Variable-volume injection valves include a stator and a rotor. The stator has a first port, a second port, and a contact surface with a groove therein. The first port opens into the stator groove. The rotor has a contact surface with a groove therein. The contact surface of the rotor is urged against the contact surface of the stator such that the rotor groove opposes the stator groove with one end of the rotor groove overlapping the stator groove and the opposite end of the rotor groove overlapping the second port of the stator. The overlapping grooves of the rotor and stator provide a fluidic channel between the first and second ports of the stator. The rotor is movable with respect to the stator in order to vary a length of overlap between their overlapping grooves.

Chromatography is a set of techniques for separating a mixture into its constituents. For instance, in a liquid chromatography (LC) application, a solvent delivery system takes in and delivers a mixture of liquid solvents to an autosampler (also called an injection system or sample manager), where an injected sample awaits the arrival of this mobile phase. The mobile phase with the dissolved injected sample passes to a column. By passing the mixture through the column, the various components in the sample separate from each other at different rates and thus elute from the column at different times. A detector receives the separated components from the column and produces an output from which the identity and quantity of the analytes may be determined.
Some currently available nano/capillary LC injection systems use a fixed-volume sample injector or rely on the coordination of a pump and an injection valve to produce a variable volume of sample. Some typical HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) rotary injection valves utilize a fixed sample loop, in which sample is loaded by aspirating or pumping sample into the loop. Then the valve is repositioned to bring this loop online. These rotary HPLC injection valves typically have two positions: a load position, as illustrated by the rotary valve 10 in FIG. 1A; and an inject position, as illustrated in FIG. 1B.
In the load position, sample enters a sample-loading port 12. A conduit 14 of the valve 10 places the sample-loading port 12 in fluidic communication with a sample-loop port 16. The sample enters the sample loop 18, which extends from the sample-loop port 16 to a second sample-loop port 20. A second conduit 22 of the valve places the sample-loop egress port 20 in fluidic communication with a vent port 24. Also in the load position, carrier mobile phase enters a mobile phase ingress port 26 of the valve. A third conduit 28 of the valve fluidically connects the mobile phase ingress port 26 to a column port 30.
In the inject position, the valve 10 has rotated (here, counterclockwise) such that the conduit 14 now fluidically connects the sample-loop port 16 to the column port 30 and the conduit 28 fluidically connects the other sample-loop port 20 to the mobile phase ingress port 26. In this configuration, the mobile phase enters the sample loop to join the sample held within the sample loop 18, and both flow together out through the column port 30.
Such injection valves can be used in "full loop" mode by filling the entire sample loop 18 volume with sample, and in "partial loop" mode, where the sample is brought into only a portion of the loop. Using this "partial loop" mode, the amount of injected sample is variable. This "partial loop" mode increases the flexibility of these injection valves, because otherwise users would need to change the loop physically with every change of the desired injection volume. With the "partial loop" mode, the injection volume can be changed programmatically from run-to-run to accommodate different sample types.
Typical rotary injection valves use external loops formed of lengths of tubing that can be plumbed into the valve. This tubing allows the user to change the loop volume in those instances where, for example, the partial-loop mode does not accommodate the needed sample volume. These external loops work well for analytical-scale HPLC (i.e., 1 to 4.6 μm inner diameter (id) columns), where injection volumes are typically 5-100 μL. Capillary and nano-scale chromatography (75-300 μm column ids), however, typically require injection volumes of less than 1 μL, and often less than 100 nL. Tubing with a small enough id to transport these low volumes is difficult to find and the typical unswept volumes in the loop ports add undesirable chromatographic variance.
To address these low-volume requirements, rotary injection valves have been equipped with "internal loops", where the sample loop is created as a groove on the rotor or on stator of the valve. While these loops are capable of generating small injection volumes, it generally would be extremely difficult to attempt a "partial loop" injection using a loop of this size, as an extremely precise sample loading system would need to be employed to precisely position a sample in this small volume. Therefore, this type of "fixed loop" nano/capillary scale injector has typically been used for full-loop injections only. As a result, users generally must replace the injector (or rotor/stator) when they wish to use a different injection amount.


A plier tool for single-handed manipulation to automatically adjust the tool jaws to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the jaw range has major body members constructed from laminations, providing a tool capable of exerting a balanced force on a workpiece. The construction of the tool also lends itself to automated and relatively inexpensive production and enables the user to quickly replace springs necessary for the function of the tool without requiring complete tool disassembly.

In my U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,598, issued Mar. 24, 1987, I introduced my new concept of utility pliers for single-handed manual manipulation capable of automatically adjusting to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the jaws of the pliers. Thereafter, in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,252, issued May 5, 1987, I disclosed a structure for such pliers which, instead of the main body members being of forged steel construction, comprised body members of laminated sheet metal stampings with separating inserts which could be formed of plastic, and the handle area of the body members being adapted to contain springs required for the function of the tool.


Disclosed is a trailer leveling support, comprising a plurality of wedge shaped pads for supporting a trailer parked on an angled surface. The upper portion of the wedge is provided in a flat configuration to allow placement of any trailer accessory, while the base surface is provided at an angle with respect to the upper surface, allowing the base to rest against an angled support surface while the upper surface is positioned in a level configuration. The pads may be stacked to achieve the desired angle based on the trailer support surface. The device also includes a strap for securing the pads together, or to the trailer for added stability. The footprint of the device occupies a sufficient surface area to distribute the weight of the trailer over a larger area to prevent the trailer tongue from sinking into a soft surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of unpowered trailers. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a wheel chock for supporting a trailer in a level configuration despite being parked on an angled surface.
A trailer is a type of unpowered vehicle that is pulled by a powered vehicle. Some typical examples are trailers used to transport goods, boats, horses, or mobile homes. Trailers generally have two to four wheels, and attach to another vehicle by a tongue hitch. When a trailer is not attached to a powered vehicle, it is supported by a trailer tongue jack, which lifts the trailer hitch to a specified height that allows the trailer to be hitched or unhitched from a towing vehicle. Trailer tongue jacks are also used for leveling the trailer during storage, however they are unable to level a trailer parked on an angled ground, such as a driveway with a large percent gradient. Additionally, the wheel attached to a trailer tongue jack occupies a small footprint, making it susceptible to sinking into a soft surface when parked thereon.
Several devices are disclosed in the prior art that support and level a trailer parked on an angled surface. These devices, however, do not provide a sufficient footprint at the interface between the ground and trailer jack to prevent the trailer jack from sinking into a soft ground surface. Other devices have been disclosed to prevent a trailer jack from sinking into a soft surface; however, they are not adapted to leveling a trailer parked on a steep gradient. Devices such as a wheel chock can support a trailer on a soft surface, but cannot level a trailer parked on a slope.
The present invention discloses a trailer leveling support comprised of a plurality of stackable, wedge shaped pads for supporting a trailer parked on an angled surface. The upper portion of the wedge is provided in a flat configuration to allow placement of any trailer accessory, such as a recessed support area for securing a trailer jack wheel, while the base surface is provided at an angle with respect to the upper surface, allowing the base surface to rest against an angled support surface while the upper surface is positioned in a level configuration. The wedge shaped pads may be stacked as needed to achieve the desired angle based on the trailer support surface. The device also includes a strap for securing the pads together, and the pads to the trailer for added stability and security. The footprint of the device occupies a sufficient surface area to prevent the trailer from sinking into a soft surface, distributing the weight of the trailer over a larger area and preventing the trailer tongue from sinking.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Several devices have been disclosed in the art that support an unpowered trailer parked on an angled surface. Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,054 discloses an adjustable length leg and foot assembly incorporated in a lifting/leveling leg for a fifth-wheel trailer. The foot is connected to the lower end of a threaded shaft, which in turn is received at its upper end by a nut welded to a U-shaped bracket on the leg. This enables the foot to be raised and lowered in infinite increments and avoids any need for insertion of boards or shims in making final leveling adjustments. Jones, U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,587 discloses a wheel chock with a base, upwardly sloped ramps extending around the periphery of the base, and a receiver located inboard of the ramps for releasably retaining a wheel and supporting the load thereon. The ramps and receiver permit wheel approach around the entire periphery of the base. While these devices may be useful for supporting a trailer on an unlevel surface, their structure significantly diverges from the present invention, wherein the support is affixed to a trailer and is raised and lowered by a threaded shaft attached to a pad. The present invention is not permanently affixed to a trailer, and can additionally provide sufficient support for a trailer parked on a soft surface.
Other devices disclosed in the prior art claim a wheel chock for a trailer to support a fifth wheel trailer jack stand. Bean, U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,745 discloses a device to secure a jack pad for supporting the jack of a trailer so that the jack does not sink into the ground when it is not being used. The device receives and supports trailer jacks having various configurations so that one device may be used with a number of differently configured trailer jacks. Couch, U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,430 discloses a trailer jack leveling adapter for improving a fifth wheel trailer jack stand having a pair of downwardly telescoping leg assemblies whereby one of the leg assemblies may be adjusted to compensate for an uneven supporting surface for leveling the trailer. The trailer jack leveling adapter comprises a connector fixedly attached to a lower end of a leg assembly. An elongated leg extension is longitudinally adjustably engaged with the connector. While such devices provide a support for a trailer jack stand, they do not allow for adjustment based on the percent gradient of the surface the trailer is parked thereon.
While effective at supporting a trailer parked on an angled or soft surface, these prior art devices have several known drawbacks. These devices are height adjustable for supporting a trailer on an angled surface, but do not have a sufficiently large surface area for preventing the support from sinking into soft ground. Other devices have a surface area large enough to prevent the trailer from sinking, but are not adapted to leveling the trailer on an unlevel surface. The present invention provides a support device with a surface area large enough for preventing a trailer from sinking into the ground, and also allows for leveling based on the percent gradient of the surface parked thereon. The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing trailer leveling support devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

