The present invention relates to treatment media for purifying water, and methods for forming such treatment media. Formation of the treatment media of the present invention entails heating an alumina substrate to a temperature in the range of 375xc2x0 F. to 300xc2x0 F. and then depositing a predetermined quantity and concentration of silver onto the activated alumina substrate such that silver ions are released and catalysis reactions occur, thus beneficially ensuring both an immediate and a residual germicidal effect to water that is treated by the treatment media.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to water purification, and particularly to treatment media for removing microscopic contaminants from water. More particularly, the present invention provides treatment media for incorporation within techniques and equipment that treat drinking water, and/or water present in pools, spas and the like with activated silver ions in order to render such water substantially free from germs, bacteria and microbes, and to residually prevent or deter the formation of such undesirable, potentially harmful contaminants for a non-nominal time following treatment of the water.
2. Description of Related Art
For many years, people of all ages have enjoyed the health benefits of consuming drinking water (e.g., tap water or well water), as well as the recreational and/or therapeutic effects of swimming, wading or simply placing themselves within water containment units (e.g., pools, soaking tubs, jacuzzis, whirlpool baths, water spas).
Over time, however, it has become known that both tap and well water, whether due to contamination of the water supply and/or of the (e.g., pipes, buckets) that transport water from the water supply to its consumers, often contain harmful bacteria, microbes, viruses, parasites, protozoa, and/or other harmful elements (collectively xe2x80x9cgermsxe2x80x9d). And more recently, people have been alerted to the fact that water contained in pools, tubs and other similar units, if left untreated, will likewise develop the same types of germs, which can be just as harmful through prolonged (or even short term) physical contact therewith.
In reaction to such knowledge, those who oversee pools, spas and like units, or are responsible for their upkeep have taken steps to ensure that water in such units is substantially germ free. Similarly, many individuals began to treat their tap/well water prior to drinking it in hopes of eliminating germs contained therein. Unfortunately, due to problems with and/or limitations of many existing treatment methods, such efforts either are entirely ineffective to eliminate germs, or are only able to do so for short periods of time in manners wherein costly, time-consuming, and/or harmful side effects likely occur.
Currently, in-home treatment of drinking water usually consists of routing it through a rudimentary filtration unit. The majority of such units are not ideal, however, because although they are generally effective to remove some dirt, sediment and metals (e.g., lead, arsenic) from within water, they are incapable of removing germs therefrom. In fact, if a filtration unit isn""t properly maintained (i.e., cleaned or replaced) within a limited time frame (i.e., from several weeks to a few months), germs could begin to form within the filter, and, in turn, could be transmitted to the water that passes through the filter.
At present, treatment of water that fills pools, spas and the like usually consists of the introduction of one or more chemicals into the water at predetermined time intervals. Such chemicals (chlorine is the most popular), if introduced in correct amounts, usually are effective to remove germs that are present within the water in these environments. Many problems, however, are associated with the use of such chemicals (especially chlorine) for this purpose.
For example, chlorine has a distinctive smell that many find unpleasant, and some even describe as overwhelming. Also, people may suffer a panoply of undesirable physical reactions (e.g., skin irritation and/or itchiness, redness and/or irritation of the eyes, negative effects on hair) upon exposure to chlorine. Further, chlorine tends to cause coloring in fabrics (i.e., bathing suits) to fade significantly if the fabrics are not thoroughly rinsed immediately upon exiting the chlorine-treated environment.
Moreover, those who are actually entrusted with adding chlorine to water are more susceptible to these risks because they encounter the chlorine in a non- or less diluted state. As such, they must exercise added care not to inhale its fumes or to allow it to contact their eyes/skin/hair. Perhaps even more importantly, they must also ensure that certain substances (e.g., other types of chlorine, certain algaecides, alkalis and acids, and even certain types of dirt and debris) do not come into contact with the chlorine prior to its dilution in order to avoid the risk of spontaneous combustion.
An additional problem linked to treating water in pools, spas or like units with chlorine is that, over time, objects (e.g., pool covers/liners, furniture) placed on, or located near such pools, spas or like units are caused to prematurely degradexe2x80x94thus being rendered unsightly and/or physically unstablexe2x80x94due to their exposure to chlorine and/or its fumes.
