A microcrystalline cellulose-based excipient having improved compressibility, whether utilized in direct compression, dry granulation or wet granulation formulations, is disclosed. The excipient is an agglomerate of microcrystalline cellulose particles and from about 0.1% to about 20% silicon dioxide particles, by weight of microcrystalline cellulose, wherein the microcrystalline cellulose and silicon dioxide are in intimate association with each other. The silicon dioxide utilized in the novel excipient has a particle size from 1 nanometer to about 100 microns. Most preferably, the silicon dioxide is a grade of colloidal silicon dioxide. An extra low moisture excipient is provided which exhibits improved compressibility as compared to conventional microcrystalline cellulose, while providing a moisture content of of from about 0.5 to 2.5% LOD, preferably between about 0.5 and about 1.8%, more preferably between 0.8 and 1.5%, and most preferably between about 0.8 and about 1.2%.

The present invention relates to a novel excipient for use in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, and in particular, solid dosage forms such as tablets which include one or more active ingredients.
In order to prepare a solid dosage form containing one or more active ingredients (such as drugs), it is necessary that the material to be compressed into the dosage form possess certain physical characteristics which lend themselves to processing in such a manner. Among-other things, the material to be compressed must be free-flowing, must be lubricated, and, importantly, must possess sufficient cohesiveness to insure that the solid dosage form remains intact after compression.
In the case of tablets, the tablet is formed by pressure being applied to the material to be tabletted on a tablet press. A tablet press includes a lower punch which fits into a die from the bottom and a upper punch having a corresponding shape and dimension which enters the die cavity from the top after the tabletting material fills the die cavity. The tablet is formed by pressure applied on the lower and upper punches. The ability of the material to flow freely into the die is important in order to insure that there is a uniform filling of the die and a continuous movement of the material from the source of the material, e.g. a feeder hopper. The lubricity of the material is crucial in the preparation of the solid dosage forms since the compressed material must be readily ejected from the punch faces.
Since most drugs have none or only some of these properties, methods of tablet formulation have been developed in order to impart these desirable characteristics to the material(s) which is to be compressed into a solid dosage form. Typically, the material to be compressed into a solid dosage form includes one or more excipients which impart the free-flowing, lubrication, and cohesive properties to the drug(s) which is being formulated into a dosage form.
Lubricants are typically added to avoid the material(s) being tabletted from sticking to the punches. Commonly used lubricants include magnesium stearate and calcium stearate. Such lubricants are commonly included in the final tabletted product in amounts of less than 1% by weight.
In addition to lubricants, solid dosage forms often contain diluents. Diluents are frequently added in order to increase the bulk weight of the material to be tabletted in order to make the tablet a practical size for compression. This is often necessary where the dose of the drug is relatively small.
Another commonly used class of excipients in solid dosage forms are binders. Binders are agents which impart cohesive qualities to the powdered material(s). Commonly used binders include starch, and sugars such as sucrose, glucose, dextrose, and lactose.
Disintegrants are often included in order to ensure that the ultimately prepared compressed solid dosage form has an acceptable disintegration rate in an environment of use (such as the gastrointestinal tract). Typical disintegrants include starch derivatives and salts of carboxymethylcellulose.
There are three general methods of preparation of the materials to be included in the solid dosage form prior to compression: (1) dry granulation; (2) direct compression; and (3) wet granulation.
Dry granulation procedures may be utilized where one of the constituents, either the drug or the diluent, has insufficient cohesive or flow properties to be tabletted. The method includes mixing the ingredients, slugging the ingredients, dry screening, lubricating and finally compressing the ingredients.
In direct compression, the powdered material(s) to be included in the solid dosage form is compressed directly without modifying the physical nature of the material itself.
The wet granulation procedure includes mixing the powders to be incorporated into the dosage form in, e.g., a twin shell blender or double-cone blender and thereafter adding solutions of a binding agent to the mixed powders to obtain a granulation. Thereafter, the damp mass is screened, e.g., in a 6- or 8-mesh screen and then dried, e.g., via tray drying, the use of a fluid-bed dryer, radio-frequency dryer, microwave, vacuum, or infra-red dryer.
The use of direct compression is limited to those situations where the drug or active ingredient has a requisite crystalline structure and physical characteristics required for formation of a pharmaceutically acceptable tablet. On the other hand, it is well known in the art to include one or more excipients which make the direct compression method applicable to drugs or active ingredients which do not possess the requisite physical properties. For solid dosage forms wherein the drug itself is to be administered in a relatively high dose (e.g., the drug itself comprises a substantial portion of the total tablet weight), it is necessary that the drug(s) itself have sufficient physical characteristics (e.g., cohesiveness) for the ingredients to be directly compressed.
Typically, however, excipients are added to the formulation which impart good flow and compression characteristics to the material as a whole which is to be compressed. Such properties are typically imparted to these excipients via a pre-processing step such as wet granulation, slugging, spray drying, spheronization, or crystallization. Useful direct compression excipients include processed forms of cellulose, sugars, and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, among others.
A processed cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, has been utilized extensively in the pharmaceutical industry as a direct compression vehicle for solid dosage forms. Micro-crystalline cellulose is commercially available under the tradename EMCOCEL(copyright) from Edward Mendell Co., Inc. and as Avicel(copyright) from FMC Corp. Compared to other directly compressible excipients, microcrystalline cellulose is generally considered to exhibit superior compressibility and disintegration properties.
Another limitation of direct compression as a method of tablet manufacture is the size of the tablet. If the amount of active ingredient is high, a pharmaceutical formulator may choose to wet granulate the active with other excipients to attain an acceptably sized tablet with the desired compact strength. Usually the amount of filler/binder or excipients needed in wet granulation is less than that required for direct compression since the process of wet granulation contributes to some extent toward the desired physical properties of a tablet. Thus, despite the advantages of direct compression (such as reduced processing times and costs), wet granulation is widely used in the industry in the preparation of solid dosage forms. Many of those skilled in the art prefer wet granulation as compared to direct compression because this method has a greater probability of overcoming any problems associated with the physical characteristics of the various ingredients in the formulation, thereby providing a material which has the requisite flow and cohesive characteristics necessary to obtain an acceptable solid dosage form.
The popularity of the wet granulation process as compared to the direct compression process is based on at least three advantages. First, wet granulation provides the material to be compressed with better wetting properties, particularly in the case of hydrophobic drug substances. The addition of a hydrophilic excipient makes the surface of a hydrophobic drug more hydrophilic, easing disintegration and dissolution. Second, the content uniformity of the solid dosage forms is generally improved. Via the wet granulation method, all of the granules thereby obtained should contain approximately the same amount of drug. Thus, segregation of the different ingredients of the material to be compressed (due to different physical characteristics such as density) is avoided. Segregation is a potential problem with the direct compression method. Finally, the particle size and shape of the particles comprising the granulate to be compressed are optimized via the wet granulation process. This is due to the fact that when a dry solid is wet granulated, the binder xe2x80x9cgluesxe2x80x9d particles together, so that they agglomerate in the granules which are more or less spherical.
Due to the popularity of microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical formulators have deemed it desirable to include this excipient in a formulation which is wet granulated prior to tabletting. Unfortunately, currently-available microcrystalline cellulose does not hold to the typical principle that the amount of filler/binder needed in wet granulation is less than that in direct compression. It is known that the exposure of the microcrystalline cellulose to moisture in the wet granulation process severely reduces the compressibility of this excipient. The loss of compressibility of microcrystalline cellulose is particularly problematic where the formulation dictates that the final product will be relatively large in the environment of use. For example, if a pharmaceutical formulator desires to prepare a solid oral dosage form of a high dose drug, and the use of the wet granulation technique is deemed necessary, the loss of compressibility of the microcrystalline cellulose dictates that a larger amount of this material may be needed to obtain an acceptably compressed final product. The additional amount of microcrystalline cellulose needed adds cost to the preparation, but more importantly adds bulk, making the product more difficult to swallow.
The loss of compressibility of microcrystalline cellulose when exposed to wet granulation has long been considered a problem in the art for which there has been no satisfactory solution.
Attempts have been made to provide an excipient having high compressibility, a small bulk (high apparent density), and good flowability, while being capable of providing satisfactory disintegration of the solid dosage form, which is applicable to wet granulation as well as to dry granulation and direct compression methods for preparation of solid dosage forms.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,159,345 (Takeo, et al.) describes an excipient which consists essentially of a microcrystalline cellulose having an average degree of polymerization of 60 to 375 and obtained through acid hydrolysis or alkaline oxidative degradation of a cellulosic substance selected from linters, pulps and regenerated fibers. The microcrystalline cellulose is said to be a white cellulosic powder having an apparent specific volume of 1.6-3.1 cc/g, a repose angle of 35xc2x0 to 42xc2x0, a 200-mesh sieve residue of 2 to 80% by weight and a tapping apparent specific volume of at least 1.4 cc/g.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,987 (Mehra, et al.), a particulate co-processed microcrystalline cellulose and calcium carbonate composition is described wherein the respective components are present in a weight ratio of 75:25 to 35:65. The co-processed composition is said to be prepared by forming a well-dispersed aqueous slurry of microcrystalline cellulose and calcium carbonate and then drying the slurry to yield a particulate product. The two components employed in forming the well-dispersed aqueous slurry are microcrystalline cellulose and calcium carbonate. The patent notes that xe2x80x9c[t]he microcrystalline cellulose is preferably wet cake from a conventional microcrystalline cellulose manufacturing process. The wet cake is material which has not yet been dried, sometimes termed xe2x80x98never driedxe2x80x99 or hydrocellulose, to yield a conventional microcrystalline cellulose free-flowing powder product.xe2x80x9d Alternatively xe2x80x9c[t]he microcrystalline cellulose source may also be conventional product, which has already been dried.xe2x80x9d The combination of microcrystalline cellulose and calcium carbonate is said to provide a lower cost excipient which has tabletting characteristics similar to those of microcrystalline cellulose and which would satisfy a need for an economical excipient with good performance that is desired by the vitamin market.
