Described is the use of sclareolide in augmenting or enhancing the organoleptic properties of foodstuffs whereby:. (i) richness and creaminess is added to low fat ice cream by admixing therewith the sclareolide; PA0 (ii) the sweetness of foodstuffs and beverages sweetened with non-neutrative sweeteners, e.g., aspartame is enhanced by admixing with the non-neutrative sweetener, prior to addition to the beverage or foodstuff, sclareolide; and PA0 (iii) bitter nuances imnparted by the use of potassium chloride in salt substitutes are substantially covered by means of admixing salt substitutes with sclareolide.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to foodstuffs having improved taste quality, more particularly, after taste quality. The present invention also relates to the use of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR1## in enhancing the effect of sodium chloride or in debittering potassium chloride used as a substitute for a sodium chloride in such foods as soups. The present invention also relates to the enhancement of food flavors using sclareolide having the structure: ##STR2## as a flavor enhancer. The present invention also relates to the use of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR3## as at least a partial fat replacer to be used in dairy products such as ice cream, sour cream and whipped toppings. The present invention also relates to the use of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR4## as a modulator to reduce or eliminate the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.
2. Description of the Prior Art and Discussion of the Background
Taste qualities of foodstuffs change depending on the composition of taste components contained therein. When foodstuffs have miscellaneous tastes or an unpleasant taste, various improvements can be made by adjusting the composition. Among low calorie sweeteners, the use of which has been rapidly growing recently, for example, aspartame is characterized as a sweetener free from a bitter or astringent taste or an irritating taste and having a refreshing sweetness. However, aspartame is somewhat insufficient in rich tasteness in terms of sweet quality. Further, aspartame has a tendency to impart a sweet aftertaste, as is characteristically noted with sweeteners having a high titer. To improve such a sweet quality of aspartame, various proposals have been made (Published Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Nos. 90667/77, 148255/81, 63068/82, 141760/83, etc.).
However, the purpose of improving sweet quality of aspartame and imparting satisfaction comparable to that of sugar have not been sufficiently achieved. Further the method of using these various taste components in combination requires the component used in combination in a weight almost the same as or larger than that of aspartame, in most cases. From an aspect of rendering a low calorie or general purpose use, a further improvement has been desired.
In addition, tastes such as an astringent taste of the like, especially a different flavor or miscellaneous flavors left on the tongue as an aftertaste tend to adversely affect the taste quality of foodstuffs as a whole. In such a case, even though a beforetaste, etc., is of good quality, the taste quality tends to be lowered as a whole due to the unpleasant aftertaste and it becomes necessary to improve the whole taste from the beforetaste to aftertaste.
It is well known that the combination of monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) and a flavor inducing 5'-nucleotide, such as disodium inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP), disodium guanosine-5'-monophosphate(GMP), or a mixture thereof, exhibit a synergistic flavoring activity. Moreover, mixtures comprising MSG and a flavor inducing 5'-nucleotide having long been widely used as economical flavoring agents or seasoning agents for various foods and beverages.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,072 issued on Mar. 24, 1981 discloses a mixed seasoning comprising 100 parts by weight monosodium glutamate; 0.05 to 25 parts by weight of a flavor inducing 5'-nucleotide; 5.0 to 38.0 parts by weight of sodium chloride; 0.1 to 0.87 parts by weight succinic acid and/or sodium succinate; and 0.5 to 10.0 parts by weight of at least one alkali metal salt of an organic acid which may be sodium fumarate, sodium citrate, sodium or calcium lactate, sodium maleate, sodium tartrate, sodium ascorbate or sodium aspartate.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,244 issued on Aug. 5, 1980 discloses a low sodium seasoning which includes potassium chloride as its major ingredient together with other nonsodium compounds masking the bitterness of the potassium chloride so that the seasoning can be substituted for sodium chloride seasonings.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,244 specifically discloses a low sodium salt seasoning consisting by weight of a mixture of about 90 percent low sodium salt base and about 10 percent low sodium diluent, with the base consisting by weight of a mixture of about 92 percent potassium chloride, about 3 percent L-glutamic acid and about 1 percent each of monopotassium glutamate, potassium citrate and potassium phosphate.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,793 issued on Jan. 3, 1978 discloses seasoning compositions, and processes for their production, which have an improved and enhanced meat-like flavor, and comprise mixtures containing extracts of yeast autolysates, 5'-nucleotides, sodium chloride and potassium salts; the potassium ion concentration being more than 0.5 times the sodium ion concentration.
Yamada in German Offenlegungsschrift No. 3144-166, French Patent No. 2,493,681 and Japan Published Application No. J57-079860 discloses a seasoning composition which may be either:
______________________________________ Weight Percent ______________________________________ (i) 15-21 magnesium chloride; 3-10 magnesium sulfate; 2-4 potassium chloride; 0.2-0.5 magnesium bromide; and 2-7 sodium chloride; or (ii) 15-21 magnesium chloride; 6-9 magnesium sulfate; 2-4 potassium chloride; 0.2-0.4 magnesium bromide; 2.6 sodium chloride; and 0.1-21 calcium salt. ______________________________________
The Yamada patents and patent applications indicate that when the salt composition is diluted, it does not give bitterness but gives a round taste and gives rise to intensity of the saltiness of common salt.
Issued Japanese Patent No. J82-022311 discloses a synergistic seasoning composition containing monosodium glutamate, a nucleic acid type tasting compound, sodium chloride, succinic acid salt and at least one othr sodium salt. The seasoning is composed of:
(i) monosodium glutamate;
(ii) nucleic acid-type tasting substance such as disodium inosine-5'-monophosphate and/or disodium guanosine-5'-monophosphate;
(iii) sodium chloride;
(iv) succinic acid and/or sodium succinate; and
(v) at least one salt selected from the group consisting of monosodium furmarate, trisodium citrate, monosodium lactate, calcium lactate, disodium malate, disodium tartarate, sodium ascorbate and monosodium aspartate.
The abstract of Japanese Patent No. J8/2022311 is as follows:
Derwent Abstracts ("FOODOC"/January, 1983)
"Synergistic seasoning compsn.-contains monosodium glutamate, nucleic acid type tasting cpd., sodium chloride succinic acid salt and at least one other sodium salt. The seasoning is composed of (1) monosodium glutamate, (2) nucleic acid-type tasting substance (e.g., disodium inosine-5'-monophosphate and/or disodium guanoisine-5'-monophosphate), (3) sodium chloride, (4) succinic acid and/or sodium succinate and (5) at least 1 salt selected from monosodium fumarate, trisodium citrate, monosodium lactate, calcium lactate, disodium malate, disodium tartarate, sodium ascorbate and monosodium aspartate. The ratio (1):(2)=1:0.0005-0.25, esp. 1:0.001-0.15; (1)+(2):(3)=1:0.05-3, esp. 0.07-0.25 (1)+(2):(4)=1:0.0010-0.0070, esp. 1:0.0015:0.0055. (1)+(2):(5)=1:0.005-0.080, esp 1:0.010-0.070 (4) and (5) are expressed as the free acid. "By combining sodium chloride (4) and (5) the tasting strength of the seasoning can be increased and its taste made similar to that of monosodium glutamate." PA0 meat and meat by-products: 77-92% and PA0 texturized soy: 8-20%. PA0 Methyl thiazole alcohol (4-methyl-5-.beta.-hydroxyethyl thiazole); PA0 2-Methyl butanethiol; PA0 4-Mercapto-2-butanone; PA0 3-Mercapto-4-pentanone; PA0 1-Mercapto-2-propanone; PA0 Benzaldehyde; PA0 Furfural; PA0 Furfural alcohol; PA0 2-Mercapto propionic acid; PA0 2-Methylfuran-3-thiol; PA0 2-Methyldihydrofuran-3-thiol; PA0 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-thiol; PA0 2-Ethylfuran-3-thiol; PA0 2-Ethyldihydrofuran-3-thiol; PA0 Methyl pyrazine; PA0 2-Ethyl-3-methyl pyrazine; PA0 Tetramethyl pyrazine; PA0 Dipropyl disulfide; PA0 Methyl benzyl disulfide; PA0 Allyl thiophenes; PA0 2-Butyl thiophene; PA0 2,3-Dimethyl thiophene; PA0 5-Methyl furfural; PA0 Acetyl furan; PA0 2,4-Decadienal; PA0 Guiacol; PA0 Phenyl acetaldehyde; PA0 .delta.-Decalactone; PA0 d-Limonene; PA0 Acetoin; PA0 Amyl acetate; PA0 Maltol; PA0 Ethyl butyrate; PA0 Levulinic acid; PA0 Piperonal; PA0 Ethyl acetate; PA0 N-Octanal; PA0 n-Pentanal; PA0 n-Hexanal; PA0 Diacetyl; PA0 Monosodium glutamate; PA0 Sulfur-containing amino acids; PA0 Cysteine; PA0 Hydrolyzed vegetable protein; PA0 Hydrolyzed fish protein; and PA0 Tetramethyl pyrazine.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,368 issued on June 28, 1974 discloses a therapeutic composition of an aqueous medium containing about 75-150 moles sodium ions; 5-50 moles potassium ion; 5-50 moles bicarbonate ions; 75-150 moles chloride ion and preferably containing about 1-30 moles magnesium ion and about 1-30 moles of HPO.sub.4 =and/or SO.sub.4 =ion with a solution having a pH of about 5.95-8.4 and an osmolality of about 170-460.
Japanese Patent No. J82/00777 issued on Jan. 7, 1982 and abstracted at Chem.Abstracts, Volume 96:161168h discloses a salt composition for sea food preservation containing 0.15-1% sodium chloride and a mixture of magnesium sulfate and calcium sulfate (1:1) weight ratio. It is indicated the magnesium sulfate and calcium sulfate marketedly improved the flavor of the food product.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,823 discloses a process for preparing a fabricated meat comprising the sequential steps of:
(a) emulsifying meat or meat by-products;
(b) admixing a salt, with the emulsified meat or meat by-products, in a weight-persent proportion of 1.5-3% based on the weight of the fabricated product, the salt being present in a proportion sufficient to extract salt soluble protein from the emulsified meat or meat by-products, the salt being selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, sodium polyphosphates and potassium polyphosphates;
(c) extracting the salt soluble protein from the meat and meat by-products;
(d) admixing texturized soy with the emulsified meat or meat by-products, extracted protein and salt;
(e) forming the mixture into a desired shape;
(f) blanching the shaped mixture in a temperature range of 170.degree.-210.degree. F.; and
(g) thereafter maintaining the moisture content of the fabricated meat and meat by-product in the range of up to about 70%,
the weight-percent proportions of the ingredients being:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,614 issued on July 20, 1982 discloses a stringently sodium-restricted dietetic salt in its preparation which consists of a mixture of from 60-85 weight percent potassium chloride; 10-30 weight percent potassium adipate; 2-5 weight percent potassium tartrate; 0.5-2 weight percent potassium glutamate; 0.5-2 weight percent adipic acid; and from 0.004 up to 0.06 weight percent of potassium inosinate and/or potassium guanylate.
Furthermore, the use of certain materials for enhancing the flavor of foodstuffs is well recognized in the art. One of the first materials widely utilized for this purpose was monosodium glutamate. More recently, 5'-nucleotides, particularly inosinates and guanylates, have been similarly utilized as flavor enhancers. These nucleotides have particularly been used with meat and fish materials.
It has been recognized that certain pyrazines are present in coffee and other beverages. The use of acetylpyrazines to impart popcorn-like flavors has been suggested. The use of tetramethylpyrazine, preferably with vanillin, to improve the flavor of cocoa and chocolate material is also known. In these instances the pyrazines are said to have actively imparted a particular flavor character or specific aroma note to a foodstuff or other product.
Nothing in the prior art discloses that sclareolide having the structure: ##STR5## is useful as a fat replacer in ice cream whereby the mouthfeel affect caused by fat may be created using sclareolide as opposed to the fact in the ice cream.
Nothing in the prior art discloses that sclareolide having the structure: ##STR6## has a salt sparing effect whereby traces of sclareolide enhance traces of sodium chloride and also reduce the bittering affect of sodium chloride substitutes such as potassium chloride.
Nothing in the prior art discloses the use of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR7## for accentuation or enhancement of flavor such as cheese flavors in snack applications particularly where the snacks are relatively low in fat content.
Nothing in the prior art discloses the use of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR8## as an aspartame modulator particularly where the aspartame aftertaste is reduced or eliminated.
Fernandez, et al (PhytoChemistry, Volume 24, No. 1, pp. 188-189, 1985, (abstracted at Chemical Abstracts, Vol. 102:128829u) discloses the occurrence of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR9## in Sideritis nutans.
Kaneko in Agr.Biol.Chem., Volume 35, No. 9, pages 1461-1462, 1971 (The Aroma of Cigar Tobacco, Part II/Isolation of Norambreinolide from Cigar Tobacco) (abstracted at Chemical Abstracts Volume 76, 1972, 56811b) discloses the isolation of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR10## from cigar tobacco.
Wahlberg, et al, Acta Chemica Scandinavica B 33 (1979) pages 541-543 (title: "Tobacco Chemistry.49. *New Labdanic Diterpenoids Isolated from Tobacco", (abstract at Chemical Abstracts, Volume 92:19004a) discloses the occurrence of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR11## in tobacco.
Teresa, et al, An. Quim. 1979, 75(5), 335-40 (abstracted at Chemical Abstracts Volume 91:137149d) discloses the isolation of sclareolide having the structure: ##STR12## from the neutral part of the C. ladaniferus gum.

