.e., the weight of the occupant, differs under a constant EA load, then the acceleration (deceleration or impact) applied to the occupant upon vehicle collision also differs as shown in FIG. 20 of the accompanying drawings. Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 8-268224 discloses a technique for varying the EA load by making mechanical adjustments to meet the weight of the occupant. The disclosed arrangement is disadvantageous in that making mechanical adjustments for an occupant other than the vehicle's driver is tedious and time-consuming because such an occupant cannot usually be specified and new mechanical adjustments need to be made each time they change.
Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 7-186880 reveals a system for controlling an occupant restraint apparatus by measuring the weight of an occupant with a weight sensor and a tilt sensor. The revealed system is, however, constructed of a large number of parts and considerably expensive due to a complex corrective logic because the difference between the detected weight of the occupant and the actual weight of the occupant is compensated for in view of the manner in which the occupant is seated on the seat cushion and the angle of the seatback.
Another problem is that increased restraint forces are applied to an occupant when an air bag is inflated. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21 of the accompanying drawings, even if an acceleration .alpha. of the occupant caused with respect to the ground surface (corresponding to an impact force on the occupant) upon a collision of the vehicle is to be kept constant at a time t0 by paying out the seat belt under the constant EA load, when the air bag is inflated at a time t1, the acceleration .alpha. of the occupant with respect to the ground surface tends to increase due to restraint forces of the air bag.
There is known a process of adjusting the length by which the seat belt is paid out to-reduce the EA load when the EA mechanism is operated, as disclosed in Japanese laid-open patent publications Nos. 8-127313 and 8-268224, for example (see FIG. 22 of the accompanying drawings). According to the disclosed process, the paid-out length of the seat belt for reducing the EA load is set to a predetermined value L'1 which is uniquely fixed and cannot be varied.
The position of an occupant seated on the seat cushion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e., the position of the seat slide, varies from body shape to body shape. As a result, as indicated at in FIG. 22, the relative inflating timing of the air bag 1 thorough 3 is varied. As shown in FIG. 23 of the accompanying drawings, the acceleration .alpha. of the occupant with respect to the ground surface varies depending on the position of the seat slide, resulting in an unstable occupant restraining capability.
In the EA mechanism, as shown in FIG. 24 of the accompanying drawings, even if a retractor 2 keeps the webbing tension (EA load) Ts at a constant level, as an occupant 3 moves forward, a belt restraint force Fs acting on the occupant 3 increases. The belt restraint force Fs acting on the occupant 3 is related to the webbing tension Ts by Fs=Ts cos.theta.s. As the occupant 3 moves forward from the solid-line position to the two-dot-and-dash-line position in FIG. 24, the angle .theta.s at which the webbing tension Ts acts becomes acuter, increasing the belt restraint force Fs (see FIG. 25 of the accompanying drawings). FIG. 25 shows a cross section along the seat belt over the occupant 3 shown in FIG. 4.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26 of the accompanying drawings, even if the webbing tension Ts is kept at a constant level by the retractor 2, the belt restraint force Fs acting on the occupant 3 increases as the occupant 3 moves forward.
Therefore, as indicated by the equation Fs=m.multidot..alpha. (m: mass of the occupant 3 and .alpha.: acceleration or deceleration on the chest of the occupant 3), the acceleration or deceleration .alpha. on the chest of the occupant 3, i.e., the impact force increases in proportion to the belt restraint force Fs as the occupant 3 moves forward (see FIG. 27 of the accompanying drawings).
FIGS. 28 and 29 of the accompanying drawings show the belt restraint force Fs acting on an occupant, represented by the vertical axis as it is related to the displacement x' of the occupant, represented by the horizontal axis, according to Fs=m.multidot..alpha., for the purpose of considering energy absorbing efficiency.
Even if the webbing tension Ts is kept constant by the retractor 2, since the belt restraint force Fs is not constant due to variations in the webbing tension angle .theta.s, when the EA mechanism is in its initial stage of operation, a dead zone where the EA mechanism does not work due to the difference between the maximum restraint forces and the restraint forces during movement of the occupant 3 is created as shown hatched in FIG. 28 of the-accompanying drawings, resulting in a poor efficiency for absorbing the impact energy.
Theoretically, insofar as the belt restraint force Fs is constant, the impact energy can effectively be absorbed from the initial stage of operation of the EA mechanism, making it possible to reduce the maximum restraint forces and the maximum deceleration, i.e., the impact force, as indicated by the dot-and-dash line in FIG. 29.
However, when the belt restraint force Fs acting on the occupant 3 is constant, the webbing tension Ts needs to be reduced depending on the paid-out length of the webbing during operation of the EA mechanism, in view of changes in the webbing tension angle .theta.s upon forward movement of the occupant 3, as indicated by the dot-and-dash line in FIG. 26.

Occupant restraint apparatus and method of controlling occupant restraint apparatus


Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which inhibit the activity of histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8). Also described herein are methods of using such HDAC8 inhibitors, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of HDAC8 activity.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from histones, proteins that organize and modulate the structure of chromatin in nucleosomes. HDAC-mediated deacetylation of chromatin-bound histones regulates the expression of a variety of genes throughout the genome. Importantly, HDACs have been linked to cancer, as well as other health conditions. To date, eleven major HDAC isoforms have been described (HDACs 1-11). HDACs are categorized into two classes. Class I HDACs include HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3, HDAC8 and HDAC11. Class II HDACs include HDAC4, HDAC5, HDAC6, HDAC7, HDAC9 and HDAC10. Small molecule HDAC inhibitors that are isoform-selective are useful as therapeutic agents with reduced toxicity and as tools for probing the biology of the HDAC isoforms.