European Patent Application EP 0609976A1 (assigned to Asahi Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha) describes an excipient comprising white powdery microcrystalline cellulose having an average degree of polymerization of from 100 to 375, preferably from 190 to 210, and an acetic acid holding capacity of 280% or more, preferably from 290 to 370%. The excipient is said to exhibit high compactability and a high rate of disintegration and is said to be obtained by heat-treating an aqueous dispersion of purified cellulose particles, which has a solids content of 40% or less by weight, at 100xc2x0 C. or more, followed by drying, or by subjecting an aqueous dispersion of purified cellulose particles having a solids content of 23% or less by weight to thin film-forming treatment and drying the resultant thin film. The excipient is said to possess a high compressibility, and a good balance of compactability and rate of disintegration.
There still remains a need in the industry for a pharmaceutical excipient which possesses excellent compressibility whether utilized in a direct compression or wet granulation procedure.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an excipient which is useful in a variety of applications, and which may be utilized in direct compression or wet granulation methods.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an excipient useful in direct compression methods which has improved compressibility relative to microcrystalline cellulose.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an excipient useful in wet granulation methods which has improved compressibility relative to microcrystalline cellulose.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a free-flowing excipient which has excellent compressibility properties when utilized in direct compression or wet granulation methods, and which furthermore possesses pharmaceutically acceptable disintegration properties.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved microcrystalline cellulose excipient in which the microcrystalline cellulose has not been chemically altered, and which has improved compressibility relative to xe2x80x9coff-the-shelfxe2x80x9d commercially available microcrystalline cellulose.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solid dosage form which includes one or more active ingredients and the improved microcrystalline cellulose excipient of the present invention.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an oral solid dosage form for one or more drugs which is economical to manufacture, which maintains its integrity during storage, and which possesses excellent disintegration and dissolution properties when exposed, e.g., to gastrointestinal fluid.
In accordance with the above objects and others which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the present invention is directed to an excipient comprising a particulate agglomerate of coprocessed microcrystalline cellulose and from about 0.1% to about 20% silicon dioxide, by weight of the microcrystalline cellulose, the microcrystalline cellulose and silicon dioxide being in intimate association with each other, and the silicon dioxide portion of the agglomerate being derived from a silicon dioxide having a particle size from about 1 nanometer (nm) to about 100 microns (xcexcm), based on average primary particle size.
In preferred embodiments, the silicon dioxide comprises from about 0.5% to about 10% of the excipient, and most preferably from about 1.25% to about 5% by weight relative to the microcrystalline cellulose.
In additional preferred embodiments of the invention, the silicon dioxide has a particle size from about 5 nm to about 50 xcexcm, and most preferably from about 5 nm to about 50 xcexcm.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the silicon dioxide is further characterized by a surface area from about 10 m2g to about 500 m2/g, preferably from about 50 m2/g to about 500 m2/g, and more preferably from about 175 m2/g to about 350 m2/g.
The present invention is further directed to an aqueous slurry useful in the preparation of a compressible excipient useful in dry and wet granulation formulation methods, comprising a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose in the form of a wet cake (i.e. hydrocellulose or hydrolyzed cellulose) and from about 0.1% to about 20% silicon dioxide, by weight relative to the microcrystalline cellulose, the silicon dioxide having a particle size from about 1 nm to about 100 xcexcm. The solids content of the aqueous slurry is from about 0.5% to about 25%, by weight, preferably from about 15% to about 20% by weight, and most preferably from about 17% to about 19% by weight.
The present invention is further directed to a mixture of an active ingredient(s) and an excipient comprising a particulate agglomerate of coprocessed microcrystalline cellulose and from about 0.1% to about 20% silicon dioxide, by weight of the microcrystalline cellulose, the microcrystalline cellulose and silicon dioxide being in intimate association with each other, and the silicon dioxide having a particle size from about 1 nm to about 100 xcexcm. The ratio of active ingredient to excipient is from about 1:99 to about 99:1, by weight.
The present invention is further directed to a granulate of an active ingredient(s) and the novel excipient described herein, wherein the active ingredient(s) and excipient have been subjected to a wet granulation procedure.
The present invention is further directed to a compressed solid dosage form comprising an active ingredient(s) and the novel excipient described herein, wherein the active ingredient(s) and excipient have been directly compressed into the solid dosage form or have been subjected to a wet granulation procedure and thereafter compressed into the solid dosage form. The compressed solid dosage form provides a suitable immediate release dissolution profile of the active ingredient(s) when exposed to aqueous solutions during in-vitro dissolution testing, and provides a release of drug in an environment of use which is considered bioavailable. In further embodiments of the invention, the dissolution profile of the solid dosage form is modified to provide a controlled or sustained release dissolution profile.
The present invention is further directed to a method of maintaining and/or enhancing the compressibility of microcrystalline cellulose. The method includes forming an aqueous slurry containing a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose in the form of a wet cake (i.e. hydrocellulose or hydrolyzed cellulose) and silicon dioxide having a particle size from about 1 nm to about 100 xcexcm, and drying the slurry to obtain microcrystalline cellulose-based excipient particles in which the silicon dioxide particles have been integrated with the microcrystalline cellulose particles. Within this aspect of the invention, the slurry contains from about 0.5% to about 25% by weight microcrystalline cellulose in the form of a wet cake, with amounts of from about 15% to about 20% being preferred. Furthermore, the slurry contains from about 0.25% to about 5% by weight silicon dioxide.
The novel excipient described herein is free-flowing, possesses excellent disintegration properties, and importantly, in certain embodiments possesses improved compressibility relative to normal xe2x80x9coff-the-shelfxe2x80x9d commercially available microcrystalline cellulose when directly compressed. The advantages of the novel excipient described herein are especially realized in pharmaceutical formulations prepared using wet granulation techniques. When utilized in wet granulation techniques, the novel excipient surprisingly provides a compressibility which is substantially improved in preferred embodiments in comparison to the compressibility of normal xe2x80x9coff-the-shelfxe2x80x9d commercially available microcrystalline cellulose used in wet granulation and is even comparable to xe2x80x9coff-the-shelfxe2x80x9d microcrystalline cellulose used in direct compression techniques. In other embodiments, the novel excipient surprisingly provides a compressibility which is substantially superior to the compressibility of normal xe2x80x9coff-the-shelfxe2x80x9d commercially available microcrystalline cellulose used in direct compression techniques.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an extra low moisture excipient is provided which comprises a particulate agglomerate of coprocessed microcrystalline cellulose and from about 0.1% to about 20% silicon dioxide, by weight of the microcrystalline cellulose, the microcrystalline cellulose and silicon dioxide being in intimate association with each other, and the silicon dioxide portion of the agglomerate being derived from a silicon dioxide having a particle size from about 1 nanometer (nm) to about 100 microns (xcexcm), based on average primary particle size, the excipient having a moisture content of from about 0.5 to 2.5 LOD (loss on drying), preferably between about 0.5 and 1.8 LOD, more preferably between about 0.5 and about 1.5% LOD, and most preferably between about 0.8 and about 1.2% LOD. The excipient in accordance with this embodiment is particularly suitable for use with moisture sensitive drugs because of its relatively low moisture content. In fact, the extra low moisture excipient in accordance with the invention exhibits a similar compressibility to conventional microcrystalline cellulose products having moisture content of 5-6% (such as Emcocel(copyright) 90M), and superior compressibility to conventional extra low moisture microcrytalline cellulose products (such as Emcocel(copyright) XLM 90) having moisture contents of about 1.2%. Moreover, it is believed that the extra low moisture excipient in accordance with the invention, when directly compressed with a moisture sensitive drug, provides a drug product which is at least as stable as drug products made with conventional extra low moisture microcrystalline cellulose, while providing improved compressibility.
Moisture sensitive drugs which may be used with the extra low moisture MCCxe2x80x94SiO2 in accordance with the present invention include: acetysalicylic acid, aminophylline, ascorbic acid, atenolol, betahistine mesylate, calcium chloride, captopril, carbachol, carpronium chloride, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephrabine, chlorophyllin sodium-copper salt, choline salicylate, choline theophyllinate, citicoline, clindamycin HCl, cyanocobalamin, desipramine HCl, dexamethazone phosphate disodium salt, diclofenac sodium, dimethylaminoethyl ester dihydrochloride, disopyramide phosphate, divalproex sodium, ethionamide, fenoprofen calcium, gemfibrozil, hexamethonium bromide, isosorbide, L-proline meprobamate, methocarbamol, methyldopa, oxtriphylline, oxytetracycline HCl, panthenol, piracetam, plant extracts (Querci Folium extract, Mallot Cortex extract, Equisetum arvense extract, etc.), procainamide HCl, procainamide hydrochloride, ranitine HCl, reserpilic acid, rifamprin, lincomycin HCl, sodium valproate, tetracycline HCl, thiamine Hcl, clavlenic acid and salts thereof, polymixin, herbals, herbal extracts, nutritional products, nitroglycerin, alkaloid salts, streptomycin, idoxuridine, and tolazoline hydrochloride.
The present invention is further directed to a method of preparing an extra low moisture excipient. The method includes forming an aqueous slurry containing a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose in the form of a wet cake (i.e. hydrocellulose or hydrolyzed cellulose) and silicon dioxide having a particle size from about 1 nm to about 100 xcexcm, and drying the slurry to obtain microcrystalline cellulose-based excipient particles which have a moisture content of from about about 0.5 to 2.5 LOD (loss on drying), preferably between about 0.5 and 1.8 LOD, more preferably between about 0.5 and about 1.5% LOD, and most preferably between about 0.8 and about 1.2% LOD, and in which the silicon dioxide particles have been integrated with the microcrystalline cellulose particles. Within this aspect of the invention, the slurry contains from about 0.5% to about 25% by weight microcrystalline cellulose in the form of a wet cake, with amounts of from about 15% to about 20% being preferred. Furthermore, the slurry contains from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight silicon dioxide.
The term xe2x80x9cenvironmental fluidxe2x80x9d is meant for purposes of the invention to encompass, e.g., an aqueous solution, or gastrointestinal fluid.
By xe2x80x9csustained releasexe2x80x9d it is meant for purposes of the invention that the therapeutically active medicament is released from the formulation at a controlled rate such that therapeutically beneficial blood levels (but below toxic levels) of the medicament are maintained over an extended period of time, e.g., providing a 12 hour or a 24 hour dosage form.
By xe2x80x9cbioavailablexe2x80x9d it is meant for purposes of the invention that the therapeutically active medicament is absorbed from the formulation and becomes available in the body at the intended site of drug action.
By xe2x80x9cprimary particle sizexe2x80x9d it is meant for purposes of the invention that the particles are not agglomerated. Agglomeration is common with respect to silicon dioxide particles, resulting in a comparatively average large agglomerated particle size.
As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the terms xe2x80x9cmicrocrystalline cellulose in the form of a wet cakexe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9chydrocellulosexe2x80x9d, and xe2x80x9chydrolyzed cellulosexe2x80x9d are synonymous, and refer to the precursor of the (dried) microcrystalline cellulose product.