Use of sclareolide in augmenting or enhancing the organoleptic properties of foodstuffs


Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing a set of recommended annotations. A set of tags associated with a content item within a content sharing system is identified, where the content item is associated with a user of the content sharing system. A set of global tag co-occurrences within the content sharing system is identified for the set of tags, where each of the global tag co-occurrences in the set of global tag co-occurrences identifies a pair of tags including one of the set of tags, wherein the pair of tags have both been used together to tag at least one of the content items within the content sharing system. One or more sets of personal tag co-occurrences is identified for the set of tags, where each of the sets of personal tag co-occurrences is used in a corresponding one of one or more personal contexts of the content sharing system, the one or more personal contexts relating to the user of the content sharing system. Each of the personal tag co-occurrences in the sets of personal tag co-occurrences identifies a pair of tags including one of the set of tags that have both been used together to tag at least one content item within a corresponding one of the one or more personal contexts. A set of recommended tags is generated from the set of global tag co-occurrences and the one or more sets of personal tag co-occurrences.

The disclosure relates generally to computer implemented and automatic recommendation of terms (e.g., annotations) within a content sharing system.
The global and open nature of the Internet has aided the rapid growth of multimedia sharing systems. Some examples of such multimedia sharing systems including content sharing websites such as FLICKR® and YOUTUBE®. One of the basic functionalities of content sharing websites is to provide a user with the ability to annotate or "tag" content items with textual descriptions of the submitted media such as photos and videos. For example, a user may tag a picture of the Eiffel Tower with the annotations "Eiffel Tower," "Paris" and "France."
The use of annotations (i.e., tags) in content sharing sites allows users to search for a given content item using well known text searching techniques and algorithms. Additionally, they allow content items to be treated as textual data in a variety of useful ways, such as categorizing content items, linking associated content items to a given content item, etc. Unfortunately, not all users put as much effort into annotating their media accurately.

System for personalized term expansion and recommendation


A method for data processing is disclosed. A blank state is determined for several data bits based on a majority decision. Each data bit is represented by a group of at least two memory cells. The at least two memory cells of this group are complementary cells of a differential read memory.

A differential read can be used to detect data bits of non-volatile memory. The introduction of a differential read in a non-volatile memory (NVM) improves reliability, e.g., even after a high number of write/erase cycles, but requires (at least) two NVM cells (also referred to as a cell pair) per data bit. However, the reading of these cells can yield unpredictable results.

Method, apparatus and device for data processing


A flux transfer device includes a first conductive element for generating magnetic flux when energized by an electric current and a second conductive element being concentric with the first conductive element, wherein the second conductive element generates an electric voltage/current in response to changes in the magnetic flux. A first magnetic element is concentric with the first conductive element, such that the magnetic flux generated by the first conductive element displaces at least a portion of the magnetic flux from the first magnetic element, thereby inducing an electric voltage/current in the second conductive element. A third conductive element and a second magnetic element may be positioned concentrically with the first conductive element such that the magnetic flux generated by the first conductive element displaces at least a portion of magnetic flux from the second magnetic element, thereby inducing an electric voltage/current in the third conductive element.

1. Field
Embodiments of the present invention relate to flux transfer devices. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to devices that use fluctuating magnetic fields to shift the magnetic flux of one or more magnets, thereby inducing an electric voltage in one or more conductive elements positioned proximate the magnets.
2. Related Art
Transformers and similar devices are known in the art that use properties of magnetism to transfer electrical power between conductive coils or windings through a principle known in the art as magnetic induction, wherein a first coil is energized to create a fluctuating magnetic field which induces a voltage in a second coil physically and electrically separate from the first coil.
By way of example, some electric motor designs known in the art use both permanent and electromagnets, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,342,746, 5,463,263, 5,455,474 and 5,254,925. The concept of a motionless electromagnetic generator, or "MEG," is also known in the art. An MEG, such as the MEG disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,718, may use a combination of permanent magnets and multiple primary coils configured and operated as electromagnets to generate electric power on multiple secondary coils. An MEG configured in this manner may use electromagnetic flux generated by the permanent magnets, by the electromagnets, or both to induce a voltage in the secondary coils. Unfortunately, devices such as the aforementioned MEG and electric motors suffer from limitations. For example, operational inefficiencies due to electrical and magnetic losses may render such devices impractical or undesirable.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device which overcomes the limitations described above.


A phase locked loop circuit includes a phase detector and an oscillator associated therewith, and a voltage-to-current converter for providing that lag signals sent thereto from the phase detector provide increased signal to the oscillator, and lead signals sent thereto from the phase detector provide decreased signal to the oscillator.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to phase locked loop systems, and more particularly to means for providing signals between a phase detector and a variable oscillator of the phase locked loop system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Basically a phase locked loop is a frequency feedback system comprised of a phase detector, a loop filter and a variable oscillator in the feedback path. A well-known type of phase detector is what is known as a lead-lag type. If a constant-frequency external input signal is applied to an input terminal of the phase detector, with the input signal from the variable oscillator being also applied to another input terminal of the phase detector, the phase detector compares the phase and frequency of the input signal with the signal of the variable oscillator and generates a voltage during the period of lag, if the variable oscillator signal lags the reference signal, and generates a voltage during the period of lead, if the oscillator signal leads the reference signal. Such devices are discussed in THE ART OF ELECTRONICS, authored by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill, first published 1980, at pages 429-430 thereof. The error voltage is then filtered and applied to the control lead of the variable oscillator thereby varying the oscillator frequency in a direction that reduces the frequency difference between the two signals. When the frequencies of the two signals become sufficiently close, the feedback nature of the system causes the system to lock with the input signal, and the phase detector provides no signal output at all.
In the common design of such a device, the filter includes a resistor and capacitor in series, with the resistor connected to the input lead of the oscillator. The inclusion of such a resistor results in a larger device size than would be necessary if such a resistor could be deleted. In addition to that problem, when using such a resistor, device parameters such as band width and stability are more difficult to control. Furthermore, standard CMOS resistors have a wide tolerance which precludes them from use in typical phase locked loop implementations. Alternatively, using an external resistor introduces a significant noise source and requires the switched currents to be increased to compensate for the large parasitic capacitance inherit in package pins. This increases power dissipation and requires a large filter capacitance.