Selective inhibitors of histone deacetylase


A multi-speed gear system for a chain transmission device of a bicycle is provided. The system includes a disc having a front plate, a rear plate, and a plurality of tooth series concentrically arranged in the disc and a tooth series selector. Each of the tooth series has a plurality of tooth blocks; the front plate of the disc has a plurality of tooth holes; and the rear plate of the disc has a plurality of rear holes. Each of the tooth blocks is either pushed into a corresponding one of the tooth holes or protrude out of the front plate and the tooth series selector selects one of the tooth series to change speed and makes the tooth blocks of the selected tooth series protrude out of the front plate.

The present invention relates to a multi-speed gear system for a chain transmission device. More particularly, the invention relates to a simpler and lighter multi-speed gear system for a chain transmission device for a multi-speed bicycle.
Many bicycles include multi-speed transmissions to enhance their operation over different types of terrains. Existing bicycle transmissions are generally derailleur type manually controlled by a cable connected to a shift lever. Moving the shift lever changes the cable tension and moves the derailleur and a drive chain from one sprocket to another sprocket. Since the chain moves between sprocket wheels, the plane in which a driving sprocket that is connected to the pedals and the plane in which a driven sprocket that is connected to the rear wheel of the bicycle should be close if not identical. In addition, the diameters of adjacent sprockets cannot be much different because an abrupt reduction or increase of the diameter may cause the chain fail to be wound around the destination sprocket. Owing to these prior art multi-speed speed gear system for a bicycle includes many sprockets for both the driving sprocket and the driven sprocket sides. For example, for a speed change ratio from about 1:1 to 3:1, three driving sprockets and 9 driven sprockets are used, and there are 27 shift steps. Thus the speed change gained by one shift step is not appreciable. In order to get a comfortable feeling, the bicycle rider should repeat several steps of shifting. Also the plurality of sprockets increase the weight and cost of the bicycle.
The present invention contrives to solve the disadvantages of prior art.
Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a simpler and lighter multi-speed gear system for a multi-speed bicycle.
Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-speed gear system that can provide a bigger speed change for a shift step.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a multi-speed gear system that can change speed in a single plane.
To achieve the above-described objects, the invention provides a multi-speed gear system for a chain transmission device of a bicycle that includes a disc having a front plate, a rear plate, and a plurality of tooth series concentrically arranged in the disc, and a tooth series selector. The front plate and the rear plate are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and each of the tooth series has a plurality of tooth blocks. The front plate of the disc has a plurality of tooth holes, and the rear plate of the disc has a plurality of rear holes. Each of the tooth blocks is either pushed into a corresponding one of the tooth holes or protrudes out of the front plate, and in order to change speed, the tooth series selector selects one of the tooth series and makes the tooth blocks of the selected tooth series protrude out of the front plate. The front plate has apertures between the tooth holes and the rear plate has apertures between the rear holes to reduce the weight of the disc.
The tooth series selector makes the tooth blocks of the next radially outward tooth series protrude out of the front plate when the ratio of speed change becomes higher, and makes the tooth blocks of the next radially inward tooth series be pushed into the tooth holes when the ratio of speed change becomes lower.
The multi-speed gear system may further comprise a sprocket wheel and the diameter of the sprocket wheel is smaller than the diameter of the radially innermost tooth series.
Preferably, the number of the tooth series is five, and the ratio of speed change is in a range between about and about 1:1 and about 3.2:1. Also, preferably, the number of tooth blocks of each tooth series is about seven.
The tooth blocks of the tooth series are arranged so that the line connecting the center of one of the tooth blocks of one of the tooth series and the center of the corresponding tooth block of the adjacent tooth series is a curve. Preferably, the curve is spiral.
Each of the tooth blocks has a body, two teeth that protrude from the body, a projection that protrudes from the body, a guide portion that protrudes from the body between the teeth and the projection, a recess provided in the projection and the guide portion, a slot provided in the recess, a stop spring and a snap spring.
The stop spring and the snap spring are received in the recess. The stop spring protrudes out of the tooth block through the slot. When one of the teeth is pushed, the teeth are pushed into the tooth hole of the front plate of the disc, the snap spring snaps the tooth block in a position in which the teeth are pushed into the disc, the guide portion abuts the rear plate of the disc limiting further movement of the tooth block, and the projection protrudes out of the rear plate of the disc. When the projection is pushed into the rear hole of the rear plate of the disc, the snap spring snaps the tooth block in a position in which the projection is pushed into the disc, the stop spring abuts the front plate of the disc limiting further movement of the tooth block, the teeth protrude out of the front plate of the disc, and the guide portion contacts the tooth hole.
The tooth block further includes a hole in the recess to disassemble the tooth block from the disc.
The tooth series selector has a U-shaped selector body, an upper arm, a lower arm, and a pin connecting the upper arm and the lower arm. The selector body has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The pin is pivotally attached to the side wall. The top wall has a plurality of pivoting blocks and the bottom wall has a polarity of pivoting blocks. The disc rotates between the top wall and the bottom wall. Each of the pivoting blocks is biased outside of the tooth series selector by a spring. The upper arm selectively push the pivoting blocks into the space between the top wall and the front plate of the disc and the selected pivoting block pushes the teeth of the tooth blocks of the selected tooth series into the tooth holes of the front plate. The lower arm selectively push the pivoting blocks into the space between the bottom wall and the rear plate of the disc and the selected pivoting block pushes the projections of the tooth blocks of the selected tooth series into the rear holes of the rear plate.
The upper arm and the lower arm are biased toward the original position by a return spring. A cable is attached to the lower arm, and the upper arm and the lower arm are rotated from the original position by pulling the cable. The upper arm has steps so that the upper arm pushes all of the pivoting blocks of the top wall at the original position and gradually releases more pivoting blocks starting from the radially innermost pivoting block as the upper arm is rotated further from the original position, and the lower arm has steps so that the lower arm releases all of the pivoting blocks of the bottom wall at the original position and gradually pushes more pivoting blocks starting from the radially innermost pivoting block as the lower arm is rotated further from the original position.
Each of the pivoting blocks includes two arc-shaped walls, two side walls making a predetermined angle, a flat wall and two curved walls connecting the flat wall and the two side walls. The two side walls, the two curved walls and the flat wall connect the two arc-shaped walls. The two side walls are symmetrically positioned and the two curved walls are symmetrically positioned. A first through hole is provided between one of the curved walls and one of the side walls, and wherein the tooth series selector further has a shaft that is received in the first through hole. Preferably, the predetermined angle is in the range between about 110 and about 120 degrees. Also, preferably, the two side walls are concave.
The pivoting block further includes a second through hole, and the tooth series selector further includes a rod received in the second through hole. The size of the second through hole is substantially larger than the size of the rod, and the rod limits outward rotation of the pivoting block when the pivoting block is released.
The pivoting block further includes a recess formed in the curved wall and the side wall, and the spring biasing the pivoting block outward is received in the recess and wound around the shaft of the tooth series selector.
The multi-speed gear system may further comprise a speed selector that is connected to the tooth series selector with the cable.
When the multi-speed gear system for a chain transmission device is used for a bicycle having a driving sprocket wheel driven by pedals of the bicycle, a driven sprocket wheel attached to a rear wheel of the bicycle, one or more tension sprocket wheels, and a chain wound around the sprocket wheels, the disc of the multi-speed gear system becomes the driving sprocket wheel.
The advantages of the present invention are numerous in that: (1) the multi-speed gear system includes only one sprocket wheel, thus is lighter and simpler; (2) the chain moves in a single plane for any shift step; and (3) shifting may be performed without driving the rear wheel of the bicycle.