Pharmaceutical excipient having improved compressibility


A marine engine is controlled to operate in a lean burn mode during middle range operation. During low speed/low load operation, an engine is operated at a preset air/fuel ratio. The engine then transitions to a lean burn mode and operates in the lean burn mode during mid speed/mid load operation. The engine then receives a richer air/fuel ratio during high speed/high load operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method of controlling engine operation and more specifically relates to such a method adapted for use with a marine engine designed for stoichiometric and lean burn operation.
2. Description of the Related Art
Internal combustion engines are used to power various types of vehicles. For instance, land vehicles, such as automobiles, are powered by internal combustion engines. Such engines can be designed to operate under various air-fuel ratios.
With reference to FIG. 1, operation of one such engine design used in land vehicle application is graphically depicted. In the illustrated arrangement, intake air pressure is shown as a function of throttle opening. The air-fuel ratio, in turn, is shown as a function of throttle opening as well.
As known, the engine operates at an idle speed when the throttle valve is totally or substantially closed. At idle speed, the intake air pressure at a location between the throttle valve and the combustion chamber is at a minimum. Thus, during idle, the engine is operating in a low speed and low load mode. This low speed and low load mode generally continues as the vehicle slowly accelerates and cruises at highway speed. Of course, short bursts of higher speed and higher load operation can be expected.
The low speed and low load operating range, nevertheless, is the normal operating range for an automobile. From time to time, the engine may be called upon to operate within a high load and high speed operating range, albeit fairly infrequently. With reference to FIG. 1, the illustrated arrangement provides that the engine transitions out of a lean burn mode after the intake air pressure has reached a maximum air pressure, which is associated with high load operation.
As illustrated, when operating the engine in other than the high load and high speed operating range, it is possible to operate the engine in a lean burn mode. The lean burn mode involves supplying a lower than stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, which supplies less fuel per combustion cycle. Such lean burn operation, therefore, can lower fuel consumption. When engine demand is great, however, the air-fuel ratio can be richened to provide for better response to operator demand.
Marine vehicles, on the other hand, generally operate in the high load and high speed operating range once the transmission engages a propulsion unit (e.g., propeller or jet pump). Thus, the engine spends a majority of its run time in a high load operating range. As such, the above-described lean burn transition would result in minimal fuel conservation.
One thought is to design the engine to operate in the lean burn mode. Such an engine design adds significantly to the cost and complexity of the engine design. For instance, devices such as a swirl control valve or a valve stop and design changes such as a helical port or a tumble port would have to be integrated into the construction of the engine for proper operation in lean burn mode at all times.
Thus, a marine engine that is capable of reducing fuel consumption by operating in a lean burn mode yet capable of improved stability during idling and trawling operation is desired.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention involves an outboard motor for a watercraft. The outboard motor comprises an engine body defining at least one cylinder bore in which a piston reciprocates. A cylinder head is affixed to one end of the engine body and closes the cylinder bore and defines with the piston and the cylinder bore a combustion chamber. An intake passage is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and is configured to provide air for an air/fuel mixture to the combustion chamber. A throttle body is in fluid communication with the intake passage and has a throttle plate configured to control an airflow in the intake passageway. A throttle position sensor is configured to determine a position of the throttle plate. An intake air pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the intake passage. The air pressure sensor is positioned between the throttle valve and the combustion chamber and is configured to determine air pressure in the intake passage. A fuel injector is configured to deliver fuel to the combustion chamber for the air/fuel mixture. An engine speed detector is configured to determine an engine speed. An engine control unit is configured to control the fuel injector based upon feedback from at least one of the throttle position sensor, the engine speed detector, and the intake air pressure sensor. Between a closed state of the throttle plate and a first predetermined air pressure, a constant air/fuel ratio is maintained. From the first predetermined air pressure to a second predetermined air pressure, the air/fuel ratio is steadily increased as a function of a change in air pressure to approximately a lean limit ratio. The second predetermined air pressure is less than a maximum intake air pressure. The maximum intake air pressure occurs when the air pressure in the intake passage becomes approximately constant. From the second predetermined intake air pressure to the maximum intake air pressure, the air/fuel ratio is maintained at approximately the lean limit and from the maximum intake air pressure to a maximum throttle opening, the air/fuel ratio is decreased in accordance with feedback from the throttle position sensor and the engine speed detector.
Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of operating an outboard motor. The outboard motor comprises an engine driving a marine propulsion device at speeds indicated by an engine speed sensor. The method comprises detecting an induction system air pressure at a location between a throttle valve and a combustion chamber, supplying a preset constant air/fuel ratio to the combustion chamber at sensed air pressures lower than a first predetermined air pressure, supplying a variable air/fuel ratio at sensed air pressures between the first predetermined air pressure and a second predetermined air pressure, supplying a lean limit air/fuel ratio at sensed air pressures between the second predetermined air pressure and a maximum air pressure and supplying a variable air/fuel ratio at throttle angles greater than a minimum throttle angle corresponding to the maximum air pressure.

Engine control unit for marine propulsion


In the field of blasting, it is often desirable to ignite explosives at various relative times. Such delayed ignition can have advantages in better break up of rock and reduced ground vibration. A principle problem in using the time delay technique is the accuracy rate of a local oscillator which measures the delay time for each of the delay circuits. In the described system, a calibration interval, independent of any delay time, is transmitted from a control unit concurrently to each of the delay circuits wherein each delay circuit counts the output of its local oscillator during the calibration interval. This local oscillator output is then compared to a predetermined reference count, either at the delay circuit or at the control unit, and a correction factor is established. This correction factor is then applied to a delay count for the individual delay circuit. The delay count is modified to produce a corrected delay count that is utilized individually within the delay circuits to count the output of the corresponding local oscillator for determining the delay time until ignition. This technique utilizes the precise oscillator at the control unit to substantially eliminate the delay errors due to the less precise oscillators within the delay circuits.