Fully integrated charge pump phase locked loop


The corresponding α-aminooxy ketone is manufactured with a high yield and a high enantioselectivity. A manufacturing method for an optically active α-aminooxy ketone derivative expressed by formula (1), wherein a ketone expressed by formula (2) is caused to react with a nitroso compound expressed by formula (3) in the presence of a proline derivative expressed by formula (4).

Conventionally, an α-hydroxy ketone has been synthesized by first converting a ketone into an enolate or an equivalent thereof once, and then causing a diastereoselective reaction or an enantioselective reaction (see non-patent literature 1).
As an example of such a method, the method which converts a ketone into a lithium enolate, and causes optically active oxadilysine as an oxidizer to act thereon as an oxidizer (see patent literatures 2 to 8); the method which, as an asymmetric catalytic reaction, converts a ketone into an enol ether, and then carries out asymmetric dihydroxylation thereof (see non-patent literatures 9 to 10); and the technique which further carries out asymmetric epoxidation thereof (non-patent literatures 10 to 14), are known.
As described above, with these methods, it is necessary to first convert a ketone into the corresponding enolate or an equivalent thereof, and the catalytic asymmetric oxidation reaction has presented the problem that substrates with which a high asymmetric yield can be achieved are limited. Further, there has been another problem in that the asymmetric catalytic reaction requires use of an environmentally harmful metallic salt.
Recently, a method for synthesizing an α-aminooxy ketone by converting a ketone into a tin enolate, and then carrying out an asymmetric catalyzed reaction using nitrosobenzene using a catalytic amount of an optically active activating agent has been reported (non-patent literature 15).
The α-aminooxy ketone can be easily converted into an α-hydroxy ketone, thus this technique provides a part of a useful α-hydroxy ketone synthesizing method.
However, although this method requires a smaller amount of optically active catalyst, it has presented problems in that, for example, there is the need to first convert a ketone into a tin enolate; the tin compound has toxicity; and that the asymmetric catalyst used must be prepared from BINAP and AgOTf.
Thus, no excellent method for manufacturing an optically active α-hydroxy ketone directly from a ketone by an asymmetric catalytic reaction using an easily available asymmetric source as an activating agent has been provided. In addition, no manufacturing method which proceeds with high yield and asymmetric yield, meeting the requirements for practical use, has been available. In other words, no efficient manufacturing method from a ketone to an optically active α-hydroxy ketone has been provided.
Non-patent literature 1: Zhou et al. (Zhou, P.; Chen, B. C.; Davis, F. A. "Asymmetric Oxidation Reactions", Katsuki, T., Ed.; Oxford University Press: Oxford, 2001; p 128)
Non-patent literature 2: Davis et al. (Davis, F. A.; Chen, B. C. Chem. Rev. 1992, 92, 919)
Non-patent literature 3: Davis et al. (Davis, F. A.; Haque, M. S. J. Org. Chem. 1986, 51, 4083)
Non-patent literature 4: Chen et al. (Chen, B. C.; Weismiller, M. C.; Davis, F. A.; Boschelli, D.; Empfield, J. R.; Smith, A. B. Tetrahedron 1991, 47, 173)
Non-patent literature 5: Davis et al. (Davis, F. A.; Kumar, A. J. Org. Chem. 1992, 57, 3337)
Non-patent literature 6: Davis et al. (Davis, F. A.; Weismiller, M. C.; Murphy, C. K.; Reddy, R. T.; Chen, B. C. J. Org. Chem. 1992, 57, 7274)
Non-patent literature 7: Davis et al. (Davis, F. A.; Kumar, A.; Reddy, R. T.; Rajarathnam, E.; Chen, B. C.; Wade, P. A.; Shah, S. W. J. Org. Chem. 1993, 58, 7591)
Non-patent literature 8: Davis et al. (Davis, F. A.; Clark, C.; Kumar, A.; Chen, B. C. J. Org. Chem. 1994, 59, 1184)
Non-patent literature 9: Hashiyama et al. (Hashiyama, T.; Morikawa, K.; Sharpless, K. B. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1993, 115, 8463)
Non-patent literature 10: Hashiyama et al. (Hashiyama, T.; Morikawa, K.; Sharpless, K. B. J. Org. Chem. 1992, 57, 5067)
Non-patent literature 11: Fukuda et al. (Fukuda, T.; Katsuki, T. Tetrahedron Lett. 1996, 37, 4389)
Non-patent literature 12: Adam et al. (Adam, W.; Rainer, T. F.; Stegmann, V. R.; Saha-Moller, C. R. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 708)
Non-patent literature 13: Zhu et al. (Zhu, Y.; Yu, Y.; Yu, H.; Shi, Y. Tetrahedron Lett. 1998, 39, 7819)
Non-patent literature 14: Adam et al. (Adam, W.; Fell, R. T.; Saha-Moller, C. R.; Zhao, C-G Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 1998, 9, 397)
Non-patent literature 15: Momiyama et al. (Momiyama, N.; Yamamoto, H. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2003, 125, 6038)

Optically active α-aminooxyketone derivatives and process for production thereof

Abstract: In the formula, R1 and R2 respectively denote an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, and R1 and R2 may be linked to form a ring. R3 denotes an aryl, heterocyclic, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group. A denotes a hydrogen atom, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, acyloxy group or silyloxy group which may have a substituent.

Tokyo University of Science, Center for Science and Technology Exchange


The present invention is directed to compounds which suppress immune responses and/or selectively inhibit complement. These compounds contain an aromatic ring and are substituted dihydrobenzofurans, spirobenzofuran-2(3H)-cycloalkanes, and their open chain intermediates. The compounds of the present invention, and the phamaceutically acceptable salts thereof, interrupt the proteolytic processing of C5 to bioactive components, exhibit immunosuppressive activites, and have therapeutic utility in the amelioration of disease and disorders mediated by complement and/or immune activity.