Stackable trailer jack leveling apparatus


A portable ramp and load support assembly including a pair of rigid, elongated, first and second ramp components hinged together at adjoining ends by a simple pivot pin. The apparatus is made of light-weight, injection molded plastic material, and is provided with a resilient, non-slip surface on its upper side. The ground-engaging end and vehicle-engaging end are also specially configured to prevent slippage and dislodgment during use. The assembly also includes a plurality of accessory parts including disconnectable legs for allowing the ramp apparatus to be used as a grooming table, examination table, game-cleaning table, etc., and floats, wheels, pull handles and other accessories that can be attached to extend the utility of the apparatus.

The present invention relates generally to devices for enabling an animal or other animate dynamic load to move from one level or surface to another without requiring that it jump or be lifted, and more particularly, to a relatively compact, sturdy, collapsible light-weight portable ramp and load support assembly that can be easily carried in an automotive vehicle, extended and retracted as needed, and positioned to aide the animal in entering into or exiting from the vehicle, or otherwise moving from one surface to another. The assembly also has numerous other load supporting and/or load carrying uses.
Ramps are routinely used to span between vertically spaced, upper and lower surfaces, such as the ground and a relatively elevated top surface of a structure, and thereby provide ease of access to and from the upper surface. Ramps allow a person to slide or move an item along an inclined surface, rather than having to hoist or lift the item between the vertically spaced surfaces. Consequently, ramps are commonly used in construction sites so that materials, machinery and the like are relatively effortlessly raised and lowered between vertically spaced surfaces. Ramps are also often used to by-pass stairs or provide wheelchair access between two vertically spaced surfaces. Moreover, ramps are becoming increasingly popular with pickup truck and van owners as a means to load the bed of the truck with items, such as motorcycles and lawnmowers, with relative ease. Other typical uses for a ramp include providing animal (pet) access to and from a vehicle, and typically include a sturdy support to afford a secure footing over the length of the span.
Traditionally, ramps are secured to an upper surface in a manner that prevents the ramp from disconnecting from the upper surface and falling to the lower surface. For example, the upper end of the ramp may be permanently affixed to the upper surface by mechanical fasteners. However, in many instances, the ramp must be removable so that it may be conveniently stowed once access to or from the upper surface is no longer needed. Additionally, it is often important that the ramp be highly portable so that it may be manually maneuvered, installed and removed. Moreover, where the ramp is to be used to permit ease of access to and from the tailgate of a pickup or floor of a van, the means used to afford attachment thereto must achieve this result without alteration or damage to the surface of the vehicle.
Sport utility vehicles (SUV""s), pick-up trucks, station wagons, recreational vehicles and various other automotive vehicles are often high off the ground, and as a result ingress and egress of pets relative to the vehicle can become a significant problem. In order to transport the animals in such vehicles, it is necessary that the animal either jump or be lifted onto the bed of the vehicle, which is sometimes as much as 2 to 3 feet or more above the ground. When the dog is young and vigorous, it is usually capable of simply jumping into the vehicle. However, as the dog ages, it becomes less able and/or willing to jump into the vehicle and must be assisted, often by lifting, in order to raise it from the ground to the vehicle""s floor or transport surface. The lifting of any large animal creates a potential for injury to both animal and lifter, and should be avoided where possible. This is particularly true for dogs having hip dysplasia or arthritis, those that are pregnant or recovering from surgery, and those that have long backs and should not be jumping downwardly, e.g., basset hounds or dachshunds. It is also important that xe2x80x9cshow dogsxe2x80x9d be protected from possible injury from jumping into or out of a vehicle. Similar access problems also exist with respect to boats, travel crates, grooming tables, beds, etc.
There is thus a need for a ruggedly-built, foldable ramp assembly that is ideally suited for use with a wide variety of vehicles and which also has other utility.
It is therefore a principle objective of the present invention to provide a portable light-weight ramp assembly that can be readily folded for transport and storage.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described which is made of long-lasting, easily cleanable molded plastic material.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described which is easily assembled without the use of any tools.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described having a non-slip upper surface so as to prevent accidental injury to animals using same.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described which is adapted for other uses such as transport cart, grooming table, means for providing pet access to boat or dock from water, etc.
Briefly, a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of rigid, elongated, first and second ramp components hinged together at adjoining ends by a simple pivot pin. The apparatus is made of light-weight, injection molded plastic material, and is provided with a resilient, non-slip surface on its upper side. The ground-engaging end and vehicle-engaging end are also specially configured to prevent slippage and dislodgment during use. The assembly also includes a plurality of accessory parts that enable the ramp to have utility in applications other than its use as a ramp.
An important advantage of the present invention is that it provides a sturdy, light-weight, long-lasting and easily cleanable ramp apparatus suitable for use by dog and other large animal owners with SUVs, pickups, RV""s and station wagons. The apparatus also includes disconnectable legs for allowing the ramp apparatus to be used as a grooming table, examination table, game-cleaning table etc. Furthermore, floats, wheels, pull handles and other accessories can be attached to extend the utility of the apparatus.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after having read the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment illustrated in several figures of the drawing.


A disc grinder includes a grinding wheel cover rotatably mounted to a gear housing about an axis of a spindle. A stopper device can restrict a position adjustable range of the grinding wheel cover of the spindle and includes a first stopper on the side of the grinding wheel cover and a second stopper on the side of the gear housing. The first stopper and the second stopper have stopper surfaces for contacting with each other. An impact absorbing device can absorb an impact produced when the stopper surfaces contact with each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to disc grinders, such as hand-held disc grinders, used for grinding stone or the any other materials.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, hand-held electric disc grinders have a substantially cylindrical body section and an electric motor disposed within the body section. In order to perform a grinding operation, the user may grasp the body section, so that the body section serves as a grip member. One the front side of the body section, there is disposed a reduction gear section including a bevel gear train that reduces the rotation of the electric motor and transmits the rotational output in a direction perpendicular to the motor axis. Therefore, a spindle disposed on an output side of the reduction gear mechanism extends perpendicular to the motor axis. A circular grinding wheel is mounted to a front end of the spindle. Substantially rear half of the circumference (on the side of the user) of the grinding wheel is covered by a grinding wheel cover for preventing ground powder or the like produced during the grinding operation (hereinafter simply called powder dust) from scattering toward the side of the user.
For the convenience of the operation for exchanging the grinding wheel or any other operation, the grinding wheel cover is configured to be detachable. In addition, the position of the grinding wheel cover about the rotational axis of the spindle can be changed, so that the position of covering the grinding wheel can be changed in accordance with the posture of the user during the operation. Typically, the grinding wheel cover has an annular mounting band portion that can be mounted to a cylindrical boss portion of the reduction gear section and can be fastened thereto by tightening a fixing screw. Therefore, loosening the fixing screw can release the mounting band portion for removing the grinding wheel cover or for changing the position of the grinding wheel cover,
In the case of the grinding wheel cover having the mounting structure as described above, the powder dust may scatter to the side of the user if the user adjusts the grinding wheel cover unintentionally to a position where the grinding wheel cover is opened by a large angle toward the user. Therefore, in some cases, the structure enabling adjustment to a desired position has invited an undesired situation from a viewpoint of preventing the powder dust from scattering.
In addition, if the fixing screw has not been sufficiently tightened, it may be possible that the position of the grinding wheel cover is shifted toward an open position, for example, in the case that the grinding wheel cover contacts an object to be ground. In such a case, the function of preventing the powder dust from scattering may not be sufficiently performed.
In order to solve the above problem, US2010/0210195A (corresponding to International Publication No. WO2009/054275) has proposed to provide a stopper projection on a mounting band portion of a grinding wheel cover and to provided a stopper contact portion on the side of a reduction gear section, so that the grinding wheel cover is prevented from rotating further after the stopper projection has contacted the stopper contact portion. Therefore, the position adjustable range of the grinding wheel cover is limited within a predetermined angular range. With this technique, it is possible to avoid such an occasion that the user unintentionally adjusts the position of the grinding wheel cover by a large angle more than necessary. In addition, it is possible to maintain the grinding wheel cover within an adequate angular range even in the case that the grinding wheel cover has contacted an object to be ground. Therefore, the function of preventing the powder dust from scattering toward the user can be reliably preformed.
However, the grinding wheel cover of the above publication has still required an improvement. In the case of the technique of the above publication, the position adjustable range of the grinding wheel cover is limited within a predetermined angular range through contact of the stopper projection on the side of the grinding wheel cover with the stopper contact portion on the side of the reduction gear section. However, if the grinding wheel cover contacts an object to be ground with a strong impact force, the stopper projection may contact the stopper contact portion also with a strong impact force.
Therefore, there has been a need in the art to improve the durability of the grinding wheel cover against the impact force.