In blasting operations, it is becoming increasingly important to efficiently utilize the blasting power of the explosives. It is important to achieve the maximum breakage of rock into the correct sizes for a given amount of explosive material. It is further becoming increasingly important to minimize the effects of blasting on nearby structures by reducing the amplitude of ground vibration produced by a blast. The principle method for achieving these objectives is to time the ignition of a plurality of explosive units which are placed at selected locations within an area of operation. This separates the total weight of explosives over the area and makes it possible to separate the time of ignition between the explosive units. Such separation can improve breakage and reduce the peak ground vibrations. The delay time is measured on the order of milliseconds.
Both electric and nonelectric delay blasting caps and circuits have been developed. The nonelectric units are typically based upon the burning time for a pyrotechnic mixture. However, such burning time has the limitation in its accuracy. This limitation of accuracy prevents the optimum timing of the ignition events.
Numerous electronic detonation circuits have been proposed to achieve greater accuracy over pyrotechnic devices. Representative ones of such circuits are shown in the following patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,765 to Ochi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,558 to Florin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,477 to Aikou et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,640 to Florin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,779 to Bitts et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,031 to Jarrott et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,437 to Miki et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,435 to Oswald, U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,950 to Oswald, U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,182 to Kirby et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,751 to Oswald, U.S. Pat. No. 4,311,096 to Oswald, U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,970 to Hedberd et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,617 to Fowler, U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,527 to Moore, III, U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,589 to Meyer.
A principal problem encountered in the use of electronic delay detonators is the accuracy of the clock signal within the delay circuit itself. There are numerous constraints upon the use of a local oscillator within the delay circuits. First, the oscillator must be relatively inexpensive to justify the one time use in an explosives application. Further, such an oscillator should not be subjected to rate variations as a result of changing pressures, which will be experienced when one unit receives the pressure wave from the ignition of another unit. Further, fluctuations in ambient temperature, humidity and pressure can cause an oscillator to vary in its rate.
Various techniques have been proposed for calibrating local oscillators in electronic delay detonator circuits. These are set forth in the following patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,047 to Tyler et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,933 to Kirby et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 3,500,746 to Abrosini et al.
It can therefore be seen that it is important to have a method for calibrating the local oscillator within a delay circuit so that accurate delay times can be achieved while at the same time doing so in such a manner that is reliable and rapid.

Method and apparatus for calibration of electronic delay detonation circuits


An elastomeric cord lock has two specially shaped passages extending through an elastomeric body. Lengths of cord pass through each of the passages and can be tied off at the ends to keep the cords from slipping out of the cord lock passages. Each passage has a cross section extending from a wide end to a narrower outwardly extending slot portion. The passages may, for example, have keyhole-shaped cross sections. When the lengths of cord are substantially parallel, the cord lock can easily slide along the lengths of cord. However, many applications for the cord lock require that the lengths of cord be maintained in a state of tension (for example, when the cord lock is being used to hold a drawstring tight). When outward tension is applied to the lengths of cord, the lengths are forced into the narrower slot portions, causing greater locking force to be exerted. The cord lock of the present invention thus provides greater locking force when greater force is needed. When not as much locking force is needed (i.e. when the lengths of cord are substantially parallel), the lengths of cord remain in the wider portions of the passages where less locking force is exerted. The lengths of cord can be released by manually compressing the cord lock to widen the narrow slot portions.

Various types of cord locks have been proposed in the past for holding a cord in a tightened or other desired condition in clothing, bags, shoes, and other items. Cord locks provide a convenient alternative to tying knots. Most of these prior cord locks have been formed of two or more parts, adapted to grip and release a cord by relative movement between the parts. The expense involved in forming such parts and then assembling them has limited the use of such locks, and prevented their use in many instances in which it might otherwise be desirable to utilize a lock in lieu of hand tying a cord.
Other cord locks have made use of elastomeric materials, those materials with elastic properties resembling those of natural rubber, in order to provide less expensive single-piece devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,788 to Boden, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present disclosure, discloses a cord lock with a single slit extending through an elastomeric body. The natural resilience of the elastomeric material holds the cords in place by forcing the walls of the body against the cords. The cords are released by squeezing on the sides of the elastomeric body. U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,838 to Stenner shows a similar cord locking device also utilizing a single slit extending though the cord lock's elastomeric body. There are several disadvantages to these prior art cord locks. First, with the prior art designs, a major inconvenience is caused by the cords pulling out from the cord lock causing the cord lock to fall off from the cord. The cords must be repeatedly rethreaded through the cord lock. Even when the ends of the cords are tied into knots, the single slit is large enough to allow the cords to slip out from the cord lock, knot and all. This problem is particularly serious when using the cord lock with infants and toddlers who often pull the cord lock off of the cords, leading to the risk of the child swallowing and choking on the cord lock.
Further, the prior art cord locks provide the same amount of locking force whether it is needed or not, rather than providing more locking force when more is required. They also use a continuous, large locking force. This large locking force is dangerous for infants and toddlers because they could put a cord fastened with such a cord lock around their necks and accidentally strangle themselves due to the relatively strong locking force preventing them from loosening the cord once it is tightened.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,907,629 to Walty discloses a soft rubber lace fastener utilizing a single opening. This invention also has the disadvantage of the cords slipping out from the cord lock and has the further disadvantage that, even when using the lace fastener, a single knot still must be tied. This invention merely keeps an existing knot from coming undone rather than eliminating the need for a knot altogether.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,043,902 to Klein discloses aplastic device for spacing a double wire transmission line. This device utilizes open slits which would allow a cord to slip out from its openings.

Elastomeric cord lock with dual cord passages


A method for providing remote financial assistance involves obtaining a request from a customer for financial assistance, and scheduling an appointment slot selected from multiple appointment slots, based on the request, where the scheduled appointment slot is associated with a financial professional selected from multiple financial professionals, where the multiple financial professionals are geographically dispersed, and where the financial professional provides remote financial assistance to the customer, in the scheduled appointment slot, by inputting financial information associated with the customer into a financial professional online interface.

Due to the complex nature of financial management, many people seek financial assistance from financial professionals. For example, during tax season, many people seek assistance in understanding and/or filing their tax returns. People may also seek financial assistance relating to their banking accounts, credit cards, investments (e.g., stock portfolios, bonds, 401(k) accounts, etc.), insurance claims, or any other similar type of financial matter.
One common method of providing financial assistance involves establishing a "brick-and-mortar" office where customers (i.e., people seeking financial assistance) meet face-to-face with financial professionals. This method requires that the office be in geographic proximity to the customers, and that a sufficient number of financial professionals be present in the office to meet customer demand.
Another common method of providing financial assistance involves establishing a financial assistance call center, where a switchboard routes customer phone calls to financial professionals stationed in the call center. As above, this method also requires that a sufficient number financial professionals be physically located at the call center to answer incoming phone calls from customers.