2.1. The Complement System
The complement system is a group of proteins that constitutes about 10 percent of the globulins in the normal serum of humans (Hood, L. E. et al. 1984, Immunology, 2d Edition, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co., Menlo Park, Calif., p. 339). Complement (C) plays an important role in the mediation of immune and allergic reactions (Rapp, H. J. and Borsos, T., 1970, Molecular Basis of Complement Action, Appleton-Century-Crofts (Meredith), N.Y.). The activation of C components leads to the generation of a group of factors, including chemotactic peptides that mediate the inflammation associated with complement-dependent diseases. The sequential activation of the complement cascade may occur via the classical pathway involving antigen-antibody complexes, or by an alternative pathway which involves the recognition of certain cell wall polysaccharides. The activities mediated by activated complement proteins include lysis of target cells, chemotaxis, opsonization, stimulation of vascular and other smooth muscle cells, degranulation of mast cells, increased permeability of small blood vessels, directed migration of leukocytes, and activation of B lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils (Eisen, H. N., 1974, Immunology, Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., Hagerstown, Md., p. 512).
During proteolytic cascade steps, biologically active peptide fragments, the anaphylatoxins C3a, C4a, and C5a (See WHO Scientific Group, WHO Tech. Rep. Ser. 1977, 606, 5 and references cited therein), are released from the third (C3), fourth (C4), and fifth (C5) native complement components (Hugli, T. E. CRC Crit. Rev. Immunol. 1981, 1, 321; Bult, H. and Herman, A. G. Agents Actions 1983, 13, 405). The C5a fragment, a cationic peptide derived from the first 74 amino acids of the amino-terminus of the C5 alpha subunit (Tack, B. F. et al. Biochemistry 1979, 18, 1490), is of particular pathological relevance. Regulation of C5a activity is by the endogenous plasma enzyme carboxypeptidase N (E.C. 22.214.171.124), which rapidly removes the carboxy-terminal arginine from C5a, producing the less potent but still active C5a des Arg. Reported effects of C3a and C5a upon specific immune responses are listed in Table I.
TABLE I ______________________________________ EFFECTS OF COMPLEMENT COMPONENTS C3a AND C5a ON SPECIFIC IMMUNE RESPONSES Immune Response C3a C5a/C5a des Arg ______________________________________ Specific antibody Suppression Enhancement production in response to: Sheep red blood cells Polyclonal antibody Suppression Enhancement production in response to: Fc antibody fragment T cell proliferation in response to: Tetanous toxoid Suppression Enhancement Mixed lymphocyte No effect Enhancement action T cell-mediated cytotoxicity Suppression Enhancement ______________________________________
Among the wide variety of biological activities exhibited by C5a are contraction of smooth muscle (Wissler, J. H. Eur. J. Immunol. 1972, 1, 73), degranulation of mast cells (Johnson, A. R. et al. Immunol. 1975, 28, 1067), secretion of azurophilic granular enzymes from polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) (Webster, R. O. et al. Immunopharmacol. 1980, 2, 201), and the chemotaxis of PMN (Wisslet, J. H. Eur. J. Immunol. 1972, 1, 73; Becker, E. L. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 1983, 4, 223) (Table II).
TABLE II ______________________________________ BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF C5a ______________________________________ I. Stimulation of neutrophil functions involved in inflamation A. chemotaxis B. chemokinesis C. aggregation D. lysosomal enzyme release E. generation of toxic oxygen products II. Smooth muscle effects A. stomach smooth muscle contraction B. vasodilation III. Promotion of histamine release A. mast cells B. basophils IV. Immunoregulatory effects ______________________________________
The active chemotactic factor in vivo is considered to be C5a des Arg (Becker, E. L. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 1983, 4, 223).
The C5a or C5a des Arg fragments have been implicated in the infiltration of PMN (the chemotactic effect) in rheumatoid arthritis, certain forms of glomerulonephritis, experimental vasculitides such as the Arthus reaction, the acute pneumonitis produced by the instillation of chemotactic factors into the lungs of experimental animals with resulting release of leukotrienes C-4 and D-4 (LTC.sub.4 and LTD.sub.4), etc. In addition, the interactions between C5a and neutrophils have been considered to underlie tissue damage in several clinical situations. For instance, there exists a growing body of evidence for the role of oxygen-derived free radicals in mediating myocardial tissue injury during myocardial ischemia and, in particular, during the phase of myocardial reoxygenation and reperfusion. Among a number of possible sources of these radicals, the polymorphonuclear neutrophil has been the focus of primary attention. Studies have documented that neutrophil depletion or suppression of neutrophil function results in a significant salvage of myocardial tissue that is subjected to a period of regional ischemia followed by reperfusion (Simpson, P. J. and Lucchesi, B. R. J. Lab. Clin. Med. 1987, 110(1), 13-30). Neutrophil depletion in dogs resulted in significantly smaller myocardial infarcts after 90 minute occlusion with 24 hour reperfusion (Jolly, S. R. et al. Am. Heart J. 1986, 112, 682-690).
One study documented the activation of complement and generation of oxygen-derived free radicals during cardiopulmonary bypass. The administration of protamine during cardiopulmonary bypass further activated complement (Cavarocchi, N. C. et al., Circulation 1986, 74, 130-133; Kirklen, J. K. et al. J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 1983, 86, 845-857). Also, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA), which in recent clinical trials has been found to be an effective thrombolytic agent in patients with acute myocardial infarction, was shown to activate complement. A striking increase in the level of C4a, C3a, and C5a was found in patients receiving r-TPA as compared to the level of these complement peptides before administration of the drug (Bennett, W. R. et al. J.Am. Coll. Cardiol. 1987, 10(3), 627-632). Schafer and co-workers were able to positively identify the deposition of terminal C5b-9 complement complex in myocardial cells located within zones of infarction in human tissue (J. Immunol. 1986, 137(6), 1945-1949). Likewise, the selective accumulation of the first component of complement and leukocytes in ischemic canine heart muscle has been found (Rosen, R. D. et al. Circ. Research, 1985, 57, 119-230). In one study, the depletion of complement was found to increase the blood flow in ischemic canine myocardium. This increased blood flow was found, in turn, to increase the supply and utilization of oxygen in complement depleted animals versus control animals (Grover, G. J. and Weiss, H. R. Basic Res. Cardio. 1987, 82(1), 57-65). Complement activation is also believed to initiate adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This syndrome, also known as adult respiratory failure, shock lung, diffuse alveolar damage, or traumatic wet lungs, is characterized clinically by the rapid onset of severe life-threatening respiratory insufficiency that is refractory to oxygen therapy. (Miescher, P. A. and Muller-Eberhard, H. J., eds., 1976, Text Book of Immunopathology, 2d Ed., Vols. I and II, Grune and Stratton, New York; Sandberg, A. L., 1981, in Cellular Functions in Immunity and Inflammation, Oppenheim, J. J. et al., eds., Elsevier/North Holland, New York, p. 373; Conrow, R. B. et al. J. Med. Chem 1980, 23, 242; Regal, J. F.; and Pickering, R. H. Int. J. Immunopharmacol. 1983, 104, 617). Some of the clinical implications of C5a release are listed in Table III.
TABLE III ______________________________________ CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF C5a RELEASE ______________________________________ Rheumatoid Arthritis Acute Gouty Arthritis Acute Immunological Arthritis Pulmonary Disorders Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome Pulmonary Dysfunction - Hemodialysis Chronic Progressive Pulmonary Dis-Cystic Fibrosis Byssinosis Asbestos-Induced Inflammation Inflammation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosis Inflammation of Glomerulonephritis Purtscher's Retinopathy Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis Renal Cortical Necrosis Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Inflammation Nephropathology Cranial Nerve Damage in Meningitis Tumor Cell Metastasis Extended Tissue Destruction in Myocardial Infarction Extended Tissue Destruction in Burns ______________________________________

Compounds which inhibit complement and/or suppress immune activity


A management information generating method wherein logical and physical block addresses (BAs) of continuous addresses are associated with each other in the BA translation table. When a logical block is constructed, a value is set for a maximum number of allowable defective physical blocks. A logical block having fewer defects than the set number is set usable, and a logical block having more defects than the set number is set unusable. System logical block construction is performed to preferentially select physical blocks from a plane list including a large number of usable blocks to equalize the number of usable blocks in each plane list. It is determined whether the number of free blocks is insufficient on the basis of a first management unit and whether the storage area for the indicated capacity can be reserved on the basis of the management unit different from the first unit.

Recently, the capacity of a NAND flash memory that is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device has been increasing and an SSD (Solid State Drive) on which a NAND flash memory is mounted attracts attention.
Conventionally, in an SSD, a management table in a volatile memory is directly stored in a NAND flash memory that is a nonvolatile memory. However, when the size of the management table is large, a volatile memory of a large memory size is needed. Moreover, when the size of the management table is large, a long time is required for reading the management table from the NAND flash memory to the volatile memory. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the size of the management table.
Moreover, in an SSD, in some cases, the concept of a logical block as a virtual block, in which a plurality of physical blocks as a unit for erasing in a flash memory is combined, is introduced, and erasing, writing, and reading are each performed in parallel in units of logical blocks, thereby improving the write amplification factor and achieving speed-up by the parallel processing.
Among a plurality of physical blocks in a flash memory, a bad block, which cannot be used as a storage area, is already included in the manufacturing stage in some cases. Moreover, when an SSD is used, a bad block is generated in some cases. The former bad block is referred to as a congenital bad block and the latter bad block is referred to as an acquired bad block. A logical block is in some cases composed of physical blocks excluding such a bad block.
Moreover, in an SSD, data stored in a flash memory includes user data that a user stores therein and system data as management information used in the SSD. When a logical block for user data is constructed, it is desirable to reserve a logical block for user data in which a parallelism of a predetermined number is ensured as many as possible so that a margin capacity can be reserved while excluding a congenital bad block.

Management information generating method, logical block constructing method, and semiconductor memory device


A method and system for management access tokens is described. Access tokens for accessing third-party resources are stored and managed in a token repository. An access token may be obtained from a third-party resource. Once a user has authorized the system to access a third-party resource and unless that authorization is revoked, the user is not required to reauthorize the system in a pending or any subsequent interactive session, regardless of which shard of the system and third-party resource the user is connected to. The system can also use the authorization to execute scheduled requests for accessing or obtaining data from the third-party resource.

As use of the Internet grows, platforms providing access to multiple third-party systems are being developed. However, users may experience difficulties and inconveniences while using such platforms because the user has to enter credentials for each third-party system every time the user would like to initially access a respective third-party system.


Methods and compositions for inhibiting the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons are disclosed. Combinations of aminophenol compound and either of phenylenediamine or hydroxylamine compounds are effective at inhibiting this polymerization under both processing and storage conditions.

Common industrial methods for producing ethylenically unsaturated monomers include a variety of purification processes such as distillation to remove impurities. Purification operations are often carried out at elevated temperatures and this can increase the rate of undesired polymerization. Polymerization, such as thermal polymerization, during the monomer purification process, results not only in loss of desired monomer end-product, but also in production efficiency caused by polymer formation and agglomeration on process equipment. In heat requiring operations, such agglomeration adversely affects heat transfer efficiency.
Typically the monomers are stabilized with the addition of substances which will act as inhibitors or retarders of polymerization.
Certain ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as the diolefins butadiene and isoprene will polymerize when left in storage tanks and during transportation at temperatures as low as room temperature. This polymerization is initiated by reaction of the diolefin monomer with oxygen present in the monomer containing system. This reaction will form peroxides and free radical species which will perpetuate the reaction with the diolefin monomer.
Various approaches have been attempted with regard to this problem of polymerization. U.S. Pat. No. 3,148,225 teaches that N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines will inhibit the polymerization of popcorn polymer formation in olefin monomer recovery systems. In comparative studies, p-aminophenol was less effective than the hydroxylamines at inhibiting popcorn polymer formation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,723 tests p- and o-aminophenols for inhibiting fouling of hydrocarbon liquids. These compounds proved effective at inhibiting the formation and adhesion of coke-like deposits during refinery operations. o-phenylenediamine was also demonstrated to be effective in the oil refining apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,547 teaches that a combination of a phenylenediamine compound and a hydroxylamine compound is effective as inhibiting the polymerization of vinyl aromatic monomers during processing conditions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,566 teaches that a combination of a hydroxylamine and a phenylenediamine compound is effective at inhibiting the polymerization of acrylonitrile during its production.