Vertical batch furnace assembly for processing wafers comprising a cassette handling space, a wafer handling space, and a first wall separating the cassette handling space from the wafer handling space. The first wall has at least one wafer transfer opening in front of which a wafer transfer position for a wafer cassette is provided. The cassette handling space comprises a cassette storage, and a cassette handling mechanism. The cassette storage has a plurality of cassette storage positions and is configured to store a plurality of wafer cassettes. The cassette handling mechanism comprises a first cassette handler which is configured to transfer wafer cassettes between a first set of the cassette storage positions and the wafer transfer position. The cassette handling mechanism is provided with a second cassette handler which is configured to transfer wafer cassettes between a second set of the cassette storage positions and the wafer transfer position.

Most vertical batch furnace assemblies are provided with a cassette handling space for receiving and storing wafer cassettes therein. Such a cassette handling space is typically provided with a cassette handling mechanism for transferring wafer cassettes between a cassette in-out port, a cassette storage and a wafer transfer position. At the cassette in-out port wafer cassettes may be exchanged between the vertical batch furnace assembly and the cleanroom-environment in which the vertical batch furnace assembly is accommodated. The received wafer cassettes may be placed in the wafer transfer position from which position wafers may be unloaded from the wafer cassette and loaded to a wafer boat for processing of said wafers.
The cassette storage may have a plurality of cassette storage positions on each of which a wafer cassette may be stored. The cassette storage positions may be arranged in a storage rack, provided with for example a storage carrousel. In order to be able to reach the in-out port, the wafer transfer position and all of the wafer storage positions, a typical cassette handling mechanism may comprise an elevator mechanism and a robot arm. The elevator mechanism may provide a vertical movement of the cassette handling mechanism in order to reach the cassette storage positions at different vertical heights. The robot arm may provide a two-dimensional horizontal movement in order to reach at least some of the storage positions.


A bulb changer attachment system comprising: a conical suction light bulb receiver having a distal end and a proximal end; a base having a top portion and a bottom portion; an adapter; and a vacuum hose attachment providing vacuum communication with at least one vacuum. The conical suction light bulb receiver is connected to the top portion of the base while the bottom portion of the base is connectable to the vacuum hose attachment via the adapter. A light bulb is received by the conical suction light bulb receiver such that an apex of the light bulb is suction-contacted by the proximal end of the conical suction light bulb receiver and an outer periphery is suction-contacted via the distal end of the conical suction light bulb receiver. The conical suction light bulb receiver is removeably-coupleable to the light bulb enabling a user to remotely access the light bulb for changing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of vacuum tools and more specifically relates to vacuum tools used to change light bulbs.
2. Description of the Related Art
The incandescent light bulb, makes light by heating a metal filament wire to a high temperature until it glows. The hot filament is typically protected from air by a glass bulb that is evacuated and filled with inert gas. In a halogen lamp, a chemical process returns metal to the filament, extending its life. The light bulb is supplied with electrical current by feed-through terminals or wires embedded in the glass. Most bulbs are used in a socket which supports the bulb mechanically and connects the current supply to the bulb's electrical terminals.
Incandescent bulbs are produced in a wide range of sizes, light output, and voltage ratings, from 1.5 volts to about 300 volts. They require no external regulating equipment and have a low manufacturing cost and work equally well on either alternating current or direct current. As a result, the incandescent lamp is widely used in household and commercial lighting, for portable lighting such as table lamps, car headlamps, and flashlights, and for decorative and advertising lighting. These lights fail after repeated use and need to be changed.
Unfortunately, many consumers experience difficulty changing light bulbs in hard to reach areas such as in ceiling light fixtures. These bulbs can be very high up, and may therefore be virtually inaccessible to consumers without the use of stools or ladders. Further, standing on stools, ladders, and other objects may prove dangerous, and may put users at risk of falling and incurring injuries. This can be particularly risky and difficult for elderly or less agile individuals. Additionally, light bulbs may break when being grasped to be changed creating risk of injury for such individuals. A safe and efficient means for changing expired light bulbs is desirable.
Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,234,743; 7,334,503; 5,218,889; 7,631,579; 5,148,723; and 2,637,587. This prior art is representative of light bulb changing tools. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.
Ideally, a vacuum tool used to change light bulbs should be user-friendly, and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable bulb changer attachment system to quickly and easily change light bulbs located in ceiling light fixtures and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.


The power line communication system includes a transmitter and a receiver, both providing a communication path between two communication control devices over a power line. The transmitter includes a voltage amplifier and a current amplifier. A switch between the transmit and receive modes is implemented within the voltage amplifier. The current amplifier also has a two-step output impedance. When the transmitter is active, the current amplifier shows a low impedance on the line to overcome other loads. If, however, the communication medium shows a high level of noise, the output impedance of the current amplifier decreases even further and creates a path to ground. The receiver advantageously uses a logarithmic amplifier for signal range compression. This type of amplifier preserves the shape of the signal that is important when the modulation scheme uses the zero crossings to store information. At the receiver, the communications control device mixes a reference signal with signals received on the power line. The mixed signal is then amplified before passing to the receiver output. At the communication control device, the reference signal is demodulated so as to detect whether what is received is noise or a communication signal.

Over the years, a number of different systems involving power line communication (PLC) have been suggested. The greatest benefit of these systems is that they use existing power lines as a communication medium instead of using costly wireless equipment or dedicated communication wiring and hardware. For instance, installation of a dedicated wiring in an existing building can be costly, difficult to achieve and not desirable, especially if it involves the destruction of walls, ceilings or the like. This provides a strong motivation to use existing power lines for communication purposes in addition to their use for power distribution, thereby taking advantage of the already existing electrical network that is present in almost any building, whether industrial, commercial or residential.
While the idea of using PLC has resulted in a number of different constructions, none has been found completely satisfactory and acceptance was thus limited. Most limitations of prior systems result from inherent obstacles encountered when communicating over power lines. Since power lines were not intended to provide a communication medium, problems and impairments must be overcome in order to develop a reliable communication system. Very often, these problems have led to inconsistent and unreliable performance in previous PLC systems. The major challenges in the development of this technology include various noise sources, such as white noise (noise generated by electrical appliances), harmonic distortion, and signal attenuation (attenuation due to lengthy connection and varying impedance). These problems are not significant when distributing electricity at 60 hertz. However, when transmitting communication signals in the kilohertz range and above, they can become obstacles.
The object of the present invention is to provide satisfactory PLC between two communication control devices, this being achieved in a way which reduces, if not obviate, the difficulties and disadvantages of the existing systems through a number of improvements.
In the present invention, the power line communication system comprises a transmitter and a receiver interfaced between each communication control device and the power line. At the receiver, communication signals are amplified and transmitted to the power line. At the other end, the receiver receives the communication signals from the power line, preferably conditions the signals and then amplifies them before they are sent to the corresponding communication control device.
A first aspect of the present invention is that the output impedance of the transmitter can be selectively switched between an enabled and disabled state. Also, to compensate for different medium conditions such as loading of the power line by other appliances or surrounding noise, the output impedance of the transmitter is advantageously capable of automatically switching between two steps of low impedance. The first step allows for reliable transmission to account for other impedances on the power line, while the other decreases noise seen on the power line.
Another aspect of the present invention is that the receiver advantageously uses a logarithmic amplifier to preserve the phase of the signal and therefore keeps the information stored in the x-axis intercepts.
A further aspect of the present invention is to provide the receiver with a carrier sense function. With this carrier sense function, when in the receiving mode, a reference signal mixes with the incoming communication signal. If the received signal on the power line is lower than the reference signal, correct demodulation of the reference signal is performed by the communication control device and the received signal is seen as noise. However, if the received signal on the power line is higher than the reference signal, demodulation errors occur at the communication control device, thereby indicating that the received signal is an actual message.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide the option of communicating signals through the ground and neutral wires, which could be useful in certain circumstances. For instance, this scheme could be used if the risk of signal degradation through the phase and neutral lines becomes too high.

Power line communication system and method


A solid ionic electrolyte having an organic plastic crystal solvent (e.g. succinonitrile) doped with lithium bioxalato borate salt (LiBOB) may be used in an electrochemical device. Electrochemical devices are disclosed having a cathode, an anode, and a solid ionic electrolyte having a neutral organic plastic crystal solvent doped with LiBOB alone or in combination with another lithium salt. Such devices have a stable electrolyte interface over a broad potential window combined with high energy density delivery capacity and, in one example, the favorable properties of a neutral organic plastic crystal matrix such as succinonitrile.

During the last ten years, primary and secondary (rechargeable) lithium batteries have been the object of considerable research and development. The aim is to develop a low cost battery, with a large energy content and good electrical performance. With this in mind, a large number of battery designs have been developed to comply with various applications such as portable products, un-interruptible power supplies (UPS), batteries for zero-emission and hybrid electric vehicles, and automotive start-light-ignition (SLI).
While the focus to date has been on Li-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, this technology's basic design creates problems in terms of packaging, format, size, cost, and safety [1]. Ionically conducting solid materials display many advantages over liquids as electrolytes. Polymers offer some advantages in terms of safety and mechanical characteristics over liquid electrolyte systems, and can also be used with lithium metal anodes [2]. Lithium metal anodes provide the highest theoretical capacity density. The mechanical properties of polymer electrolytes decrease problems that might arise from the formation of dendrites that can occur when using lithium metal as the anode. The problem for polymer electrolytes is their low conductivity at room temperature. To overcome this limitation, many approaches have been proposed such as polymer gel electrolytes formed by the introduction of plasticizers or the addition of small molecule additives into the polymer. More recently, plastic crystal electrolytes have been proposed [3, 4, 5, 6]. With conductivities as high as 10−3 S·cm−1 at room temperature and good mechanical properties, plastic crystal electrolytes are one of the most promising alternatives to liquid or gelled electrolytes. Furthermore, in comparison to polymer electrolytes, the preparation of a plastic crystal electrolyte is very easy, does not require much addition of a lithium salt, and doesn't need any solvent or radiation cross-linking.
Plastic crystals are mesophases formed mainly by quasi-spherical or disk-like molecules exhibiting rotational and/or orientational disorder while retaining the long-range translational order [7]. A result of this type of "disorder" is the high diffusivity and plasticity that enables plastic crystals to compete with other materials with similar mechanical properties such as polymer electrolytes. The potential of these phases as ion-conducting materials became evident in a publication reporting high ionic conductivities for organic salts based on quaternary ammonium salts [8].
More specifically for lithium battery applications, high ionic conductivities have been reported for plastic crystal phases based on succinonitrile doped with certain lithium salts [5,6]. The plastic crystal properties of neat succinonitrile (abbreviated as SCN) have been characterized in some detail previously [9]. Succinonitrile exhibits plastic crystal formation at temperatures between −40° C. and 58° C. [9]. In the liquid and plastic crystal form, succinonitrile exists in rotational isomers: gauche and trans. However, at temperatures below −44° C. only the gauche form exists [10]. When doped with 5 mol % of lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulphonylimide (Li(CF3SO2)2N), the plastic crystal range is reduced to between −34° C. and 49° C. [5]. While doping with 5 mol % of lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) shifts the plastic crystal phase to between −36° C. and 44° C. [5]. The conductivities of these succinonitrile-lithium salts phases have already been discussed in prior publications [4,5]. Amongst the lithium salts evaluated, Li(CF3SO2)2N and LiBF4 show the highest conductivities with succinonitrile in the crystal plastic form with conductivities above 10−3 S·cm−1 for Li(CF3SO2)2N and 10−4 S·cm−1 for LiBF4 at room temperature [5]. These conductivities are good enough to use these electrolytes in lithium batteries at room temperature. Li(CF3SO2)2N-succinonitrile electrolytes have already been demonstrated and quite good electrochemical performances have been obtained using Li(CF3SO2)2N-succinonitrile with a Li4Ti5O12 anode and either LiFePO4 or LiCoO2 as the cathode material [6]. However, for theses batteries, the voltage output is only about 2 V, and consequently, they can not deliver high energy densities.
Canadian patent application 2,435,218 [12] discloses the use of lithium titanate anodes in electrochemical cells comprising a succinonitrile (NC—CH2—CH2—CN) plastic crystal electrolyte. However, the electrochemical potential of lithium titanate is weak (−1.5 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode) compared to the electrochemical potential of lithium metal (−3.045 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode), therefore electrochemical cells based on lithium titanate are incapable of delivering high energy density. For electrochemical cells incorporating succinonitrile, it was believed that lithium metal, and therefore materials having an electrochemical potential similar to lithium metal, could not be used as the anode due to the possibility of reactivity between —CN group and lithium metal [5], resulting in polymerization of the succinonitrile.
International patent publication WO 2007-012174 discloses that lithium-based anodes having a potential within about 1.3 V of lithium metal may be used with succinonitrile-based plastic crystal electrolytes. While electrochemical devices based on such systems are capable of delivering high energy densities, it would be desirable to deliver high energy densities over a broader potential window, thereby allowing the use of a greater variety of cathodes. International patent publication WO 2007-012174 discloses the use of LiBF4 and (Li(CF3SO2)2N in succinonitrile-based plastic crystal electrolytes for electrochemical devices that are stable up to a potential difference with respect to Li+/Li0 of 3.9 V and 4.5 V, respectively.
There remains a need in the art for improved electrochemical devices that enjoy the benefits of a solid ionic electrolyte while being stable over a broader potential window.

Plastic crystal electrolyte with a broad potential window


The present invention relates to a method of gluing wood based materials by providing an adhesive system onto wood based materials followed by curing, the adhesive system comprises a urea based amino resin and a hardener composition, wherein the hardener composition comprises an acid and a phenolic resin. The invention also relates to an adhesive system and a hardener composition as well as wood based products obtained by the method or through the use of the adhesive system.

The present invention relates to a method of gluing wood based materials whereby a urea based amino resin is cured by a hardener composition comprising an acid and a phenolic resin. The present invention also relates to an adhesive system and a hardener composition. Furthermore, it also relates to a wood based product obtainable by the method. Finally, it relates to the use of an adhesive system for making a wood based product.
When gluing wood, it is common to use an adhesive system based on a curable resin, such as a formaldehyde resin, which, for example, can be an amino resin or a phenolic resin. Important properties of an adhesive include adhesive strength, curing time and temperature, water-resistance and emission of formaldehyde.
Urea based amino resins are condensates of carbonyl compounds, such as aldehydes, with urea or thiourea. Other compounds containing amino, imino or amide groups may also be co-condensed into the urea based amino resin. Mostly, urea based amino resins refer to condensates of formaldehyde and urea giving urea-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cUFxe2x80x9d). Urea based amino resins are usually cured by using acidic hardener compositions. The water-resistance is moderate for UF resin based adhesives as compared with pure melamine-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cMFxe2x80x9d) resin based adhesives. Therefore, the use of UF resins is usually limited to indoor applications.
It is known to improve the water-resistance of UF resin based adhesives by adding different melamine based compounds. For example, an MF resin can be mixed into a UF resin thereby forming a melamine-urea-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cMUFxe2x80x9d) resin. Also, the addition of melamine powder to a UF resin improves the water-resistance of the adhesive bond. Furthermore, SE 505134 describes the use of melamine salts to improve the water-resistance of UF resins.
However, all the methods of improving the water-resistance above lead to slower curing than for the UF resin alone. The use of melamine powder in UF resins has limitations since the powder has a poor solubility in water. Solubility problems occur as well when using melamine salts in UF resins.
JP Laid Open No. 1997-278855, discloses a thermosetting resin composition comprising a UF resin having a molar F/U ratio of 2.5 to 6. This is the molar ratio formaldehyde to urea used when making the resin. At ratios of 2.5 or less, the UF resin is said to be remarkably poor in stability and having poor mixability with the phenolic resin. The problem solved is how to achieve a thermosetting resin composition, which is stable for a long time at room temperature.
However, it would be desirable to provide a method of gluing wood based materials, an adhesive system, and a hardener composition, which give water-resistant and fast curing adhesive bonds.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for gluing wood based materials which provides fast curing and water-resistant adhesive bonds. It is another object of the present invention to provide an adhesive system, as well as a hardener composition intended for use in an adhesive system, which is fast curing and gives water-resistant adhesive bonds. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wood based product which adhesive bonds cure fast, and are water-resistant.
It has surprisingly been found possible to meet these objects by a new method of gluing wood based materials using a new adhesive system and a new hardener composition. The method according to the invention comprises gluing wood based materials by providing an adhesive system onto wood based materials followed by curing, the adhesive system comprising a urea based amino resin and a hardener composition, wherein the hardener composition comprises an acid and a phenolic resin, which is a resorcinol resin or a tannin resin, or a mixture thereof. The adhesive system according to the invention comprises a urea based amino resin and a hardener composition, wherein the hardener composition comprises an acid and a phenolic resin resin, which is a resorcinol resin or a tannin resin, or a mixture thereof, the molar ratio aldehyde to amino compound used when making the urea based amino resin is less than 2.4.
The hardener composition according to the invention comprises an acid and a phenolic resin, which is a resorcinol resin or a tannin resin, or a mixture thereof. The invention further relates to a wood based product obtainable by the method which can be a flooring material, plywood, a laminated beam and a fibre-, chip- or particleboard material. Finally, the invention further relates to the use of an adhesive system according to the invention for making a wood based product which can be a flooring material, plywood, a laminated beam and a fibre-, chip- or particleboard material. The present invention provides a hardener composition which is storage stable before mixing with a curable resin.
By the term xe2x80x9cadhesive systemxe2x80x9d, as used herein, is meant a curing formulation containing a curable resin and a hardener composition.
By the term xe2x80x9chardener compositionxe2x80x9d, as used herein, is meant a composition, not intended to cure by itself, comprising a curing promoter intended to cure, or harden, a curable resin.
In the urea based amino resin of the invention, it is suitable that at least 30 mole % of the one or more amino compounds used when making the amino resin is urea or thiourea or derivatives thereof, preferably at least 50 mole %.
The combination of a urea based amino resin with a hardener composition according to the invention makes it possible to provide an adhesive system with similar curing time as an adhesive system comprising the amino resin and an acidic hardener without phenolic resin, at the same time the water-resistance is greatly improved.
Another advantage with the present invention is that urea based amino resins, having very low contents of free aldehyde, particularly UF resins having very low contents of free formaldehyde, can be used in order to achieve adhesive bonds with high water-resistance at short curing times. This makes it possible to provide an adhesive system that is fast curing, water-resistant and which also has very low emission of aldehyde, particularly formaldehyde.
The urea based amino resin used in the method and the adhesive system of the invention can be any urea based amino resin, such as urea-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cUFxe2x80x9d), melamine-urea-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cMUFxe2x80x9d), melamine-urea-phenol-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cMUPFxe2x80x9d), thiourea resins, alkyl urea resins such as ethylene urea, and condensates of formaldehyde and urea together with other compounds containing amino, imino or amide groups such as thiourea, substituted urea, and guanamines. The preferred urea based amino resin is UF. The urea based amino resin is made by reacting an aldehyde and an amino compound. The xe2x80x9caldehyde to amino compound ratioxe2x80x9d, which is the molar ratio aldehyde to amino compound used when making the amino resin of the claimed adhesive system, is less than 2.4, preferably from about 0.5 to about 2.3, most preferably from about 0.7 to about 2. Optionally, fillers, thickeners or other additives, including aldehyde catchers, can be added to the amino resin. Examples of fillers are inorganic fillers such as kaolin and calcium carbonate or organic fillers such as wood flour, wheat flour, starch and gluten. Examples of thickeners are polyvinyl alcohol, and cellulose compounds such as hydroxy ethyl cellulose and carboxy methyl cellulose. Other additives can be, for example, polyols, polysaccharides, polyvinylalcohol, acrylates, and- styrene-butadiene polymers. Homopolymers or copolymers of vinylesters may also be used as components, such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, and vinyl butyrate. These polymers may also comprise post-crosslinking groups. Also aldehyde catchers such as urea and guanamines may be added. If components, like fillers or other additives according to above, are present, their amount can usually be less than about 70 weight %, suitably from about 0.1 to about 70 weight %, preferably from about 1 to about 60 weight %, most preferably from about 5 to about 40 weight %.
Condensates of different phenolic compounds and aldehydes are referred to as phenolic resins. The phenolic compound can be phenol itself, polyhydric phenols, and aliphatically or aromatically substituted phenols. Examples of phenolic compounds are alkyl phenols such as resorcinol, alkyl resorcinol, cresols, ethyl phenol and xylenol, and also phenolic compounds of natural origin such as tannins, cardenol, and cardol. Examples of suitable aldehydes include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, propionaldehyde, n-butyraldehyde, isobutyraldehyde and furfural. As phenolic resins are herein also included tannins themselves, without having formed condensates with aldehydes. Examples of tannins are condensed tannins, such as bi-, tri, and tetraflavanoids, and further condensed flavanoids. The phenolic resin according to the present invention can be a resorcinol resin or a tannin resin, or a mixture thereof. The phenolic resin can exist as a solution in water, or alcohol such as ethanol. Tannins can also be present as solid materials. Suitably, the phenolic resin exists as an aqueous solution with varying dry content of resin. Suitably, the phenolic resin is a formaldehyde-based phenolic resin. Preferred formaldehyde based phenolic resins in the hardener composition are resorcinol-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cRFxe2x80x9d), phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cPRFxe2x80x9d), and tannin-formaldehyde (xe2x80x9cTFxe2x80x9d) resins. The most preferred being PRF. In the case of RF and PRF resins, the molar ratio of formaldehyde to total amount phenolic compounds (one or both of phenol and resorcinol) in the PRF resin, calculated as added when making the resins, can be from about 0.1 to about 2, suitably from about 0.2 to about 1.5, preferably from about 0.3 to about 1. The molar ratio phenol to resorcinol in the PRF resin, calculated as added when making the PRF resin, can be from about 0.02 to about 15, suitably from about 0.05 to about 10, preferably from about 0.1 to about 5, most preferably from about 0.2 to about 2. Alternatively, the PRF resin can be a substantially PF resin, containing substantially no resorcinol, of a resol type having resorcinol grafted onto it as terminal groups.
Examples of suitable acids include organic and inorganic protonic acids, acidic salts, and acid generating salts. As acid is also meant metal salts giving acidic reaction in aqueous solutions, also referred to herein as non-protonic acids. Examples of suitable non-protonic acids include aluminium chloride, aluminium nitrate and aluminium sulphate. Suitable organic protonic acids include aliphatic or aromatic mono-, di-, tri-, or polycarboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid and citric acid. Also sulphonic acids such as para-toluene sulphonic acid, para-phenol sulphonic acid and benzene sulphonic acid are suitable. Inorganic protonic acids can be, for example, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid, sulphamic acid and ammonium salts such as ammonium chloride and ammonium sulphate. Examples of acid generating salts are formiates and acetates such as sodium formiate, sodium acetate, ammonium formiate, and ammonium acetate. A strong acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid may be combined with an alkyl amine in the hardener composition thereby forming an alkyl amine salt. The hardener composition may comprise more than one acid, for example, two, three or several acids. Also, the hardener composition may comprise a combination of both an organic acid and an inorganic acid. Suitably, the acid is soluble in the phenolic resin, and solutions of the phenolic resin. In some cases, one or more additives, which improve the solubility of the acid in the phenolic resin, are suitably used. Such additives can be polyglycols such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ketones such as acetone, and dialkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a combination of a UF resin (having a low F/U ratio) with a hardener composition comprising a PRF resin and para-toluene sulphonic acid (pTSA), gives an adhesive system which cures fast and which has high water-resistance. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a combination of a UF resin with a hardener composition comprising a tannin resin and para-toluene sulphonic acid (pTSA), gives an adhesive system which cures fast and which has high water-resistance.
The hardener composition may, optionally, comprise fillers, thickeners or other additives. These can be inorganic fillers such as kaolin and calcium carbonate or organic fillers such as wood flour, wheat flour, starch and gluten. Examples of thickeners are polyvinyl alcohol, and cellulose compounds such as hydroxy ethyl cellulose and carboxy methyl cellulose. Other additives can be, for example, polyols, polysaccharides, polyvinylalcohol, acrylates, and styrene-butadiene polymers. Homopolymers or copolymers of vinylesters such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, and vinyl butyrate, may also be used as additives, and also aldehyde catchers such as urea and guanamines.
The hardener composition should preferably be storage stable, meaning that substantially no curing of the phenolic resin should take place in the hardener composition itself. An indicator for storage stability is the degree of gelling, either occurring evenly throughout the hardener composition, or as lumps of gelled particles in the composition. Gelling throughout the composition gives an increased viscosity. The hardener composition is considered storage stable if it has not gelled according to the above and if it functions in the application equipment used for applying the composition onto wood based materials. The hardener composition according to the invention is suitably storage stable at room temperature (20xc2x0 C.) for more than about two weeks, preferably more than about one month, most preferably more than about six months.
The content of phenolic resin in the hardener composition can be from about 1 to about 80 weight %, based on dry matter, suitably from about 5 to about 70 weight %, preferably from about 10 to about 65 weight %, and most preferably from about 20 to about 60 weight %. The content of the acid in the hardener composition depends on the original pH of the phenolic resin itself used in the hardener composition. The content of the acid, including its salts, in the hardener composition can be up to about 50 weight %, suitably from about 0.5 to about 50 weight %, preferably from about 1 to about 40 weight %, and most preferably from about 2 to about 30 weight %. If other components, like fillers or other additives, are present, their amount can usually be less than about 70 weight %, suitably from about 0.1 to about 70 weight %, preferably from about 1 to about 60 weight %, most preferably from about 5 to about 40 weight %. The pH of the hardener compositon is suitably from about 0 to about 6, preferably from about 0 to about 4, even more preferably from about 0.1 to about 3, most preferably from about 0.3 to about 2.
The pH of the adhesive system will effect the curing rate of the adhesive system and may be chosen thereafter. The pH of the adhesive system can be from about 0 to about 7, preferably from about 0 to about 5, and most preferably from about 0 to about 4.
Depending on the wood based materials to be glued as well as the way of providing the adhesive system onto the wood based materials, the preferred weight ratios of amino resin to phenolic resin may vary. If very high water resistance is needed, for example for plywood materials or laminated beams, more phenolic resin is used. The weight ratio amino resin to phenolic resin in the adhesive system can be from about 0.1 to about 30, based on dry matter, suitably from about 0.5 to about 20, and preferably from about 1 to about 15. In the case of flooring material, the most preferred ratio of amino resin to phenolic resin is from about 2 to about 10, based on dry matter.
The curing temperature, in the glue line, for the adhesive system of the present invention is suitably from about 0 to about 150xc2x0 C. If no high frequency curing is used, the curing temperature is preferably from about 30 to about 120xc2x0 C., most preferably from about 50 to about 100xc2x0 C.
The wood based materials according to the method of the invention can be of any kind that can be joined by an adhesive system, including fibres, chips and particles. Suitably, the wood-based materials are layers in a flooring material such as parquet flooring, the layers in plywood, parts in laminated beams, or fibres, chips and particles for making fibre-, chip-, or particleboard material. Preferably, the wood-based materials are layers in a flooring material.
In the method of the present invention, the adhesive system can be provided by separately applying the amino resin and the hardener composition onto the wood based materials. Alternatively, the method of the invention can comprise mixing the amino resin and the hardener composition to form the adhesive system and then providing the adhesive system onto the wood based materials.
Separate application include, for example, application of the amino resin onto one or several wood based materials and application of the hardener composition onto one or several wood based materials onto which no amino resin have been previously applied. Thereafter, the wood based materials onto which only amino resin has been applied and the wood based materials onto which only hardener composition has been applied are joined together providing a mixing of the two components forming an adhesive system which can be cured. Separate application also include, for example, application of the amino resin onto one or several wood based materials and application of the hardener composition onto the same wood based materials. The amino resin and hardener composition may be applied completely onto each other, partially onto each other, or without being in contact with each other. The surface of the wood based material with both amino resin and hardener composition applied is thereafter joined with another surface of a wood based material, which also may have been applied with both amino resin and hardener composition, thereby providing a good mixing of the amino resin and the hardener composition forming an adhesive system which can be cured. Separate application of the amino resin and the hardener composition can be made in any order onto the wood based materials to be glued.
Suitable amounts of the components to be applied can be in the range of 100-500 g/m2 depending, inter alia, on the feeding rate of a moving substrate.
The application of the amino resin and hardener composition, or the mixture of both, onto a wood based material can be made by using any suitable method known in the art, such as spraying, brushing, extruding, roll-spreading, curtain-coating etc. forming shapes such as droplets, one or several strands, beads or a substantially continuous layer.
In the case of gluing together wood materials in the form of fibres, chips or partides, the amino resin and the hardener composition is suitably applied as a mixture which coats the wood based materials with the adhesive system.
The wood based product according to the invention is suitably a laminated beam, plywood, a fibre-, chip- or particleboard, or a flooring material. Preferably, the wood based product is a laminated beam.
The invention will now further be described in connection with the following examples which, however, not should be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.