Method and system for providing remote financial assistance


A waterproofing membrane composition is provided which is strong, easy to use, trowelable, flexible, passes negative hydrostatic test ASTM D4068 and which can be flood tested after 24 hours @70° F. of application. The waterproofing membrane composition contains a flexible polymer, preferably an epoxy containing polyether chains formed from a glycol, a flexible curing agent, sand, and an aramid fiber. The epoxy component also preferably includes an epoxy flexibilizer and a reactive diluent for epoxy chain termination. A p-aramid fiber is preferred and it is highly preferred to use the polymer fiber in a pulp form which has a fibrillated structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to waterproofing membranes for installing tile, stone and other masonry products over surfaces including concrete, masonry, brick and plywood, and, in particular, to a high performance, strong, flexible, trowel applied waterproofing membrane for fast turnaround projects which can be flood tested in 24 hours and which does not require fabric reinforcement.
2. Description of Related Art
Water is known as one of the most destructive elements when it is not properly controlled and all structures which may come into contact with water must typically be protected from water seepage. A waterproofing membrane is used to prevent water seepage to the underlying structure and typical structures requiring waterproofing are bridge surfaces, roads, roofs, and the like. Other structures which must be protected against water seepage are swimming pools, fountains, shower pans and stalls, tubs, bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and food processing areas. Some applications require protection for both interior and exterior use.
For convenience, the following description will be directed to ceramic tile installations where the ceramic tile comes into contact with water and a waterproofing membrane is used to protect the underlying structure. For this type application, a waterproofing membrane is used over concrete, masonry, terrazzo, cement backer boards, gypsum boards (interior wall use only) and exterior grade plywood. Conventionally, the underlying substrate is overlaid with a fluid applied waterproofing membrane, covered with a reinforcing fabric and then overlaid with another layer of the fluid waterproofing membrane. Other methods employ a waterproofing membrane sheet. A mortar, typically a thin set mortar, is then applied over the waterproofing membrane surface and provides the base for installing ceramic tile. A grout is then used between the openings in the ceramic tile.
While the waterproofing membrane must of course provide a suitable waterproofing barrier, the waterproofing membrane must have other properties in order to be effective. For example, the waterproofing membrane should be strong, flexible to cover cracks in the substrate and not crack itself, be easy to apply and allow for rapid installation for fast turnaround projects. One of the most important properties is that the applied waterproofing membrane can be flood tested after 24 hours at 70° F. For this test the installer applies the waterproofing membrane and after 24 hours, a head of water (typically 10-12 inches) is placed on the membrane and the head is checked to determine if the waterproofing membrane is impermeable. Another important property is to pass ASTM D4068 which is a negative hydrostatic test under 2 feet of water. It is also preferred that the waterproofing membrane not require fabric at coves, drains or base or anywhere and can bridge gaps at least up to ⅛ inch. It is also important that the waterproofing membrane adhere to pipes and drains such as cast iron and lead. The waterproofing membrane should also have a tensile strength of at least 800-1200 psi and have an elongation of at least 30-50%.
The term "tile" will be used herein to refer to masonry products in general such as stone, bricks, pavers, and the like and the term "mortar" will be used herein to refer to thin-set mortars, medium bed mortars, underlayment or leveling mortars and grouts and pointing mortars.
It is known to incorporate fillers in waterproofing membranes as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,528,563 but Applicant is unaware of a waterproofing membrane which may be trowel applied and flood tested after 24 hours.
Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention is to provide an improved waterproofing membrane composition having enhanced overall application and performance properties, can be trowel applied at variable thicknesses, can be flood tested after 24 hours of application, pass ASTM D4068, not require any fabric, bridge gaps of up to ⅛ inch and adheres to materials such as cast iron and lead, metals without aid of another adhesive.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for making an improved waterproofing membrane composition and a method for using the waterproofing membrane composition of the invention.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Aspects of the disclosure provide a clock generator circuit that includes a first pulse generator and a second pulse generator cross-coupled together. The first pulse generator is configured to output first pulses. Each first pulse has a first leading edge, a first trailing edge, and a first pulse width corresponding to a first delay time that is based on a first number of inversions. The second pulse generator is configured to output second pulses. Each second pulse has a second leading edge, a second trailing edge, and a second pulse width corresponding to a second delay time that is based on a second number of inversions. The first pulse generator outputs one of the first pulses in response to the second trailing edge, and the second pulse generator outputs one of the second pulses in response to the first trailing edge.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
A phase locked loop (PLL) based clock generator generates a clock signal with reference to an oscillation signal having a relatively stable frequency, such as an oscillation signal generated by a crystal oscillator external to an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Thus, the frequency of the clock signal is stable and does not vary with process, voltage, and temperature changes of the IC chip.

Method and apparatus for clock generator


The present invention improves the in-plane uniformity of films formed via a plasma treatment. It is provided a plasma treatment device comprising: an electrode plate arranged in a reaction vessel; a counter electrode arranged parallel so as to opposite to the electrode plate in the reaction vessel; a transmission plate to supply frequency power to the electrode plate from outside of the reaction vessel, the transmission plate being connected from non-opposite side not opposing to the counter electrode of the electrode plate; and an insulator with a container shape, the insulator being arranged in the reaction vessel and storing the electrode plate therein; wherein the non-opposite side of the electrode plate closely contacts to an inner bottom surface of the insulator with the container shape, wherein a side surface of the electrode plate closely contacts to an inner side surface of the insulator with the container shape, and wherein a hole edge portion of the insulator with the container shape is formed so as to protrude toward a counter electrode side.

Recently, in production of electronic devices such as a FPD (Flat Panel Display) and a solar cell, it is widely used a PECVD (Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) technology in which a thin film is accumulated on a substrate by utilizing gas phase state formed by exciting and decomposing process gas through plasma.
The PECVD device is more advantageous than a heat CVD device at points that precise film formation can be done at a lower temperature, heat damage and mutual diffusion between layers can be suppressed, practical accumulation speed can be obtained even if material hard to be pyrolyzed is utilized, and a thin film can be formed with various composition ratios by using plural kinds of materials each of which has a different pyrolysis temperature.
On the other hand, as for in-plane uniformity of the object substrate in film formation by using the PECVD device, it is necessary to prepare various factors. Especially, in the film formation, decline of the in-plane uniformity becomes remarkable according that an area of the object substrate increases.
Here, as the factors due to which the in-plane uniformity of the object substrate declines in the film formation by using the PECVD device, there will be roughly considered in three factors. The first factor is a standing wave which occurs by adding plasma formation frequency power to a closed space under reduced pressure. The second factor is unevenness of process gas distribution within a plasma treatment space. And the third factor is the in-plane uniformity of surface temperature of the object substrate.
When the standing wave relating to the first factor occurs, even if the process gas is uniformly distributed, plaque will occur in glow discharge generated in plasma treatment space, thus film cannot be formed in a place where the standing wave occurs. (Supposed that λ is a wavelength of frequency, at every ¼λ), that is, since the standing wave corresponding to the wavelength of frequency utilized in plasma formation occurs in the plasma treatment space, interval of the standing wave becomes shorter according that the utilized frequency becomes higher. Thereby, influence becomes larger.
When the unevenness of the process gas distribution relating to the second factor occurs, bias occurs in active species occurring in the plasma treatment space even if glow discharge uniformly exists between electrodes. According that treatment area becomes larger, unevenness of process gas distribution becomes easy to be generated. Conventionally, although the process gas introduced in the plasma treatment space is supplied while passing through a shower plate in which a plurality of ventilation holes are formed and dispersed, thereby the in-plane uniformity of density of the process gas becoming material of the plasma generated on the substrate is improved, there is a problem that the process gas does not sufficiently disperse in a plane direction, film thickness formed just below a gas introduction hole becomes easy to be thick and thickness of thin film formed on the substrate becomes non-uniform.
The in-plane uniformity of surface temperature of the substrate relating to the third factor affects in film thickness distribution formed on the object substrate and film quality. As heating method, various controls divided into zones are conducted by a heater plate system utilizing resistance heating and an IR (infrared) lamp and the like.
Recently, upon request from low temperature process and area enlarging of FPD (Flat Panel Display), solar cell and semiconductor substrate, solution is attempted by various approaches to improve the in-plane uniformity in the PECVD, an ashing or etching devices and the like which are utilizing high frequency (for example, referring Patent literatures 1, 2).

Plasma treatment device and structure of reaction vessel for plasma treatment


A process for continuous, on-demand production of dilute acrolein liquid on-site, at or near the point of acrolein injection, by the liquid dehydration of glycerol in an improved tubular reactor where non-aqueous glycerol is combined with a heteropolyacid catalyst, including silicotungstic acid, phosphotungstic acid, or phosphomolybdic acid. The acid catalyst is evenly dissolved and dispersed in the glycerol upstream of the reactor vessel. The reaction is conducted in a tubular reactor which is heated to an elevated reaction temperature. The dilute acrolein produced in the tubular reactor is directed downstream, optionally through a liquid-liquid heat exchanger and then an air-liquid heat exchanger to reduce temperature, and then diluted prior to being injected into sulfide contaminated systems (such as oil & gas water floods, water disposal systems, producing oil wells, and fuel oil storage) via a pressure conduit.