Method for inhibiting polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons


An emergency eyewash unit includes a pair of water discharge ports oriented to produce a pair of upwardly directed, diverging water streams for inside-out flush flow of contaminants from a person's eyes. These eyewash streams can be combined with a plurality of smaller upwardly directed facewash streams for flushing contaminants from a person's face. The eyewash and/or facewash streams are produced by an eyewash body adapted for rotatable mounting onto a water supply conduit, with a locking clip normally preventing undesired rotational disassembly. The eyewash body may be used in combination with an overhead emergency shower which, in one preferred form, includes a shower spray head carrying multiple flow control and flow shaper elements to produce a substantially uniformly dispersed shower spray pattern.

This invention relates generally to improvements in emergency eyewash stations designed particularly for use in a laboratory or industrial environment to provide a flush flow of water to remove irritants and/or contaminants from a person's eyes. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved emergency eyewash unit for providing an improved inside-out directed flush flow of water. In various preferred embodiments, the improved eyewash unit may additionally provide a facewash flush flow and/or an overhead emergency shower.
Emergency eyewash stations are generally known in the art for use in washing or flushing toxic substances from a person's eyes. Such eyewash stations are commonly used in laboratory and/or industrial applications wherein personnel are required to handle or otherwise work in proximity with substances which can be potentially harmful if contacted with the eyes. A typical eyewash station includes one or more spray nozzles or spray heads mounted over or in close association with an appropriate sink or drain, with means for rapidly and easily opening a valve to provide a flushing flow of water to a person's eyes and/or face to flush irritants and contaminants therefrom.
In the past, emergency eyewash stations have generally provided a pair of upwardly directed converging water streams for flushing contaminants from the eyes and face. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,740,469 and 5,754,990 which depict a pair of spray heads oriented to deliver a respective pair of water streams upwardly and angularly converging toward each other. However, such converging flush flow streams tend to wash contaminants located in or around a person's eyes in an outside-in, or inward, direction toward the person's tear ducts and sinus cavities. Accordingly, the inward-directed flush flows may carry the contaminants into contact with these anatomical structures where tissue damage can be increased. In addition, in the case of fluids washing into and around the nose, sinus cavities, and mouth, such fluids can be ingested and/or swallowed thereby further spreading the contaminants.
There exists, therefore, a significant need for improvements in and to eyewash stations, particularly with respect to providing improved water-flow flushing of contaminants from a person's eyes while reducing or eliminating contaminant contact with the person's tear ducts and/or sinus cavities. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.


An apparatus for automated implantation of an implant or for an automated augmentation process of hard tissue and/or hard tissue replacement material using a sheath element is provided. The apparatus comprises a casing, a converter operable to generate mechanical vibrations the converter inside the casing and displaceable in a longitudinal direction relative to the casing, and a sonotrode coupled to an output location of the converter. A shaft portion with a retention structure is rotationally coupled to the casing and is equipped for cooperating with a rotationally asymmetric element of the sheath element to rotationally couple the casing to the sheath element. An axial coupling is equipped for locking the casing to the sheath element. The shaft portion, the axial coupling and the sonotrode are mutually arranged so that the a distal end of the sonotrode may be introduced into a longitudinal opening of the sheath element.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is in the field of medical technology. In particular, it relates to medical devices, medical apparatus and medical methods, especially to implants, apparatuses for implantation, and implantation methods.
2. Description of Related Art
If screws are anchored in live bone tissue, often the problem of insufficient bone stability or insufficient stability of the anchoring in the bone arises. Especially, in trabecular bone tissue, any load acting on the screw is passed over to only few trabeculae, with adverse consequences both for the load bearing capability of the screw-bone connection and for its long-time stability. This is especially severe in osteoporotic or osteopenic or otherwise weakened bone tissue.
One solution of this problem is the use of an alternative anchoring method that is suitable also for tissue in which screws are not stable. The publications WO 02/069817, WO 2004/017 857, WO 2008/034 277, and WO 2009/055 952 concern anchorage of an implant in bone tissue with the aid of mechanical vibration and a thermoplastic material which is liquefiable by the mechanical vibration, i.e. the thermoplastic material is capable of being liquefied when vibrated and simultaneously kept in contact with a non-vibrating surface. The thermoplastic material, where in contact with the bone tissue, is liquefied and pressed into pores or cavities of the bone tissue to constitute, when re-solidified, a positive fit connection with the bone tissue.
A special group of embodiments of implants and implant anchoring processes is based on the liquefiable material being inserted (pre-assembled or inserted in situ) in a longitudinal bore of a sheath element. The sheath element comprises at least one hole in the sheath element wall, through which the liquefied material is pressed from the longitudinal bore into the structures (pores or cavities or other structures) of the bone tissue or other hard tissue or hard tissue replacement material in which anchoring is desired. This principle of pressing liquefied material out of a tube or sleeve element with lateral openings is for example described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,335,205, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,264, WO 2009/055 952, WO 2009/010247, WO 2009/010234, and PCT application No. PCT/CH 2009/000138, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.


A tray may be arrangeable in a chassis that is slideably displaceable from a stowed position to a first use position or to a second use position. A flexible member may be coupled to a tray and provide for maintaining a bend radius of optical fibers received by the flexible member. The flexible member may include anti-jamming features to prevent links of the flexible member from jamming. A handle may be coupled to the tray and may be lockingly engageable with the flexible member. A faceplate may be couplable to a first end of the tray or to a second end of the tray, the faceplate to provide a respective cable management capability for a plurality of fibers received by the tray. The first end of the tray may have a first geometry symmetrical, about at least one axis, to a second geometry of the second end of the tray.

An important consideration in data communication equipment is circuit density. Most central data communication locations have limited space. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the size of data communication equipment, and install as much data communication equipment as possible in a relatively small space at a central data communication location.
For data communication manufacturers, making high density trays can be a challenging process in which engineers develop trays to meet the high density needs of the central data communication locations while protecting communication lines, maintaining bend radii of the communication lines, and managing massive amounts of the communication lines. This is particularly true for optical fiber communication lines, where the engineers create trays having a high density of optical fibers.
Another important consideration in data communication equipment is configurability. Existing high density fiber trays can have limited configurability and are generally dedicated to a particular cable management use in the central data communication location. For example, existing high density fiber trays have front cable management features dedicated to specific cable types and a back cable management features dedicated to specific cable types. Dedicated front and back cable management features may be exacerbated when making a high density fiber tray exclusively for a particular high density fiber application. For example, existing high density fiber trays may be manufactured exclusively for application in a chassis, application in a cabinet, a wall mount application, etc. Where existing high density fiber trays may be manufactured exclusively for a particular high density fiber application, each of the existing high density fiber trays may have different front cable management features dedicated to specific cable types and/or different back cable management features dedicated to specific cable types exclusively for the particular high density fiber application. Because each high density fiber tray may have different front cable management features dedicated to specific cable types and/or different back cable management features dedicated to specific cable types this reduces the configurability of the high density fiber trays, thereby reducing margins by increasing the cost of manufacturing and increasing manufacturing lead times of high density fiber trays. Therefore, there is a desire to maximize margins by decreasing a cost of manufacturing the high density fiber trays, as well as maximizing a tray's utility in a number of applications by making them easily factory configurable.


A storage apparatus for storing an object, such as a bicycle, in an elevated storage position. The storage apparatus includes an elongated track mountable to a wall, and a support mechanism for receiving the bicycle. A mounting assembly mounts the support mechanism to the elongated track such that the support mechanism can move along the track between a loading position, wherein the bicycle can be loaded onto the support mechanism, and a storage position, wherein the bicycle on the support mechanism is elevated relative to the loading position. A drive assembly is operable for moving the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions. The drive assembly includes a drive mechanism for preventing movement of the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions upon operation of the drive assembly when the object on the support mechanism exceeds a maximum weight limit of the storage apparatus. The mounting assembly includes first and second resilient members. In the storage position, the weight of the bicycle causes pivotal movement of the support mechanism relative to the elongated track and compression of the first and second resilient members, which causes binding of the support mechanism on the elongated track to secure the support mechanism in the storage position.