Multi-speed gear system for a chain transmission device of a bicycle


An automotive wearable electronic device arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an indicator device indicating a state of an operating parameter of the vehicle. A wireless communication device is communicatively coupled to the indicator device and detects that a driver is wearing a wearable electronic device. The detecting includes receiving a signal from the wearable electronic device. The wireless communication device transmits a signal to the wearable electronic device instructing the wearable electronic device to cease issuing notifications to the driver. The transmitting is dependent upon a state of an operating parameter indicated by the indicator device.

A problem is that drivers of a vehicle are sometimes distracted by their wearable electronic devices while driving. Smart watches and wearables are used by drivers to get notifications about health, incoming calls, text messages, emails, which are separate from smart phone app-related notifications. These notifications from wearable electronic devices are useful and reduce distraction of the users from larger smart phone displays, by giving concise information in the wrist. However, these notifications from. wearable electronic devices may be distracting to the driver while driving and may even be dangerous to the driver and other people around him. For example, a driver receiving the "time to stand up" notification issued by the Apple Watch during an hour-long office drive does not make sense, and is definitely distracting. Email notifications and app-related notifications may also not be helpful to receive while driving. The smart watches/wearables user interface is not very convenient to use while holding the steering wheel, and may be even dangerous to operate while driving.
Some automotive OEMs provide smart watch apps which allow the user to remotely access the vehicles. But currently, car-to-smart watch integration is not available to reduce driver distraction.

Wearables distraction reduction while driving

Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America


The disclosure provides a catadioptric projection objective which includes a plurality of optical elements, including first, second and third refractive objection parts. Optical elements arranged between an object surface and a first pupil surface form a Fourier lens group that includes a negative lens group arranged optically close to the first pupil surface. The Fourier lens group is configured such that a Petzval radius RP at the first pupil surface satisfies the condition: |RP|>150 mm.

Catadioptric projection objectives are employed, for example, in projection exposure systems, in particular wafer scanners or wafer steppers, used for fabricating semiconductor devices and other types of microdevices and serve to project patterns on photomasks or reticles, hereinafter referred to generically as "masks" or "reticles," onto an object having a photosensitive coating with ultrahigh resolution on a reduced scale.

Catadioptric projection objective with pupil correction


An apparatus, system and method are described for use in detecting the presence of malware on subscribers computers. The apparatus, system and method are network based and may be deployed within an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network. The system may include a plurality of network sensors for receiving and analyzing network traffic to determine the presence of malware. An aggregating apparatus receives alerts of the presence of malware and translates a network identifier of the alert to a subscriber identifier. The aggregating apparatus aggregates alert information and forwards it to a reporting infrastructure that can generate notifications in order to notify a subscriber that malware has been detected on a computer associated with the subscriber.

Malware infection is a major problem for users of Internet connected network devices, such as for example computers, cell-phones, iPod™, personal digital assistants (PDA). Malware comes in a number of forms such as, for example, virus, worm, spyware, adware, Trojan, bot, root-kit, and other similar forms of malware. Infection by malware can cause a device to malfunction, reveal personal information, participate in illegal activities, reinfect others and cause embarrassment and liability to the owners of the infected devices.
Various intrusion-detection system (IDS) mechanisms have tried to address this threat. Typically each of the known IDS mechanisms has implementation drawbacks. For example, host based detection systems require detection software on the host system. Some users object to having to run invasive, and potentially performance impacting, software on their computing device. Existing network based systems typically focus on who and what are being attacked rather than detecting evidence of infection and are not designed to inform the end-user that an infection has been detected
Although intrusion detection system that can be used to detect malware based on traffic on a network, these systems are typically intended for deployment on a single computer or small network. The current intrusion detection systems cannot scale to a large enough deployment in order to effectively determine malware infections of computers attached to a large network, such as an Internet Service Provider's (ISP) network. These networks may commonly have millions or tens of millions of subscribers connected.
It is therefore desirable to have a system that can detect the presence of malware on computers connected to a large network.

Network based malware detection and reporting


The installation of a garden window which encloses an opening in the wall of a building is effected by installing a support structure above the wall opening from which the garden window can be hung, then hanging the garden window from this structure in opening closing position and then permanently securing same to the wall. Also included in the invention are the garden window itself and its hanger support to facilitate such installation.

This invention relates to window additions commonly known as garden or greenhouse windows or mini-solariums which project out from a room thus expanding or adding an extra dimension to a room while bathing the room in sunlight.
More particularly, the invention relates to the installation of such garden or greenhouse windows or mini-solariums and their construction to facilitate such installation.
The addition of a projecting window structure to expand a room and to provide a greenhouse environment in which exotic plants and flowers can be grown all year long are now experiencing widespread use. Such windows, known as garden or greenhouse windows or mini-solariums (hereinafter xe2x80x9cgarden windowsxe2x80x9d), are in the form of a relatively large and heavy box like structure open at one side to give access into the window from within the room it expands. From the open side, the window structure has an outwardly and downwardly sloping glass paneled top wall, a glass paneled outer wall, glass paneled side or end walls and a solid bottom or base. The top wall may also be hinged at the room side for ventilation.
In effect, these garden windows are cantilevered out into space from the outer wall of the room they expand being unsupported from beneath the base. As a result, the installation of such garden windows is very awkward requiring holding the window up in position while the installer secures at least the upper edge of the window to the building above the opening the window is to enclose. Thus several workmen are required in carrying out the installation.
The present invention provides a means of greatly simplifying and facilitating the installation of these garden windows.
Thus the invention resides in facilitating the installment of a garden window into position to close the opening in the wall of a building provided for the window. According to the invention in carrying out the installation a support structure or hanger is first installed above the window wall opening. This support structure or hanger is such that the window can be hung therefrom. Following the installation of the window hanger, the window is hung from the hanger in position to enclose the opening after which the window is permanently secured in position.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support structure or hanger installed above the building opening is an elongated channel forming an upwardly facing hook on which the window can be hooked and suspended.
Again, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner upper edge of the window is provided with an elongated rail having a downwardly facing hook portion for hooking unto the upwardly facing channel hook installed above the opening in the building. Further, according to a preferred form of the invention, the rail is formed to provide a locating bearing surface below the hook portion to butt against the wall of the building immediately above the window opening.
Still further, according to a preferred form of the invention, the rail is a hollow plastic extrusion having a metal reinforcing insert.
Thus the invention also resides in the provision of a novel garden window which is adapted to be hung from a support above the wall opening to be enclosed by the window.


Described herein is a solid complex comprising (Z)-7-((1R,2R,3R,5S)-2-((S,E)-5-(2,5-dichlorothiophen-3-yl)-3-hydroxypent-1-en-1-yl)-3,5-dihydroxycyclopentyl)hept-5-enamide (hereinafter “Compound 1”) and γ-cyclodextrin, and preparations and uses thereof. Also described herein are certain solid forms, preparations and uses thereof.

Ocular hypotensive agents are useful in the treatment of a number of various ocular hypertensive conditions, such as post-surgical and post-laser trabeculectomy ocular hypertensive episodes, glaucoma, and as presurgical adjuncts.
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure. On the basis of its etiology, glaucoma has been classified as primary or secondary. For example, primary glaucoma in adults (congenital glaucoma) may be either open-angle or acute or chronic angle-closure. Secondary glaucoma results from pre-existing ocular diseases such as uveitis, intraocular tumor or an enlarged cataract.
The underlying causes of primary glaucoma are not yet known. The increased intraocular tension is due to the obstruction of aqueous humor outflow. In chronic open-angle glaucoma, the anterior chamber and its anatomic structures appear normal, but drainage of the aqueous humor is impeded. In acute or chronic angle-closure glaucoma, the anterior chamber is shallow, the filtration angle is narrowed, and the iris may obstruct the trabecular meshwork at the entrance of the canal of Schlemm. Dilation of the pupil may push the root of the iris forward against the angle, and may produce pupillary block and thus precipitate an acute attack. Eyes with narrow anterior chamber angles are predisposed to acute angle-closure glaucoma attacks of various degrees of severity.
Secondary glaucoma is caused by any interference with the flow of aqueous humor from the posterior chamber into the anterior chamber and subsequently, into the canal of Schlemm. Inflammatory disease of the anterior segment may prevent aqueous escape by causing complete posterior synechia in iris bombe, and may plug the drainage channel with exudates. Other common causes are intraocular tumors, enlarged cataracts, central retinal vein occlusion, trauma to the eye, operative procedures and intraocular hemorrhage.
Considering all types together, glaucoma occurs in about 2% of all persons over the age of 40 and may be asymptotic for years before progressing to rapid loss of vision. In cases where surgery is not indicated, topical β-adrenoreceptor antagonists have traditionally been the drugs of choice for treating glaucoma.
In addition, the ability of a compound to exist in more than one crystalline structure or form is known as polymorphism. Many compounds may exist unexpectedly as polymorph crystals and those compounds may also exist in a solid amorphous state. However, the current knowledge and understanding of polymorphism is still such that there is no reasonable degree of predictability with respect to what crystalline forms of the compound might exist and how to make possible unknown polymorphs or other crystalline forms.
Solid state forms of compounds, crystalline or amorphous forms, can be analyzed by one or more solid state analytical methods. Those methods include, for example, X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis.
The solid state forms may be characterized according to X-ray powder diffraction. However, it is known in the art that the measured peaks in the X-ray powder diffractogram of a solid form may vary, because of, for example, different experimental conditions and/or preferred orientations. And according to the instrument precision, the measurement error of 2θ value is generally at ±0.2° (2θ). Moreover, relative intensities have been recognized as non-characteristic for a particular solid form (See Bhattacharya et al., "Polymorphism in Pharmaceutical Solids," p. 334, 2009.)
Therefore, there is a need for compounds, such as the complex comprising (Z)-7-((1R,2R,3R,5 S)-2-((S,E)-5-(2,5-dichlorothiophen-3-yl)-3-hydroxypent-1-en-1-yl)-3,5-dihydroxycyclopentyl)hept-5-enamide (hereinafter "Compound 1") and γ-cyclodextrin described herein, for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, and for related compositions and methods.

Solid complex, preparations and uses thereof


A semiconductor device includes at least one IGBT cell region, at least one switchable free-wheeling diode region, and at least one non-switchable free-wheeling diode region integrated in the same semiconductor substrate as the at least one IGBT cell region and the at least one switchable free-wheeling diode region.

IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) are very versatile power semiconductor devices since they have a very low on-state resistance, often abbreviated as RON. As IGBTs are often used for controlling inductive loads, power modules which include IGBTs as active switches typically include so-called free-wheeling diodes which allow a current flow in reverse direction. The reverse current may be driven by the inductive load during switching.
An IGBT is a bipolar device. The low RON is the result of a high charge carrier concentration, typically holes, which are emitted from the typically p-doped emitter into the drift region during forward conductive mode of the IGBT. The drift region is then flooded with excess charge carriers. When the IGBT is brought into the blocking mode, the excess charge carriers need to be removed from the drift region before the drift region is capable of carrying the blocking voltage.
Modern IGBTs may have integrated free-wheeling diodes so that no external free-wheeling diode is needed. IGBTs with integrated free-wheeling diodes are also referred to as RC-IGBTs (Reverse Current-Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) as the IGBT is adapted to carry also a reverse current.
It is desired that the IGBT can also carry a reverse current when a gate voltage is applied to the gate electrodes of the IGBT cells. Activated IGBT cells, i.e. IGBT cells to which the gate voltage is applied, may however affect the bipolar operation in reverse current mode.
There is therefore a desire to maintain or even improve device performance specifications, while allowing robust reverse current characteristic.

Semiconductor device with a switchable and a non-switchable diode region


An apparatus and method for varying coupling of a radio frequency (RF) signal (408). This is advantageously used for increasing the dynamic range of a power detector (406) in an automatic power level control loop (403) of a transmission unit (404), while maintaining transmission unit efficiency at higher power levels. This is accomplished by selecting between a first operating mode of the RF coupler (405) having strong coupling, responsive to a first predetermined power level, such that the RF coupler (405) produces a first coupled RF signal (509) responsive to the RF signal (408) and a second operating mode of the RF coupler (405) having weak coupling, responsive to a second predetermined power level, such that the RF coupler (405) produces a second coupled RF signal (510) responsive to the RF signal (408).

The basic operation and structure of communication systems, such as cellular radio telephone systems communication systems and land mobile communication systems, are well known in the art. Communication systems typically comprise a plurality of communication units, a predetermined number of base station (or repeaters) located throughout a geographic region and a controller. The communication units may be vehicle mounted or portable units and comprise either a transmitter or a receiver or both to form a transceiver. The communication unit is coupled to the base station by a communication channel over which radio frequency (RF) signals are transmitted and/or received. The controller comprises a centralized call processing unit or a network of distributed controllers working together to establish communication paths for the communication units.
It is well known in the art for transmitters to include an automatic signal power level control loop to maintain the output power level of a transmitted RF signal at one of a plurality of predetermined power levels. Automatic signal power level control loops generally typically comprise an RF coupler, a power level detector and a processor. The RF coupler couples a portion of the transmitted RF signal to the power level detector. The power level detector detects the power level of the transmitted RF signal to produce an output signal. The processor adjusts the power level of the transmitted RF signal responsive to the output signal to maintain the output power level of the transmitted RF signal at one of the plurality of predetermined power levels.
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a first prior art RF coupler 100. The RF coupler 100 generally comprises a primary transmission element 101 and a first secondary coupling element 102. The primary transmission element 101 receives at its input an RF input and produces an RF output at its output. The first secondary coupling element 102 couples a portion of the RF signal to produce a coupled RF output signal. The physical dimensions of the primary transmission element and the first secondary coupling element and the distance 103 from the primary transmission element determine the amount of the RF signal coupled.
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a second prior art RF coupler 200 including the primary transmission element 101 and the first secondary coupling element 102 as of FIG. 1. The first secondary coupling element 102 couples at least a portion of the RF signal to produce a first coupled RF output signal. A second secondary coupling element 201 couples at least a portion of the RF signal to produce a second coupled RF output signal. The first and second coupled RF signals may be adjusted by varying the dimensions of the secondary coupling elements 102 and 201 and by varying the spacing 103 and 202, respectively, between each secondary coupling element 102 and 201 and the primary transmission element 101. However, a disadvantage of this structure is cross coupling between the first and the second secondary coupling elements 102 and 201.
FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a third prior art RF coupler 300 overcoming the disadvantage of the RF coupler of FIG. 2. Instead of placing the second secondary coupling element 201 opposite to the first secondary coupling element 102, the second secondary coupling element 201 is offset from the first secondary coupling element 102 to substantially reduce the cross coupling between the secondary coupling elements 102 and 201.
The range of coupled transmitted RF signal power levels at the power detector's input for which the power detector's output signal is usable is commonly referred to as the power detector's dynamic range. Some communication systems now require the transmitters to operate over a wider range of signal power levels to communicate with the base stations. This requirement can be met by increasing the dynamic range of the power detector.
The dynamic range of the power detector is related to the power level of the coupled transmitted RF signal. At high transmitter power levels, RF couplers couple a large mount of signal power level for detect/on by the power detector. However, a significant portion of the coupled transmitted RF signal is lost at high power levels. Therefore, the current drain of the transmitter is increased to overcome the loss of power at high power levels which reduces the transmitter's efficiency. At low transmitter power levels, RF couplers provide a low amount of signal power level for detection by the power detector. However, at the low transmitter power levels there may not be enough signal power available at the power detector's input to generate a usable output signal.
Therefore, there is a need for an RF coupler providing variable RF coupling of the transmitted RF signal to increase the dynamic range of the power detector in the transmitter such that the transmitter can operate over a wider range of predetermined power levels.

Apparatus and method for varying the coupling of a radio frequency signal


The present invention provides a custom impression dental tray having a sheet of thermosetting material. The thermosetting material is preferably polycapractone which becomes pliable at a temperature between 130.degree.-140.degree. F. but becomes rigid at the temperature of the human mouth. An optional separation layer is disposed over one side of the sheet of thermosetting material with a wax or clay-like consistency. In practice, the tray is heated to a temperature of between 115.degree.-150.degree. F. and then molded around the teeth in the patient's mouth (or the impression of the patient's mouth for denture work). After the tray has ridigified, the separation layer and wax covering are removed from the tray thus providing a space for dental impression material to allow a final impression to be made.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a custom dental impression tray for both crown and bridge prosthesis as well as dentures.
II. Description of the Prior Art
Dental impression trays are necessary to construct both crown and bridge prosthesis as well as dentures. Furthermore, since the human mouth varies from one patient to the next, it is necessary for the dentist to make a custom impression tray before the bridge, crown or dentures can be constructed.
In the previously known methods for constructing custom impression trays, a preliminary model of the mouth is first made by the dentist. Typically, the dentist selects a standard tray which fits within the area of the mouth being treated. This tray is then filled with alginate, pressed into the patient's mouth and allowed to set. Thereafter, the tray is removed and filled with plaster in order to form the preliminary model of the patient's teeth and/or mouth.
After the preliminary plaster model has hardened, thin separating sheets, typically constructed of asbestos, are molded onto the preliminary model in order to form a small space between the teeth or gum area on the model and the outside of the separating sheets.
Thereafter, powdered acrylic and liquid monomer are mixed together until the mixture reaches a putty consistency. The mixture is then molded into a patty which is then molded around the separating sheets of the preliminary model. Upon hardening, the molded acrylic and monomer forms the custom tray.
After the custom tray has hardened, dental impression material is placed in the tray and then positioned within the patient's mouth. The dental impression material fills the space represented by the separating sheets on the preliminary model and, upon hardening, forms a final impression of the desired area of the patient's mouth. The crown, bridge work and/or dentures are formed from this final impression of the patient's mouth.
A primary disadvantage of this previously known method for forming custom dental impression trays is that the procedure is time consuming and tedious. Furthermore, in view of the materials employed and the multiple steps necessary to obtain the custom dental impression tray, this previously known procedure is expensive in material costs.