Iron sulfide (FeS) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pose serious operating, system, functional, and safety problems in several operational areas of oil & gas production, including water injection systems, oil well flowline and field process systems, oil and water storage tanks, and gas conditioning systems. H2S present in the liquid or gas phase of oil well production can cause corrosion failures and toxicity problems, as well as combining with iron to form iron sulfide, which can easily deposit in flowlines, plug equipment, plug downhole pumps, plug filters, plug injection lines and form flow blockages at the formation face and within downhole oil and gas producing reservoirs. Iron sulfide is frequently formed under normal operating conditions in oilfield equipment from the combination of iron with H2S in produced water.
FeS is a challenging problem in oilfield water systems. Several commercial methods have been available to dissolve FeS, for example, sodium hypochlorite, acids, chelating agents, etc. Each of the above methods have drawbacks. Both iron oxide and sulfur are insoluble in water and can result in formation plugging problems. Many different acids can be used to dissolve FeS, however, reaction of acids with FeS can result in the release of H2S in the atmosphere and in the injection fluid. H2S is highly undesirable because of its toxicity and, eventually, can lead to reservoir souring. Furthermore, acids lower the pH which can lead to accelerated corrosion rates in metal pipelines and fluid handling equipment.
There are certain chelating agents that demonstrate some effectiveness in converting FeS into soluble iron but only at low H2S concentrations (<5 ppm). At higher H2S concentrations in fluids, chelating agents are impeded from action. In comparison, acrolein acts on H2S and FeS through a chemical reaction with the sulfide element, producing nontoxic, soluble, low molecular weight product. Acrolein is a non-corrosive liquid and is not an oxidizing chemical. The reaction of acrolein with FeS is irreversible and permanently converts the FeS, present in the fluid produced within the oil well system, into a water-soluble product.
Acrolein (also called 2-propenal or acrylic aldehyde) is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde, having a chemical formula of C3H4O. Acrolein has a boiling point of 53° C. and a high synthetic and technical potential due to the conjugation of the carbonyl group with a vinyl group. Acrolein is a highly toxic material having a distinctive pungent odor, and a flammable material with high environmental polluting potential. Acrolein has enormous industrial applications as a significant intermediate for acrylic acid production. The largest commercial use of acrolein is an intermediate in the synthesis of acrylic acid and as a biocide. Acrolein is currently produced commercially in large quantity by the oxidation of propylene using multi-component mixed oxide catalysts. The primary source of propylene is crude oil.
The production of acrolein from glycerol has been generally known since around 1918. During the early chemical industry days, the limited availability of glycerol or the increased cost of glycerol over the cost of propylene resulted in propylene, which is produced from crude oil, serving as the primary feedstock in the chemical industry.
Acrolein is used successfully in oilfield applications both onshore and offshore for reducing the harmful effects of H2S and FeS in produced water. Acrolein treatments are very effective in both cost and performance. Several published industry papers describe how effective acrolein is in treatment of H2S and iron sulfide in oilfield applications: Kissel, Charles L. et al. (1985). SPE 11179, "Factors Contributing to the Ability of Acrolein to Scavenge Corrosive Hydrogen Sulfide." Salma, T. et al. (2000). SPE 59708, "Cost Effective Removal of Iron Sulfide and Hydrogen Sulfide from Water using Acrolein." Penkala, J. E. et al. (2006). SPE 98067 "Acrolein Application to Mitigate Biogenic Sulfides and Remediate Injection-Well Damage in Gas-Plant Water-Disposal System." Horaska, D. D. et al. (2009) SPE 120238, "Field Experiences Detailing Acrolein (2-propenal) Treatment of a Produced Water Injection System in the Sultanate of Oman."
In addition to its ability to dissolve FeS and scavenger H2S, acrolein is also a highly effective micro-biocide used commercially since about 1960 and has found wide use in oil and gas production industry. Acrolein is delivered as a liquid product typically supplied in a regulated, specialized metal container with a special control apparatus to prevent the release from transfers between tanks and injection equipment. Acrolein is difficult to handle and apply due to the toxicity it poses to its handlers and the surrounding workers.
Handling acrolein liquid can present special challenges and requirements to protect workers and the environment. Acrolein is generally delivered to the field location in a pressure tank and discharged using an inert gas. The acrolein containers are built to comply with international transportation regulations for this purpose. The activity of acrolein in treatment water is managed at a dilute concentration in water (below 2%) to safely handle the treatment and to prevent potential polymerization of the acrolein with hydrocarbons. Several handling methods of use have been plagued by the very real possibility of the rupture or leakage of the storage and feeding equipment employed, with consequent probability of toxicity to personnel or animals and/or fire-explosion damage to plants and equipment. Even if the fatal consequences of inhalation, fire or explosion are avoided, the irritation and lachrymation caused by even minute quantities of escaped vapors is a pronounced disadvantage.
Despite the many dangers of using acrolein, it provides a unique all-in-one chemical solution to assist in resolving problems associated with sulfide contamination. Acrolein is highly efficient in scavenging H2S. As a sulfide scavenger, acrolein reacts in a 2:1 molar ratio to form water soluble, irreversible sulfide containing reaction products. The reaction with H2S is rapid, whereas the reaction with FeS is slower due to the dependence on the shift from FeS to H2S and soluble iron, whereby it scavenges the H2S. Acrolein can be used for downhole treatment of production and injection wells to control FeS solids, H2S, bacteria, pump failures, and microbiological influenced corrosion (MIC). Acrolein can be useful in the treatment of oil storage tanks, settling tanks, heater treaters and free water knockouts to improve oil water separation and control bacteria. Acrolein can treat water storage air flotation units, water storage tanks, and surge tanks to control sulfide solids and bacteria. Acrolein can treat filters to control bacteria, FeS solids and improve filter run times. Acrolein can protect flow lines and water injection lines by controlling bacteria, FeS solids, MIC, H2S and under-deposit corrosion. The fact that acrolein is non-corrosive and non-surfactant in nature makes it compatible with surface and downhole equipment and oil-water separation equipment. In addition to oilfield applications of acrolein, it is used as a highly effective aquatic herbicide to control subaquatic plants in water distribution channels, and it is also used as a replacement for pest control agents used for the control of nematode infestation in agriculture.
Glycerol serves as a feedstock to produce acrolein. It is well known in the art to prepare acrolein by dehydrating glycerol. The production of acrolein in the presence of a solid catalyst, also called heterogenous catalyst, has been known for many years. The dehydration of glycerol to produce acrolein, using heterogenous catalysts in continuous flow fixed bed reactors is reported in several industry journals. For example, Herbert in U.S. Pat. No. 2,042,224 teaches the use of a novel process wherein acrolein can be prepared by thermal decomposition of anhydrous glycerol in the presence of certain strong dehydrating agents, such as alkali-metal acid sulfates, phosphorous pentoxide and the like. Howard in U.S. Pat. No. 2,558,520 teaches the use of a method for the preparation of acrolein by the dehydration of glycerol with a dehydration catalyst orthophosphoric acid, metaphosphoric acid or phosphorous pentoxide. Kissel in U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,314 teaches how dilute solutions of acrolein are produced on site and on demand by oxidizing propylene in a reactor using heterogeneous catalysts, which are mixtures of molybdenum, bismuth and tellurium oxides and which are deposited on a metal and used in a packed catalyst bed.
The hazards of handling, shipping, and storing concentrated acrolein can be reduced by diluting it with a solvent, like water. However, storage of dilute acrolein usually results in degradation of the material over time. Water hydrolyzes acrolein, producing hydrolysis products that retain little or no functionality as a sulfide scavenger or iron sulfide dissolver. Maximum levels of acrolein dissolved in water are about 19-25% depending on temperature. After a few days, these levels are reduced to only a few percent. It is generally known that a lower pH extends the life of acrolein in water. Even with the use of acid, after a few months, the acrolein concentration lowers to ineffective concentration levels.
There exists a need for a portable, self-contained system for generating a dilute solution of acrolein in sufficient quantities to satisfy on-demand and on-site requirements, while avoiding the problems arising from safety concerns and the handling of concentrated acrolein.
There exists a need for a system which avoids the use of solid, heterogenous catalyst or a packed catalyst bed, thus reducing the need to regenerate solid catalyst to remove fouling carbon deposits from the surface of solid catalyst. The deactivation, carbonization or coking, remains the main obstacle in the way of transportable and large-scale industrial applications.
There exists a need for a system which utilizes a renewable glycerol feedstock in the production method. Worldwide glycerol production is increasing due to the expansion of bio-diesel production, based upon triglycerides, and has led to a large surplus of its major byproduct glycerol. Glycerol is also produced as a by-product of betaine production, such as cocoamidopropyl betaine, a surfactant used in industrial cleaners and personal care products.
There exists a need for a system whereby the dehydration of glycerol into acrolein occurs within the liquid phase, and not in the vapor phase. The typical vapor phase dehydration of glycerol requires the use of a water-glycol mixture that must be elevated to a high temperature to form a water vapor along glycerol vapor stream at elevated pressures flowing over a heterogenous, solid acid catalyst bed. The solid acid catalysts are often highly prone to carbonization (carbon fouling) leading to greatly reduced reaction efficiencies due to the blockage of active catalyst reaction sites.
There exists a need for a system whereby acrolein may be added to water systems and dispersed without the danger of the entrainment of air within acrolein storage and feeding systems, and the fire and explosive hazards which would otherwise result.
The present invention meets these needs.