This invention relates generally to a storage apparatus. In particular, the present invention is a storage apparatus for lifting and storing large objects, such as bicycles, adjacent to a ceiling so as to afford maximum clearance beneath the stored bicycles so as not to interfere with objects or activity below. The storage apparatus employs a lifting drive mechanism that prevents overloading of the storage apparatus, and thereby provides for the safe and easy storage of bicycles.
The storage of bicycles when not in use presents peculiar problems, especially when one considers that the typical bicycle is long, narrow and somewhat cumbersome. Moreover, the typical family generally has a bicycle for each member of the family, with some family members having more than one bike at their disposal. This is particularly true for family members that enjoy riding both xe2x80x9con roadxe2x80x9d (i.e., road bikes) and xe2x80x9coff roadxe2x80x9d (i.e., mountain bikes) bicycles. The end result is that the typical family has a fairly large number of bicycles that need to be stored in a secure location when not in use. This secure bicycle storage location tends to be the family house garage where space is at a premium. The customary manner of storing bicycles in a garage has been to simply place the bicycles in a side-to-side relationship employing the kick stands of the bicycles for support or leaning the bicycles against a supporting wall of the garage. However, this approach takes up valuable garage floor space that may otherwise be needed to store other objects, such as the family car, lawn mower, snow blower, etc. As such, it is clearly desirable to relieve the garage floor space for utilization by these other objects. In other words, it is desirable to provide storage for bicycles, whereby a plurality of bicycles may be stored or positioned within the available storage space, but without consuming needed floor space.
One manner to store bicycles so as to relieve the garage floor space for utilization by other objects, is to mount hooks on the garage ceiling or on a supporting wall of the garage near the ceiling. The bicycles are then placed on these hooks, thereby providing floor space clearance beneath these stored bikes for utilization by other objects or other activities. Although this approach adequately stores the bicycles and relieves valuable storage floor space, there are drawbacks to this bike storage system. In particular, to place the bicycles on the hooks for storage requires a person to manually lift the bike above his or her head for placement on the storage hooks. Since the typical bicycle weighs between twenty and thirty pounds and is not optimally shaped for lifting (i.e., the typical bicycle is long, narrow and oddly shaped), the job of lifting the bike above ones head for placement on the storage hooks can be cumbersome at best and down right dangerous at worst. For example, lifting of the bicycle above ones head for placement on the storage hooks may lead muscle strains, back pain or other injuries. Moreover, some individuals, such as children and smaller adults, may be incapable of lifting the bicycle high enough for placement on the storage hooks.
There is a need for an apparatus for storing large objects, such as bicycles. In particular, there is a need for a storage apparatus that can store bicycles adjacent to the ceiling of a storage facility, such as a garage, to afford maximum floor space clearance beneath the stored bicycles so as not to interfere with objects and activity below. The storage apparatus should obviate the need for a person to lift a bicycle above his or her head to store the bicycle. Moreover, the bicycle storage apparatus should prevent the storage apparatus from being overloaded, thereby providing for the safe storage of bicycles when not in use. Lastly, the bicycle storage apparatus should be relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
The present invention is a storage apparatus for storing an object, such as a bicycle, in an elevated storage position. The storage apparatus includes an elongated track mountable to a wall, and a support mechanism for receiving the bicycle. A mounting assembly mounts the support mechanism to the elongated track such that the support mechanism can move along the elongated track between a loading position, wherein the bicycle can be loaded onto the support mechanism, and a storage position, wherein the bicycle on the support mechanism is elevated relative to the loading position. A drive assembly is operable for moving the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions. The drive assembly includes a drive mechanism for preventing movement of the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions upon operation of the drive assembly when the object on the support mechanism exceeds a maximum weight limit of the storage apparatus.
In one aspect of the present invention, the drive assembly includes a cable and a drive drum rotatably mounted to the elongated track. The cable has first and second opposite ends fixed to upper and lower ends, respectively, of the elongated track. The cable, between its first and second ends, is coupled to the support mechanism. In addition, the cable, between its first and second ends, passes over a cylindrical drum surface of the drive drum to define a friction drive region between the drive surface and the cable. The friction drive region, when the bicycle on the support mechanism does not exceed the maximum weight limit of the storage apparatus, provides sufficient frictional interaction between the drum surface of the drum member and the cable, such that rotation of the drum member moves the cable to thereby move the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions. The friction drive region, when the object on the support mechanism does exceed the maximum weight limit of the storage apparatus, provides insufficient frictional interaction between the drum surface of the drum member and the cable, such that upon rotation of the drum member, the drum surface slips relative to the cable preventing movement of the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a storage apparatus for storing an object in an elevated storage position. The storage apparatus comprises an elongated track mountable to a wall, and a support mechanism for receiving a bicycle. The elongated track has a back side positioned adjacent to the wall and an opposite front side. The support mechanism has a front end located at the front side of the elongated track and a back end located at the back side of the elongated track. A mounting assembly mounts the support mechanism to the elongated track such that the support mechanism can move along the elongated track between a loading position, wherein the bicycle can be loaded onto the support mechanism, and a storage position, wherein the bicycle on the support mechanism is elevated relative to the loading position. The mounting assembly includes first and second resilient members. The first resilient member is mounted to the front end of the support mechanism. The second resilient member is mounted to the back end of the support mechanism. The first and second resilient members allow movement of the support mechanism along the elongated track between the loading and storage positions. In the storage position, the weight of the bicycle causes pivotal movement of the support mechanism relative to the elongated track and compression of the first and second resilient members, which causes binding of the support mechanism on the elongated track to secure the support mechanism in the storage position. A drive assembly of the storage apparatus is operable for moving the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions.
This storage apparatus for storing objects, such as bicycles, of the present invention is designed to store bicycles adjacent the ceiling of a storage facility, such as a garage, to afford maximum floor space clearance beneath the stored bicycles so as not to interfere with objects and activity below. The drive assembly of the storage apparatus moves the bicycles between the easily accessed loading position and the elevated storage position, thereby obviating the need for a person to lift a bicycle above his or her head to store the bicycle in an elevated position. Moreover, the drive mechanism of the drive assembly prevents the storage apparatus from being overloaded, thereby providing for the safe storage of bicycles when not in use. Lastly, the bicycle storage apparatus of the present invention is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.


An improved process calcining a gypsum/cellulosic fiber slurry to produce a composite gypsum/cellulosic fiber product resides in adding a selected crystal modifier to the gypsum/cellulosic fiber slurry prior to the heating step to reduce the time necessary to carry out the calcination process, to reduce the temperature at which the calcination process is run or to increase the aspect ratio of the acicular calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate crystals formed during the calcination process. Useful crystal modifiers include aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, chlorine, zinc sulfate, iron (III) sulfate, aluminum sulfate hexadecahydrate, iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate, iron (III) sulfate pentahydrate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, copper sulfate pentahydrate, copper chloride dehydrate, manganese sulfate monohydrate and trisodium phosphate.

Certain properties of gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) make it very popular for use in making industrial and building products; especially gypsum wallboard. It is a plentiful and generally inexpensive raw material which, through a process of dehydration and rehydration, can be cast, molded or otherwise formed into useful shapes. It is also noncombustible and relatively dimensionally stable when exposed to moisture. However, because it is a brittle, crystalline material which has relatively low tensile and flexural strength, its uses are typically limited to non-structural, non-load bearing and non-impact absorbing applications.
Gypsum wallboard; i.e. also known as plasterboard or drywall, consists of a rehydrated gypsum core sandwiched between multi-ply paper cover sheets, and is used largely for interior wall and ceiling applications. Because of the brittleness and low nail and screw holding properties of its gypsum core, conventional drywall by itself cannot support heavy appended loads or absorb significant impact. Accordingly, means to improve the tensile, flexural, nail and screw holding strength and impact resistance of gypsum plasters and building products have long been, and still are, earnestly sought. Another readily available and affordable material, which is also widely used in building products, is lignocellulosic material particularly in the form of wood and paper fibers. For example, in addition to lumber, particleboard, fiberboard, oriented strand board (OSB), plywood and hardboard (high density fiberboard) are some of the forms of processed lignocellulosic material products used in the building industry. Such materials have better tensile and flexural strength than gypsum. However, they are also generally higher in cost, have poor fire resistance and are frequently susceptible to swelling or warping when exposed to moisture Therefore, affordable means to improve upon these use-limiting properties of building products made from cellulosic material are also desired.
Previous attempts to combine the favorable properties of gypsum and cellulosic fibers, particularly wood fibers, have had very limited success. Attempts to add cellulosic fibers, (or other fibers for that matter), to gypsum plaster and/or plasterboard core have generally produced little or no strength enhancement because of the heretofore inability to achieve any significant bond between the fibers and the gypsum. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,328,178; 4,239,716; 4,392,896 and 4,645,548 disclose recent examples where wood fibers or other natural fibers were mixed into a stucco (calcium sulfate hemihydrate) slurry to serve as reinforcers for a rehydrated gypsum board or the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,163 teaches a process in which raw or uncalcined gypsum is finely ground and wet mixed with 5-10% paper pulp. The mash is partially dewatered, formed into a cake and further dewatered by pressure rolls until the water/solids ratio is less than 0.4. The cake is cut into green boards, which, after being trimmed and cut, are stacked between double steel plates and put into an autoclave. The temperature in the autoclave is raised to about 140° C. to convert the gypsum to calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate. During the subsequent incremental cooling of the boards, the hemihydrate rehydrates back to dihydrate (gypsum) and gives the board integrity. The boards are then dried and finished as necessary.
The process of water felting dilute aqueous dispersions of various fibrous materials is a well-known commercial process for manufacturing many types of paper and board products. In this process, an aqueous dispersion of fiber, binder and other ingredients, as desired or necessary is flowed onto a moving foraminous support wire, such as that of a Fourdrinier or Oliver mat forming machine, for dewatering. The dispersion may be first dewatered by gravity and then dewatered by vacuum suction means; the wet mat is then pressed to a specified thickness between rolls and the support wire to remove additional water. The pressed mat is then dried in heated convection or forced air drying ovens, and the dried material is cut to the desired dimensions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,677 to Baig describes a composite material made from gypsum and cellulosic particles of a reinforcing material, such as lignocellulose fibers, hereinafter sometimes referred to as gypsum/wood fiber board. The composite material is produced by mixing gypsum and cellulosic particles of a stronger substance, such as wood fibers, in a dilute aqueous slurry. The slurry is heated in an autoclave, preferably under pressure, to convert the gypsum to calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate. The hot, converted slurry is discharged through a headbox onto a continuous felting conveyor of the type used in paper making operations, where the slurry is dewatered to remove as much uncombined water as possible before rehydrating the hemihydrate back to gypsum. The resulting rehydrated material is a homogeneous mass comprising gypsum crystals physically interlocked with the discrete cellulosic particles. The resulting mat is then dried in heated convection or forced air drying ovens, and the dried board is cut to the desired dimensions.
In order to produce the best composite product it is essential to form acicular crystals of calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate that have a fairly high aspect ratio because the crystals with high aspect ratios produce composite products with a high strength. However, if the crystals have an aspect ratio that is too high, the filter cake is difficult to dewater effectively. Further, problems occur if impurities, such as organic compounds, get into the gypsum/fiber slurry because some impurities can cause the calcination process to produce short blocky crystals that produce a GWF board that is low in strength. The crystals with the higher aspect ratios are smaller in diameter and have a greater surface area and it is theorized that the crystals with the higher aspect ratios provide a greater number of adhesion points as compared to the short blocky crystals. While the short blocky crystals may have higher tensile and flexural strength, they produce board products that are not as strong as the board products produced from the crystals with the higher aspect ratios.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to use selected crystal modifiers to reduce the time and/or lower the temperature conditions under which the calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate crystals are formed. Another object of the present invention is to use crystal modifiers to produce a slurry containing calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate crystals having aspect ratios within a selected target range.