A method for producing a semiconductor device includes a step of bonding a chip to a SOI wafer, the chip being formed of a III-V group compound semiconductor and including a substrate and a first semiconductor layer; and a step of removing the substrate and the first semiconductor layer from the chip after the step of bonding. In the producing method, the first semiconductor layer has a tensile strain, and the SOI wafer and the chip are heated to a first temperature in the step of bonding, and are cooled to a second temperature lower than the first temperature after the step of bonding.

Techniques for forming a semiconductor device by bonding a compound semiconductor such as III-V group compound semiconductor to a silicon substrate containing a waveguide are known (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-164148). The silicon substrate is capable of having a large diameter such as 10 inches or more, while it is difficult to increase the diameter of the compound semiconductor wafer. To increase the diameter of the silicon substrate and reduce the consumption of the compound semiconductor wafer, small pieces (chips) are formed by cutting the compound semiconductor wafer and then bonded to the silicon substrate.

Semiconductor device and method for producing semiconductor device


Methods of making a frozen confection with a whistle element encased therein are disclosed. In a first embodiment a one-piece first mold with a central through-passage containing a shoulder is used to make a first frozen part with support sticks therein. A complementarily shaped second mold is used to make a second frozen part with a matching through-passage. A whistle element is inserted into the through-passage of the first part until the element abuts the shoulder and then the second part is inserted, pressure is applied, and the two parts are frozen together. A second embodiment employs a two-piece first mold and alternative ways of securing the whistle element in the finished frozen confection are disclosed. In a third embodiment for soft frozen products such as ice-cream, an ingredient is frozen in a mold and a tubular tool is used to remove some of the frozen ingredient to create a central through-passage with a shoulder into which the whistle element is inserted and retained with a frozen plug. Other embodiments employ a two-piece and one-piece mold which define hollow spaces to accommodate a whistle element. The invention also encompasses frozen confection products made in accordance with the various disclosed methods.

Children love to eat confections and are also constantly in need of a source of amusement to keep them out of trouble. Parents and others who come into contact with children have had a long-felt need for a combination confection and toy that will satisfy the tastebuds of hungry children as well as their urge to play. The foregoing remarks apply also to many childlike adults. Previous inventions in the field have lacked all the advantages of the present one, which comprises methods and the products associated therewith of making iced confections with a whistle inside.
The following United States patents might be considered relevant in connection with the present application:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Issue Date ______________________________________ 267,562 G. M. Mills Nov. 14, 1882 729,248 H. Yeager et al. May 26, 1903 1,567,284 F. B. Miller Dec. 29, 1925 1,609,791 W. C. Broadwell Dec. 7, 1926 1,980,588 A. Hopp Nov. 13, 1934 2,156,482 J. F. Robb May 2, 1939 2,417,480 E. Friedman Mar. 18, 1947 2,617,324 D. Brody Nov. 11, 1952 2,619,865 H. C. Lynch Dec. 2, 1952 2,739,065 A. C. Hugin Mar. 20, 1956 2,834,685 M. J. Ferguson May 13, 1958 3,085,883 E. L. Collier April 16, 1963 3,415,009 K. O. Knauf Dec. 10, 1968 3,590,749 E. Burns et al. July 6, 1971 3,666,388 H. Oberwelland et al. May 30, 1972 4,798,313 B. L. Brent Jan. 17, 1989 ______________________________________
U.S. Pat. No. 2,617,324 to Brody is directed to a concept wherein a whistle element is combined with a frozen confection and wherein the stick comprises part of the whistle element.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,156,482 to Robb discloses a frozen confection or the like wherein a handle element is connected to a balloon attachment which has a combined whistle, and wherein the deflated balloon is contained within a confection such as ice cream, as shown in FIG. 1 of the patent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,085,883 to Collier is directed to a confection having an inedible element disposed therein. In the embodiment of FIG. 10 the inedible statuette 72 is embedded within the ice cream bar 70. The ice cream bar 70 is supported by the handle or stick 74, but the statuette is not incorporated into the ice cream by being inserted into a recess previously formed, and then subsequently retained by a separately molded and frozen closure.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,567,284 to Miller is directed to a method and apparatus for forming whistle pops. A confection is first molded in the form of a whistle having the end opposite the mouthpiece open. Subsequently, the handle 45 is inserted and the wall 44 is molded to close the open end opposite the mouthpiece.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,980,588 to Hopp is directed to a frozen confection supported by a handle. As shown in FIG. 4, the frozen confection is provided with a passage 14 formed therein which is subsequently filled by the wooden stick 16 with its protecting covering 17, preferably at the time of sale. This reference discloses the formation of a frozen confection with a bore formed therein for receiving an inedible element, the stick, which is secured within the bore by means of a second confection element, a coating 17. The coating 17 is disclosed as being a candy type confection which is not actually molded.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,609,791 to Broadwell is directed a combined confection and whistle having a handle or stick which is offset from a recess connected with the whistle element. The confection shown and described is a candy article commonly known as a lollypop.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,834,685 to Ferguson is directed to a combination confection holder and toy boat. A stick 16 is disposed off center with respect to the major plane of the confection.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,619,865 to Lynch is directed a supporting stick or handle for a confection incorporating a whistle. The confection 10, which may be frozen confection, is supported by a stick 11 which is hollow and constitutes a whistle. However, the confection does not form any part of the sound forming cavity of the whistle.
U.S. Pat. No. 729,248 to Yeager and Rigney is directed to a method of making block ice cream. A shaped block A is first frozen and then subsequently placed in a mold into which the unfrozen confection for forming a block B is added, the combination then being frozen to form the finished product.

Process of making frozen confection with encased whistle


In a communications network comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes, each node comprises at least one network device requiring allocated transmission channels, a switch connected to the network device for configuring transmission channels connected to other nodes, and a configuration controller connected to the network device and to the switch for controlling configuration of the transmission channels. The configuration controller receives signals from the network device indicative of traffic load on the network device, processes the received signals to determine that reconfiguration of the transmission channels is favoured and determines a favoured reconfiguration of the transmission channels. The configuration controller also communicates with configuration controllers at other nodes to determine paths between nodes for reconfiguration of the transmission channels, and communicates with the switch, configuration controllers at other nodes and the network device to implement reconfiguration of the transmission channels. The network devices may be routers, data switches, servers or combinations thereof.