System for sulfide treatment in oilfield systems


A ground connector implemented as a modified lug on a flexible ground lead allows the convenient termination of a solid ground wire at a cable shield ground clamp. The ground wire and ground clamp are electrically and mechanically attached at the modified lug. The flexible ground lead carries the combined ground connection to a common ground point within an enclosure.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to devices for implementing a ground connection and, more particularly, to a ground connector for terminating heavy gauge solid ground wire at a cable shield ground clamp.
2. Description of the Related Art
A number of devices have been employed for connecting the tubular ground shield of service wires to a common ground point. Most conventional devices employ clamp assemblies of various forms. In applications to which the present invention relates, the ground connection devices are positioned within a cabinet or housing which may hereafter be referred to as a network interface device (NID). A NID is typically a weather-resistant, rigid plastic housing that may be mounted to a telephone pole or on the outside of a home. The NID receives service wires and includes connection terminals for linking a network to inside wiring. The buried service wires are typically comprised of multiple, concentric, protective layers surrounding several pairs of signal-carrying wires. The outer layer of a service wire is typically a heavyweight, flexible rubber or plastic, referred to as a jacket or sheath. Inside the jacket is typically arranged a tube-like metallic ground shield. Within the ground shield there may be another layer or layers of plastic or rubber surrounding and protecting the signal wires, otherwise known as pairs.
The NID is typically mounted to a pole or on the outside of a home and the service wire arranged to enter the cabinet through one of several grommet-covered entry openings. The NID is typically mounted so that the entry openings are directed downwardly. After passing through the rubber or elastic grommet, the ground shield of the service wire must be connected to a common ground point within the NID. U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,314 (hereinafter the ""314 patent), assigned to the assignee of the present invention, discloses a cable-shield ground clamp for implementing such a ground connection. The cable shield ground clamp comprises a generally U-shaped yoke whose generally parallel legs define a service-cable-receiving aperture. The legs of the yoke have opposed, threaded surfaces. A keeper is threadable with the legs of the yoke and torquable for displacement relative to the yoke. The keeper includes a clamp jaw that is compressably engageable against the ground shield of a service wire received in the aperture. The yoke includes a screw or other means for connecting an end portion of the yoke to a flexible ground lead for implementing the ground connection with a common ground point.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,840 and 6,322,378, both assigned to the assignee of the present invention, disclose trough-like, rigid pair protectors which are configured to substantially surround the signal pairs when inserted within the ground shield of a service wire. The service wire and received pair protector are then received in the aperture of the ""314 cable shield ground clamp. This arrangement allows the ground clamp to be torqued such that a reliable and secure ground connection is developed between the clamp and the cable ground shield without damaging the conductor pairs. The pair protector is sufficiently rigid to withstand pressure from the jaw of the ground clamp and protect the signal pairs within. The pair protector may be of particular utility when the signal wires are optical fibers and prone to crushing or other damage. Further, the pair protector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,378 discloses a conductive extension that projects an electrical connection with the shield to a point outside the cable jacket, obviating the need to remove the cable jacket and improving the strength of the assembled service wire and clamp.
The ground clamp is installed to the service cable after the service cable has passed through a grommet leading into the enclosure or NID. Many modern enclosures or NIDs are manufactured from molded plastics or other engineering materials that are substantially nonconductive. It, therefore, is necessary to implement a ground connection to a common network ground point within the enclosure to protect against lightning strikes and provide for noise suppression, etc., as is known in the art. Frequently, the ground connection enters the enclosure in the form of a heavy-gauge, solid copper or aluminum wire along a path parallel to the buried service wire. It may be difficult to establish a reliable connection between such a heavy-gauge, solid wire and the common ground point in the enclosure or NID. This is due to the limited space inside the enclosure or NID and the fact that the hardware inside the NID is often not compatible with the size and rigidity of such a solid ground wire.
There is a need in the art for a compact, efficient and reliable means for connecting a heavy-gauge, solid ground wire to a common ground point within a NID.
Briefly stated, the invention comprises a lug configured for permanent fixture to a flexible, stranded ground lead where the lug is modified to receive and secure one end of a predetermined gauge, solid ground wire. The modified lug is further configured to secure to the upper cap or end portion of the yoke of a cable shield ground connector as described in the ""314 patent. A service wire and solid ground wire may thus be terminated immediately inside a NID and the ground connection for both carried to a common ground point by the flexible ground lead. The flexible ground lead may be pre-installed in the NID.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved means of grounding a network interface device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved connector for a solid ground wire entering a NID of space-efficient design.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved means of establishing a connection between a solid ground wire entering a NID and the NID circuitry that minimizes installation steps.


When a unit containing a fuse is mounted, in response to detection of a potential indicating that the fuse has not been blown by a detection circuit, a current for blowing the fuse is supplied from a blowing circuit to the mounted unit containing the fuse, and operation of the blowing circuit is checked based on potentials detected by the detection circuit before current supply and after current supply, respectively. When a unit containing a non-blown component instead of a fuse is mounted, a current is supplied from the blowing circuit to the mounted unit containing the non-blown component, and operation of the blowing circuit is checked based on potentials detected by the detection circuit before current supply and during current supply, respectively, or potentials detected by the detection circuit before current supply and after current supply, respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming device with a mounted replaceable unit which indicates a state thereof depending on whether or not a contained fuse has been blown, a method of checking operation in the image forming device, and a storage medium storing an operation checking program directed to the image forming device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, image forming devices (copying machines, printers, facsimiles, and Multifunction Peripherals) generally have mounted units required for image forming operation. Examples of such replaceable units (hereinafter also referred to simply as "units") include a toner unit for supplying toner used for printing, an imaging unit having a photoconductor, a transfer body and the like.
An image forming device needs to obtain a state of a mounted unit (e.g., information that the unit is new or used) for proper operation. A known structure for obtaining a state of a unit includes a nonvolatile memory or the like contained in each unit, with necessary information stored in the nonvolatile memory.
Also known is a more simplified structure, in which a unit contains therein a component (typically a fuse) whose state value can be electrically changed, and a state of the unit is obtained based on an electrical state of this component.
As an example of the latter structure, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 05-040373 discloses a technique of determining whether a unit is new or used based on whether or not a fuse contained in the unit has been blown. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-041392 discloses a structure in which a fuse is contained as a circuit for detecting that a replaceable unit is new, and the fuse is blown when it is detected that the unit is new.
When a structure in which a fuse contained in a unit is blown in response to mounting of the unit on an image forming device as described above is employed, operation of a circuit for performing blowing operation (hereinafter also referred to as a "fuse blowing circuit") can be checked as well during the blowing operation.
When shipped from a factory, such image forming device generally has units required for performing image forming processing already mounted thereon. Namely, the image forming device is shipped after completion of mounting of required units, fuse blowing operation in the units, checking of operation of the fuse blowing circuit, an initialization process on the mounted units, and the like. Stated another way, in an image forming device after being shipped from a factory, fuse blowing operation is not performed in principle for units already mounted at a shipment stage.
A fuse is a relatively expensive component. Accordingly, a fuse contained in a unit already mounted on an image forming device at a shipment stage from a factory (hereinafter also referred to as an "included unit") could be eliminated to reduce manufacturing costs. Yet even in this case, a new unit to be mounted after the included unit reaches the end of its life needs to contain a fuse.
Fuse blowing operation in a unit also serves to check operation of a fuse blowing circuit, and simply eliminating a fuse in a unit results in inability to check operation of the fuse blowing circuit. It may thus be necessary to additionally perform another method of checking operation (e.g., an operation checking step of inspection by installing a jig dedicated to checking operation of a fuse blowing circuit on an inspection line for an image forming device, and then removing the jig), which rather increases the manufacturing costs.

Image forming device with mounted replaceable unit, method of checking operation in that image forming device, and storage medium storing operation checking program directed to that image forming device

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


In a method of making an electrochemical device including an electrochemical element comprising a pair of opposing electrode layers, a separator layer disposed between the pair of electrode layers, and an electrolyte existing between the pair of electrode layers; an ionic liquid is applied to at least one of the electrode and separator layers, and then the electrode and separator layers are laminated together.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of making an electrochemical device; and, more specifically, to a method of making n electrochemical device encompassing batteries such as lithium ion secondary batteries and electrochemical capacitors such as electric double layer capacitors.
2. Related Background Art
Electrochemical devices represented by batteries such as lithium ion secondary batteries and electrochemical capacitors such as electric double layer capacitors are easy to reduce their size and weight, and thus are expected to become power supplies and backup power supplies for portable devices (small-size electronic devices) and auxiliary power supplies for hybrid cars, for example.
As the electronic devices further reduce their sizes, the electrochemical devices are desired to become thinner. Known as means for yielding such an electrochemical device which can be made thinner is a method of preparing structures each of which comprises a pair of electrode layers and a separator layer of a porous film disposed therebetween and is dipped in an electrolytic solution; thermocompression-bonding the structures together; and producing an electrochemical device from thus obtained electrochemical element (e.g., Japanese Patent Publication No. 3297034).
If the separator and electrode layers are to be laminated after being individually dipped in the electrolytic solution in such a manufacturing method, their alignment for lamination will be very difficult because of a decrease in the strength of the separator layers, etc. It is therefore considered important that the electrode and separator layers be partly bonded together with a hot-melt adhesive beforehand and then be dipped in the electrolytic solution and thermocompression-bonded together. One of reasons why the alignment must be done accurately is that, for example, lithium ions released from a positive electrode are deposited without being taken into a negative electrode in a lithium second battery and thus lower the battery capacity unless the negative electrode opposes the whole surface of the positive electrode.


The invention relates to an aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers comprising a component (i) in the form of one or more compounds selected from —compounds of the formula, and any salts thereof. In which R1 corresponds to H, alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, dihydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, amine; —compounds of the formula, and any salts thereof. In which R2 corresponds to H, alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, dihydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, amine; a component (ii) in the form of one or more compounds selected from the group of ammonia, amines or any salts thereof; a component (iii) in the form of one or more carbohydrates.