Process for production of gypsum/fiber board


A variable gain amplifier includes an input stage that receives an input signal and converts the input signal into a corresponding intermediate signal. An output stage provides an output signal based on the intermediate signal and a gain control signal, with feedback signal being provided to the input stage as a function of the gain control signal, so that the intermediate signal varies as a function of the input signal and the feedback signal. The linearity performance of the VGA is substantially constant at the output over the useful input range of signal amplitudes.

The present invention relates generally to electrical circuits and, more particularly, to a low power variable gain amplifier.
Variable gain amplifiers (VGAs) are useful in many applications. VGAs, for example, can be utilized in communications devices (e.g., direct conversion receivers, such as cordless and cellular phones), memory storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives, CD ROM drives, etc.) as well as other electronics, including global positioning (GPS) receivers, wireless local area networks and the like. In particular, VGAs are used in the various parts of such devices, for example, in the radio frequency (RF) input stage, intermediate frequency (IF) and low frequency or baseband circuits of these devices. Because it has variable gain, a VGA can provide a constant output for an input that varies according to changing operating parameters for a particular application.
Various solutions have been proposed to provide variable gain amplification. FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a traditional VGA 10. The VGA 10 includes an input transconductance stage 12, followed by a current steering circuit 14. The circuit 10 depicted in FIG. 1 achieves variable amplification by attenuating the current that flows into the load resistors 16 using a control voltage Vcntl. While this type of circuit arrangement is used in receivers, it is inherently unsuitable for receiver applications, because it has a constant input linearity (set by the input transconductor 12), rather than a fixed output saturation point. In particular, the transconductor 12 requires a sufficiently large input linearity to accommodate the largest input signal that is possible in the system. This places a restriction on the product of the degeneration resistance and the current I. It is possible to make the VGA 10 a low power circuit by lowering I and increasing the resistors 18 of the transconductance stage 12. However, the load resistance 16 is set at the product of the peak gain of the VGA and the degeneration resistance 18. Therefore, as the resistance of resistors 18 is increased, the output resistors 16 must be similarly increased. Due to bandwidth restrictions there is typically a maximum limit on the usable load resistance 16 in the circuit 10. Therefore the maximum value of degeneration resistance of the resistors 18 is limited, in practice. This in turn sets the minimum current that must be dissipated in the circuit to achieve required linearity performance. For typical levels of gain that are required in receiver applications, this current is usually unfavorable.
A second type of traditional VGA circuit 30 is shown in FIG. 2. In this approach, the degeneration resistor 18 of FIG. 1 is replaced by a variable resistor, such as implemented using a MOSFET 32. The gain is varied in this circuit by varying the degeneration resistor. A larger resistance provides a smaller gain and vice versa. This circuit 30 has a constant output saturation level, which is set by the product of the current I and load resistors 34 for all values of the degeneration resistance. A problem with this circuit is that for the largest level of the input (and hence the lowest gain), the MOSFET 32 must be biased such that its drain-to-source impedance is high. This corresponds to a low Vgs-Vth (gate-to-source voltage minus the threshold voltage) of the MOSFET 32. Under this condition, the effective channel resistance is highly non-linear and depends strongly on the values of the drain and source voltages. Thus the amplifier is at its most non-linear behavior for the largest input, which is not a desirable property for a VGA.
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
One aspect of the present invention provides a variable gain amplifier that includes an input stage that receives an input signal and converts the input signal into a corresponding intermediate signal. An output stage provides an output signal based on the intermediate signal and a gain control signal, with feedback signal being provided to the input stage as a function of the gain control signal, so that the intermediate signal varies as a function of the input signal and the feedback signal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an internal gain control signal generator can be employed to convert an external gain control signal, such as from associated digital circuitry, to an appropriate gain control signal that is applied to the amplifier such that the gain of the amplifier varies in a linear-in-dB manner with respect to the external gain control signal.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for providing variable gain amplification in a variable gain amplifier. The method includes receiving an input signal at an input stage and converting the input signal into an intermediate signal. Different parts of the intermediate signal are provided to an output of the variable gain amplifier and to feedback circuitry based on a gain control signal. A feedback signal also is provided to the input stage based on the part of the intermediate signal directed to the feedback circuitry.
The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in certain illustrative aspects of the invention. These aspects are indicative, however, of a few ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.


Methods and devices for code independent switching in a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) are described. A synchronous digital circuit is triggered by a clocking signal and develops a digital data signal. A current steering circuit has a common source node for supplying current, and develops an analog output signal representative of the digital data signal. Any switching disturbances at the common source node are substantially data independent.

The invention generally relates to electronic signal processing, and more specifically, to digital to analog signal conversion.
A current steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts a digital data stream input into a corresponding analog signal output. FIG. 1 shows a portion of a typical current steering DAC 100 in which a digital data stream is applied to a synchronous digital output latch 101. xe2x80x9cSynchronousxe2x80x9d means that the data on the latch input is transferred to the output in response to triggering of the latch by a clocking signal In real world applications, considerable digital processing is involved in producing such a digital data stream, but in the context of a DAC, such preceding digital circuitry need not be described. When the latch 101 is clocked, the data present on the D-input is transferred to the Q output, and its complement is transferred to the Q-bar output.
The outputs of latch 101 asynchronously control switch drivers 102, which in turn control differential switching elements 103 that control a constant current source supplied from a common source node. xe2x80x9cAsynchronouslyxe2x80x9d means that the logic state of the outputs of the switch drivers 102 and the differential switching elements 103 change state in response to their inputs changing state rather than in response to a clocking signal. For a given logic state present on the output of the latch 101, one switch of the differential switching elements 103 will be on, and the other will be off. When the logic state on the output latch 101 changes, the on-off states of the differential switching elements 103 also change correspondingly. Whichever differential switching element 103 is on provides a current path for constant current source 104 through one of the analog output resistors 105. Thus, an analog signal output signal is developed at output terminals 106.
In theory, such a current steering DAC 100 can operate at any frequency to provide an analog output corresponding to the digital data input. In the real world, errors and noise occur throughout the system, the effects of which increase with operating frequency. These effects may be code dependent and may result in harmonic distortion and harmonic spurs in the analog output signal.
One approach to reducing code dependent noise is presented by FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,816, which describes adding an additional clocked circuit called a xe2x80x9cdummy latchxe2x80x9d in parallel with the output latch 101. The output of the dummy latch is not itself used in any way, rather the dummy latch and the output latch 101 are connected and operated such that with every cycle of the clocking signal, one of the latches will change state and the other will not. Thus, if the output latch 101 changes state with the data signal, the dummy latch maintains its logic state, and if the output latch 101 maintains its logic state constant with an unchanging data signal, then the dummy latch will change logic states. According to the ""816 patent, this arrangement maintains a constant loading on the clocking signal that is independent of the data signal logic state. There is no suggestion in the ""816 that its teaching might be extensible beyond its focus on the clocking signal.
A representative embodiment of the present invention includes a method and device for code independent switching in a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). In the DAC shown in FIG. 1, if the switch drivers 102 can completely settle for every data transition from latch 101, the switching characteristics will be constant for the differential switching elements 103. As the output frequency increases, the differential switching elements 103 are switched faster, requiring the switch drivers 102 to settle in a shorter time. If the switch drivers 102 do not settle to the same value each time, the switching characteristics may vary and code dependent distortion will result. Embodiments of the present invention avoid such code dependent distortion.
A synchronous digital circuit is triggered by a clocking signal and develops a digital data signal. A current steering circuit has a common source node for supplying current, and develops an analog output signal representative of the digital data signal. Any switching disturbances at the common source node are substantially data independent.
In a further embodiment, the current steering circuit contains multiple switching elements arranged so that a constant number of switching elements change conduction state with every cycle of the clocking signal. In addition or alternatively, the current steering circuit may receive the digital data signal as a first input and an auxiliary data signal as a second input. The auxiliary data signal changes logic state when: (i) triggered by the clocking signal, and (ii) the digital data signal does not change logic state.
In another embodiment, the current steering circuit includes (i) a switch driver circuit for developing a switch control signal representative of the digital data signal, and (ii) a differential switching circuit responsive to the switch control signal for switching the current from the common source node to develop the analog output signal.
The current steering circuit may use a single switching element for developing the analog output signal.
A representative embodiment of the present invention also includes a method and device for code independent switching in a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). A synchronous digital circuit is triggered by a clocking signal and develops a digital data signal. A current steering circuit has a common source node for supplying current, and develops an analog output signal representative of the digital data signal. The current steering circuit has multiple switching arrangements arranged so that a constant number of switching elements change conduction state with every cycle of the clocking signal.
In a further such embodiment, the current steering circuit receives the digital data signal as a first input and an auxiliary data signal as a second input, the auxiliary data signal changing logic state when: (i) triggered by the clocking signal, and (ii) the digital data signal does not change state.
In another embodiment, the current steering circuit includes: (i) a switch driver circuit for developing a switch control signal representative of the digital data signal, and (ii) a differential switching circuit responsive to the switch control signal for switching the current from the common source node to develop the analog output signal.


