A vaginal probe, and method of use is disclosed for stimulation of the nerves of the vagina with the purpose of testing their reaction to stimuli in the hope of defining, and treating sexual dysfunction in women. One embodiment of the invention (20) includes a shaft (22) adapted to be inserted into the genetalia of a human female. The shaft (22) includes a stop (24), presented as a thickening of the shaft (22). The probe (20) includes at least one stimulation area (26, 28) defined on a portion of the shaft (22) so that only a selected portion of the genetalia is stimulated. The shaft (22) may have sensors for measuring the reaction of the nerves to stimulation, and the stimulation areas (26, 28) may stimulate the nerves of the vagina using temperature, vibration, electricity, and/or pressure.

The invention relates in general to the field of peripheral nerve evaluation and in particular to intra-vaginal nerve evaluation.
Recent research has shown that one cause of lack of female sexual satisfaction is a paucity of blood flow to the female sex organs. Common types of (organic) female sexual dysfunction include: discomfort during sexual intercourse, dryness, increased time for arousal, diminished ability to reach orgasm and diminished clitoral sensation. A recently marketed pharmaceutical, sold under the name xe2x80x9cViagraxe2x80x9d, solves a similar problem of impotence in men, by increasing the flow of blood to the male sex organs. As a prelude to permitting this and other drugs for female sexual disorders, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires comprehensive testing into the effects of such drugs. Thus, this and other known therapies for male sexual dysfunction are not currently being applied towards female sexual dysfunction.
In general, the field of study of female sexual dysfunction lags far behind the study of male sexual dysfunction. For example, the following diagnostic tools are currently available for males with erectile dysfunction:
a) Home measurement of nocturnal erection.
b) Vascular tests, such as Doppler, Arteriography and erection causing pharmaceuticals.
c) Neurogenic tests, such as Biothesiometry (vibration stimulation) of the penile shaft, thermal testing of a penis and lower extremities, bulbacavernous reflex measurement and nerve conduction studies.
There exist several methods of measuring blood flow to the female sex organs, including an oxygenation temperature method and a vaginal pulse amplitude method, which utilizes a photoplethysmograph. However, these methods measure the result of sexual arousal (e.g., blood flow) and do not provide an objective measure of the sensitivity of the sex organs.
An object of some preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for measuring a sensitivity of female sex organs, especially of the vagina and/or the clitoris. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the results of the measurement may be used to diagnose sexual dysfunction, to determine an appropriate pharmaceutical regiment and/or for research into cures for sexual dysfunction.
An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to measuring various parameters of nervous sensitivity inside a vagina of a patient and/or at the clitoris of the patient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nervous sensitivity is measured by subjecting a small part of the vagina to a stimulation and accepting feedback, preferably verbal, from the patient. Alternatively or additionally, the stimulation is applied simultaneously to a significant portion of the vagina, for example most of it, for example, by providing stimulation over the entire inserted surface of the probe. Preferably, one or more of the following four thresholds are determined: sensing threshold, pleasure threshold, pain threshold and tolerance threshold. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, physiological parameters may be determined at the part of the vagina, preferably simultaneously with the nervous sensitivity determination. Alternatively or additionally, a physical response of the part of the vagina to the stimulation may be measured, for example an increase in muscular tension or in blood flow. These physiological measurements may be used instead of or in addition to a patient feedback. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more of the following stimuli are used: heat, cold, vibration, ultrasound, pressure and electric current.
An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to mapping a response of the vagina and/or selecting a particular part of the vagina to be measured. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, measurements of physiological and/or nervous sensitivity parameters are performed for many parts of the vagina, covering a significant portion thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the measurements may be performed at external sex organs, such as the clitoris or the outer lips of the vagina. Alternatively or additionally to spatial mapping, the measurements may be repeated under various conditions, for example arousal levels, drugs, repetition and/or elapsed time.
An aspect of some preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a vaginal measurement probe which is adapted to match physiological parameters of the measurement task. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a diameter and/or length of the probe is matched to the vagina and/or to a penile shaft of a regular partner of the patient. Alternatively or additionally, a cross-section of the probe is matched. Alternatively or additionally, an axial geometry variation of the probe, for example a bending in the probe is matched to a penil geometry. Alternatively or additionally, a surface temperature of the probe is controlled, for example matched to a penile surface temperature. Alternatively or additionally, a press profile of the probe, i.e., the level of pressure exerted by the probe against the vaginal structure is matched to a desired profile.
An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to a female genital probe including a means, especially a base for maintaining a fixed spatial position of the relative to the female genitalia and/or for applying a desired amount of pressure against a stimulated area Preferably, the probe includes a spring or counter-weight for balancing the probe and/or for affecting a desired level of pressure. Alternatively or additionally, the probe may include a sensor for sensing physiological motion of the patent, such as caused by breathing. Thus, measurements by the probe may be synchronized, windowed and/or corrected for physiological motion.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to combining stimulation of male or female sex organs with functional imaging to assess the effect of the stimulation. Preferably, female sex organs are stimulated. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the imaging is of the stimulated organ and/or a stimulated portion thereof. Preferably, blood flow imaging is used. Alternatively or additionally, Heat imaging is used. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, MRI imaging is used. Alternatively or additionally, ultrasonic imaging (from near the stimulated area or outside the body) is used. Alternatively or additionally to using imaging techniques, non-imaging techniques, such as known in the art of blood flow determination, may be used.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a vaginal probe system, comprising:
a shaft having a diameter of between 20 and 32 mm and adapted for insertion at least 5 mm into a human female genitalia; and
a stimulator comprising at least one stimulation area, said stimulation area being defined on only a portion on the shaft, said stimulator being configured to stimulate only a portion of the genitalia corresponding to said stimulation area
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a vaginal probe system, comprising:
a shaft adapted for insertion at least 5 mm into a human female genitalia; and
a vibration stimulator comprising at least one stimulation area, said stimulation area being defined on only a portion on the shaft, said stimulator being configured to stimulate only a portion of the genitalia corresponding to said stimulation area.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a vaginal probe system, comprising:
a shaft adapted for insertion at least 1 mm into a human female genitalia;
a stimulator comprising at least one stimulation area, said stimulation area being defined on only a portion on the shaft, said stimulator being configured to stimulate only a portion of the genitalia corresponding to said stimulation area; and
means for urging said area against said portion, at a desired pressure level.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said stimulation comprises stimulation using heat. Alternatively or additionally, said stimulation comprises stimulation using cold. Alternatively or additionally, said stimulation comprises stimulation using vibration. Alternatively or additionally, said stimulation comprises stimulation using electrical current.
Alternatively or additionally, said stimulation area is adapted for contact with a clitoris. Preferably, the system comprises circuitry for activating said stimulation area to generate a sub-threshold stimulation level, which stimulation is below a normal sensitivity of a clitoris.
Alternatively or additionally, said stimulation area is adapted for contact with a portion of a vagina. Preferably, the system comprises circuitry for activating said stimulation area to generate a sub-threshold stimulation level, which stimulation is below a normal sensitivity of a vagina.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said stimulation area is adapted for contact with a portion of a lip of said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said shaft is substantially cylindrical. Preferably, said shaft has a diameter of between 20 and 32 mm. Alternatively or additionally, said shaft has a diameter of between 23 and 30 mm. Alternatively or additionally, said shaft has a diameter of about 28 mm.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said shaft has a length of between 60 and 250 mm. Alternatively or additionally, said shaft has a length of between 80 and 130 mm. Alternatively or additionally, said shaft has a length of about 150 mm.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said shaft is adapted for insertion at least 20 mm into said genitalia. Alternatively or additionally, said shaft is adapted for insertion at least 40 mm into said genitalia. Alternatively or additionally, said shaft is adapted for insertion at least 60 mm into said genitalia. Alternatively or additionally, said shaft is adapted for insertion at least 100 mm into said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said shaft comprises an inner probe portion and an outer hull. Preferably, said outer hull is flexible. Alternatively, wherein said outer hull is rigid.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises an actuator which moves said inner portion relative to said outer hull. Preferably, said actuator axially moves said inner hull. Alternatively or additionally, said actuator said actuator rotates said inner hull relative to said outer hull.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said outer hull is water tight.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises an extension which remains outside of said genitalia, when said shaft is inserted therein. Preferably, the system comprises a base coupled to said extension. Preferably, said base is weighted to stabilize said probe from moving out of position.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises means for attaching said extension to a patient comprising said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises means for attaching said extension to a bed on which a patient comprising said genitalia is placed.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises an urging means for urging a portion of said stimulation area against said portion of said genitalia Preferably, said urging means comprises at least one counterweight. Alternatively or additionally, said urging means maintains a desired pressure on said stimulation area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises an external controller for said system, which controls at least one parameter of the stimulation of at said stimulation area. Preferably, said at least one parameter comprises a stimulation duration. Alternatively or additionally, said at least one parameter comprises a stimulation intensity. Alternatively or additionally, said at least one parameter comprises a stimulation modality. Alternatively or additionally, said at least one parameter comprises a variation of a parameter over time. Alternatively or additionally, said at least one parameter comprises a delay between consecutive stimulations.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said controller includes an input for receiving a patient response to said stimulation. Preferably, said controller includes a memory for storing said input in association with stimulation parameters used to elicit said response. Alternatively or additionally, said controller modifies said at least one stimulation parameter, responsive to said input. Alternatively or additionally, said controller includes software for driving said stimulation area according to a nervous-sensitivity testing protocol. Preferably, said protocol is adapted to take into account an arousal level of said patient as a result of said stimulation.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said shaft is connected to said controller by wire. Preferably, said shaft is transmits data to said controller by wireless means.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said stimulation area is substantially square. Alternatively, said stimulation area is substantially round.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said stimulation area is at a side of said shaft. Alternatively, said stimulation area is at an end of said shaft. Alternatively, said stimulation area rings said shaft.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said stimulation area is flush with said shaft. Alternatively, said stimulation area protrudes from said shaft.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said stimulation area is less than 1500 mm square in area. Preferably, said stimulation area is less than 500 mm square in area Preferably, said stimulation area is less than 200 mm square in area. Preferably, said stimulation area is less than 70 mm square in area. Preferably, said stimulation area is less than 30 mm square in area. Preferably, said stimulation area is less than 10 mm square in area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one stimulation area comprises at least two separate stimulation areas on said shaft. Preferably, said separate areas can be independently activated to stimulate.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one stimulation area comprises at least four separate stimulation areas on said shaft.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one stimulation area comprises at least a ten separate stimulation areas on said shaft.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said shaft is sterilizable.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises at least one local physiological sensor on said shaft. Preferably, said sensor is a sensor which detects changes in blood flow. Alternatively or additionally, said sensor is adjacent said stimulation area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said shaft includes an interior lengthwise channel from outside said body to said genitalia.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for assessing a sensitivity of a female genitalia, comprising:
contacting a portion of said genitalia with a localized stimulator at a desired contact pressure;
activating said stimulator at least once to selectively stimulate said portion; and
determining at least one threshold of nervous sensitivity of said portion based on a patient response to said stimulation. Preferably, said patient response is determined by a conscious response of said patient. Alternatively or additionally, said patient response is determined by a autonomous response of said patient. Preferably, said autonomous response is determined by measuring a change in blood flow responsive to said stimulation. Preferably, said blood flow change is determined by imaging at least a portion of said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said blood flow change is determined by imaging at least a portion of a brain of said patient. Alternatively or additionally, said blood flow change is determined by a sensor in contact with the stimulated area.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said desired contact pressure is maintained over said at least one activation of said stimulator.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said desired contact pressure is intentionally varied for different parts of said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises varying a delay between subsequent activations responsive to said patient response.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said threshold comprises a sensation threshold. Alternatively or additionally, said threshold comprises a pain threshold. Alternatively or additionally, said threshold comprises a pleasure threshold. Alternatively or additionally, said threshold comprises a comfort threshold.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises varying at least one parameter of said activation for different activations of the same portion. Preferably the method comprises varying a duration of said activation. Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises varying an intensity of said activation. Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises varying a stimulation modality of said activation.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises varying at least one parameter of said activation for activations of different portions. Preferably, said varying comprises replacing said probe with a different probe. Preferably, said probes are exchanged while maintaining a same holder in a same relative position to said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises repeating said selectively stimulating and said determining for a plurality of portions of said genitalia. Preferably, the method comprises generating a threshold map of a portion of said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said portion comprises a portion of a vagina Alternatively or additionally, said portion comprises at least a portion of a clitoris.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, selectively stimulating comprises inserting a stimulator into said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, determining comprises selectively stimulating said portion at a plurality of stimulation levels. Preferably, said determining comprises determining using a limits method.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, selectively stimulating comprises maintaining a background stimulation of at least another part of said genitalia. Preferably, said at least another part comprises substantially all of a vagina of said genitalia.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for assessing a sensitivity of a female genitalia, comprising:
contacting at least portion of said genitalia with a stimulator;
activating said stimulator at least once to stimulate at least said portion; and
determining at least one threshold of nervous sensitivity of said portion based on an autonomous response to said stimulation. Preferably, said stimulating is restricted to said portion. Alternatively or additionally, said determining is by imaging of said genitalia.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises repeating said stimulating in a pattern which models a sequence of activities in a sex act.


The invention relates to a method and system for rehabilitation of an existing retaining wall or bulkhead.

Anchored earth retaining walls or "bulkheads" are a typical method of supporting earth and dividing land from water to create wharf age.
Bulkhead designs vary, but in general consist of a wall member constructed of materials such as wood, metal, or concrete driven or inserted into the ground. At times, the bulkhead stands alone and does not need any additional buttressing. For example, in marine applications, where the water is fairly shallow and the wall fairly short, driving the bottom edge of the wall to a sufficient depth below the ground surface provides enough support for the wall that it is able to function without reinforcement. However, frequently, it is necessary to provide support for the wall additional to that resulting from the wall's implantation in the ground, such as (referring now to the preceding example) when the water is deep or the wall is high.
The usual method of providing additional support utilizes a tie rod connected at one of its ends to the wall, and at its other end to a deadman or "ground anchor". An alternative technique is to secure one end of one or more tie rods to the bulkhead wall and fix the other end of each tie rod in the ground. The tie rods are oriented such that they slope downwardly from the location of attachment to the bulkhead wall to the location of fixation in the ground.
In typical conventional configurations, the bulkhead is supported laterally by a wale and a tie back system which transmits the lateral earth load from the wall to a deadman located at some distance behind the face of the bulkhead.
All bulkhead walls undergo deterioration over time. This is especially the case with steel sheet pile walls. Additionally, there can be numerous other reasons for replacing, repairing, modifying, or reinforcing such walls.
Wall replacement is not a desirable option because it entails partial or complete demolition of the existing wall and disruption of traffic and other functions in the general area behind the existing wall during installation of the replacement wall. Nevertheless, comprehensive rebuilding of bulkheads is often necessary when deterioration of the wall member is substantial.
In lieu of comprehensive rebuilding, the usual "fix" has consisted of driving sheeting outboard of the existing sheeting, excavating inland of the original steel wall, and installing new tie rods attached to the new sheeting. To secure the new sheeting or wall with tie rods, the ground inland of the original wall must be removed. The tie rods must then be attached to the new wall and/or to an anchor located at a relatively large distance from the wall. This is followed by backfilling inland of the original steel wall, and filling the space between the new sheeting and old wall.
The repair technique described in the preceding paragraph is both time consuming and expensive. Since the tie rod and deadman are installed prior to backfilling, the expensive technique of working from a barge or trestle may be required. A further disadvantage is that backfilling over and around a tendon or tie rod may result in flexure and tensioning of the tie rod, thereby increasing the chance of tie rod failure. Another disadvantage is that temporary support of the new bulkhead during testing of the tie rods is usually required. And, it is a major shortcoming that this technique does not utilize the existing bulkhead, including the functional tie back/wale system.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,225 to Brandl et al. discloses a bulkhead rehabilitation method akin to the foregoing technique, wherein new tie rods are installed in addition to new sheeting.
Another bulkhead rehabilitation technique is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,945 to Schnabel. New tie rods are installed, running from the original bulkhead under rehabilitation to a location inboard of the bulkhead, with accompanying expense and difficulty. A sufficient number of tie rods are installed so that all additional required support is provided by the new tie rods. The technique disclosed in the '945 patent does not appear to make use of a new bulkhead wall.
The art would be advanced by provision of an alternative to the foregoing which is more conveniently and efficiently implemented.

Method and system for rehabilitating a bulkhead


The present disclosure provides a method and device for transmitting a reference signal, a method and device for receiving the same, the transmitting method includes: determining a first antenna port for transmitting a demodulation reference signal and a second antenna port for transmitting an enhanced reference signal, where the second antenna port and the first antenna port have an association; setting a transmitting power for the demodulation reference signal and a transmitting power for the enhanced reference signal; transmitting the demodulation reference signal and the enhanced reference signal to a terminal based on the first antenna port being determined for transmitting the demodulation reference signal and the second antenna port being determined for transmitting the enhanced reference signal, and according to the transmitting powers being set. Accordingly, when present technical solution is applied, a channel estimation performance and a RRM measurement performance of a NB-IOT terminal can be effectively improved.

Internet of Things is still in the ascendant, and M2M (Machine to Machine) communication attracts more and more attentions in the communication industry. It is predictable that, various industries, such as intelligent water and electricity meter, intelligent logistic tracking, wearable device, vehicles internet, intelligent industrial control, will apply the Internet of Things technique to accomplish corresponding industrial upgrades. Given this, in the future, amount of Internet of Things terminals will far surpass that of H2H (Human to Human) communication terminals, which may reach ten billions or even hundreds of billions. In addition, a quite amount of Internet of Things applications possesses properties, such as small in data volume, insensitive to transmission delay, a relatively long transmission cycle. These properties provide a possibility of developing low-cost Internet of Things terminals. Further, low-cost of the terminals will facilitate popularization of the Internet of Things.
In practical applications of the Internet of Things in some regions, it has been found that, in some application scenarios of the Internet of Things, such as the intelligent water and electricity meter, the intelligent wireless sensor in a basement, terminal signals are affected by an installation position or blocking of buildings, and attenuate greatly. Accordingly, coverage-enhancing technology is applied to improve network coverage without increasing investment of operators, so as to meet requirements of network coverage in the above recited scenarios. Currently, a target demand value of a typical coverage enhancement provided by the operators is 15-20 dB.
In order to meet above recited requirements, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) provides a solution for low-cost Internet of Things terminals and coverage enhancements. The low-cost Internet of Things terminals are realized mainly by ways, for example, reducing terminal working band width, decreasing number of terminal radio frequency receiving link channels, reducing terminal peak rate, reducing terminal processing complexity, etc. Further, the coverage enhancement can be realized by ways, such as signal or channel repeating, frequency hopping, transmittal power improvement. In the 3GPP RELEASE 13, NB-IOT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) project sets a goal of designing a NB-IOT terminal only supporting a RF (Radio Frequency) band width of 180 KHz, wherein the NB-IOT terminal is not only able to work on an independent carrier wave (e.g., a carrier wave reusing existing GSM 200 KHz band width), but also able to work inside a band width of a LTE (Long Term Evolution) system.
Band width of the NB-IOT terminal is narrow, and the band width of 180 KHz only corresponds to one PRB (Physical Resource Block) of an existing LTE system, thus, if a reference signal (e.g., C-RS or UE-RS) of the existing LTE system is applied, under the scenario of coverage enhancing, a channel estimation performance may be seriously insufficient, which may cause low efficiency of the system. Moreover, when implementing a RRM (Radio Resource Management) measurement (e.g., RSRP measurement) based on existing reference signals in one PRB, an accuracy of the RRM measurement may be seriously insufficient, thus under the scenario of coverage enhancing, it will be almost impossible to obtain a measurement result meeting measurement accuracy requirements in some working range, such as a working range about −20 dB.

Method and device for transmitting reference signal, method and device for receiving the same

BEIJING SPREADTRUM HI-TECH COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A user equipment (UE) and a base station (BS) for a mobile communication system are provided. The UE obtains a first timing advance (TA) value of a source BS, and receives a radio resource control (RRC) connection reconfiguration message for a handover from the source BS to a target BS. The UE calculates a receiving time difference between a receiving time of two synchronization signals respectively transmitted by the source BS and the target BS, and calculates a reference time difference according to first reference time information of the source BS and second reference time information of the target BS. The UE calculates a second TA value of the target BS based on the first TA value, the receiving time difference and the reference time difference.

With the rapid development of wireless communication technologies, wireless communication has found wide application in people's life, and people's demand for wireless communication is increasing. The next generation of mobile communication system (which is generally referred to as the 5G mobile communication system currently) has proposed new service types, e.g., Ultra-reliable and Low Latency Communication (URLLC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) communication, and Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC).
According to a conventional handover procedure from a source BS to a target BS, the UE receives a handover indication from the source BS first, and then performs a random access channel (RACH) procedure by transmitting a preamble to the target BS for obtaining a timing advance value of the target BS so as to achieve uplink synchronization with the target BS for subsequent uplink data transmission. However, since the RACH procedure will cause transmission latency, the conventional handover procedure would not meet the low latency transmission requirement of the URLLC service to support 0 ms handover and mobility robustness.
Even a RACH-less handover has been proposed for shortening the latency during the handover procedure, such RACH-less handover is restricted to a synchronized clock timing between the target BS and the source BS. It means that the RACH-less handover only works when the clock timing of the target BS is synchronized with the clock timing of the source BS so that the UE can evaluate the timing advance value of the target BS based on the reference time information broadcasted by the source BS and the target BS.
Accordingly, an urgent need exists in the art to provide a RACH-less handover mechanism for the UE to perform a RACH-less handover procedure from the source BS to the target BS in the case that the clock timing of the target BS is unsynchronized with the clock timing of the source BS.

User equipment and base station for mobile communication system


Disclosed herein is a shock absorber for damping vibration transmitted to a vehicle according to a road state. The shock absorber includes a cylinder and a piston valve disposed within the cylinder and connected to a piston rod. The piston rod includes a hollow chamber formed within the piston rod, a floating piston disposed within the hollow chamber to move up and down and to divide the hollow chamber into upper and lower chambers, and a moving mechanism formed in the hollow chamber to move an operating fluid to upper and lower portions of the floating piston. The shock absorber can change a damping force according to a displacement of the piston rod, thereby improving driving comfort and stability of the vehicle.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to shock absorbers for damping vibration transmitted to a vehicle according to a road state and, more particularly, to a shock absorber capable of changing a damping force according to a displacement of a piston rod.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a vehicle is provided with a suspension system for enhancing driving comfort by buffering impact or vibration transmitted to an axle from a road during driving. One component constituting the suspension system is a shock absorber. The shock absorber is disposed between the axle and a vehicle body. The shock absorber includes a cylinder and a piston rod reciprocating within the cylinder. The cylinder is filled with an operating fluid, such as gas or oil, such that the operating fluid is moved by a piston valve secured to one end of the piston rod to generate a damping force.
A conventional shock absorber has a restriction in that it exhibits constant damping force characteristics with respect to variation of a road state or a driving posture of the vehicle. Therefore, a low damping force characteristic can improve driving comfort but does not ensure stability of the vehicle, whereas a high damping force characteristic can maintain the stable posture of the vehicle but entails deterioration of driving comfort. As such, the conventional shock absorber is incapable of controlling damping force characteristics in response to variation of the road state or the posture of the vehicle.
Accordingly, in order to solve the problem of such a conventional shock absorber, a shock absorber capable of providing variable damping force characteristics according to a displacement of the piston rod has been developed.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a conventional shock absorber.
Referring to FIG. 1, the shock absorber 10 includes a piston rod 14 connected to a vehicle body, and a cylinder 12 secured to an axle connected to wheels. The piston rod 14 reciprocates within the cylinder 12.
The piston rod 14 includes a piston valve 16 disposed at a lower end of the piston rod 14 to divide the interior of the cylinder 12 into a tensile chamber RC and a compression chamber CC. The piston valve 16 is formed with tensile orifices 16a and compression orifices 16b through which the tensile chamber RC and the compression chamber CC communicate with each other. The shock absorber 10 further includes disc valves 18a and 18b disposed on upper and lower sides of the tensile orifices 16a and the compression orifices 16b to elastically deform and generate a damping force according to movement of an operating fluid.
The piston rod 14 has a hollow chamber 20 formed therein. The hollow chamber 20 is provided with a floating piston 22 that can move up and down and divides the hollow chamber 20 into an upper chamber 20a and a lower chamber 20b. The hollow chamber 20 has a first orifice that is defined by a through-hole 24 through which an upper portion of the upper chamber 20a communicates with the tensile chamber RC, and a second orifice that is defined by a shaft hole 26 through which a lower portion of the lower chamber 20b communicates with the compression chamber CC.
As the piston rod 14 is slightly displaced, the floating piston 22 is lifted or lowered, and the operating fluid flows into or from the first or second orifice through the through-hole 24 or the shaft hole 26. As a result, the damping force of the shock absorber 10 is lowered.
The conventional shock absorber 10 reduces the damping force at a low displacement and low speed. However, the hollow chamber 20 has a restricted size so that a range of motion of the floating piston 22 is limited, thereby providing a low effect in reduction of the damping force. Further, when increasing the size of the hollow chamber 20 to improve the effect of reducing the damping force, there are problems of a manufacturing cost increase and a durability deterioration of the piston rod 14. Additionally, the conventional shock absorber undergoes friction between the outer surface of the floating piston and the inner surface of the hollow chamber while the floating piston moves up and down within the hollow chamber to cause an inefficient initial movement and a stick slip phenomenon between the floating piston and the hollow chamber, thereby lowering driving comfort. Furthermore, when the floating piston contacts the upper end or the lower end of the upper chamber or the lower chamber, the conventional shock absorber generates noise, thereby deteriorating quality satisfaction.


A method is provided for evaluating a geological formation which integrates well data and high resolution computed tomography of rock samples thereof. Relationships are determined for a formation between a formation property, such as an elastic property, and at least one of photoelectric effect index (PEF), effective atomic number (Zeff), and bulk density (RHOB), using well data, and tomographic imaging is used to determine at least one of the latter mentioned properties (PEF, Zeff, RHOB) at higher resolution, which can be used in the relationship to determine a corresponding formation property. This affords an opportunity to develop formation property data for more challenging formations to evaluate, such as thinly laminated formations or others. Computerized systems, computer program products on non-transitory computer usable storage media, and programs for performing the methods are also provided.

The invention relates generally to the field of geological formation evaluation and, more particularly, to a method for evaluating a geological formation which integrates well data and high resolution computed tomography of rock samples thereof. A system for performing the method also is provided.
Well log measurements can provide a number of rock properties needed to plan well completion and lateral placement. These properties include mineralogy, bulk density, porosity, electrical resistivity and elastic-wave velocities. Elastic-wave velocities and bulk density can be used to compute the elastic moduli needed to estimate the mechanical properties and strength of the formation. These mechanical properties are important for planning deviated and lateral wells and for fracture treatment. However, conventional well data resolution typically is only about 1.5 to 1.0 feet (about 46 cm to about 30 cm). This well data resolution typically is not high enough for evaluating some formations, such as thinly laminated formations which have thicknesses below the indicated level of resolution feasible with conventional well data.
Shale is an unconventional source of oil and/or gas. Shale rocks have not been studied extensively due to the fact that they traditionally were thought of as the source rock and not a potential reservoir because of their low porosity and permeability values. However, there are new methods to extract the oil and gas within these rocks, and therefore, there is great interest in analysis methods to characterize these rocks to better understand the mechanics of production from shales. Well data resolution alone typically is not high enough for evaluating thinly laminated formations of shale. The scale of lamination of shale can be measured in the cm or mm range significantly less than 1 foot (30 cm). Traditionally, there were only limited ways to analyze shale samples, and this began with scanning electron microscopes (SEM). The SEM image provides a two-dimensional (2D) picture or image of the sample that typically has a resolution of approximately 15-100 nanometers. Using only two-dimensional images, however, one is only able to estimate porosity and organic content. 3D CT imaging and/or FIB-SEM (focused ion beam combined with SEM) imaging have been proposed for evaluating some properties of shale, such as identification of the components, including the mineral phases, organic-filled pores, and free-gas inclusions; and computations of TOC (Total Organic Content), porosity, pore connectivity, and permeability in the three axis. Sisk et al, SPE 134582, "3D Visualization and Classification of Pore Structure and Pore Filling in Gas Shales", 2010; Curtis et al, SPE 137693, "Structural Characterization of Gas Shales on the Micro- and nano-Scales", 2010; Milner et al, SPE 138975, "Imaging Texture and Porosity in Mudstones and Shales: Comparison of Secondary and Ion-Milled Backscatter SEM methods", 2010. However, this digital rock physics technology, e.g., 3D CT imaging and/or FIB-SEM technology, does not directly provide the elastic properties needed for computing the elastic moduli and other mechanical properties of the formation.
There remains a need for methods and systems to provide evaluations of geological formations that can combine well data with higher resolution digital rock physics in determining formation properties such as elastic properties or other mechanical properties thereof.

Combining multiple energy X-ray imaging and well data to obtain high-resolution rock, mechanical, and elastic property profiles


A single stage switch mode power converter receives a supply line voltage and a supply line current from a power supply line, and provides one or more regulated output voltages for a load, such as an amplifier. The power converter is operable to regulate the output voltage(s) using a controller that includes a voltage controlled current loop. The controller can enable substantially constant supply line current to be drawn from the power supply line by selectively allowing conduction of the supply line current through the power converter. A power factor of the supply line voltage and the supply line current may be optimized by the controller at medium to high power levels thereby maximizing the power provided to the switch mode power converter from the power supply line. Due to the adaptive nature of the controller, the power converter can operate over a wide range of supply line voltage.

1. Technical Field
The invention generally relates to switch mode power supplies. More particularly, the invention relates to switch mode power supplies that are current controlled to maintain a substantially constant line current at an optimized power factor.
2. Related Art
As the power capability of a power converter, or power supply, grows, the need to better utilize the power source follows close behind. The distribution of power throughout the world has coalesced on a sinusoidal AC network leading to the advent of power factor corrected processing. Prior developed power factor correction or PFC stages have used a two-stage boost based converter, or a single stage converter to achieve the voltage requirements for a load on the power supply and to achieve galvanic isolation.
In prior art PFC stages, the line current supplied is subject to substantial changes in magnitude due to the sinusoidal nature of the line voltage and current and a typically varying load. In order to achieve unity power factor, the peak current should occur substantially in phase with the peak voltage. As a result, the PFC stage switches the highest current and the highest voltage at the same time. Due to the high magnitude of current drawn during peak and valley voltages, the number and/or robustness of the switching devices are increased. In addition, higher stresses on the switching devices may be experienced during operation. These factors tend to increase cost, reduce longevity and reduce overall efficiency of the power converter. Overall efficiency can be compromised by energy loss and accompanying buildup of heat that accompanies such high magnitude current and voltage switching.

Current controlled switch mode power supply

Harman International Industries, Incorporated


A communication terminal is described comprising a communication circuit configured to establish a first radio link to a first communication network; and to receive, via the first radio link to the first communication network, a message from the first communication network that indicates establishing a second radio link to a second communication network for a call; a controller configured to select at least one channel frequency from a plurality of stored channel frequencies provided for the call to the second communication network; control the communication circuit to establish the second radio link to the second communication network using the selected at least one channel frequency and to establish the call via the established second radio link.

A communication network may use another communication network as a fallback for a circuit-switched call when it does not support circuit-switched calls itself. For example, an LTE network may use a GSM network for a CSFB (circuit-switched fallback) to handle circuit-switched calls. To avoid delays of call establishment and call failures, efficient fallback procedures are desirable.

Communication terminal and method for establishing a CSFB call


An aqueous thermosetting primer composition includes a polyurethane polymer, an acrylic polymer polymerized in a wax having crosslinkable functionality, and a crosslinking component that is reactive with the wax and at least one of the polyurethane polymer and the acrylic polymer. The polyurethane polymer has a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less. The acrylic polymer has a glass transition temperature that is at least about 20° C. higher than the glass transition temperature of polyurethane resin. The invention further provides a composite coating having as a primer layer a cured layer of the primer composition of the invention and having at least one topcoat layer.

Coating finishes, particularly exterior coating finishes in the automotive industry, are generally applied in two or more distinct layers. One or more layers of primer coating composition may be applied to the unpainted substrate first, followed by one or more topcoat layers. Each of the layers supplies important properties toward the durability and appearance of the composite coating finish. The primer coating layers may serve a number of purposes. First, the primer coating may be applied in order to promote adhesion between the substrate and the coating. Secondly, the primer coating may be applied in order to improve physical properties of the coating system, such as corrosion resistance or impact strength, especially for improving resistance to gravel chipping. Third, the primer coating may be applied in order to improve the appearance of the coating by providing a smooth layer upon which the topcoat layers may be applied. The topcoat layer or layers contribute other properties, such as color, appearance, and light stabilization.
In the process of finishing the exterior of automobiles today, metal substrates are usually first coated with an electrocoat primer. While the electrocoat primer provides excellent surface adhesion and corrosion protection, it is often desirable to apply a second primer layer. The second primer layer provides additional properties not available from the electrocoat primer. Resistance to gravel chipping is one of the critical properties provided by the second primer layer. The second primer layer may also enhance the corrosion protection of the finish and provide a smoother surface than the electrocoat primer. The second primer also serves to provide a barrier layer between the electrocoat primer layer, which usually contains aromatic moieties and other materials that can cause yellowing on exposure to sunlight, and the topcoat.
Mitsuji et al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,281,655, 5,227,422, and 4,948,829, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose automotive basecoat coating compositions containing polyurethane resin emulsion, a second resin emulsion then can be an acrylic resin, and a crosslinking agent. In Mitsuji '829, the polyurethane resin is prepared by dispersing an isocyanate-functional prepolymer and having the water react with the isocyanate groups to chain-extend the prepolymer. The prepolymer is prepared using an aliphatic diisocyanate, a polyether or polyester diol, a low molecular weight polyol, and a dimethylolalkanoic acid. In Mitsuji '655 and '422, the polyurethane resin is prepared by reacting an aliphatic polyisocyanate, a high molecular weight polyol, a dimethylolalkanoic acid, and, optionally, a chain extender or terminator. Because the Mitsuji patents are directed to basecoat-coatings, these patents provide no direction for preparing compositions that have the chip resistance and other properties required for primer coating layers.
Gessner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,036, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a thermosetting aqueous primer composition that includes a polyurethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, and a crosslinking component that is reactive with at least one of the polyurethane polymer and the acrylic polymer. The polyurethane polymer has a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less. The acrylic polymer has a glass transition temperature that is at least about 20° C. higher than the glass transition temperature of polyurethane resin. A composite coating has a cured layer of the primer composition and has at least one topcoat layer. This coating composition has a very low volatile organic content (VOC), but it would be desirable to increase the smoothness of the primer layer. While increased smoothness could be obtained by adding an organic solvent to aid flow, the organic solvent would increase VOC. Further, it would be desirable to remove any solvents that are regulated as so-called hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Unfortunately, effective cosolvents for stabilizing polymer in water, such as glycol ethers, are being regulated as HAPs.
High solids, solventborne primers have been used for decades in the automotive industry. These primers have been formulated for excellent smoothness, but typically have VOC (volatile organic content) values of 400 to 500 grams per liter. Waterborne primers, such as the Gessner primer, have much lower VOC values of 200 grams per liter or less. The waterborne primers have not provided the smoothness that solventborne primers have provided. It would be desirable, therefore, to have a primer composition that provides improved smoothness, which additionally can be formulated with a very low content of volatile organic solvent.

Low VOC waterborne primer with high film smoothness


An apparatus for deflashing of elastomeric elements comprising: a) a tumbling barrel having a closable opening for introducing and withdrawal of elastomeric elements and deflashing media to the interior of the barrel; b) a refrigeration chamber sized for receiving the barrel therein, having an access opening for providing access to a barrel located therein, having means for mounting the barrel therein, and having means for lowering the temperature of the interior of the chamber; and c) means for imparting motion to the barrel mounted within the chamber to achieve impacting movement to the barrel contents. The apparatus avoids the high costs and dangers of the complicated prior art cryogenic devices and is excellently suited for smaller molders.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for the removal of flashing from elastomeric elements after they have been molded. More particularly, it is directed to a refrigerating and tumbling device for achieving deflashing of such elements.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The manufacture of molded elements from elastomeric materials, such as, synthetic and organic rubbers, as well as silicone rubbers, is well known. In the manufacture of such materials, a thin extraneous membrane (called "flashing") of the elastomer forms about the edges of the main body of the molded part. In the finishing of the molded part, it is necessary that the flashing be removed.
In the past, flashing was removed by manual methods which, of course, proved to be extremely slow and economically unfeasible. Cryogenic deflashing methods have been developed which utilize the principle that the very thin flashing membranes freeze much more quickly than the body of the molded element, when frozen, the flashing becomes extremely brittle, and when impacted with other molded parts or appropriate media, e.g., sand or other particulate material, the frozen, brittle flashing membrane breaks cleanly at the edge of the molded element. This results in a smooth surface, free from the undesirable flashing membrane.
The devices and methods used heretofore for cryogenic deflashing of such elements have relied on quick freezing of the elements using extremely cold temperatures, i.e., temperatures in the range from -32.degree. C. to -150.degree. F. For this purpose, the art has used solid or liquefied carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. Typically, the molded parts to be deflashed are immersed in the solid or liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen in a vessel which contains, if desired, an appropriate deflashing media. The vessel is rotated or vibrated so as to cause impact between the parts and/or media. The flashing membrane freezes to brittleness and easily breaks away upon impact.
Because of the nature of the cryogenic materials, e.g., liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, and solid carbon dioxide, the devices for use with such materials are necessarily relatively complicated and expensive. Because such materials are or become gaseous, they generally result in pressure build-ups so that the apparatuses must be sufficiently structurally strong to withstand the higher pressures resulting from these materials. In addition, substantial insulating must be used with the devices because of the "quick freeze" aspect of the cryogenic materials.
Because of the extremely low temperatures accompanying their use as well as the pressure build-up, there is also a safety problem and the devices must be equipped with appropriate safety mechanisms to avoid accidents. Also, of course, appropriate storage tanks must be provided with such devices to provide for holding the cryogenic materials during their use.
All of this contributes to the increased complexity and costs of these prior art devices. In addition, the use of the cryogenic materials, in and of itself, provides a storage and handling problem for the user. Normally, smaller elastomer finishing operations do not have or cannot afford to maintain the expensive facilities needed to store significant amounts of the cryogenic materials on site. As a result, the cryogenic materials must be delivered shortly before their use. This can cause supply problems if the cryogenic materials cannot be provided at the time necessary for their use in the deflashing apparatus. Of course, the cryogenic materials themselves are relatively expensive.
An additional problem with the prior devices is that their use is accompanied by an extremely high noise level, particularly, when a number of the machines are being used at the same time. Usually, workers in the area are required to wear ear protection because of the intensity of the noise. In addition, these machines generate a substantial amount of dust. Each of these disadvantages results in the machines normally being kept in a separate room in order to isolate both the noise and the dust from other areas of the workplace.
Also, because of the relative complexity of the machines and the necessity for having a source of liquid nitrogen close at hand, as well as the pressures which are generated in the devices, the machines are normally fixed in place. Thus, they are not easily movable from one area to another.


A whisker marker system has an installation apparatus, a whisker marker, a marker strip, and a whisker fastener. The installation apparatus includes a housing and a driver shaft connected to a power driver for rotating the driver shaft. A slide body coupled to the housing moves between extended and retracted positions. The slide body has a guide channel for receiving a marker strip. The marker strip includes a series of whisker markers, each bunched together with a bunching device and attached to a threaded whisker fastener. In use, the apparatus rotates the whisker fastener until it passes through the bunching device of the whisker marker. The fastener is driven into the ground until it secures the whisker marker to the ground.

By way of background concerning some conventional systems, it can be desirable to mark the ground surface to indicate, for example, the presence of underground utilities, the location of lot boundaries, and the like. This marking is often accomplished by the insertion of markers into the ground that extend upward from the ground surface and may include a flag at the top end. In other cases, the markers may comprise a plurality of nylon (or similar) strands with a nail in the center (e.g., whisker markers), so that when the nail is inserted, the marker remains at the surface of the ground. Numerous markers may be placed at spaced locations along the path of the buried utility line, and this may be true of each buried utility service (such as electric, gas, telephone, water, sewer).
Whisker markers (e.g., grading stakes) are one type of marker device commonly used in a variety of building and construction industries. Grading stakes are typically used to indicate the level to which the surrounding terrain must be graded. The stakes are customarily driven to a specified level relative to the existing surface and frequently include a brightly painted top to indicate the existence of the stake top and the level to which the surface ground is to be cut or filled. Other typical uses in the construction industries include topographic surveys of the site to be used in the preparation of plans for a structure and locating in the soil a system of stakes or other markers both in plan and in elevation from which the construction crew can take measurements of earthwork and other measurements for the proper construction of structures. Additionally, temporary stakes or other markers are usually set at the corners of proposed structures, as an approximate guide for beginning the excavation.
Generally, whisker markers (e.g., markers) are inserted into the ground surface by hand. For example, one method of inserting a single whisker marker to indicate the presence of buried electric cable involves the steps of: configuring detection equipment to detect the buried cable; detecting the buried cable with a detector; storing the detector (e.g., in a holster, on the ground surface); selecting a can of spray paint containing a paint colored to correspond to the type of utility being marked (e.g., buried electric cable); spraying paint from the selected can onto the ground surface above the buried cable's location; storing the can of spray paint; selecting a marker with characteristics that correspond to the type of utility (e.g., a marker with a visual indicator printed or colored to indicate buried electric cable); and inserting the flag into the ground surface proximate to the paint and above the buried cable's location. These methods are repeated until a desired amount (e.g., length) of the buried cable has been marked.
However, the installation of the markers carries with it a variety of deficiencies. One such deficiency conventionally associated with the installation of markers to demarcate the location of a buried object is that the process can be laborious, due to the numbers of markers that need to be placed as well as the manner in which the markers are inserted. The markers may be inserted by hand into the ground with no mechanical assistance, but this requires repeatedly bending down to engage and insert the marker into the ground surface. An alternative method, with whisker markers, may require the use of a hammer to drive the nail of the whisker marker into the ground. This repeated bending over and hammering can be physically taxing on the person performing the marking operation.
A number of devices have been proposed to facilitate the placement of markers. Another deficiency commonly associated with the installation of markers is that while these devices may work in some instances, some appear to actually make the insertion action more difficult by increasing the cross sectional profile of the portion of the marker that is being inserted into the ground (and thereby causing more resistance due to the larger profile), and/or requiring that a portion of apparatus be inserted in the ground as well. This approach can make it difficult if not impossible to insert markers into ground that is highly compacted, stony, or is even slightly frozen, to name a few of the factors making the insertion more difficult.
An even further deficiency commonly associated with the installation of marks is that some of the devices in the prior art must be loaded with a marker each time that a marker is to be installed, which requires continual reloading of the device. Also, some devices require a relatively strong and rigid marker in order to push the marker into the ground, and this may require markers with thicker cross sectional sizes in order to provide the necessary rigidity.
The above-described deficiencies of today's markers and marker systems are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description.


The present invention relates to a method of preparing a metal oxide-silica composite aerogel having a uniform particle size and excellent pore characteristics and a metal oxide-silica composite aerogel prepared thereby. The preparation method according to the present invention may not only have good economic efficiency because production costs are relatively reduced in comparison to the related art, but may also effectively prevent the collapse of a pore structure by suppressing a shrinkage phenomenon during drying. Thus, a metal oxide-silica composite aerogel prepared by the above preparation method may have higher specific surface area and better pore characteristics than a conventional metal oxide-silica composite aerogel prepared by oven drying while having low tap density.

Since a silica aerogel, as a high specific area, ultra-porous material having a porosity of about 90% to 99.9% and a pore diameter of about 1 nm to 100 nm, has excellent characteristics such as ultra lightweightness, ultra insulation, and ultra-low dielectric constant, research into the applications of the aerogel as a transparent insulator and an environmentally-friendly high-temperature insulator, an ultra-low dielectric thin film for a highly integrated device, a catalyst and a catalyst support, an electrode for a supercapacitor, and an electrode material for desalination as well as the development of an aerogel material has been actively conducted.
The biggest advantage of the silica aerogel is super-insulation having a thermal conductivity of 0.300 W/m·K or less which is lower than that of a typical organic insulation material such as a Styrofoam. Also, the aerogel may address fire vulnerability and generation of toxic gas in case of fire, i.e., fatal weaknesses of a typical organic insulation material.
In order to prevent structural collapse due to a shrinkage phenomenon occurred during drying, the silica aerogel is prepared by a method in which a hydrophobic silica aerogel is prepared and a surface modifier is then removed by pyrolysis.
Specifically, the silica aerogel is prepared by the steps of: preparing a silica sol by hydrolysis of tetra ethyl ortho silicate (TEOS) or water glass with an acid catalyst, adding a basic catalyst thereto, and performing a condensation reaction to prepare a hydrophilic wet gel (first step); aging the wet gel (second step); performing solvent substitution in which the aged wet gel is put in an organic solvent to substitute water present in the wet gel with an organic solvent (third step); preparing a hydrophobic wet gel by adding a surface modifier to the solvent-substituted wet gel and performing a modification reaction for a long period of time (fourth step); preparing a hydrophobic silica aerogel by washing and drying the hydrophobic wet gel (fifth step); and pyrolyzing the aerogel (sixth step).
Recently, in order to further extend applications of silica aerogel, a plan of improving mechanical properties in addition to original properties of the silica aerogel has been reviewed, and, for example, a metal oxide-silica composite aerogel, in which a metal oxide is introduced, is being developed.
In general, the metal oxide-silica composite aerogel is being prepared by the steps of: adding a metal ion solution and an acid catalyst to a water glass solution and performing a reaction to prepare a metal oxide-silica composite wet gel (step 1); and washing and oven drying the wet gel (step 2) (see FIG. 1). However, with respect to the metal oxide-silica composite aerogel prepared by the above preparation method using the oven drying, since the drying slowly proceeds from a surface of the metal oxide-silica composite wet gel by heat conduction during the oven drying, heat transfer to the inside of the wet gel is delayed, and thus, the drying may non-uniformly occur. Accordingly, overall drying time is increased to generate a severe pore shrinkage phenomenon due to surface tension of a solvent in the wet gel, and, as a result, since a specific surface area and a pore volume of the prepared metal oxide-silica composite aerogel are significantly reduced, the metal oxide-silica composite aerogel may have physical properties unsuitable for industrial applications. Also, the step of washing the wet gel with an organic solvent having a low surface tension before the drying is performed to suppress the shrinkage phenomenon, but, since a shrinkage phenomenon suppression effect is limited, it is not suitable for the preparation of a metal oxide-silica composite aerogel having high specific surface area and high pore volume and economic efficiency may be reduced because a large amount of the organic solvent is required.
Thus, there is a need to develop a method which may prepare a metal oxide-silica composite aerogel having high specific surface area and high pore volume characteristics due to the fact that the shrinkage phenomenon during drying is effectively suppressed, while having good economic efficiency because the large amount of the organic solvent is not required.

Method of preparing metal oxide-silica composite aerogel and metal oxide-silica composite aerogel prepared thereby


The present invention provides an improved vehicle entry transmitter that can be used as a transmitter to lock and unlock vehicle doors, turn an alarm on and off, and/or disable and enable the vehicle. The present invention provides a vehicle entry transmitter that uses a contact switch/probe tip combination (referred to a "switch tip" in this application). When the switch tip is pressed against a vehicle the switch is activated and the vehicle entry transmitter sends a control signal through the switch tip and into the vehicle, where it can be picked up by a receiver. The receiver can then lock/unlock vehicle doors, turn an alarm on/off, and/or disable/enable the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the switch tip comprises a conformable and conductive material. When the switch tip is pressed against a vehicle, the conformable and conductive material deforms until the contact switch is activated, causing a control signal to be propagated through the conformable and conductive tip and into the vehicle.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to signal transmission and, more specifically, to keyless entry devices for vehicles.
2. Background Art
Remote electronic transmitters are commonly used for many applications to transmit codes or other control signals to receiving units. One common application has been in keyless entry devices, small hand-held transmitters used to lock and unlock vehicles and/or control vehicle security systems. These transmitters allow a person to easily lock the doors, turn on an alarm, and/or disable the vehicle by transmitting an appropriate signal to a receiving control unit. Likewise, these transmitters allow a person to unlock the doors, turn off the alarm, and/or enable the vehicle by transmitting an appropriate signal to the receiving control unit. These transmitters thus have the advantage of allowing easy access to the vehicle and improved control over any alarm and disabling system.
In the past these transmitters have used infrared, radio frequency, or other wireless transmission techniques to transmit the control signal from the keyless entry device to the receiving control unit. Unfortunately, by broadcasting these control signals they become available to other receivers. Thieves can thus use their own receivers to discover the transmitted control signal, and then use their own transmitter to transmit the control signal and unlock the doors, turn off the alarm, and/or enable the car.
This technique, often referred to as "grabbing" or "snooping", has become so widespread that a great deal of effort has been put into "anti-grabbing" protection devices. Such devices have included the use of algorithmic code encryption as well as code rejection techniques. Unfortunately, these techniques have not proven to totally effective in preventing grabbing. Thus, these arrangements continue to suffer from the disadvantage that the control signal is transmitted in a way that is detectable by other remote receivers.
Another technique for preventing grabbing was described in Great Brittan Patent No. 2 290 435, entitled "Signal Transmission System." This patent describes a method of transmitting a signal through an electrically conductive probe to a receiver circuit on the automobile. The conductive probe is selected to be substantially non-radiative, meaning that the probe will only transmit to the receiver through when the probe is proximate a conductive body (e.g. the automobile body) connected to the receiver. Because the signal is not transmitted as a radiative radio frequency signal it is not available to be grabbed by other receivers. Thus, the system described in this patent provides a transmission system that overcomes the disadvantages of the previous systems.
One disadvantage with this system is the difficulty in using the signal transmitting probe. The transmitting signal probe described in this patent is a metal tipped device. To effectively use this device, a person must hold the metal tipped probe against the car. Unfortunately, it is difficult to make an effective electrical contact with the metal tipped probe. The metal tip on the probe has a tendency to "bounce" off the metal car body and thus it is difficult to maintain a consistent conductive path to the receiver on the car. This is primarily because the metal probe is restricted in shape and cannot conform to uneven surfaces. This results in a relatively small contact surface area between the metal tipped probe and the car, reducing the conductivity of the contact between the metal tipped probe and the car. Additionally, the small size of the contact area means that metal tipped probe must be placed directly against a metal portion of the car, something that can be difficult with modern cars that make significant use of plastics and other non-conductive materials. The results is that a user may have to make multiple attempts before the control signal is received. This can annoy the user and waste the transmitter's power. Thus, while the system disclosed in this patent reduces the problems of code grabbing, there remains implementation difficulties.
Thus, there remains a need for improved vehicle entry system that reduces the problems of code grabbing while providing consistent performance and ease of use.

Vehicle entry transmitter with conformable switch tip


Methods for engineering transgenic organisms that synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) containing 3-hydroxyhexanoate as comonomer have been developed. These processes are based on genetically engineered bacteria such as Escherichia coli or in plant crops as production systems which include PHA biosynthetic genes from PHA producers. In a preferred embodiment of the method, additional genes are introduced in wild type or transgenic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) producers, thereby creating new strains that synthesize 3HH monomers which are incorporated into PHAs. The 3HH monomer preferably is derived in microbial systems using butanol or butyrate as feedstocks, which are precursors of 3-hydroxyhexanoyl-CoA. Pathways for in vivo production of butyrol-CoA specifically encompassing butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity are provided.

The present invention is generally in the field of polyhydroxyalkanoate materials, and more particularly to improved methods of production thereof
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are natural, thermoplastic polyesters and can be processed by traditional polymer techniques for use in an enormous variety of applications, including consumer packaging, disposable diaper linings and garbage bags, food and medical products. Methods which can be used for producing PHA polymers from microorganisms which naturally produce polyhydroxyalkanoates are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,145 to Holmes, et al.; Byrom, "Miscellaneous Biomaterials" in Biomaterials (Byrom, ed.) pp. 333-59 (MacMillan Publishers, London 1991); Hocking and Marchessault, "Biopolyesters" in Chemistry and Technology of Biodegradable Polymers (Griffin, ed.) pp. 48-96 (Chapman & Hall, London 1994); Holmes, "Biologically Produced (R)-3-hydroxyalkanoate Polymers and Copolymers" in Developments in Crystalline Polymers (Bassett, ed.) vol. 2, pp. 1-65 (Elsevier, London 1988); Lafferty et al., "Microbial Production of Poly-b-hydroxybutyric acid" in Biotechnology (Rehm & Reed, eds.) vol. 66, pp. 135-76 (Verlagsgesellschaft, Weinheim 1988); Müiller & Seebach, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 32:477-502 (1993). The natural biosynthetic pathway for production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is shown in FIG. 1.
Methods for producing PHAs in natural or genetically engineered organisms are described by Steinbüchel, "Polyhydroxyalkanoic Acids" in Biomaterials (Byrom, ed.) pp. 123-213 (MacMillan Publishers, London 1991); Williams & Peoples, CHEMTECH, 26:38-44 (1996); Steinbüchel & Wiese, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 37:691-97 (1992); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,245,023; 5,250,430; 5,480,794; 5,512,669; 5,534,432 to Peoples and Sinskey (which also disclose and claim the genes encoding reductase, thiolase, and PHB polymerase); Agostini et al., Polym. Sci., Part A-1, 9:2775-87 (1971); Gross et al., Macromolecules, 21:2657-68 (1988); Dubois, et al., Macromolecules, 26:4407-12 (1993); Le Borgne & Spassky, Polymer, 30:2312-19 (1989); Tanahashi & Doi, Macromolecules, 24:5732-33 (1991); Hori et al., Macromolecules, 26:4388-90 (1993); Kemnitzer et al., Macromolecules, 26:1221-29 (1993); Hori et al., Macromolecules, 26:5533-34 (1993); Hocking & Marchessault, Polym. Bull., 30:163-70 (1993); Xie et al., Macromolecules, 30:6997-98 (1997); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,239 to Hubbs et al. A general pathway for production of PHAs is shown in FIG. 2. Synthetic polymer synthesis approaches including direct condensation and ring-opening polymerization of the corresponding lactones are described in Jesudason & Marchessault, Macromolecules 27:2595-602 (1994); U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,842 to Kimura; U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,239 to Hubbs et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,883 to Hori et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,139 to Gonda et al.; and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,006,508. WO 95/15260 describes the manufacture of poly(3hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) films, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,826,493 and 4,880,592 to Martini et al. describe the manufacture of PHB and PHBV films. U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,860 to Shiotani et al. describes the manufacture of the PHA copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHH).
To date, PHAs have seen limited commercial availability, with only the copolymer PHBV being available in development quantities. This copolymer has been produced by fermentation of the bacterium Ralstonia eutropha. Fermentation processes for production of other PHAs have been developed (Williams & Peoples, CHEMTECH 26: 38-44 (1996)). Plant crops are also being genetically engineered to produce these polymers, offering a cost structure in line with the vegetable oils and direct price competitiveness with petroleum-based polymers (Williams & Peoples, CHEMTECH 26: 38-44 (1996)).
Several factors are critical for economic biological production of PHAs, including substrate costs, fermentation time, and efficiency of downstream processing. For large-scale fermentations of commodity products, it is generally known that plasmid-based systems are unsatisfactory due to the extra burden of maintaining the plasmids and problems in maintaining stable expression.
Known biological systems for the production of PHAs containing 3hydroxy-co-hydroxyhexanoate (3H-co-HH) are inefficient. For example, Shimamura, et al., Macromolecules, 27:878 (1994) discloses that Aeromonas caviae synthesizes a PHA composed of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3hydroxyhexanoate (3HH) when grown on olive oil or C12 to C18 fatty acids. The fraction of the 3HH monomer was determined to be dependent on the concentration of the carbon source and the fermentation time and could amount to levels of 25% (Doi, et al., Macromolecules, 28: 4822 (1995)). As a result of increasing 3HH substrate levels, the crystallinity, melting temperature, and glass-transition temperature of the PHA decrease. These changes in physical properties lead to an increased susceptibility to degradation by PHB depolymerase from Alcaligenes faecalis. Other natural microorganism that incorporate low levels of 3HH in a PHB copolymer are Comamonas testosteroni and Bacillus cereus (Huisman, et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 55: 1949 (1989); Caballero, et al., Int. J. Biol. Macromol., 17: 86 (1995)). Recombinant Pseudomonas putida GPp104 strains in which the phb genes from either Thiocapsia pfenigii or Chromatium vinosum were introduced also accumulated PHA with 3-hydroxyhexanoate as major constituent.
PHAs generally are divided into two classes based on the polymer composition: short side-chain PHAs and long side-chain PHAs. Incorporation of monomers from one group into a PHA belonging to the other usually is limited to low levels. In some cases where the monomers are abundant for both PHAs, the bacterium generally produces separate PHA granules each comprising one type of PHA. Substrate specificities of the PHA polymerases therefore can be generalized as optimal for short side-chains (C4 and C5) or medium side-chains (C8-C10). Based on composition of PHAs synthesized by individual microorganisms, PHA polymerases that incorporate 3-hydroxyhexanoate can be identified. Thus, PHA polymerases from A. caviae, C. testosteroni and T. pfenigii are known for incorporating 3-hydroxyhexanoate into the PHA, whereas the enzymes from Paracoccus denitrificans, Sphaerotilus natans and Rhodococcus sp. have a preference for 3-hydroxyvalerate. The PHA polymerases from the latter organisms also are useful in making PHB-co-HH copolymers, due to their preference for C5 over C4. Unfortunately, however, these bacteria generally have a low growth rate, often are difficult to break open, and have only a limited amenability to genetic engineering. It is thus desirable to develop efficient, more cost-effective ways of producing PHAs containing 3H-co-HH by biological systems.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide genetically engineered systems for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers including 3-hydroxyhexanoate monomers (HHPHA).
It is another object of this invention to provide useful mutations which can be used to produce 3-hydroxyhexanoic monomers from more economic feedstocks, such as butyrate or butanol.
It is a further object of this invention to provide genes suitable for converting cellular metabolites derived from carbohydrate feedstocks to Butyryl-CoA for the production of 3-hydroxyhexanoate comonomers.
It is another object of this invention to provide improved methods of producing PHAs containing 3-hydroxyhexanoate as comonomer.
It is still another object of this invention to provide new pathways in biological systems for the endogenous synthesis of the 3-hydroxyhexanoate monomer.
It is a further object of this invention to provide genetically engineered biological systems for production of PHAs containing 3-hydroxyhexanoate in which expression is sufficient and stable.

Transgenic systems for the manufacture of poly(2-hydroxy-butyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)


A method for using photolithographic dummy memory cells arranged in rings around a set of primary memory cells as test structures and as redundant memory cells. Also circuits and structures of memory arrays having multiple-use dummy memory cells.

The use of photolithographic printing aids in integrated circuit fabrication is well known. Specifically, dummy cells are widely used as an important photolithographic printing aid in memory arrays: a typical memory array is divided into many small blocks and each small block is surrounded by periphery circuits such as sense amplifiers, drivers, and decoders (the size of the block is dependent on memory speed and other design considerations). In order to help the edge cells in each small block to print properly, dummy cells are placed right next to the edge cells. However, these dummy cells consume large amounts of chip real estate and the integrated circuit chip sizes must be increased. Larger chips mean fewer chips per wafer and thus higher costs of manufacture per chip. Therefore, the semiconductor industry is always looking to techniques to reduce integrated circuit chip size without compromising yield and reliability.

Memory array peripheral structures and use

International Business Machines Corporation


An inhaler disc cartridge comprises a carrier disc with radially outwardly extending resilient fingers, each with a medicament powder dosage. A sealing disc and an indexing ring are bonded to the disc. A cam sequentially and manually deflects a selected finger causing it to snap against an anvil to release the dosage by momentum energy transfer. In other embodiments, a cassette includes a carrier substrate reel of deposited powder dosages with a dosage sealing tape. The substrate comprises a belt with a plurality of transversely extending triangular fingers, each finger tip with a dosage thereon. Each finger is snapped in sequence against an anvil while a clamp secures the belt as the fingers are deflected. The spring fingers are corrugated in one embodiment cooperating with an anvil having channels and a device for inducing agglomeration breakup air streams through the channels. Other embodiments are for impact deflection of a dosage carrying substrate in a cartridge or cassette against an anvil to release the dosages.

This invention relates to inhalers for medicaments, and more particularly, to inhalers with arrangements for breaking up agglomerates of dry powder.
In addition, of interest are PCT applications WO 90/13328 and WO 93/09832. These latter applications disclose various inhaler embodiments including impact release of medicament dosages. However, these embodiments involve relatively complex camming and similar arrangements which are costly to implement. These latter applications are also incorporated by reference herein.
Dry powder inhalers are used as drug delivery devices for administering pharmaceutical compounds to individuals. Some of these devices employ a pharmaceutical powder deposited on a substrate surface and sealed with a sealing layer. In other devices, the powder may be supplied in a reservoir and then transferred to a dose carrier one dose at a time. The substrate may be provided as a tape on a reel in cassettes or in cartridges, for example. When the patient requires medication, the ideal dry powder inhaler forms a fine particle cloud that is to be inhaled and thereby delivers a high respirable fraction of the stored dose deeply into the patients lungs. In most cases, the deep recesses of the lung is the desired site for the drugs in the inhaled powder cloud.
This can be most efficiently achieved by:
1. Releasing a high fraction of the deposited drug and
2. Insuring that the powder cloud consists of individual particles or particle aggregates between 1 xcexcm and 5 xcexcm.
As individual particles are reduced below 10 xcexcm, both release and particle aggregation become a serious hindrance to delivering a high respirable fraction deeply into the patient""s lungs.
A common problem addressed by various prior art inhaler apparatuses for dispensing dry powder medicaments is providing for a controlled reliable release of the medicament. The dry powder medicaments inhalers may be loaded with medicaments by filling techniques not involving electrostatics. In certain other implementations, the deposited powder tends to form agglomerated particles resulting in uncontrolled variation in the amount of medicament released. Several of the aforementioned applications provide various solutions to this problem.
Numerous approaches have been taken in the design of dry powder inhalers. In some cases, the powder is released by impact of a substrate powder carrier, as disclosed in WO 93/09832. Of interest is an inhaler as disclosed in WO 90/13328.
In copending applications Ser. Nos. 661,213 and 661,212, indentations or raised surfaces are disclosed in the inhaler interior surfaces having contact with the medicament for inhalation, the surfaces minimizing the area of contact between the medicament and the surfaces of the inhaler apparatus, promoting the release of the medicament from the inhaler.
When particles of medicament agglomerate, they impact the mouth and throat rather than remain in the air flow for deposition in the lungs. One remedy is to provide tortuous channels in the inhalers to promote deagglomeration. However, the medicament may be deposited along the channels leading to inaccurate dosage dispensing. Agglomeration also results in the inhaler tending to dispense the medicament inaccurately so that greater or lesser amounts are dispensed.
The small particle size, e.g., 2 xcexcm to 7 xcexcm, required for transport to the lung presents a number of problems for release by the inhaler and delivery to deep lung regions. As the particle size decreases, the relative bonding force between the particle and other objects increases. This applies to both particle-to-substrate bonding and particle-to-particle bonding. As a result, particle aggregates become more tightly bound and individual particles more difficult to remove from the substrate. Aggregation increases the effective size of the drug released and diminishes the respirable fraction. The increase in relative particle-to-substrate bonding makes drug release more difficult and also decreases the respirable fraction.
Additional investigation using ultrasonic frequencies to agitate the surfaces have been unsuccessful in removing particles below 10 xcexcm from a planar surface. There is a mismatch between the particle size and the wavelength of the substrate material in typical polymeric materials. The wavelengths of the material are a large multiple of the dimensions of the particles and does not provide efficient energy coupling. Acoustic frequencies above 100 MHz would be required for particle resonance to occur. Thus, either unrealistically high frequencies to minimize wavelength or high acoustic amplitudes to increase the force differential across the small particles are required.
The present inventors recognize a need for a drug inhaler delivery system for dry powder pharmaceutically active ingredients for breaking up such particle aggregation should they form. They recognize a need for delivery of microgram depositions in quantities ranging from about 10 xcexcg to the milligram range with a delivery accuracy of about 10%.
A medicament powder delivery device according to the present invention comprises a carrier having at least a flexible portion on which portion is deposited a discrete medicament dosage and means for imparting an energy pulse to the carrier flexible portion for deflecting the carrier portion and releasing the dosage from the deflected portion by momentum transfer.
In one aspect, the means for imparting an energy pulse comprises means for flexing and snap releasing the flexed carrier portion.
In a further aspect, the carrier portion includes a finger resiliently extending from a carrier base region, the means for imparting for flexing the finger relative to the base region.
In a further aspect, a body is included with a cavity for receiving the carrier portion and the means for imparting including an anvil with a bore therethrough fixed to the body in the cavity for receiving the snap released finger, the bore for receiving the released dosage, and including means for causing the finger to resiliently impact the anvil to rapidly decelerate the finger to provide the momentum transfer to the dosage.
In a further aspect, the dosage tends to form aggregates, the anvil including at least one channel, further including means coupled to the housing for creating an air jet stream through the at least one channel to disintegrate aggregations of the dosage during the impact.
In a further aspect, the finger is corrugated.
In a still further aspect, the finger extends in a given direction from the base region, the finger having corrugations extending along the given direction.
The means for creating the jet stream may include a further resilient finger overlying the carrier finger for initial resilient displacement coincident with initial displacement of the carrier finger, the displaced fingers for snap release in a second displacement, the further finger for creating the air stream during the second displacement.
In a further aspect, the further finger has a different spring constant than the carrier finger so as to accelerate slower than the carrier finger upon the snap release.
In a still further aspect, the carrier includes a first disc with a plurality of radially extending fingers, a dosage on each finger, and the means for imparting comprises cam means for snap flexing a selected finger to release the dosage on the selected finger.
Index means are preferably included for indexing the selected finger to a medicament release position for snap flexing the selected finger by the cam means.
The first disc may include a carrier disc with a plurality of first fingers each carrying a dosage, a spacer disc overlying the carrier disc with a plurality of second fingers overlying and corresponding to the first fingers and a ring with index holes and a third plurality of fingers over lying and corresponding to the first and second fingers, the spacer disc being bonded to the carrier and ring discs, the indexing means for selectively engaging the ring index holes.
Cam means are preferably provided for manually flexing the selected fingers.
The cam means may flex the first and second fingers past the third fingers.
In a further aspect, the carrier comprises a belt portion with a plurality of fingers extending transversely from the belt portion, each of the fingers having a separate dosage and arranged for selective resilient displacement relative to the belt portion.
In a still further aspect, drive means are included for displacing the belt to increment the fingers sequentially to a dosage release position.
The means for imparting may include a clamp for clamping the belt portion adjacent to a given finger and a deflecting member for selectively flexing and snap releasing the selected given flexed finger relative to the belt portion.
The carrier may comprise an element, the dosage comprising a plurality of discrete dosages in spaced relation on the element, the means for imparting including a carrier deflection member adjacent to the element, and means for momentarily bending and deflecting the element to momentum transfer release a selected dosage from the element upon release of the deflected element.
In a further aspect, means are included for selectively aligning successive dosages on the element to the deflection member.
In a further aspect, a core member is included and rotatable about an axis, the element comprising an array of fingers radially extending from the core member about the core member in a spiral about the axis, means selectively align and deflect each the finger to snap release a selected dosage from the selected finger by momentum transfer.
In a further aspect, the carrier comprises a spring finger for receiving a dosage and dosage substrate from a plurality of dosages and dosage substrates in a stack aligned one over another, and means are included for selectively placing successive dosages and dosage substrates on the carrier, the means for imparting including means for snap deflecting said finger against an anvil.

Medicament dry powder inhaler dispensing device


A drill chuck key bearing includes an elongated support member having a pair of legs pivotally connected to the opposing ends thereof. The support member has an aperture therethrough, through which the shank of a drill chuck key is rotatably and slidably mounted. The legs have their free ends bent towards one another so as to engage a pair of opposing apertures in the drill chuck when the key is engaged with the drill chuck.

Drill chuck keys are provided with a short projection which acts as a bearing when inserted in an aperture in a drill chuck. Once this short projection is inserted, the teeth on the key mesh with the teeth on the chuck so as to tighten or loosen a drill bit within the chuck.
One of the most frustrating problems involved with drills, is fastening the drill bit within the drill chuck and tightening the chuck to the appropriate degree. After a short period of use, the teeth on drill chuck keys as well as the teeth on the chucking gear frequently become worn, and thus will slip as the user attempts to tighten or loosen the drill chuck.
Because the projection on the key is quite short, it also becomes worn in combination with wear on the teeth, and will not maintain the key teeth and chuck teeth in aligned relation. Thus, wear on the key projection exacerbates wear on the key and chuck teeth.
Another problem which is exacerbated by worn teeth on a key, relates to the capability of applying pressure to fully tighten the drill chuck. It can be annoying and painful to attempt to tighten a drill chuck and have the key slip from the chuck teeth.
It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a bearing for a drill chuck key to retain the key in position on the drill chuck.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a drill chuck key bearing which will align the key teeth with the drill chuck teeth and prevent excessive wear on the key teeth, the chuck ring gear and all corresponding components.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a drill chuck key bearing which is quickly and easily locked onto a drill chuck to tighten or loosen the drill chuck.
Still another object is to provide a drill chuck key bearing which may be mounted to a variety of key shapes.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a drill chuck key bearing which is economical to manufacture, simple to use and refined in appearance.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.