Mineral fibre products generally comprise man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) such as, e.g., glass fibres, ceramic fibres, basalt fibres, slag wool, mineral wool and stone wool (rock wool), which are bonded together by a cured thermoset polymeric binder material. For use as thermal or acoustical insulation products, bonded mineral fibre mats are generally produced by converting a melt made of suitable raw materials to fibres in conventional manner, for instance by a spinning cup process or by a cascade rotor process. The fibres are blown into a forming chamber and, while airborne and while still hot, are sprayed with a binder solution and randomly deposited as a mat or web onto a travelling conveyor. The fibre mat is then transferred to a curing oven where heated air is blown through the mat to cure the binder and rigidly bond the mineral fibres together.
In the past, the binder resins of choice have been phenol-formaldehyde resins which can be economically produced and can be extended with urea prior to use as a binder. However, the existing and proposed legislation directed to the lowering or elimination of formaldehyde emissions have led to the development of formaldehyde-free binders such as, for instance, the binder compositions based on polycarboxy polymers and polyols or polyamines, such as disclosed in EP-A-583086, EP-A990727, EP-A-1741726, U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,990 and US-A-2007/0173588.
Another group of non-phenol-formaldehyde binders are the addition/elimination reaction products of aliphatic and/or aromatic anhydrides with alkanolamines, e.g., as disclosed in WO 99/36368, WO 01/05725, WO 01/96460, WO 02/06178, WO 2004/007615 and WO 2006/061249. These binder compositions are water soluble and exhibit excellent binding properties in terms of curing speed and curing density. WO 2008/023032 discloses urea-modified binders of that type which provide mineral wool products having reduced moisture take-up.
Since some of the starting materials used in the production of these binders are rather expensive chemicals, there is an ongoing need to provide formaldehyde-free binders which are economically produced.
A further effect in connection with previously known aqueous binder compositions from mineral fibres is that at least the majority of the starting materials used for the productions of these binders stem from fossil fuels. There is an ongoing trend of consumers to prefer products that are fully or at least partly produced from renewable materials and there is therefore a need to provide binders for mineral wool which are at least partly produced from renewable materials.


Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing telephone line records with Global Positioning System coordinates. One embodiment acquires Global Positioning System information associated with a telephone number. This embodiment uses the Global Positioning System information to create a telephone line record for a telephone number. The Global Positioning System information describes latitude, longitude, and elevation associated with the telephone number. The Global Positioning System information, for example, could define the location of a customer""s service address, a service terminal, a cross-connect box, a wire center, and/or a central office.

This application relates to the commonly-assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 09/946,405, entitled xe2x80x9cMETHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSEMBLING TELEPHONE LINE RECORDS,xe2x80x9d filed Sep. 4, 2001, and of which the xe2x80x9cBrief Summary of the Inventionxe2x80x9d and the xe2x80x9cDetailed Description of the Inventionxe2x80x9d sections are incorporated herein by reference
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but the copyright owner otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to computers and to telecommunications and, more particularly, to methods and systems for creating a telephone line record including Global Positioning System (GPS) information.
2. Description of the Related Art
Most residential and business telephone customers are connected to a telecommunications network by cables and wires. The cables and wires include the familiar one or more telephone lines installed throughout nearly every home in the United States. Because cables and wires connect most homes and many businesses to the telecommunications network, the Public Switched Telephone Network includes billions of cables and wires. Each of these cables and wires must be maintained to provide superior communications service to the customer.
An accurate telephone line record is desirable when maintaining these cables and wires. A telephone xe2x80x9cline recordxe2x80x9d describes a customer""s telephone service, the condition of the telephone system physical facilities serving the customer, and the telephone equipment installed at the customer""s residence or business. When a customer calls to report a problem, accurate telephone line records help identify the problem and help speed resolution.
A telephone line record, however, may have an incorrect, or an incomplete, address location. If the telephone line record is incorrect, then a technician struggles to locate the customer and the facilities serving that customer. When the address is incorrect, time and effort is wasted trying to find the correct service address and the facilities. If the technician had a precise address, the technician could respond, quicker and resolve the customer""s concern.
There is, accordingly, a need for accurate telephone line records, a need for methods and systems that provide a more precise location of a customer""s service address, a need for methods and systems that provide a more precise location of the telephone plant facilities serving the customer, and a need for methods and systems that quickly and easily correct telephone line records.
The aforementioned problems are reduced by a Line Record Assembler Module. The Line Record Assembler Module comprises computer programs and computer systems that utilize Global Positioning System information to improve telephone line records. When a customer reports a problem with their telecommunications service, this invention uses Global Positioning System information to accurately locate the customer""s service address. This invention also uses the Global Positioning System information to accurately locate the telecommunications facilities serving that customer. Because the service address and the facilities are located using Global Positioning System coordinates, a technician quickly and precisely locates the customer and the facilities without using ancillary systems that require line record inputs to derive the waypoint. When the technician quickly locates the customer and the facilities, this invention allows for faster repairs of the telecommunications network. A fast repair also improves the customer""s satisfaction with their telecommunications service provider.
One embodiment of this invention describes a method for enhancing telephone line records with Global Positioning System information. A Line Record Assembler module communicates with a network, gathers various types of information, and assembles this information into a line record. A xe2x80x9cline recordxe2x80x9d describes a customer""s telephone service(s), the physical facilities serving the customer, and the service address of the customer. The line record, for example, may include at least one of the following types of information: a listed name for the customer, a service address, a location for the customer, working conditions at the service address, a class of service, listing information, port status information, and location route number. The line record could also include a cable and a line pair serving the customer, F1 and F2 lines serving the customer, a cross-connect box serving the customer, a terminal serving the customer, and even one or more utility poles serving the customer. The line record could also include a universal service order code, a terminal address, and a remote terminal serving the customer. The Line Record Assembler module communicates with a network and acquires at least one of the following: customer service information associated with a telephone number, facility information associated with the telephone number, telephone equipment information associated with the telephone number, and Global Positioning System information associated with the telephone number. The Line Record Assembler module combines the customer service information, the facility information, the telephone equipment information, and the Global Positioning System information into a line record for the telephone number. The Global Positioning System information may include a latitude, a longitude, and/or an elevation that helps locate the customer and the telecommunications facilities serving the customer.
Another embodiment describes an alternative method for enhancing telephone line records with Global Positioning System information. A work order is dispatched, with the work order describing a reported problem with a telecommunications network. The work order is associated with a telephone number and comprises Global Positioning System information retrieved from a database. The Global Positioning System information is used for locating at least one of i) a service address associated with the telephone number and ii) a telephone plant facility associated with the telephone number. Updated Global Positioning System information is received, with the updated Global Positioning System information describing the actual location of the service address and/or the telephone plant facility associated with the telephone number. The updated Global Positioning System information is then stored in the database for future uses.
Still another embodiment describes a computer system for enhancing telephone line records. The system has a Liner Record Assembler module stored in memory. The Line Record Assembler module acquires Global Positioning System information associated with a telephone number. The Line Record Assembler module uses the Global Positioning System information to create a telephone line record for the telephone number. A processor communicates with the memory and executes executable instructions.

BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation


A liquefaction system is capable of sequentially or simultaneously liquefying multiple feed streams of hydrocarbons having different normal bubble points with minimal flash. The liquefying heat exchanger has separate circuits for handling multiple feed streams. The feed stream with the lowest normal boiling point is sub-cooled sufficiently to suppress most of the flash. Feed streams with relatively high normal boiling points are cooled to substantially the same temperature, then blended with bypass streams to maintain each product near its normal bubble point. The system can also liquefy one stream at a time by using a dedicated circuit or by allocating the same feed to multiple circuits.

Hydrocarbon liquefaction processes are known in the art. Often, hydrocarbon liquefaction plants are designed to liquefy a specific hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons at specific feed conditions, for example natural gas or ethane at certain feed temperature, pressure, and composition.
It may be desirable to operate a liquefaction plant using different a feed stream than originally planned. For example, it may be desirable to liquefy ethylene at a plant originally designed to liquefy ethane. There exists therefore, a need for hydrocarbon liquefaction plants that are capable of efficiently liquefying a variety of feed streams.
It is also desirable to provide such flexibility, while also enabling the simultaneous liquefaction of multiple feed streams, each having a different composition, temperature, and/or pressure (hereinafter "different feed properties"). Regardless of the nature of the feed streams, it is also desirable to liquefy the feed streams in a manner that enables each product to be stored in a low-pressure tank (typically less than 2 bara and preferably less than 1.5 bara) and with little or no product flash (preferably less than 10 mole % vapor).
One option for liquefying multiple feed streams, each having different feed properties, and storing each product in a low pressure product tanks with minimum or no flash, would be to require the product streams to leave the main cryogenic heat exchanger (MCHE) at different temperatures. This option is undesirable because it would add complexity to the MCHE, including the addition of side-headers. Another option would be to have the product streams leave MCHE at the same temperature and sub-cool the least-volatile product stream beyond what is required for the storage. This option would require additional power or may lead to collapse of the product tank. In addition, the most volatile product may flash, leading to product loss or the need for re-liquefaction.
Accordingly, there is a need for a hydrocarbon liquefaction plant and process that is capable of liquefying multiple different feed streams with minimal product flash, that is capable of adjusting to changes in the properties of the feed streams, and is simple, reliable, and relatively inexpensive to construct, maintain, and operate.

Multi-product liquefaction method and system