An ECU includes a substrate and a chassis. Electronic components are mounted on a first primary surface of the substrate. The chassis includes a protruding portion that protrudes toward a position different from where the electronic components are. A height of the protruding portion is greater than a height of the electronic components, and shorter than a gap between the substrate and the heat sink. When warping occurs in the substrate and the first primary surface approaches an opposing surface of the heat sink, the protruding portion contacts the first primary surface. Accordingly, the electronic components are prevented from contacting the heat sink. Further, other electronic components may be mounted on an entire area of a second primary surface of the substrate.

Conventionally, in order to ensure a clearance between a substrate having electronic components mounted thereon and a chassis, a well-known technique is to use screws to fix the substrate to the chassis not only at corner portions of the substrate, but also at a central portion of the substrate (see, for example, JP 2013-251991A). According to this conventional technique, the electronic components are prevented from contacting the chassis when warping occurs in the substrate.


A removable plate and a flange that occupies a hole in a panel. The flange has the particular feature of taking up compressive force to which the panel is subjected in its plane, perpendicularly to the hole. The weight of the device used to equip the hole is reduced, and the mechanical behavior of the panel at the position of the hole is improved.

1. Field of the Invention
An object of the present invention is a device for fitting out or equipping a hole in a panel, especially an aircraft panel, although it can also be used in any other type of structure. It also pertains to a panel thus equipped. The invention seeks to help improve the performance of the panels provided with such holes, whether these holes are made because of an a priori requirement or because of subsequent repairs to the panel.
For the building of structures, especially aircraft, it is the common practice to make panels which are typically panels for the wings and fuselage of an aircraft. For reasons of weight and mechanical hardness, the panels are generally made out of composite materials, typically sheets of carbon fiber and/or sheets of stratified material. In the structure into which this panel is fitted, the panel causes the volumes on one side of the panel to be separated from those located on the other side. It is sometimes necessary to transmit information, or fluids, from one side to the other. It then becomes necessary to make a hole in the panel to enable this passage. In other situations, the panel will have been damaged at a particular place and the deterioration of the material of the panel at this place requires the making of a clean hole, and the fitting out of this hole with a repairing part. In other cases, the hole is simply designed to enable an inspection, in which case it is permanently plugged with a lid that is removed during inspection.
The problem presented by composite materials, especially those working under compression in the direction of the plane of the panel, is that the making of a hole unacceptably burdens the corresponding resistance. In practice, the breaking of such a panel under extreme compression (which is itself far greater than the limit of compression that the panel should undergo during use, especially during flight, as dictated by the JAR and FAR safety coefficients) takes the form of a delamination in the thickness of the panel, and an interpenetration of two parts of this panel subjected to stress at the position of this delamination.
This interpenetration, which is synonymous with breakage, takes place when a hole is made in the panel. It occurs on the one hand approximately facing a diameter of the hole which is perpendicular to the direction of the compression, and on the other hand at a compression value that is very appreciably lower than a borderline value obtained when there is no hole present. In one example, the ratios of these values are about 2 or 3. The weakening caused by the presence of a hole is measured accordingly.
2. Background of the Invention
To overcome this type of problem, there is a known way of reinforcing the panel at the position where the hole is made. It would seem however that this reinforcement entails a complicated operation, especially when stiffeners (separated from one another in practice by a gap of about 20 centimeters) are present at the position of the reinforcement. Besides, once this reinforcement is made, the equipping of the hole, especially in order to place a lid, will itself normally weaken the edges of the hole and therefore contribute to reducing the efficiency of the reinforcement made. In any case, the equipment, especially owing to the presence of the stiffeners, leads to considerable excess weight, especially in the case of aircraft. In a practical example, the holes may have dimensions ranging from some centimeters to 20 centimeters.

Device for equipping a hole in a panel, and panel thus equipped


An anti-crimp wrench is provided for a flexible garden hose wherein the anti-crimp wrench has a longitudinally extending ferrule sleeve body portion further having a cap engageable with a garden hose coupling attachable to the end of the garden hose. The cap extends at the distal end of the ferrule sleeve and is engageable over the coupling for tightening the coupling upon a hose faucet bib. The interior of the cap collar of the ferrule sleeve has a plurality of rigid equidistant distinct inner surfaces adapted to conform to the exterior surface of the hose coupling, when the hose coupling is engageable over the faucet bib, threaded portion. The longitudinally extending ferrule sleeve has a plurality of longitudinally extending outer surfaces to facilitate the manual griping of the ferrule sleeve by the whole hand of the user. The ferrule sleeve is slightably moveable about the garden hose along a predetermined longitudinal length, between an annular stop, which stops the movement of the ferrule sleeve, and the hose coupling.

Lawn gardeners must repeatedly install and remove hoses which provide water to sprinklers, nozzles, and other water supply devices, such as lawn games often the connection between the water faucet bib is never completely tight, so that there occurs frequently leaks and the difficulties in irrigating with water.
Moreover it is known that water hose fittings are very difficult to manipulate manually with the fingers only, often requiring both manual dexterity and brute strength, in odd work places in tight spots close to the ground which the gardener may encounter.
Efforts to ease the installation of garden hose couplings are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,031 of Magarian, which discloses a flexible wrench collar with laterally extending protrusions located equal distantly about the wrench collar. However, considerable manual force is needed, since only the users fingers engage the collar.
What is needed, and what is not shown in the prior art, is a wrench adapter for a garden hose which enables a whole hand to be used to tighten or untighten the garden hose faucet coupling.

Pasquale Gasparre DBA Creative Designs in Wood and Metal


A device operable as a transducer is provided for use in which the device is mountable on a tow cable which in operation extends underwater substantially throughout the length thereof. The device comprises a head mass encompassing the tow cable wherein the head mass reacts to a wave-like strumming configuration about an axis of the tow cable thereby causing the tow cable to be displaced in one direction, along the axis and then in an opposite direction such that a low frequency continuous sound wave radiates from the head mass.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a transducer-like device capable of clamping onto a tow cable. The device is responsive to the tow cable vibrating over the length of the cable such that the vibrating tow cable is an energy source for the device. A typical long cable that strums over a length supports vibrational energy produced by transverse waves of relatively short wavelengths and longitudinal energy produced by much longer longitudinal waves.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Cable strum occurs because of vortex shedding from a cable towed at an angle with respect to the flow around the cable. A tow cable supports both transverse waves and longitudinal waves. The transverse waves tend to have short wavelengths: their propagation speed "c" (in meters per second) is approximately c=√{square root over (Tg/W)}; where "T" is the tension in Newtons; "W" is the weight per unit length and "g" is acceleration due to gravity, or 9.81 m/s2 (wherein "m" is meters and "s" is seconds). In water, W includes the weight of the added mass, which is equal to the weight of the displaced water.
Conversely, longitudinal waves have much longer wavelengths because of a propagation speed governed by c=√{square root over (E/ρ)}, where "E" and "ρ" are respectively the Young's modulus (having units of Newtons per square meter) and density (having units of kilograms per cubic meter) of the cable. As a result, on the order of one to ten longitudinal waves are contained by a mile-long tow cable.
Each transverse wave creates a localized region of curvature in the cable that shortens the cable (FIG. 1). The cable shortening generates longitudinal waves that exhibit twice the frequency of the transverse waves because the cable is shortened twice during each transverse wave cycle (FIG. 2). This is sometimes referred to as the frequency doubling effect.
The transverse wave frequency is governed by the formula for the Strouhal frequency, i.e., fs=0.2 U sin θ/d, where "U" is the tow speed, (in meters per second), "θ" is the incidence angle (in degrees) with respect to the flow, and "d" is the cable diameter (in inches).
Towed arrays typically include a steel cable that is approximately a mile long. The movement for such a cable is nearly straight over an entire length and at a critical angle. The critical angle is the angle at which the weight of the cable in water balances the drag of the cable. The critical angle is determined by the equation:
                                          1            2                                          (                          σ              -              1                        )                              π                                                              gd                                                              cos                                                              θ                =                              (                                                            C                  D                                                sin                                                                                θ                            +                              π                                                                                C                  N                                                      )                                          U            2                              sin                                                              θ                                    (        1        )            where σ is the specific gravity of the cable, "CD" is the normal drag coefficient (≈1.5 for a cylindrical cable); CN=0.75CT; and CT=0.0025.
Equation (1) can be solved for θ for any given tow speed. The Strouhal frequency formula (fs=0.2 U sin θ/d) then indicates that the vortex shedding frequency (which is the same as the Strouhal frequency) is nearly constant over a wide speed range (e.g., approximately 6 Hz for a one-inch diameter steel tow cable). This occurs because θ is small enough so that the small angle approximations are valid (i.e., sin θ≈θ, cos θ≈1, and the sin2 θ term can be neglected compared to the sin θ term). As a result, Equation (1) becomes a linear equation in θ, to the first order. When these assumptions are valid, the incidence angle θ becomes approximately
                    θ        ≈                                                            (                                  σ                  -                  1                                )                                          gd                                      2                                            C                N                                                          U                2                                              .                                    (        2        )
In practice, this result has been verified in sea tests when the strum frequency was measured as a function of tow speed. The 6 Hz transverse waves in the cable then lead to 12 Hz longitudinal waves (because of the frequency doubling effect).
A mile long tow cable that is strumming over an entire length supports a substantial amount of vibration energy (i.e., the vector dot product of force and displacement). In operating tests, such cables have been observed to vibrate with transverse amplitudes of approximately six inches under a cable tension of over one thousand pounds.

Acoustic source reactive to tow cable strum

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy