Problem to provide a container for an electromagnetic cooker which can be heated corresponding to impedance check frequency which differs depending on a manufacturer of an electromagnetic cooker or the like, can properly and easily set a heat generation characteristic, is excellent in marketability, configuration in use, disposability, handiness in cooking and the like, is suitable for retort foods, instant foods and the like, and exhibits high heating efficiency, means for resolution a container for an electromagnetic cooker includes a container body made of a non-conductive material and a conductive layer in a bottom portion of the container, wherein the ratio of resistance change (R−R0)/R0 of the conductive layer with respect to the impedance check frequency of a heating coil is set to 5.3 or more, and a ratio of inductance change (L−L0)/L0 of the conductive layer with respect to the impedance check frequency of the heating coil is set to −0.17 or less. Here, R indicates the high-frequency resistance (.OMEGA.) on a heating coil side with a load, R0 indicates the high-frequency resistance (.OMEGA.) on the heating coil side without a load, L indicates the inductance (.mu.H) on the heating coil side with a load, and L0 indicates the inductance (.mu.H) on the heating coil side without a load.

Recently, an electromagnetic cooker which does not generate flames has been used in a household, a place that serves food and drink such as a restaurant or the like for cooking foods or heating cooked foods from a viewpoint of safety, cleanliness, convenience and economy. The electromagnetic cooker heats food in a container such that, when a container for an electromagnetic cooker made of steel or stainless steel is placed on the electromagnetic cooker, an eddy current is generated in a bottom portion of the container for an electromagnetic cooker due to lines of magnetic force from an electromagnetic coil, and this eddy current induces Joule heat which is used for heating the food in the container.
Further, by making use of such a principle, a large number of electromagnetic induction rice cooker (IH rice cookers) has been commercialized. As an instant-food-use container which enables heating thereof using an electromagnetic cooker by making use of such a principle, there has been proposed a container for an electromagnetic cooker such as an instant-food-use container which enables direct heating of a container which packs noodles such as Chinese noodles, buckwheat noodles or Japanese noodles, fried noodles therein by an electromagnetic cooker (patent document 1) or an aluminum-foil-made food container which enables heating of a container by an electromagnetic cooker (patent document 2).
Still further, there have been also proposed a container which is used in common for an electromagnetic cooker and an microwave oven and is manufactured by taking the separation of parts of the container by kinds, incineration of the container and recycling of a magnetic body which constitutes a heat generating body after use into consideration (patent document 3) and a container for an electromagnetic cooker which allows an aluminum foil to generate heat (patent document 4).    [Patent document 1] JP-A-2000-272676    [Patent document 2] JP-A-2002-51906    [Patent document 3] JP-A-2002-177149    [Patent document 4] JP-A-2003-325327


Method and reagent composition for covalent attachment of target molecules, such as nucleic acids, onto the surface of a substrate. The reagent composition includes epoxide groups capable of covalently binding to the target molecule. Optionally, the composition can contain photoreactive groups for use in attaching the reagent composition to the surface. The reagent composition can be used to provide activated

The immobilization of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) onto support surfaces has become an important aspect in the development of DNA-based assay systems, including the development of microfabricated arrays for DNA analysis. See, for instance, "The Development of Microfabricated Arrays of DNA Sequencing and Analysis", O'Donnell-Maloney et al., TIBTECH 14:401-407 (1996). Generally, such procedures are carried out on the surface of microwell plates, tubes, beads, microscope slides, silicon wafers or membranes.
A commonly used method for immobilizing cDNA's or PCR products into arrays is to first coat glass slides with polylysine, then apply the DNA and illuminate with UV light to photocrosslink the DNA onto the polylysine (for example, see Schena M, Shalon D, Heller R, Chai A, Brown P O, Davis R W, "Parallel Human Genome Analysis: Microarray-based Expression Monitoring of 1000 Genes", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93(20):10614-9 (1996)). One disadvantage of this approach is that the UV crosslinking causes undesirable damage to the DNA that is not all useful for the immobilization. Another disadvantages of this approach is that UV crosslinking tends to be limited to longer nucleic acids (e.g., over about 100-mers), as provided by cDNA's and PCR products (and in contrast to the shorter nucleic acids typically formed by synthesis and referred to as "oligonucleotides"). It appears that the potential damage induced by UV radiation (e.g., the formation of thymine dimers) is simply too great, and/or the extent of immobilization is insufficient, to permit shorter nucleic acids to be used. A population of longer nucleic acids, however, even when crosslinked by UV, will typically provide ample undamaged regions sufficient to permit accurate hybridization.
Only relatively few approaches to immobilizing DNA, to date, have found their way into commercial products. One such product for immobilizing oligonucleotides onto microwell plates is known as ["NucleoLink®"] NUCLEOL™, and is available from Nalge Nunc International (see, e.g., Nunc Tech Note Vol. 3, No. 17). In this product, the DNA is reacted with a carbodiimide to activate 5′-phosphate groups, which then react with functional groups on the surface. Disadvantages of this approach are that it requires the extra step of adding the carbodiimide reagent as well as a five hour reaction time for immobilization of DNA, and it is limited to a single type of substrate material.
As another example, Pierce has introduced a proprietary DNA immobilization product known as ["Reacti-Bind™] REACTI-BINDTM DNA Coating Solutions" (see "Instructions REACTI-BINDTM DNA Coating Solution" January, 1997). This product is a solution that is mixed with DNA and applied to surfaces such as polystyrene or polypropylene. After overnight incubation, the solution is removed, the surface washed with buffer and dried, after which it is ready for hybridization. Although the product literature describes it as being useful for all common plastic surfaces used in the laboratory, it does have some limitations. For example, Applicants were not able to demonstrate useful immobilization of DNA onto polypropylene using the manufacturer's instructions. Furthermore, this product requires large amounts of DNA. The instructions indicate that the DNA should be used at a concentration between 0.5 and 5 μg/ml.
Corning sells a product called "DNA-BIND™" for use in attaching DNA to the surface of a well in a microwell plate (see, e.g., the DNA-BIND™ "Application Guide"). The surface of the DNA-BIND™ plate is coated with an uncharged, nonpolymeric, low molecular weight, heterobifunctional reagent containing an N-oxysuccinimide (NOS) reactive group. This group reacts with nucleophiles such as primary amines. The heterobifunctional coating reagent also contains a photochemical group and spacer arm which covalently links the reactive group to the surface of the polystyrene plate. Thereafter, amine-modified DNA can be covalently coupled to the NOS surface. The DNA is modified by adding a primary amine either during the synthesis process to the nascent oligomer or enzymatically to the preformed sequence. Since the DNA-BIND™ product is polystyrene based, it is of limited use for those applications that require elevated temperatures such as thermal cycling. Corning also sells an aminosilane-coated glass slide, under the tradename CMT-GAPS™ coated slides, which uses the same protocol as polylysine-coated slides for immobilizing DNA into microarrays.
TeleChem International, Inc. sells slides coated with an aldehyde silane as well as an aminosilane-coated slide. The aldehyde silane slides have very high backgrounds when fluorescence is used for detection. They also require an additional reduction step for stable immobilization.
Finally, SurModics, Inc., the assignee of the present invention, has recently introduced a coated glass slide, under the tradename 3D-Link™ that consists of a hydrophilic polymer containing amine-reactive ester groups immobilized onto the surface. For best results, this product also requires amine modification of the DNA to be immobilized. As expected, however, the reactive ester groups tend to be hydrolytically unstable, which limits the amount of time arrays can be printed without some loss of performance to approximately eight hours.
The role of epoxide groups, in the course of binding or immobilizing nucleic acids, has been described in various ways as well. For instance, Shi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,626 describe the attachment of unmodified nucleic acids to silanized solid phase surfaces. The method involves the use of conventional nonpolymeric reagents such as mercapto-silanes and epoxy-silanes which bond to the surface by forming siloxane bonds with OH groups on the glass surface.
See also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,552 (Keogh, et al., "Method for Attachment of Biomolecules to Medical Devices Surfaces"), which provides a method for forming a coating of an immobilized biomolecule on a surface of a medical device to impart improved biocompatibility for contacting tissue and bodily fluids. One such method includes converting a biomolecule comprising an unsubstituted amide moiety into an amine-functional material, combining the amine-functional material with a medical device biomaterial surface comprising a chemical moiety (such as, for example, an aldehyde moiety, an epoxide moiety, an isocyanate moiety, a phosphate moiety, a sulphate moiety or a carboxylate moiety) which is capable of forming a chemical bond with the amine-functional material, to bond the two materials together to form an immobilized biomolecule on a medical device biomaterial surface. Included within the long list of biomolecules described as being useful in this patent were "a DNA segment, a RNA segment, a nucleic acid" and others.
Also on the subject of epoxides, Nagasawa et al., (J. Appl. Biochem. 7:430-437, 1985) describe the use of Sepharoses activated with epichlorohydrin or bisoxirane (both of which provide epoxide groups) for immobilizing DNA as immunosorbents for DNA antibodies. See also, Wheatley, et al., J. Chromatog. A 726:77-90 (1996) and Potuzak, et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 5:297-303 (1978).
To date, however, there appears to be no description in the art, let alone commercial products, that provide an optimal combination of such properties as hydrolytic stability, ease of use, minimized DNA damage (due to exposure to crosslinking radiation), and the ability to immobilize underivatized nucleic acids and/or shorter nucleic acid segments. In turn, there appear to be no products presently available, nor descriptions in the art, that provide or suggest the ability to use polymer-pendent epoxide groups adapted to immobilize either short or long nucleic acids, let alone in both derivatized and underivatized forms, and suitable for immobilization onto surfaces.
Finally, Surmodics, Inc., the assignee of the present invention, has previously described a variety of applications for the use of photochemistry, and in particular, photoreactive groups, e.g., for attaching polymers and other molecules to support surfaces. See, for instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,722,906, 4,979,959, 5,217,492, 5,512,329, 5,563,056, 5,637,460, 5,714,360, 5,741,551, 5,744,515, 5,783,502, 5,858,653, and 5,942,555.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Techniques for the formation of silicon ingots and crystals using silicon feedstock of various grades are described. A common feature is adding a predetermined amount of germanium to the melt and performing a crystallization to incorporate germanium into the silicon lattice of respective crystalline silicon materials. Such incorporated germanium results in improvements of respective silicon material characteristics, including increased material strength and improved electrical properties. This leads to positive effects at applying such materials in solar cell manufacturing and at making modules from those solar cells.

The photovoltaic (PV) industry is growing rapidly and is responsible for an increasing amount of silicon being consumed beyond the more traditional uses as integrated circuit (IC) applications. Today, the silicon needs of the solar cell industry are partially competing with the silicon needs of the IC industry. With present manufacturing technologies, both IC and PV industries require a refined, purified, silicon feedstock as a raw silicon starting material.
Materials alternatives for the bulk of current solar cells range from mono-crystalline silicon wafers, for example based on very clean raw silicon such as electronic-grade (EG) silicon feedstock needed for the IC industry, to multi-crystalline (mc) silicon wafers based on not as clean raw silicon such as the so-called solar-grade (SOG) silicon feedstock or an even lower-quality material called upgraded metallurgical-grade (UMG) silicon feedstock.
Low-grade feedstock materials for the PV industry, such as UMG silicon, are typically processed into ingots and wafers of mc-silicon where the ultimate, solar cell relevant quality is typically controlled by grain boundaries, other structural defects and a relatively high concentration of impurities such as transition metals. Also carbon related and oxygen related defects in the wafer bulk can degrade cell properties, in particular when associated with metals. Some species of the broad defect spectrum may be passivated with hydrogen to reduce their electrical degradation potential.
Higher-grade feedstock materials for the solar cell industry, such as EG silicon, are typically processed into mono-crystals and, subsequently, wafers with mono-crystalline structure where the ultimate, solar cell relevant quality is controlled by impurities similar to the case of mc-silicon described above. There are two well-established growing techniques for mono-crystals of silicon (in the following called crystals). By far dominant is the Czochralski (CZ) technique where a CZ crystal is pulled out of a silicon melt residing in a quartz crucible. Medium to high-grade feedstock silicon is employed for generating the CZ silicon melt. A more sophisticated alternative is the Floating Zone (FZ) technique where a FZ crystal is grown by "floating" a small melt zone through a so-called supply rod of high-grade feedstock silicon. One way of getting predetermined amounts of elements into FZ crystals is so-called "pill doping" into supply rods before generating the melt zone. Typically, FZ silicon crystals contain less impurities than CZ crystals, mainly because no crucible is required.
In any case, since silicon is brittle at room temperature, there is the general problem of wafer breakage at wafer and solar cell processing and handling, including the manufacturing of modules out of solar cells. Consequently, the mechanical strength of silicon wafers and related solar cells is also an important quality factor in the PV industry, besides electrical properties. This holds for mono-crystalline material and equally for multi-crystalline ingot material.
Wafer breakage is initiated by crack formation and subsequent propagation. Cracks may originate from, for example, handling-induced local damage on surfaces, in particular at edges and corners. State-of-the-art solar cell manufacturing technology uses careful handling and processing of wafers and solar cells to avoid such situations. Intrinsic material strength of bulk silicon is also a function of bulk lattice defects. Of particular concern are defects that generate local tensile lattice strain, enabling internal crack formation/propagation at reduced external force (relative to an ideal lattice structure).
A need exists for a simple process that delivers UMG-based multi-crystalline silicon material with good ingot yield and improved mechanical and electrical properties, the latter in regard to solar cell quality. Such a process should be easily transferable to higher-grade, non-UMG feedstock silicon which is used partially or exclusively for producing mono-crystalline silicon materials, for example by applying the CZ technique or the FZ technique.

Germanium enriched silicon material for making solar cells


A mobile crane is disclosed, particularly adapted for a towing truck, as including a boom which may be extended or retracted in length and angularly related for lifting and towing purposes by a pair of hydraulic rams, which are specifically oriented for their full extent of movement at an acute angle relative to the plane of the bed of the truck upon which the hydraulic rams are pivotally secured. Extension and retraction of the boom is provided by a hydraulic ram mounted within the boom and arranged when activated to extend the boom outwardly during the pick up of a load and the retraction prior to towing of the load. The boom is pivotally mounted on a mast structure which is braced against a pivot structure secured to the bed of the truck and to which the hydraulic rams are pivotally mounted. In this arrangement, therefore, the horizontal components of forces produced during the lifting and towing of a load and imposed upon the hydraulic rams is offset by the opposing horizontal components of forces imposed upon the braces by the load.

The present invention relates to crane mechanisms, and more particularly, to crane mechanisms adapted for use on tow trucks and other similar vehicles.
In the prior art, the mobile cranes associated with wrecker trucks for towing other vehicles, or which are utilized for lifting heavy loads from inaccessible places and transporting the same to more appropriate positions for further handling, have employed mechanical winches for lifting the load and other mechanical winches in conjunction with a boom for further positioning of a load. The maximum safe load limit for these mechanical arrangements is generally determined by the mass of the material used in the mechanical devices such as cable diameters, thicknesses of structural steel for the boom and supports therefor, sizes of bolts and pivots, etc.
In these crane designs of the prior art, very little consideration is given to the employment of mechanical advantages to structural parts which would increase the load limits while still staying within all of the safety factors required for wrecker or tow vehicles. For example, the most common wrecker truck, the Holmes 600, has a rather limited maximum load specification for the structure and equipment employed. This particular wrecker truck utilizes hand crank winches to extend and retract a boom and also to adjust its angular orientation during hoisting operations. The boom is anchored for pivotal movement and supported by various bracing members in an arrangement which is not efficient in terms of load capacity and cost for the load to which the arrangement is capable of handling.
The present invention has been devised to overcome the disadvantages pointed out above by (1) utilizing hydraulic rams as the power driven mechanisms for boom manipulation and extension and (2) to arrange the rams, the boom and supporting structure therefor to be more efficient in terms of maximum loads, the capacity for which the invention is capable and involving lower cost for this increased efficiency and load capacity. For example, the mobile crane devised in accordance with the present invention can be considered as a direct replacement for the conventional Holmes 600 wrecker crane, and while this crane has a rated maximum capacity of 16 tons, the present invention associated with the same host vehicle has a rated capacity of 25 tons.
In order to accomplish this efficiency and increase the maximum capacity, the present invention utilizes a hoisting boom having an inner square tube member telescoping within an outer square tube member and a hydraulic ram arranged within the boom members for extending and retracting the inner member.
The boom is pivoted at one end on the flat bed of a host truck utilizing a novel pivoting device for distributing the great forces experienced by the boom along its longitudinal axis more evenly along the truck bed. A pair of hydraulic rams are supported on the flat bed for driving and controlling the angular movements of the boom during hoisting operations, the same being oriented to provide maximum mechanical advantage for these operations thereby effecting maximum efficiency out of these devices for the purposes intended. Each of the rams are served by a hydraulic circuitry which will insure safety with no disturbance to the boom and therefore the load being manipulated in the event of hydraulic failure.
It is the principle object of the present invention to employ hydraulic rams as the power drive mechanism for a mobile wrecker or tow vehicle and thereby increase the maximum load capacity therefor.
Another object of the invention is to increase the efficiency of a mobile crane by arranging the hoisting and moving devices associated with the crane in a manner wherein maximum mechanical advantages may be employed.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent after reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


An H-bridge drive circuit for reducing switching noises while preventing shoot-through current from flowing in the H-bridge circuit. The H-bridge drive circuit includes an H-bridge circuit for driving a load with a first power supply and a lower voltage second power supply. The H-bridge circuit includes first to fourth transistors. The first and third transistors are connected to the first power supply. The second transistor is connected between the first transistor and the second power supply, and the fourth transistor is connected between the third transistor and the second power supply. The load is connected to a node between the first and the second transistors and a node between the third and the fourth transistors. A control circuit switches the activation and inactivation of the first to fourth transistors so as to maintain at least either one of the second and fourth transistor in an activated state.

The present invention relates to an H-bridge drive circuit, and more specifically, to a method and circuit for controlling the drive of transistors in an H-bridge circuit.
In the prior art, an H-bridge circuit is incorporated, for example, in a motor driver for driving a motor (load) or a switching regulator for supplying power to an internal circuit (load) of an LSI. The H-bridge circuit is also referred to as a full-bridge circuit and normally includes four transistors. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-82946 describes an H-bridge circuit having a different configuration. This H-bridge circuit includes six transistors.
FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a prior art H-bridge circuit 100 using four transistors The H-bridge circuit 100 includes four transistors T1, T2, T3, and T4. The transistors T1 to T4 are each formed by an N-channel MOS transistor and connected between a first power supply VM (e.g., 5V power supply) and a second power supply PGND (e.g., ground (0V)).
The first transistor T1 has a drain connected to the first power supply VM, a source connected to a first output terminal 102, and a gate receiving a first drive voltage topA. The second transistor T2 has a drain connected to the first output terminal 102, a source connected to the second power supply PGND, and a gate receiving a second drive voltage botA. Accordingly, the first and second transistors T1 and T2 are connected in series between the first and the second power supplies VM and PGND, and the first output terminal 102 is connected between the first and the second transistors T1 and T2.
The third transistor T3 has a drain connected to the first power supply VM, a source connected to a second output terminal 104, and a gate receiving a third drive voltage topB. The fourth transistor T4 has a drain connected to the second output terminal 104, a source connected to the second power supply PGND, and a gate receiving a fourth drive voltage botB. Accordingly, the third and fourth transistors T3 and T4 are connected in series between the first and the second power supplies VM and PGND, and the second output terminal 104 is connected between the third and the fourth transistors T3 and T4.
A motor 110 serving as a load is connected to the first output terminal 102, which is located between the first and the second transistors T1 and T2, and the second output terminal 104, which is located between the third and the fourth transistors T3 and T4. The H-bridge circuit 100 of FIG. 1 is used as a motor driver for driving the motor 110.
The first to fourth transistors T1 to T4 are driven by the first to fourth drive voltages topA, botA, topB, and botB, which are generated by a control circuit (not shown). The first and fourth transistors T1 and T4 define a first set, and the second and third transistors T2 and T3 define a second set. The control circuit generates the drive voltages topA, botA, topB and botB so that the first set of the transistors T1 and T4 and the second set of the transistors T2 and T3 are activated and inactivated in a complementary manner.
When the first and fourth transistors T1 and T4 are activated by drive voltages topA and botB having an H level, the second and third transistors T2 and T3 are inactivated by drive voltages botA and topB having an L level. In this state, a first current path is formed extending through the first transistor T1, the motor 110 (load), and the fourth transistor T4 between the first and the second power supplies VM and PGND. Accordingly, a first output voltage OUTA applied to the first output terminal 102 causes the motor 110 to generate rotation in a first direction (e.g., forward direction).
When the second and third transistors T2 and T3 are activated by the drive voltages botA and topB having an H level, the first and fourth transistors T1 and T4 are inactivated by the drive voltages topA and botB having an L level. In this state, a second current path is formed extending through the third transistor T3, the motor 110 (load), and the second transistor T2 between the first and the second power supplies VM and PGND. Accordingly, a second output voltage OUTB applied to the second output terminal 104 causes the motor 110 to generate rotation in a second direction (e.g., reverse direction), which is opposite the first direction.
In this manner, the H-bridge circuit 100 changes the direction of the voltage to be applied to the motor 110 by a single power supply (first power supply VM) and controls the drive of the motor 110.
FIG. 2 is a timing diagram showing a drive sequence for controlling the H-bridge circuit 100 of FIG. 1. The drive sequence of the prior art includes a first driving step for driving the motor 110 with the first current path, a second driving step for driving the motor 110 with the second current path, and a switching step for switching between the first and the second current paths.
In the first driving step, the first and fourth drive voltages topA and botB rise to an H level to activate the first and fourth transistors T1 and T4. As a result, the first output voltage OUTA (approximately 5V) is applied to the first output terminal 102, and the motor 110 is driven in the first rotating direction.
In the second driving step, the second and third drive voltages botA and topB rise to an H level to activate the second and third transistors T2 and T3. As a result, the second output voltage OUTB (approximately 5V) is applied to the second output terminal 104, and the motor 110 is driven in the second rotating direction.
In the switching step, the first to fourth drive voltages topA, botA, topB, and botB are set to an L level, and the first to fourth transistors T1 to T4 are all inactivated. The switching step switches the first to fourth transistors T1 to T4 to prevent shoot-through current from flowing through the transistors T1 and T2 or shoot-through current from flowing through the transistors T3 and T4. Such a switching step is also referred to as an OFF-OFF period or dead time.
However, switching noises such as undershoots A1 and A2 or an overshoot B1 are produced in the switching step (OFF-OFF period) of the prior art sequence shown in FIG. 2. The undershoots A1 and A2 are caused by back electromotive force (BEMF) of the motor 110. For example, even when the first and fourth drive voltages topA and botB fall to an L level from an H level and inactivate each of the transistors T1 to T4, the motor 110 continues the flow of current from the first output terminal 102 to the second output terminal 104. Accordingly, current supplied from the second power supply PGND through a parasitic diode between the source and drain of the second transistor T2 lowers the first output voltage OUTA from the second power supply voltage PGND, or the ground level. More specifically, the first output voltage OUTA is lowered from the ground level by a level corresponding to the voltage drop (hereafter referred to as diode drop) VF at the parasitic diode of the second transistor T2. This generates an undershoot A2 in the waveform of the first output voltage OUTA. In this state, the parasitic capacitor between the source and gate of the first transistor T1 also lowers the first drive voltage topA by a level corresponding to the diode drop VF. This generates an undershoot A1 in the waveform of the first drive voltage topA. Further, the current that flows from the motor 110 to the second output terminal 104 tends to flow to the first power supply VM through the parasitic diode of the third transistor T3. Accordingly, the second output voltage OUTB is raised from the first power supply VM by a level corresponding to the diode drop VF of the third transistor T3. Such switching noises A1, A2, and B1 are generated in the same manner when shifting from the second drive step to the switching step.
The occurrence of the switching noises A1, A2, and B1 is a phenomenon unique to motor control and H-bridge circuits. The power for recent LSIs has been lowered to an ultra-low level. Thus, when a plurality of functional blocks is mounted on the same chip like in a System On a Chip (SOC) the above switching noises may affect not only the operation of one functional block but also the operation of other functional blocks.
It would be advantageous to have an H-bridge drive circuit and an H-bridge driving method that reduce switching noise while preventing shoot-through currents from flowing through the H-bridge circuit.

Method and circuit for driving H-bridge that reduces switching noise


A process for preparing a polymerization catalyst useful for the polymerization of olefins is provided comprising contacting a magnesium compound and a transition metal halide to form a solid product; contacting the solid product with an organoaluminum halide to form a first catalyst component, and contacting the first catalyst component with an activating agent to form a catalyst. Other aspects of the invention provide a catalyst prepared by the above described method and a polymerization process employing the thus prepared catalyst.

This invention relates to transition metal catalysts and methods for their production and use in the polymerization of olefins.
In the production of polyolefins, such as for example polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-butene copolymers, polymethylpentene, etc., an important aspect of the various processes and catalysts used to produce such polymers is the productivity. By productivity is meant the amount or yield of solid polymer that is obtained by employing a given quantity of catalyst. If the productivity is high enough, then the amount of catalyst residues contained in the polymer is low enough that the presence of the catalyst residues does not significantly affect the properties of the polymer and the polymer does not require additional processing to remove the catalyst residues. As those skilled in the art are aware, removal of catalyst residues from polymer is an expensive process and it is very desirable to employ a catalyst which provides sufficient productivity so that catalyst residue removal is not necessary. High productivities are also desirable in order to minimize catalyst costs.
It is therefore desirable to develop catalysts which provide relatively high catalyst productivity.

Polyolefin polymerization process, process of producing catalyst, and catalyst


An optical disc recording system can record data on a writable type optical disc and reproduce the recorded data by utilizing a playback device adapted exclusively for playing back a standardized unwritable optical disc such as a Compact Disc. The optical disc recording system comprises a recording medium and a recording device. The recording medium consists of an optical disc having its recording surface made of a material which is writable with a semiconductor laser and has a relatively high rate of laser beam reflection, having a mechanical size like or compatible with the standard size of an optical disc for playback only and having a pregroove of a relatively small depth. The recording device comprises a data signal outputting circuit for outputting an input signal to be recorded at a predetermined transfer speed as a data signal of a mark length recording system compatible with a standard format of the optical disc for playback only, a drive control circuit for driving the recording medium at a standard speed of the optical disc for playback only and controlling positions of the recording medium and the semiconductor laser so as to be compatible with a standard track pitch of the optical disc for playback only, and a laser control circuit for controlling the irradiation state of the semiconductor laser in accordance with the output of the data signal outputting circuit. The recording medium recorded by the recording device is played back by utilizing a playback device for the optical disc for playback only.

This invention relates to a novel optical disc recording system for recording information on and reproducing it from a writable type optical disc, and, more particularly, to an optical disc recording system capable of playing back a recorded optical disc by utilizing a playback device adapted exclusively for playing back a standardized optical disc which is not writable such as a CD (Compact Disc), CD-ROM, CD-I (CD-Interactive), CDV (Compact Disc with video) or LV (laser vision disc) (such optical disc will hereinafter be referred to as "optical disc for playback only") and thereby obviating the necessity for using a playback device adapted exclusively for playing back the recorded disc.
As writable type optical discs, there are DRAW (direct read after write) discs and E-DRAW (erasable type DRAW) discs. DRAW discs are discs on which data can be written only once and include a type of disc on which an information pit is formed by burning off a metal recording film by heat generated by irradiation by a laser beam.
E-DRAW discs are discs on which information can be rewritten and include one utilizing a technique of photo-magnetic recording and one utilizing phase change between a crystal state and an amorphous state.
Since these prior art DRAW discs and E-DRAW discs are different from optical discs for playback only such as CD, CD-ROM, CD-I, LV discs etc. in their recording format, configuration of the disc (such as the outer diameter), revolution velocity and in other respects, the DRAW discs and E-DRAW discs cannot be played back with playback devices adapted exclusively for playing back such optical discs for playback only.
Even if the recording format, disc configuration etc. are the same as the optical discs for playback only, the E-DRAW discs using the photo-magnetic recording or phase change are low in the rate of light reflection (i.e., rate of light reflection in a mirror portion (non-grooved portion) is, for example, less than 50%) and, accordingly, such DRAW and E-DRAW discs cannot be played back with the playback devices for the optical discs for playback only.
The prior art DRAW discs in which an information pit is formed by burning off the metal film (e.g., Al, Au or the like) by irradiation by a laser beam have a sufficient rate of light reflection but they require a powerful laser device such as one using a gas laser to record information with a result that the recording device tends to become so bulky and expensive that it prohibits use of the system in devices for domestic uses.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to eliminate the above described drawbacks of the prior art optical disc recording systems and provide an optical disc recording system capable of utilizing a playback device adapted for playing back an optical disc for playback only in playing back a recorded disc and capable of construction of the recording device cheaply and in a compact form.

System for recording optical discs for use with optical disc playback only devices


A gas discharge tube using a tunnel effect type electron emitting device as a cathode is provided. The electron emitting device comprises a conductive metal base and a dielectric film formed preferably of a material containing MgO as a main component on the metal base. The dielectric film faces an anode and is exposed to a gas in the tube. In the cathode of this structure, discharge is effected at a relatively low DC voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gas discharge tube in which a tunnel effect type electron emitting device is used for a cathode, and a method for manufacturing such a cathode.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventional tunnel effect type electron emitting device such as one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 43-3041 is primarily intended to be used for a vacuum tube. Such an electron emitting device has a sandwich structure as shown in FIG. 8, which is an M-I-M structure composed of a metal base layer 2, a dielectric film 3 having a thickness of 100 .ANG., and a surface metal layer 4 having a thickness of 80 .ANG. to 300 .ANG. deposited in this order on a glass substrate 1. An electron emission area 5 is formed on a center portion of the surface metal layer 4.
Such an electron emitting device is disposed in a vacuum airtight valve in such a manner that one surface of the electron emitting device on which the above layers are deposited faces an anode. When a DC voltage V.sub.d is applied between the metal base layer 2 and the surface metal layer 4 with the latter being positive, an energy level between the layers as illustratively shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. In this illustration, .PHI..sub.A, .PHI..sub.B, and .PHI..sub.M are potential barriers and eV.sub.d is a potential energy caused by the applied DC voltage V.sub.d (e: elementary electric charge).
When the potential energy eV.sub.d is greater than a work function of the surface metal layer 4, some electrons of the metal base layer 2 penetrate the potential barrier .PHI..sub.A by the tunnel effect. Some of them further pass through the surface metal layer 4 to be emitted into the vacuum space and then flown to the anode. This emission of electrons to the vacuum space takes place only when the potential energy eV.sub.d is greater than the potential barrier .PHI..sub.M.
In the conventional electron emitting device described above, however, a diode current I.sub.d which flows from the metal base layer 2 into the surface metal layer 4 is very large. As a result, an emission efficiency .alpha., a ratio of an emission current I.sub.e from the electron emission area 5 to the diode current I.sub.d, is significantly low. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge efficiency .alpha. and the thickness D of the surface metal layer 4 in the case of an example of an electron emitting device having an M-I-M structure formed of Al--Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Au. As is apparent from this graph, the emission efficiency .alpha. exponentially decreases when the thickness D of the surface metal layer 4 increases. This indicates that energy loss caused by collision of hot electrons with electrons of the surface metal layer 4 is great, and that the possibility of collisions exponentially increases as the layer thickness increases.

Method for manufacturing a cathode for a gas discharge tube


By using AVLIS or other methods capable of providing a depleted isotopic mixture, troublesome isotopes such as Gd.sup.154, Gd.sup.156 and Er.sup.166 are selectively removed from naturally occurring isotopic mixtures, while avoiding the additional costs associated with complete fractionation of the mixture. Such mixtures can be used to provide a burnable nuclear fuel absorber having a selectively depleted isotope or isotopes. In particular, the invention concerns burnable absorbers containing erbium with a depleted 166 isotope, gadolinium with a depleted 156 isotope or with depleted 154 and 156 isotopes, and methods for making such absorbers.

During nuclear fission, a fissionable nuclear fuel is bombarded with neutrons, converting the fuel into two or more fission products of lower atomic number. In addition to the fission products, this reaction produces a net increase in neutrons which, in turn, bombard additional nuclear fuel, thus forming a controlled chain reaction. During steady-state operation, neutron absorbers are used to ensure that there is no net increase in the number of neutrons available to produce fission reactions. One group of such neutron absorbers is known as burnable absorbers.
Burnable absorbers, also known as "burnable poisons," are so called because their ability to absorb neutrons decreases with increased exposure to nuclear fission. This characteristic can be beneficially used. For example, all nuclear fuels became depleted after a period of operation and must eventually be replaced. Since fuel replacement is costly, it is desirable to increase the lifetime of the fuel by initially providing as much fuel as possible. Fuel, however, is at its highest reactivity when first introduced into the reactor and, at this stage, it is imperative that excess neutrons be absorbed to maintain the reactor core in a subcritical condition.
Such excess neutrons are absorbed by introducing a burnable absorber in the core. The burnable absorber is one or more specific isotopes within an element For example, Er.sup.167 is a burnable absorber which occurs in nature within the element erbium. In absorbing neutrons, the burnable absorber is converted to an isotope having a lower neutron capture cross-section, thus reducing the overall ability of the burnable absorber to absorb neutrons. At the same time, the fission process produces more and more fission product absorbers (poisons) which create the ability of the fuel to absorb neutrons without causing fission. For a well-designed nuclear reactor, the buildup of fission product poisons is about offset by the depletion of burnable absorbers.
Burnable absorbers can be mixed with the fuel, coated on the outer layer of the fuel, provided in the core of the fuel, or provided separate from the fuel. Materials for burnable absorbers include boron, gadolinium, samarium, europium, cadmium, hafnium, dyspropsium, indium, erbium and other materials which, upon absorption of neutrons, display a net overall decrease in neutron capture cross section.
The elements used for burnable absorber materials naturally occur in isotopic mixtures. As illustrated in the following tables, each isotope has a different thermal neutron capture cross-section:
______________________________________ Capture Isotope Mass Thermal Neutron (Barns) Natural Abundance Cross-Section ______________________________________ Properties of Naturally Occurring Erbium Isotopes 162 .136% 160 164 1.56% 13 166 33.41% 10 167 22.94% 700 168 27.07% 1.9 170 14.88% 6 Properties of Naturally Occurring Gadolinium Isotopes 152 .2% 125 154 2.15% 102 155 14.73% 61000 156 20.47% 1000 157 15.68% 254000 158 24.87% 3.5 160 21.90% 0.77 ______________________________________
U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,768 describes a scheme wherein liquid chromatography is used to separate those gadolinium isotopes having the highest thermal neutron capture cross-section (i.e., 155, 156 and 157) from the other isotopes for use in burnable absorbers. The amount of gadolinium that can be added to the nuclear fuel is apparently limited because fuel thermal conductivity and melting temperature decrease as gadolinium concentration increases. Thus, the cost-to-benefit ratios of gadolinium can be decreased by isolating the isotopes having a high capture cross-section from those having low capture cross-section.
Fractionation of naturally occurring isotopes into individual components, however, can be quite expensive, thus reducing the cost-saving benefits of the separation. Furthermore, contrary to previous teachings, it was found that adequate cost savings can be realized by removing only a single isotope. For example removal of the 166 isotope of erbium either completely or to a level of about 50% or more of the original 166 isotope concentration will obtain substantial benefits.
As another example, in the case of gadolinium, significant cost savings can be realized by the removal of the 156 isotope. This is contrary to the above teaching which suggests that only those naturally occurring isotopes having low thermal neutron capture cross-sections should be removed. It was also found that although the inclusion of isotopes with low capture cross-sections may tend to decrease thermal conductivity and melting temperature, changes in thermal neutron capture cross-section with operation should be of higher concern when providing cost-effective burnable absorbers. Again, taking gadolinium as an example, it should be noted that the 156 isotope has a thermal neutron capture cross-section of about 1000. After capturing a neutron, however, this isotope converts to the 157 isotope, which has a capture cross-section of 254,000. Since burnable absorbers are designed to decrease in overall thermal neutron capture cross-section over time, the 156 isotope is undesirable and should be removed. The same is true for the erbium 166 isotope which, upon neutron absorption to form the 167 isotope, undergoes a 70-fold increase in thermal neutron capture cross-section.
Specific methods are available for the removal of selected isotopes from an isotopic mixture to provide a depleted isotopic mixture. One such method is atomic vapor laser isotope separation ("AVLIS"). AVLIS was developed for large scale uranium enrichment applications at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. AVLIS functions by first heating and vaporizing a sample of interest, followed by laser irradiation at a wavelength specifically selected to ionize only the isotope to be depleted. Once ionized, the isotope is removed using electric fields, leaving behind the depleted isotopic mixture of interest.

Nuclear fuel with isotopically depleted burnable absorber


A motor-driven saber saw includes a housing (4), having a neck (8) which serves as a handle and has a tool opening (6), a guide device (22) for guiding the saber saw (2) on a workpiece and releasably connectable to the housing (4) in a region of the housing neck (8) and including a connection device (21) for connecting the guide device (22) to the housing (4), the housing (4) having connecting receptacles (18) for guiding the connection device (21), an adjusting device (30) mountable on the connection receptacles (18) for securing the connection device (21) to the housing, and a rectilinear spring member (36) for biasing the adjusting device (30) to a locking position and extending substantially in a longitudinal direction of the housing neck (8).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a motor driven saber saw including a housing having a neck that serves as a handle and has a tool opening, a guide for guiding the saber saw on a workpiece and releasably connectable to the housing in a region of the neck, the guide including a connection element for connecting the guide to the housing, with the housing having a connection receptacle for guiding the connection element, and an adjusting device mountable on the connection receptacle for securing the connection element to the housing and spring-biased to its locking position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Known saber saws can usually be equipped with a guide such as a guide shoe or a tubular adapter in order to achieve a reliable and precise guidance of the saber saw on the workpiece. The guide permits to achieve a precise cut on the workpiece having at least regionwise a flat or round cross-section.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,091 discloses a saber saw having a housing, a guide shoe for guiding the saber saw on a workpiece, and a pendulum-driven, with a motor, plunger. The guide shoe is pivotally supported at an end of a connection rail provided with an elongate recess, with the connection rail being guided in a substantially rectangular rail guide provided in the saw housing. For securing the connection rail on the saber saw, there is provided a locking member displaceable in a recess formed in the saw housing and extending transverse to the rail guide. The locking member is pressed against the guide rail with a helical spring arranged in the same recess as the locking member. The locking member engages, in its non-actuated condition, toothing provided on the connection rail. For adjusting the position of the guide shoe and releasing the guide shoe, the locking member is pressed against the helical spring, so that it becomes disengaged from the connection rail toothing.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,988 discloses a saber saw having a guide shoe for guiding the saber saw on a workpiece, and in which the connection rail of the guide shoe is detached from the housing by a release of a clamping lever supported on the housing, and is brought into another position. Upon the connection rail being brought into another position, the clamping lever is again secured on the housing, with the clamping lever acting on a leaf spring that biases the connection rail, which now occupies a new position, against the housing, securing the connection rail to the housing.
A drawback of both known solutions of securing the connection element of the guide shoe to the housing consist in that the securing means requires a relatively large mounting space. This is unacceptable because the adjusting device is located inside the housing neck that serves as a handle during the operation. A large cross-section of the housing neck often results in a very bad handle ergonomy.
The conventional adjusting devices have a relatively expensive construction, or they can only be mounted in a housing that is expensive to produce. In both cases, the result is high manufacturing costs.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a saber saw with a guide in which the drawbacks of the conventional saber saw are eliminated.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a saber saw with a guide in which the adjusting device occupies minimum space and which can be produced with relatively small manufacturing costs.

Saber saw with an adjusting device for a saber saw guide


A releasable latching apparatus having a monitoring means for electrically indicating whether the latching apparatus is in the engaged or disengaged positions. The apparatus includes a main housing with a tab member selectively engageable therewith. A trigger member is pivotally mounted upon a trigger pin which in turn is pivotally mounted in the main housing. The trigger member is selectively engageable with the tab member for engaging or releasing thereof with respect to the main housing. An ejector member is movable between an engagement position and a released position responsive to whether the tab member is engaged to the trigger member. The ejector includes an ejector pin extending outwardly therefrom through an ejector pin opening defined in the main housing to selectively contact the switch lever of a switch which is affixedly secured to the exterior of the main housing. An external switch housing is detachable to extend about the main housing and about the switch means fixedly mounted on the exterior thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is particularly designed for monitoring the latching of securement apparatus often utilized with emergency equipment. With emergency vehicles such as fire trucks or the like multiple tanks are often retained with respect to the vehicle. During non-emergency times these tanks are often removed for maintenance or replaced or re-positioned as necessary for normal fire equipment maintenance operations.
It is desirable to provide a means for monitoring the securement of the various tanks utilized as emergency equipment with the fire truck. These tanks normally are used to supply emergency air supply to a firefighter.
The present invention provides an electrical monitoring means for indicating whether all or some of the tanks within a given vehicle are in the proper latched position prior to commencing use of the emergency vehicle under emergency conditions. The design of the present invention includes an indicator means for providing information at the location desired as to whether all of the tanks within a given fire truck are properly latched and in place.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Prior art configurations have been utilized for latching of such tanks and examples of similar types of latching or monitoring designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 988,078 patented Mar. 28, 1911 to R. B. Carter on a "Harness Buckler"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,029,707 patented Feb. 4, 1936 to F. A Dodelin and assigned to Pyrene Manufacturing Company on a "Supporting Bracket For Fire Extinguishers"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,271,251 patented Jan. 27, 1942 to W. B. Buck on a "Buckle For Belts"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,287,721 patented Jun. 23, 1942 to H. Beazley on a "Buckle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,458,810 patented Jan. 11, 1949 to K. W. Varney et al on an "Aviator's Belt"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,602,977 patented Jul. 15, 1952 to N. L. Tannersjo and assigned to Gosta Wannstrom on a "Buckle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,684,513 patented Jul. 27, 1954 to W. J. Morse and assigned to Morse-Andrews Co. on a "Buckle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,710,999 patented Jun. 21, 1955 to F. L. Davis and assigned to Davis Aircraft Products Inc. on a "Quick Releasable Buckle For Safety Belts"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,846,745 patented Aug. 12, 1958 to W. M. Lathrop and assigned to Cummings & Sander on a "Buckle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,876,516 patented Mar. 10, 1959 to L. F. Cummings on a "Buckler"; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,893,088 patented Jul. 7, 1959 to W. W. Harper et al and assigned to Automotive Safety Associates on a "Safety Belt Buckle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,049,778 patented Aug. 21, 1962 to E. Weckesser on a "Ratchet Buckler"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,050,223 patented Aug. 21, 1962 to J. D. Scioloro on a "Holder For Securing Receptacles To The Floor Of A Vehicle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,092 patented May 21, 1963 to J. C. Szemplak et al and assigned to the United States of American as represented by the Secretary of the Army on a "Double Release Safety Buckle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,133,277 patented May 12, 1964 to A. B. Hood on a "Vehicle Seat Belt"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,146,846 patented Sep. 1, 1964 to J. G. Gutshall on a "Seat Belt Buckle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,203,064 patented Aug. 31, 1965 to M. M. Murphy, Sr. and assigned to Irving Air Chute Company, Inc. on a "Safety Belt Buckle"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,775 patented Sep. 7, 1965 to G. L. Smith et al on a "Support For Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,313,573 patented Apr. 11, 1967 to R. H. Smith et al and assigned to Chrysler Corporation on a "Low Friction Seat Belt Release"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,449,714 patented Jun. 10, 1969 to N. E. Farley, Jr. and assigned to General Motors Corporation on a "Vehicle Seatbelt Safety System"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,561,160 patented Feb. 9, 1971 to W. Chan and assigned to Vapor Corporation on a "Crew Switch For Controlling A Door Operator"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,579,750 patented May 25, 1971 to E. Carbon and assigned to Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft on a "Lock For Safety Belts"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,813 patented Feb. 22, 1972 to R. Noonan on a "Holder For Pressure Cylinders"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,732,843 patented May 15, 1973 to M. Pappas et al on an "Intrusion Alarm"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,875,556 patented Apr. 1, 1975 to J. Beaird on a "Positive Seat Belt Indicator System"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,761 patented May 17, 1977 to J. Molis on an "Adjustable Bracket To Stabilize Upright Compressed Gas Containers Against Displacement On Mobile Vehicles And Ship-Board Installations And Maintenance Shops"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,697 patented Jul. 12, 1977 to W. Russell and assigned to A-T-O Inc. on a "Fire Extinguisher Cabinet"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,873 patented Jan. 24, 1978 to W. McClure on an "Apparatus For Fire Extinguishing System For Floating-Roof Tanks"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,746 patented Jul. 13, 1982 to E. Ulicki et al and assigned to U.S. Philips Corporation on an "Alarm Control Center"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,986 patented Aug. 3, 1982 to A. Buskirk et al and assigned to Honeywell Inc. on a "Central Station Alarm Reporting System"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,949 patented Oct. 23, 1984 to A. Calabro on a "Belt Buckle Construction"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,114 patented Jul. 23, 1985 to P. Topol and assigned to Safety Intelligence Systems on an "Intelligent Fire Safety System"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,034 patented Nov. 25, 1986 to K. Ishiguro et al and assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-rika-denki-seisakusho on a "Buckle Apparatus"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,594 patented Sep. 12, 1989 to G. David et al and assigned to Mitel Corp. on a "Gas Cylinder Monitor And Control System"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,950 patented Mar. 6, 1990 to M. Turner et al and assigned to Convenience Marine Products, Inc. on a "Mounting Assembly"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,619 patented May 1, 1990 to R. Bender et al and assigned to Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft on a "Safety Belt With Integrated Lock Release"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,129 patented Aug. 6, 1991 to E. Fritz et al and assigned to Robert Bosch GmbH on a "Safety Device For Vehicle Occupants"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,100 patented Dec. 10, 1991 to H. Sweeny and assigned to Swenco Limited on a "Multi-Purpose Canister Wall Bracket"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,498 patented Nov. 24, 1992 to O. Garboli et al on an "Electromechanical Device Tripped By A Trigger Box For Both Automatic And Manual Quick-Release For Motorcars Safety Belts"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,910 patented Feb. 16, 1993 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. et al and assigned to T. Ziaylek, Jr. and Michael P. Ziaylek on a "Reversibly Releasable Latching Apparatus"; and British Patent No. 21,099 patented in 1908 to J. Sturm on "Improvements In Or Relating To Locks Or Means Of Producing Locked Connections Of All Kinds"; and German Patent No. 70520 patented Sep. 29, 1892 to R. Kruckel et al.

Releasable latching apparatus with an electrical engagement monitoring means


An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a plurality of development cartridges each having a developer bearing member bearing a developer for developing an electrostatic image and a developer container accommodating the developer, a rotary configured to rotate and move the attached development cartridges toward a development position, an opening defined in an apparatus main body and allowing the development cartridge to pass through for attachment and detachment to and from the rotary, and an indicator provided on a second development cartridge arranged adjacent to a first development cartridge passing through the opening and detached from the rotary being stopped, wherein the indicator indicates an attachment method usable to attach the first development cartridge to the rotary, and wherein the indicator is located at such a position on the second development cartridge as to be visible from outside of the apparatus main body via the opening.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a development cartridge for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member by using a developer, and to an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of development cartridges are detachably attached to a rotary.
Here, an image forming apparatus is an apparatus forming an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (light emitting diode (LED) printer, a laser beam printer, or the like), an electrophotographic facsimile apparatus, and an electrophotographic word processor.
A recording medium is a medium on which an image is formed by an electrophotographic image forming apparatus; examples of the recording medium include a paper sheet and an Over Head Projector (OHP) sheet.
A development cartridge is a cartridge which has a developer bearing member and a developer container for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member such as an electrophotographic photosensitive member by using a developer and which is detachably attached to a rotary rotatably provided in the apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the demand for a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of color image formation has increased, and the introduction of an inexpensive color electrophotographic image forming apparatus, more specifically, one whose price is low enough to be purchased by a general user, is expected. To realize such an inexpensive color electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a further reduction in the size of a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus is required.
In view of this, as discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-75328 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-125956, there has been proposed a rotary type color electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with a rotary allowing mounting of a plurality of development cartridges. In this color electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the rotary is rotatably provided in the apparatus main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to switch each development cartridge to a development position where it is opposite to the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Further, the development cartridge has a development roller for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member by using the toner contained, and is detachably attached to the rotary.
Regarding this rotary type color electrophotographic image forming apparatus, there has been discussed a construction in which a cover in the apparatus upper surface is opened to perform the attachment and detachment of the development cartridge from above. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-75328 discusses a construction in which, in order to achieve an improvement in terms of the operability at the time of attachment of the development cartridge, each development cartridge is provided with an identification indicator indicating, at a position visible from above, the color of the toner contained and the direction in which the attachment to the rotary is to be effected. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-75328 discusses a construction in which the detachment of the development cartridge from the rotary is only possible in a state in which the identification indicator is directed upwards. More specifically, the identification indicator is provided on the surface of the development cartridge attached to the rotary directed outwards in the radial direction of the rotary.
In the above related-art example, through the rotation of the rotary, the development cartridges mounted on the rotary are successively switched to the development position where they are opposite to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the development roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are opposite to each other to effect development with the toner of each color. More specifically, the development roller is arranged on the surface of the development cartridge where the identification indicator is provided, for example, on the surface directed outwards in the radial direction of the rotary. Further, generally speaking, in a development cartridge, on the surface where the development roller is arranged, there are arranged, not only the development roller, but also a layer thickness regulating member regulating the thickness of the toner layer on the development roller, a scattering prevention member preventing scattering of toner, a grip portion for replacing the cartridge, etc. Thus, to achieve a further reduction in size while maintaining the improved operability at the time of replacement of the development cartridge, it is rather difficult to provide the identification indicator on the surface where the development roller is arranged.

Development cartridge and image forming apparatus


The present invention relates to compositions, uses thereof, and methods of vaccinating cattle, particularly cows and heifers, against Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo (type hardjo-bovis) by using Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo (type hardjoprajitno).

A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to compositions, uses thereof, and methods of vaccinating cattle, particularly cows and heifers, against Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo (type hardjo-bovis) by using Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo (type hardjoprajitno).
B. Description of the Related Art
Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. It affects most mammals and is an important cause of reproductive failure in cattle throughout the world. (See Faine et al., 1999; Heath and Johnson, 1994.) Leptospires are gram-negative, thin, helical bacteria classified into at least twelve pathogenic and four saprophytic species, with more than 250 pathogenic serovars. The bacteria may survive in the environment for up to six months, preferably in basic soils (pH of 7.2 to 8.0) and in a warm, moist environment. The bacteria rarely survive in dry or extreme cold conditions. (See Faine et al., 1999; Heath and Johnson, 1994.)
Pathogenic species persist as chronic infections of the renal tubules of the maintenance host, sometimes causing very little or no disease. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected urine or by contact through feed or bedding contaminated with infected urine. In cattle, common clinical signs of the disease include reproductive failure, weak calves, abortion, stillbirths, mummification, and agalactia. Shedding of the bacteria in urine may occur for extended lengths of time. Renal lesions may be the direct result of leptospiremia from infection with Leptospira serovars hardjo, pomona, and grippotyphosa. (See Faine et al., 1999; Heath and Johnson, 1994; Ellis, 1994.)
Cattle are the primary maintenance host reservoir for Leptospira interogans serovar hardjo (type hardjoprajitno) (LHP) and Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo (type hardjo-bovis) (LHB). LHP is found primarily in Europe, whereas the most common cause of leptospirosis in cattle throughout much of the world is LHB. LHB is the only hardjo serovar that has been isolated to date from cattle in the United States. (Bolin, et. al., 1989(a).)
Vaccination with whole cell inactivated leptospiral vaccine containing Leptospira serovars hardjo, canicola, pomona, grippotyphosa, and icterohaemorrhagiae is the primary means of controlling leptospirosis in cattle. Because the costs associated with the manufacture of a vaccine are directly related to the type(s) and number of components used to formulate the vaccine, it is desirable to reduce the number of components in the vaccine without loss of vaccine effectiveness. Herein, are described vaccines, as well as associated methods and uses that provide protection against Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo (type hardjo-bovis) without including the serovar hardjo (type hardjo-bovis) in the vaccines.

Compositions and methods for vaccinating cattle


An algorithm for bit synchronization in a frequency shift keying (FSK) receiver. In the algorithm, a training sequence is received from a transmitter. The training sequence has a plurality of bits. A starting point of a next bit received by the FSK receiver after the training sequence is determined according to peak values of the bits of the training sequence.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an algorithm of bit synchronization for a digital frequency shift keying (FSK) correlation receiver. More particularly, the present invention relates to an algorithm of bit synchronization for a digital FSK correlation receiver, in which a training sequence with a bit pattern is used for bit synchronization.
2. Description of Related Art
As wireless technology revolutionizes the world, different products covering a wide-range cost are developed to satisfy consumers" need. FSK is frequently used in wireless systems for its performance and well-known technology. In any conventional FSK correlation receiver, there must be an external synchronization circuit for bit synchronization. The external synchronization is complicated involving multiple logical, judging, and sampling circuits which are high in cost to manufacture. Prior art uses various well-known synchronization methods such as Early-Late Gate tracking loop or Mueller and Muller synchronizer, et al. However all the above-mentioned circuits are complicated which increase overall die size and cost and therefore not suitable for application in low-cost wireless devices which requires acceptable performance at a fraction of the cost.

Algorithm of bit synchronization for a digital FSK correlation receiver


Satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units 10 comprises a positioning unit 11 for calculating the current position of a mobile unit based on position information contained in signals from satellites received via a GPS antenna 17, state detecting units 12, 14 for outputting state detection signals corresponding to the traveling state of the mobile unit, and a calculating unit 11 for calculating the reckoned position of the mobile unit based on the state detection signal output from the state detecting unit and current position reckoning signal.

The present invention relates to Satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units and a navigation system equipped with a feature to calculate the reckoned position of a mobile unit after it has traveled.
In recent years, a computing system is mounted on a mobile unit which makes executable a variety of application software such as audio apparatus, television sets or navigation systems, according to the user's needs.
When the computing system executes application software of navigation, satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units is used to measure the absolute position of the mobile unit, traveling speed, and heading, etc.
FIG. 4 shows an example of use of conventional satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units. The satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units (positioning section) 51 calculates the "position, traveling speed, and heading" of the mobile unit by tracking signals received from GPS satellites via a GPS antenna 52. The satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units 51 then outputs the calculation results as GPS data output to the support module 55 of a car computing system 54 via a serial line 53. In case three satellites are acquired, two-dimensional positioning is allowed. In case four or more satellites are acquired, three-dimensional positioning is allowed. Positioning data calculated via two-dimensional positioning includes "latitude and longitude." Positioning data calculated via three-dimensional positioning includes "latitude, longitude, and altitude.
The CPU module 56 of the car computing system executes application software of car navigation to provide voice guidance and map display to the user.
The data I/O of the satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units 51 generally uses a universal asynchronous receiver/transceiver (UART). An interface is provided by a protocol control information (PCI) bus between the support module 55 which receives serial data output from the UART and the CPU module 56.
This example, however, has a problem that the car computing system 54 can use only data from the satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units 51 in order to execute application software of car navigation, resulting in reduced car position reckoning capability compared with a system dedicated for car navigation.
This is because, in a system dedicated for car navigation, the dead reckoning (DR) procedure is followed. The DR collects information from a gyro sensor and a speed sensor on a car to reckon the travel distance and heading of the car in addition to the absolute position information input to the satellite positioning apparatus for mobile units 51 for deciding the position of the car then makes map matching on the overall results obtained from such information.


A two-dimensional code generation device includes an image acquisition unit acquiring, from a database, an image visually indicating a type of information to be provided by a two-dimensional code based on coding information, and a code generation unit generating the two-dimensional code based on the coding information. The coding information is information for generating the two-dimensional code. When the image acquisition unit acquires the image visually indicating the type of information to be provided by the two-dimensional code, the code generation unit includes the image acquired by the image acquisition unit in the two-dimensional code in a superimposed manner.

In a QR code (registered trademark) which is one type of two-dimensional codes, generally, patterns of light and dark are displayed, and it is difficult for a user to visually grasp what information is included in the QR code by merely viewing the QR code. For that reason, for example, a caption is presented around the QR code, or a company name is superimposed on the QR code for display. For example, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, in order to enhance an interest of a user, an image designed in advance is superimposed on the QR code.
However, in order to present the caption in addition to the QR code, a display space in addition to the space for displaying the QR code is required. For example, in magazines having limited paper size, display space may be restricted. When the image is superimposed on the QR code as described in Patent Literature 1, a creator of the QR code needs to understand what information is required to be provided by the QR code, and create an image indicating the information.

Two-dimensional code generation device and two-dimensional code generation program product


The preset invention relates to a new oral anti-diabetic compound prepared by synthesizing a steroid and a guanide or biguanide, which is eliminated via the hepatic route, instead of the renal route, to avoid adverse effects of administering metformin in diabetic patients with renal dysfunction. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of the invention and the method for treating diabetes using the compound are also provided.

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a chronic disease, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to an increased concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia). There are three main types of diabetes:                (1) Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent or childhood-onset diabetes), characterized by a lack of insulin production;        (2) Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes), which is caused by the body's ineffective use of insulin, and often results from excess body weight and physical inactivity; and        (3) Gestational diabetes, which is hyperglycemia that is first recognized during pregnancy.
Normally, anti-diabetic drugs, which treat diabetes mellitus by lowering glucose levels in the blood, are administered orally and are thus also called oral hypoglycemic agents or oral antihyperglycemic agents. As of 2010, there are only two oral anti-diabetics in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines: Metformin and Glibenclamide [WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 16th edition, World Health Organization, p. 24; December 2010].
Metformin, originally sold as Glucophage, is an oral antidiabetic drug in the biguanide class. It is the first-line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes [Diabetes Care. 2009; 32 Suppl 1:S13-61]. Metformin is the only antidiabetic drug that has been conclusively shown to prevent the cardiovascular complications of diabetes. It helps reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and is not associated with weight gain. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. With Metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may actually decrease. However, Metformin is contraindicated in patients with renal disease or renal dysfunction. A long-term accumulation of Metformin may result in renal dysfunction.
It is desirable to develop new anti-diabetic drugs without contraindication.


An array of individually controllable elements, comprising a plurality of control areas consisting of a plurality of rows of reflectors. Alternate rows of reflectors are actuated in a common manner such that the control areas function as a grating to provide a control element that can be used as a diffractive optical element.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lithographic apparatus and a device manufacturing method.
2. Related Art
A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a target portion of a substrate. The lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs), flat panel displays, and other devices involving fine structures. In a conventional lithographic apparatus, a patterning means, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle, may be used to generate a circuit pattern corresponding to an individual layer of the IC (or other device), and this pattern can be imaged onto a target portion (e.g., comprising part of one or several dies) on a substrate (e.g., a silicon wafer or glass plate) that has a layer of radiation sensitive material (e.g., resist). Instead of a mask, the patterning means may comprise an array of individually controllable elements that generate the circuit pattern.
In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively exposed. Known lithographic apparatus include steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion in one go, and scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through the beam in a given direction (the "scanning" direction), while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction.
It has been proposed to use as an array of individually controllable elements to pattern a beam of radiation a matrix addressable surface having a viscoelastic (e.g., having viscous as well as elastic properties) control layer and a reflective surface. When the viscoelastic control layer is addressed, its surface deforms to form, for example, a sinusoid. The basic principle behind such an apparatus is that addressed areas of the reflective surface reflect incident light as diffracted light because the sinusoidal shape of the reflective surface acts as a grating, whereas unaddressed areas reflect incident light as undiffracted light. Using an appropriate spatial filter, the undiffracted light can be filtered out of the reflected beam, leaving only the diffracted light to reach the substrate. In this manner the beam becomes patterned according to the addressing pattern of the matrix addressable surface.
A corresponding device has also been proposed using an array of diffractive optical MEMS devices. Each diffractive optical MEMS device is comprised of a plurality of reflective ribbons that can be deformed relative to one another to form a grating that reflects incident light as diffracted light.
However, arrangements for the array of individually controllable elements as discussed above are difficult to manufacture. In particular, the formation of the control circuitry below the reflective surfaces imposes constraints on the order of the processing steps during manufacture. Furthermore, the individual elements typically require a significant amount of space around them. This is especially true for diffractive optical MEMS devices. For example, this can be done to provide the drive electronics. This prevents dense packing of the individually controllable elements.
A further alternative used as the array of individually controllable elements is a matrix arrangement of small mirrors. The mirrors are matrix addressable, such that each mirror can be independently controlled to reflect incoming radiation in a desired direction. Only radiation reflected in a given direction is projected onto the substrate (i.e., which enters the pupil of the projection system). Accordingly, by appropriate addressing of the individual mirrors, the radiation beam can be patterned as required. However, it is difficult to execute in practice because the position of each mirror must be very precisely controlled.
Thus, what is needed is a system and method for use in a lithographic apparatus with an improved array of individually controllable elements.

Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method


Patients with elevated blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol are treated by administering .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid (HMB) to reduce the patient's blood level of LDL and total cholesterol. HMB can be safely administered orally to humans in amounts that will significantly reduce blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL.

It is generally accepted that elevated blood cholesterol is a causative factor of coronary heart disease. Moreover, it is recognized that high blood levels of the form of cholesterol known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Guidelines have been established to indicate to doctors when patients should be considered at risk. Desirable is less than 200 mg/dl, borderline is 200 to 239 and high is greater than 140 mg/dl Schueker et al., Arch. Inter. Med. (1991) 151:666-673. If total cholesterol is greater than 240 mg/dl and/or LDH is above 160 mg/dl, therapeutic treatment may be needed. [See Goodman, Amer. J. Med., 90:2A-32S to 2A-35S (1991).]
The development of the present invention began with experiments conducted at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, U.S.A. in which metabolic products of leucine were feed to domestic animals. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,090 of Steven L. Nissen, it was found that ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) can be feed to cattle and sheep for enhancement of growth and feed efficiency. It was observed that during such KIC feeding there was some reduction in plasma cholesterol, and also in the deposit of cholesterol in the meat. (See 4,760,090, col. 5-6, Table B.)
In another application of KIC feeding, egg production of laying chickens was increased, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,531 of Steven L. Nissen. It was found that the eggs of KIC feed chickens had reduced yolk cholesterol (4,764,531, col. 4, Table B).
In later experiments carried out by Dr. Steven L. Nissen at Iowa State University, .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylbutyric acid (HMB) was fed to domestic animals. The effects obtained were different than with KIC. Metabolically, KIC and HMB are not equivalents. KIC is the only metabolic product of leucine, while HMB is a minor product of KIC metabolism.
Leucine is either used for protein synthesis in the body or is converted directly to KIC. In the mitochondria KIC is decarboxylated to isovalarylCoA and then further metabolized to ketone bodies. In certain disease conditions, such as isovalaric acidemia, an alternate oxidative pathway for KIC has been observed, which appears to produce .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylbutyrate (HMB). In atypical cases, such as a genetic absence of the dehydrogenase enzyme, there is evidence that HMB can accumulate in the urine: Tanaka, et al. Biochim. Biosphys. Acta. 152:638-641 (1968). Also, in acidosis conditions, HMB levels can be increased in urine: Landass, Clin. Chim. Acta. 64:143-154 (1975). This presumably occurs by oxidation of KIC to HMB by the enzyme .alpha.ketoiscaproate oxygenase (Sabourin, Metabolism (1983) 32:160-164). Increased urine HMB can also occur in cases of biotin deficiency (Mock, J. Lab. Clin. Med. (1988) 240-247). The only evidence for normal HMB production is in lambs and pigs, Vankowering and Nissen, Am. J. Physiol. (1992) 262:E27-E31. In this study it was estimated that <10% of leucine metabolic is via HMB production.
The differing activities of HMB as fed to domestic animals provided the basis for additional patents of Steven L. Nissen. His U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,470 discloses the administration of HMB for enhancing the immune response of mammals and as an ingredient in the raising of meat producing animals (e.g. ruminants and poultry) to increase lean tissue development. (See U.S. Pat. Nos., 5,087,472 and 5,028,440 of Steven L. Nissen.)
There has been a scientific effort to determine how cholesterol is synthesized in the bodies of mammals. It was known that acetate can be synthesized into cholesterol. Research investigations in the 1940's and 1950's concentrated on experiments with organic acids which also incorporated acetate and whose tracers could be incorporated into cholesterol. A small group or organic acids appeared to meet these qualifications. This included .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylglutarate (HMG), .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-methylbutyrate (3-hydroxy isovalarate), .beta.-.beta.-dimethylacrylate (DMA), isovalarate, and .beta.-methyl-gluconate (.beta.MG). 14C from 14C-acetate can be detected in all these compounds. Today it is thought that HMG-COA is the obligatory precursor to cholesterol, and the other compounds referred to herein are somehow incorporated in cholesterol by interconversion with HMG. (Adamson et al. 1957, Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 23: 472-479.) Thus, although there is a biochemical relationship between HMG and HMB, it is not clear if there is any relationship between the compounds regarding effects on cholesterol metabolism.
Experiments demonstrated that feeding HMG to rats could decrease total serum cholesterol by up to 20%. Effects on LDL cholesterol were not reported (Yousufzai et al., Lipids, 11:526-529).
Only limited human studies have been carried out with HMG. One study did measure the effect of HMB on subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia, and LDL was measured. A modest decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was reported. (Lupien et al., J. Clin. Pharm., 19:120-126, 1979.)
After 8 weeks of being fed 3 grams of HMG daily, total cholesterol decreased from 404 to 353 mg % (-13%) and LDL decreased from 333 to 307 mg % (-8%). HDL cholesterol decreased approximately 35%. Thus, HMB appears to act differently from HMG in humans in that the effect is more pronounced and results in a specific decrease in LDL cholesterol but not in HDL cholesterol.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,629,449 claims that oral HMG can reduce serum cholesterol (total) and blood lipids (triglycerides) in warm-blooded animals.
Only one study is known where HMB was fed to animals, and an index of cholesterol metabolism measured: Gey et al., Helvetica Chim. Acta, 40:2354-2368 (1957). In that study HMB was fed to rats at a rate of 0.5 g/kg body weight for 2 and 4 days. At the end of the study, cholesterol synthesis was measured by removing the liver which was incubated in slices with 14C acetate. Cholesterol was isolated following the incubation and radioactivity quantitated. It was found that HMB had not significantly lowered the rate of acetate incorporation into cholesterol by the rat liver as compared to controls. In the same paper, an in vitro interaction of HMB and acetate incorporation was assessed. When HMB was added to the media at very high concentrations, it was found that there was no significant inhibition of acetate incorporation compared to the control values.

Method of reducing blood levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.


Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with self-transformation objects are described. In one embodiment, a method includes determining that a content object is to be rendered. The example method may also include evaluating attributes of a user to identify a content preference of the user. The example method may also include identifying a content transformation mapping that corresponds to the content preference. The example method may also include parsing the content object to identify a transformation script. The example method may also include executing the transformation script to parse the content object to identify elements that are tagged with a transformation tag. The example method may also include executing the transformation script to apply corresponding transformations from the content transformation mapping to the tagged elements. The example method may also include rendering the content object with the transformed elements.

Many content objects, such as websites, are developed for users with different language preferences. For example, a retail company develops a retail website that will be accessible to customers in multiple countries with different native languages. The retail company must create separate website content objects for each language that will be supported by the retail website. For example, a first website content object is created to comprise text of the retail website in a first language, images of the website, script executed by the website, etc. In order to support a second language, the retail company must create an entirely separate website content object comprising text of the retail website in the second language, the images of the website, the script executed by the website, etc. The website content objects are uploaded to a content hosting system that will host different instances of the retail website in the various languages.
As more languages are supported by the retail company, more storage space is used to store all the different website content object instances. Such storage space utilization is wasteful because the storage space is used to store redundant data that is similar between the website content objects. For example, the images, the script, and/or other data is similar amongst the website content objects, and thus is stored as multiple instances of duplicate data. Similarly, when the retail company uploads each individual website content object to the content hosting system, network bandwidth is wasted because the duplicate data, such as the images and script, are transferred multiple times in the different website content objects to the content hosting system. If the retail company wants to change an aspect of the retail website such as to add a button, then the retail company must waste substantial amounts of time and resources to individually change the aspect within each website content object instance. Also, substantial amounts of resources, time, and costs are incurred as overhead for repeat testing.