An electricity storage unit includes: an electricity storage device; a circuit portion on which an electronic component is mounted; a heat dissipation member that dissipates heat from the circuit portion; and a holding member that holds the electricity storage device in a state where the electricity storage device, the circuit portion, and the heat dissipation member are stacked, wherein the holding member is provided with a supporting portion that supports the electricity storage device and abuts against the heat dissipation member.

There are conventionally known electrical connection boxes that include a casing that houses a circuit portion on which electronic components are mounted. JP 2014-82844A discloses an electrical connection box that includes: a circuit portion on which electronic components are mounted; an electrically-conductive heat dissipation member that dissipates heat from the circuit portion; and an electrically-conductive casing in which the circuit portion is housed so as to be located between the casing and the heat dissipation member.
In the case where an electrical connection box and electricity storage devices are mounted on a vehicle or the like, if they are separately mounted, the space for mounting them increases, and electrical wires and connectors for connecting them are needed. Therefore, there is a problem in that the number of components increases, the weight increases, and electrical power transmission loss occurs due to the resistance of the electrical wires.
On the other hand, it is preferable that the circuit portion and the electricity storage devices of the electrical connection box are mounted together because the space for mounting them can be reduced, an increase in the weight due to the presence of electrical wires, connectors, and so on can be suppressed, and electrical power transmission loss due to the resistance of the electrical wires is prevented from occurring.
JP 2005-94943A discloses a capacitor unit that includes: a capacitor block; a control circuit portion that is constituted by a charging/discharging circuit for charging or discharging the capacitor block; and a casing in which the capacitor block and the control circuit portion are housed. The casing is constituted by a lower casing and an upper cover. The capacitor block is housed in the lower casing and is fixed using screws.
However, if the circuit portion and the electricity storage devices are mounted together, there is a concern that a problem will occur due to the weight of the electricity storage devices because electricity storage devices are usually heavy. According to JP 2005-94943A, the capacitor block is fixed to the casing. However, this casing has a configuration for not only covering the entire body of the capacitor block and the control circuit portion, but also fixing the capacitor block and the heat dissipation plate of the control circuit portion. Therefore, there is a problem in that the configuration of the casing is complex, and it is not easy to miniaturize the configuration of the capacitor unit.
The present invention has been completed based on the above-described situation, and aims to form an electricity storage unit that can prevent the circuit portion from being damaged, without increasing the size of the electricity storage unit despite the circuit portion and the electricity storage devices being mounted together.


An ostomy appliance comprises an ostomy pouch having front wall, a rear wall with a stomal aperture, and an adhesive body fitment secured or securable around the stomal aperture. At least a portion of the adhesive of the body fitment is moldable. The front wall of the pouch comprises an access aperture providing access through the pouch interior for molding the adhesive. The access aperture is closable by a closure panel attachable over said access aperture by a peelable/resealable adhesive.

Modern ostomy appliances are commonly attached to the body by means of an adhesive body fitment. The adhesive body fitments most commonly used are designed to have a predetermined, fixed shape. The wearer cuts the central opening of the adhesive fitment to match his or her stoma size and shape, using scissors to cut along guidance lines that are pre-printed on the adhesive for certain standard sizes.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,924 describes an improved ostomy appliance including a moldable adhesive, in which at least a portion of the adhesive can be manually shaped by the wearer, to provide a custom fit around the stoma. This alternative way of customizing the wafer offers the prospect of a better fit around the stoma than that obtainable by cutting along standard size guidelines. Achieving a good fit is desirable in order to reduce the exposure of the peristomal skin to stool exiting the stoma. Peristomal skin may be quite sensitive, and vulnerable to irritation or infection when contacted by stool. Stool exiting the stoma may contain digestive juices from the body, and such juices can also attack the peristomal skin resulting in excoriation. However, all stomas have different sizes and shapes. The advantage of a moldable adhesive as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,924 is that the user can mold the adhesive to closely match the exact size and shape of the stoma.
In a form in which the appliance of U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,924 is implemented as a two-piece ostomy appliance, the wearer is able to access the moldable adhesive on the non-body-contacting side, when the pouch is separated from the body fitment. This can enable the wearer to mold the adhesive with the body fitment in place around the stoma. However, when implemented as a one-piece appliance, the wearer can only access the moldable adhesive from the body-contacting side, and before the body fitment is secured to the body. This means that the shape and size of the aperture might not be as accurate as with a two-piece ostomy appliance.
WO-A-2004/084777 and WO-A-2006/035014 describe one-piece ostomy pouches in which an adhesive wafer is attached to the pouch using two different types of attachment extending in complementary first and second arcs that together extend completely around the stoma aperture. In the first arc, the wafer is permanently attached. In the second arc, the wafer is initially unattached or is releasably attachable. The second arc is said to permit the pouch to be folded away from the wafer in the region of the second arc, allowing access through the gap between the wafer and the pouch. This can enable access to facilitate cutting the adhesive, or fitting a separate sealing member, or removal and fitting of a separate disposable inner pouch. Some embodiments also feature an inspection hatch in the pouch wall to enable inspection of the stoma with the pouch in situ. The pouch is like a hybrid between a one-piece appliance (first arc of permanent attachment) and a two-piece appliance (second arc initially unattached or releasably attachable). However, unless the second arc is made very large, the appliance does not give complete unhindered access to the adhesive on all sides of the stoma aperture. It may be difficult for an elderly or non-dextrous person to use the appliance. Additionally, depending on the design, such a pouch construction might have vulnerabilities in the seal between the faceplate and the pouch at (i) the points at where the first and second arcs meet, and/or (ii) at the folding notches or creases of the stiffening ring, in view of the discontinuities which are inevitable at these points.
In devising the present invention, the inventors have appreciated that it would be desirable to provide an ostomy pouch appliance in which access to a moldable adhesive can be improved. More generally, it would be desirable to provide an ostomy pouch appliance in which access to the stomal area may be improved.


A method and a micro telecom computing architecture (MicroTCA) system for expanding MicroTCA are provided. On a backplane of a MicroTCA system, an advanced mezzanine card (AMC) connector and a joint test action group (JTAG) testing unit connector are set into at least one AMC slot. Setting the JTAG testing unit connector by using the existing AMC slot prevents occupying exclusive backplane space by setting another JTAG slot, and thus saves backplane space. Furthermore, after the test is completed, an AMC can be plugged in and the normal use of the AMC is not affected.

The MicroTCA is a platform specification formulated by the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) industrial computer manufacturers group (PICMG). The MicroTCA adopts advanced mezzanine cards (AMCs) to construct a modular communication platform with a small capacity and a low cost, which is mainly applied to small-scale telecom equipment or enterprise-level communication equipment such as a central office. Currently, the standard specification version is PICMG MicroTCA.0 R1.0.
The MicroTCA may be set to various product forms. According to requirements of different services, a MicroTCA system may be configured with different MicroTCA Carrier Hubs (MCHs) and different amount of AMCs with different sizes. The MicroTCA system is applicable to a cabinet with a depth of 300 mm, and is also suitable for being placed in a cabinet with a depth of 600 mm in a back-to-back installation manner.
As shown in FIG. 1, main functional modules of a MicroTCA system include: a chassis, power modules (PMs), MCHs, and AMCs. A backplane in the chassis is connected to the MCHs, the AMCs, and the PMs. The MCHs, the AMCs, and the PMs are connected and exchange data with one another via circuits in the backplane. The MCH is a central module of the MicroTCA system, and provides management, exchanging, clock, and test functions for the MicroTCA system.
In addition, the MicroTCA system further includes a joint test action group (JTAG) testing unit. The JTAG is an international standard test protocol, and is mainly applied to interconnection tests in the MicroTCA system, for example, a data connection failure test between cards, or an interconnection failure between chips. The JTAG is capable of testing data connection and clock connection in the MicroTCA system. The JTAG testing unit set in the MicroTCA system provides a testing port connected to a to-be-tested unit in the system. A main element of the JTAG testing unit is a JTAG switch module (JSM) Generally, the JTAG testing unit is realized by plugging a JSM into a JTAG slot, and the JTAG slot provides a JTAG testing unit connector. The JTAG testing unit connector is provided with connecting ports connected to the to-be-tested unit and the JTAG control unit, and a connecting port connected to a load power. The connection relationships are shown in FIG. 2. The connections among the JSM, the JTAG control unit, and the to-be-tested units adopt a star topology structure, in which the JTAG control unit may be set in the MCH, and may also be realized by an external test tool; and the to-be-tested units are generally AMCs.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a JSM. As shown in FIG. 3, the JSM mainly includes a primary switch module, a port switch module, and a power supply module. The primary switch module is configured to be connected to the connecting port on the JTAG testing unit connector for being connected to the JTAG control unit, and connected to the MCHs or an external test tool. The port switch module is configured to be connected to the connecting port on the JTAG testing unit connector for being connected to the to-be-tested units, and connected to the AMCs. The power supply module is configured to be connected to the connecting port on the JTAG testing unit connector for supplying the load power, to supply a load power for the JTAG testing unit. Ports connected to the AMCs include: a test data output (TDO) port, configured to output data of the JSM to the AMCs; a test data input (TDI) port, configured to input the AMC data into the JSM; a test clock input (TCK) port, configured to input a test clock; a test mode select (TMS) port, configured to set a JTAG port in a certain specific test mode; and a test reset (TRST) port, configured to reset the test, which is activated under a low level. The connection of the MCHs and JSM has already been defined in the MicroTCA.0R1.0.
During the implementation of the present invention, the inventor finds that the prior art at least has the following problems.
In the prior art, generally, a JTAG slot is additionally disposed on a backplane, and occupies exclusive backplane space. However, the JTAG slot is merely provided for the JSM to be plugged therein for testing the product in the production process before the MicroTCA system leaves the factory, and then the JTAG slot is in an idle state after the MicroTCA system leaves the factory. Furthermore, slots for other units of the MicroTCA system need to be provided on the backplane of the MicroTCA system, and the backplane space is rather limited. In addition, the additionally set JTAG slot occupies exclusive backplane space, which apparently causes waste of the backplane space.

Method and system for expanding micro telecom computing architecture