The invention is directed to communication networks and in particular to architectures for a high performance data networks.
Known routed data networks comprise a plurality of data routers interconnected by an incomplete mesh of transmission links. Traffic routed between geographically distant nodes on the routed network generally transits multiple routers at tandem nodes between source and destination nodes. As the network grows in geographic size and capacity, the number of nodes increases, and a larger percentage of the data routed by the network transits routers at multiple tandem nodes.
Unfortunately, routers are not well suited to the tandem routing functions they perform at tandem nodes. Because routers route data packets on a packet-by-packet basis, they must perform a great deal of processing to route a high bit rate data stream. Consequently, they require considerable processing power and contribute heavily to the cost of a routed data network, and their processing of each packet contributes to unpredictable end-to-end transmission delay across the network, which is problematic for some services.
Some of the problems of routed networks can reduced by providing transport layer switches at some nodes of the network. The transport layer switches are configured to provide high capacity end-to-end transmission paths between distant nodes that exchange enough traffic to justify the allocation of the high capacity paths, thereby diverting such traffic from tandem routers. Because the transport layer switches process traffic on a coarse granularity channel-by-channel basis rather than on a fine granularity packet-by-packet basis, they perform less processing on a high bit rate data stream than a tandem router. Consequently, they require less processing power and can contribute less cost and less unpredictable end-to-end delay than tandem routers on high capacity routes between distant nodes.
With transport layer switches performing tandem switching functions, network operators can define end-to-end transmission paths that logically connect the nodes in a full mesh, even though the nodes of the network are physically connected in an incomplete mesh or in interconnected rings.
The capacity required for each end-to-end transmission path is determined by network operators based on router traffic loads. The network operators change the capacity allocated to the end-to-end transmission paths based on traffic measurements and service requests using a centralized network management system that is connected to the transport layer switches. Today, this is a relatively slow process requiring human interaction, a change in capacity typically taking hours to days and, in some cases, months to implement.
Because the time needed to implement changes in capacity for end-to- end transmission paths is measured in hours to months, transmission capacity must be provided well ahead of need to avoid blocking due to inadequate capacity. Otherwise traffic in excess of the allocated capacity will be blocked, resulting in lost revenue and dissatisfied network users, or overflow traffic will be forced onto routers at tandem nodes, reducing the capacity of such routers which is available to local traffic.
Providing excess transmission capacity ahead of need increases the cost of the network. Failing to provide sufficient excess capacity to accommodate growth and fluctuations in traffic patterns can result in lost revenue. Consequently, network and service providers would welcome a network architecture that enables them to tailor the capacity of their data networks more responsively to the traffic demands of their network users.
This invention provides a novel architecture for a new generation of data networks. The novel architecture delivers more usable traffic throughput through a given level of transmission infrastructure when traffic patterns are unpredictable or rapidly fluctuating by dynamically and quickly allocating transmission capacity where it is needed.
In this specification, the term Agile Bandwidth Usage Device (ABUD) refers to any ABUD having time-varying transmission capacity requirements and being capable of providing signals indicative of transmission capacity needs.
ABUDs may use any form of switching or multiplexing, and may signal time-varying transmission capacity needs either directly by means of transmission capacity requests or indirectly by means of traffic data, such as traffic port occupancy statistics. Routers, Data Switches (for example ATM switches) and servers can all be ABUDs, for example.
One aspect of the invention provides a communications network comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes. Each of a plurality of the nodes comprises at least one ABUD, a switch connected to the ABUD for configuring transmission channels connected to other nodes, and a configuration controller connected to the ABUD and to the switch for controlling configuration of the transmission channels. The configuration controller receives signals from the ABUD indicative of transmission capacity needs of the ABUD, processes the received signals to determine that reconfiguration of the transmission channels is favoured and determines a favoured reconfiguration of the transmission channels. The configuration controller also communicates with configuration controllers at other nodes to determine paths between nodes for reconfiguration of the transmission channels, and communicates with the switch, configuration controllers at other nodes and the ABUD to implement reconfiguration of the transmission channels.
Networks as defined above automate interactions between ABUDs, such as routers, requiring allocated transmission channels and transmission channels provided to meet those requirements rapidly, without human intervention.
The ABUDs may be routers, data switches, servers or Time Division Multiplex (TDM) systems, or other ABUDs that require allocated transmission capacity.
The configuration controllers may receive signals comprising traffic data from the ABUD, and may process the received traffic data to determine that allocation of a transmission channel to a particular route is favoured. The configuration controllers may comprise a storage device for storing policy rules. The configuration controllers may be operable to download policy rules from a central management system and to apply the policy rules in processing the received traffic data to determine that allocation of a transmission channel to a particular route is favoured. In this case, the rapid reconfiguration capabilities of distributed automated transmission channel reallocation are combined with the ability to set network policy governing transmission channel allocation centrally.
Alternatively, the configuration controllers may receive signals comprising transmission channel allocation messages from the ABUD, and process the received transmission channel allocation request messages to determine that allocation of a transmission channel to a particular route is favoured.
Consequently, transmission channels are reconfigured automatically without human interaction in response to traffic patterns sensed at ABUDs.
The configuration controllers may determine a possible path for the transmission channel to be allocated. The configuration controllers may comprise a storage device for storing a map of network connectivity, and the configuration controller at the particular node may consult the map of network connectivity to determine the possible path for the transmission channel to be allocated.
The configuration controllers send transmission channel allocation request messages to configuration controllers at other nodes on the possible path and receive reply messages from the configuration controllers at other nodes on the possible path. The reply messages may indicate whether the transmission channel can be allocated at the other nodes. In response to reply messages indicating that the transmission channel can be allocated at all other nodes on the possible path, the configuration controllers may communicate with the switch, configuration controllers at other nodes and the ABUD to implement allocation of the transmission channel to the particular route. In this case, transmission channels are allocated only when an end-to-end path has been discovered and the required resources on that path have been reserved.
Alternatively, in response to a reply message indicating that the transmission channel can be allocated at an adjacent node on the possible path, the configuration controllers may communicate with the switch, the configuration controller at the adjacent node and the ABUD to implement allocation of the transmission channel to the particular route between the particular node and the adjacent node. In this case, transmission channels are allocated on a span-by-span basis in anticipation of path completion. This approach provides earlier initiation of transmission channel reallocation with some risk that packets may be lost in the network before a complete end-to-end path is established for the transmission channel.
The configuration controllers may communicate with configuration controllers at other nodes according to a connection-oriented protocol to temporarily reserve available transmission channels on a span-by-span basis until transmission channels are reserved for an entire end-to-end path, and to book for use the temporarily reserved transmission channels upon confirmation that available transmission channels are reserved for the entire end-to-end path. This approach provides guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) on the end-to-end transmission path.
Another aspect of the invention provides a network node for a communications network. The node comprises at least one ABUD requiring allocated transmission channels, a switch connected to the ABUD for configuring transmission channels connected to other nodes, and a configuration controller connected to the ABUD and to the switch for controlling configuration of the transmission channels. The configuration controllers receive signals from the ABUD indicative of transmission capacity needs of the ABUD, process the received signals to determine that reconfiguration of the transmission channels is favoured and determine a favoured reconfiguration of the transmission channels. The configuration controllers communicate with configuration controllers at other nodes to determine paths between nodes for reconfiguration of the transmission channels, and communicate with the switch, configuration controllers at other nodes and the ABUD to implement reconfiguration of the transmission channels.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a configuration controller for communicating with a ABUD requiring allocated transmission channels and a switch connected to the ABUD at a network node to configure transmission channels connected to other nodes of the network. The configuration controller comprises at least one processor, and at least one storage device connected to the at least one processor. The storage device stores instructions for execution by the processor, the instructions comprising instructions for receiving signals from the ABUD indicative of transmission capacity needs of the ABUD and processing the received signals to determine that reconfiguration of the transmission channels is favoured and to determine a favoured reconfiguration of the transmission channels. The configuration controller communicates with configuration controllers at other nodes to determine paths between nodes for reconfiguration of the transmission channels, and communicates with the switch, configuration controllers at other nodes and the ABUD to implement reconfiguration of the transmission channels.
The configuration controller may determine that a transmission channel is underutilized and may communicate with the switch, configuration controllers at other nodes and the ABUD to reallocate the underutilized transmission channel to a pool of spare transmission channels. This ensures that transmission channels allocated to serve temporary surges in traffic are made available for reallocation where needed after the temporary traffic surges subside.
Still another aspect of the invention provides a processor readable medium storing instructions for execution by a configuration controller. The instructions comprise instructions for receiving signals from the ABUD indicative of transmission capacity needs of the ABUD. The instructions further comprise instructions for processing the received signals to determine that reconfiguration of the transmission channels is favoured and for determining a favoured reconfiguration of the transmission channels. The instructions also comprise instructions for communicating with configuration controllers at other nodes to determine paths between nodes for reconfiguration of the transmission channels and for communicating with the switch, configuration controllers at other nodes and the ABUD to implement reconfiguration of the transmission channels.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method for operating a configuration controller at a node in a communications network. The method comprises receiving signals from the ABUD indicative of traffic load on the ABUD and processing the received signals to determine that reconfiguration of the transmission channels is favoured and to determine a favoured reconfiguration of the transmission channels. The method further comprises communicating with configuration controllers at other nodes to determine paths between nodes for reconfiguration of the transmission channels, and communicating with the switch, configuration controllers at other nodes and the ABUD to implement reconfiguration of the transmission channels.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a router adapted to work with a configuration controller. The router comprises a traffic data accumulator operable to accumulate traffic data characterizing traffic on ports of the router, and a transmitter operable to transmit traffic information to a configuration controller. The router may further comprise a receiver operable to receive traffic information requests from the configuration controller, the transmitter being operable in response to receipt of the traffic information requests by the received to transmit traffic information to the configuration controller.
Embodiments of the invention provide dynamic re-allocation of transmission capacity in response to traffic patterns to improve utilization of transmission channels and reduce the need for over-provisioning of transmission capacity, thereby reducing network cost. The embodiments also enable faster response to network user requests for additional transmission capacity, so that network providers can deliver xe2x80x9cbandwidth on demandxe2x80x9d.
Networks according to embodiments of the invention are easier to manage than current network architectures because transmission channel reallocation is performed by negotiation between nodes of the transport network. Moreover, the configuration controller provides a single interface to the node for a centralized network management system and maintains a single view of the node. Consequently, various manageable network entities each node do not need separate identities or interfaces to the centralized network management system.
Networks according to embodiments of the invention can use open and/or optimized/integrated interconnect, interfaces, transponders, etc. for multi-vendor inter-working.
The rapid dynamic re-allocation of transmission capacity in response to traffic patterns provided by networks according to embodiments of the invention can provide integrated failure protection which can be made optional at a per wavelength level. Network providers can provision the desired level of protection based on traffic value or Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Coordination of protection and restoration is also easier when transmission channel allocation is performed at the transport network level.

Architectures for communication networks


This bag includes an improvement in the form of an extendable drain tube that is normally retracted and retained in flat coiled condition against the front wall of the bag. The tube is biased into its coiled condition by the elastic memory of the thermoplastic material from which it is formed and, in a preferred embodiment, the flat coil is oval-shaped with its major axis extending generally vertically when the bag is worn. A retention strap attached to the front wall of the bag serves to hold the drain tube in its coiled condition against the bag""s front wall. A valve is located at a distal end of the drain tube, which is used to control drainage. The location of the valve prevents spillage of residual urine upon recoil of the drain tube.

Conventional urinary drainage bags are commonly strapped to a patient""s leg above the knee, as disclosed in Barto U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,785, so that urine will flow into the bag under the influence of gravity. For an ambulatory patient, such an arrangement is often inconvenient and uncomfortable because, as such a bag becomes filled with urine, there is a tendency for it to slide downwardly along the leg unless additional means are provided on the bag to restrain such sliding movement. Also, such leg bags may be conspicuous through clothing as the bags become filled and may be awkward to drain.
Cawood U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,971 discloses that gravity flow is not essential for purposes of filling a urine collection bag. Intrinsic bladder detrusor muscle tone and intraperitoneal pressures exerted upon the bladder of a catheterized ambulatory patient will cause urine to flow from the bladder to a level as high as 10 centimeters or more above the distal tip of the catheter. A highly effective urinary drainage system may therefore be provided for an ambulatory patient in which the collection bag is carried by a waistband or belt and is worn over the patient""s abdomen instead of on the leg.
The bag disclosed in the Cawood patent has a short valve-equipped drain tube that extends downwardly from the bag when the contents are to be drained and that may be folded upwardly and inserted into a pocket provided by the bag when the drain tube is not in use. While such a drain tube may work satisfactorily for an ambulatory patient who is capable of standing with a urine collection bag positioned above a toilet bowl, and then manipulating the drain valve so that the contents of the bag may flow by gravity into the bowl, such a procedure may be difficult if not impossible for patients who are confined to wheelchairs. Such a patient must either try to standxe2x80x94a maneuver that may involve considerable riskxe2x80x94or must unbuckle the waist strap so that the bag may be held over the toilet bowl and drained.
A main aspect of this invention therefore lies in providing a urine collection bag of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,971 with an extendable and retractable drainage tube that allows the contents of such a bag to be drained into a toilet bowl even by a patient confined to a wheelchair and without first requiring removal of the bag by the patient. Specifically, the improvement takes the form of an elongated flexible plastic drainage tube that is in the shape of a flat coil, preferably of oval outline, and is either permanently connected, or detachably connectable, to the drainage port of the urine collection bag, which may be a valved port. The drain tube is permanently attached to the bag drainage port, or in another embodiment, may be detachably joined to a valve provided at that drainage port, depending on the patient""s particular needs. For example, wheelchair-bound and otherwise disabled or paralyzed patients may prefer the convenience of having an extension tube permanently connected to their collection bag. However, more ambulatory patients may have only occasional need for an extension tube, such as for night use only, and would prefer a detachable model so as not to have to carry the extra weight and bulk of the drainage tube.
The tube is of soft, flexible thermoplastic material and is thermoformed so that it is biased to assume its flattened coiled shape in the absence of forces applied to extend it. In its coiled condition, the drain tube lies flat against the front wall of the pouch and is held in that position by a retention strap which traverses the front wall of the pouch.
Another advantage of the present construction is that it facilitates use by patients with high urine volume output at night. The elongated drainage tube may be uncoiled and directed into a bedside receptacle, thus allowing a patient to wear an abdominal bag throughout the night without the risks of contamination that might arise if the abdominal bag had to be removed and replaced by other drainage means for nighttime use. In earlier standard practice, a bedside bag would be used at night, and replaced with a leg bag during the day, which exposes the system to non-native bacteria (i.e., bacteria that are not the patient""s own), risking clinical infection. Similarly, the elongated drain tube allows a patient to wear an abdominal bag even while undergoing a surgical operation, since urine draining from the bag allows urine output to be monitored by an anesthesiologist. Upon completion of the operation, the drain tube may be disconnected from the bedside receptacle, allowed to return to its coiled condition, and replaced under the retaining strap of the abdominal bag, thus restoring the abdominal bag to its original condition for inpatient or outpatient use.
The drain tube is provided at its distal end with a valve to control drainage. By having the valve located at the distal end of the drain tube, the patient is assured that, when the valve is closed, there will be no spillage of any residual droplets of urine left in the drain tube upon recoiling the tube to its original condition.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and drawings.

Urine bag and self-retracting drain tube therefor


A local positioning navigation system and method for controlling navigation are provided. The local positioning navigation includes a stationary unit having a pointing device configured to emit a light signal and a roving unit having a detector including a plurality of light detecting elements configured to detect the emitted light signal from the stationary unit. The local positioning system further includes a controller configured to receive navigation information from the roving unit based on the detected emitted light signal and to provide control commands to the stationary unit to move the pointing device to direct the emitted light signal based on the navigation information.

This invention relates generally to navigation systems, and more particularly, to a system providing navigation of a motorized device.
It is currently common practice for people to pay a lawn service to mow their yard. The mowing service is typically performed once a week and can be costly. Otherwise, individuals often spend several hours mowing their yard each weekend. This takes away from leisure time or time with family.
Lawn mowers are known to help reduce the human effort required to mow a yard or lawn. These powered devices automate the physical component of separating taller grass from shorter grass, namely, providing a powered blade to cut grass. It is also known to provide automatic lawn maintenance. For example, a mowing area may be defined and bounded by electronic markers, for example, transceivers that provide radio signals to guide a mower. Navigation systems for mowers that utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation are also known. The mower in these systems may include an antenna or similar device to transmit and receive signals. Other navigation control systems are also known, for example, based on the time of movement of the mower or incremental counting of wheel rotation.
However, these known navigation systems for mowers are often expensive and may require substantial time in setup. Further, these systems can be complex to operate.


The invention provides a method of dismantling an adhesion structure including a pair of adherends made of the same material or different materials and a dielectric adhesive sheet interposed between the pair of adherends and bonding the pair of adherends to each other. The method includes: a first step of heating the dielectric adhesive sheet by dielectric heating; and a second step of applying an external force to at least one of the pair of adherends or the dielectric adhesive sheet to separate the pair of adherends from the dielectric adhesive sheet.

In recent years, a high-frequency dielectric heating has been known as a method of bonding a metallic door to an interior material in an automobile and bonding an FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) structural member to a metallic door frame.
Patent Literature 1 discloses an adhesive layer composition (adhesive) that is provided by feeding a dielectric heating medium having a dielectric heating performance to an adhesive base having a compatibility with base materials to be bonded, in which a relative permittivity, a dielectric dissipation factor and the base materials are determined such that the adhesive layer composition satisfies a predetermined formula.
According to the technique of Patent Literature 1, adherends can be firmly bonded to each other.

Method for dismantling adhesive structure