Still other drawbacks of using chlorine to treat water relate to the natural effects of the outdoors. Because chlorine is a relatively volatile gas, it is rapidly dissipated from water in open atmospheres, which, unfortunately, is where pools, spas, and like units often are located. This dissipation is expedited in water that is brought to temperatures above 70xc2x0 F. (and, in particular, above 85xc2x0 F.), which is a temperature level that many such water units routinely reach.
Yet one cannot simply address this problem by adding more chlorine to the water when one is in doubt as to whether chlorine is needed because that would cause most, if not all of the above-indicated problems to be more prevalent and/or their effects to be magnified/heightened.
Many water treatment methods (e.g., use of magnets, oxygen generators, ozone generators, and/or ultraviolet devices) have been proposed as alternatives to those described above, but have been largely dismissed as being too costly, non-efficacious, and/or as incompatible with small-scale use (e.g., use by individual home owners to treat drinking water and/or a pool).
One treatment approach that has met with success and acceptance, however, involves the use of heavy metalsxe2x80x94in particular, those of the type commonly referred to as xe2x80x9coligodynamic metalsxe2x80x9dxe2x80x94to eliminate germs from water.
Oligodynamic metals, especially silver ions, have a germicidal effect when present in water, even at concentration levels as low as 10 parts per billion. As a result, they can be effectively utilized to maintain germ levels in water well within tolerable ranges that permit the safe use of water both for drinking purposes and for short term or prolonged contact with the body (i.e., in pools, spas or like units).
The principal benefits of oligodynamic metal ion water treatment methods are that they are highly efficacious, are not unduly expensive or time consuming, and, arguably most importantly, their use does not present the above-indicated problems that plague use of chlorine and other chemicals.
Several patents (U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,504,387, 4,608,247, 4,935,116, and 5,478,467) are directed to techniques and equipment for purifying water via oligodynamic metal ion treatment (e.g., silver catalysis). And while the techniques and equipment described therein represent significant improvements in terms of safety and effectiveness as compared to conventional treatment methods (e.g., drinking water filtration and use of chlorine to treat pool and spa water), there is room for improvement thereto, especially with respect to the ability of such techniques to provide residual, germicidal treatment to the water.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide metal (e.g., silver) ion-based water treatment media and techniques that avoid the drawbacks of conventional alternatives, yet retain the beneficial aspects of known metal ion treatment techniques and equipment, while rendering such techniques and equipment even more effective, especially with respect to providing improved residual, germicidal treatment of water.
A related object of the present invention is to ensure that such media and techniques are rendered more effective without a noticeable increase in cost and/or in the duration/complexity thereof.
Another related object of the present invention is to ensure that such media and techniques are particularly more effective when used to treat well and/or tap water that is to be stored for non-nominal time periods prior to being consumed, and when used to treat non-filtered pools, spas and like units.
The present invention is directed to a treatment media for purifying water, and methods for forming such treatment media. In an exemplary aspect of this invention, the treatment media is provided as an alumina substrate of predetermined weight that has been heated to a temperature in the range of 375xc2x0 F. to 300xc2x0 F. A quantity of silver ions have been deposited on the alumina substrate in an amount such that the weight of the quantity of silver is in the range of about 1% to 10% of the predetermined weight of the alumina substrate.
Use of such a treatment medium to treat water results in improved (as compared to known conventional and specialized techniques and equipment) silver ion release and catalysis reactions such that the level of germs present within the water treated by the treatment medium, both immediately and residually following treatment, will be within tolerable levels, thus rendering such water suitable for drinking or for placement within a pool, spa or like unit.
In a related aspect of the invention, activated charcoal is introduced within the alumina as a filler material. The presence of the filler material is beneficial because of it is substantially softer than silver, and because it has excellent absorption properties. Generally, the filler material is intermixed within the alumina such that the weight ratio of activated charcoal to alumina is in the range of about 5:1 to 1:1, preferably about 2:1.
In order to ideally support the silver ions deposited thereupon, the alumina substrate should have a particle size in the range of about 4 mesh to 20 mesh (preferably in the range of about 8 mesh to 14 mesh), and a porosity that provides a surface area of greater than about 150 in2/gram (preferably about 210 in2/gram). The alumina substrate also should have a Mohs scale hardness greater than the hardness of silver, which has a Mohs hardness of about 2.5. Preferably, the alumina substrate has a Mohs scale hardness that is greater than about 9.0. Further, the alumina substrate should be substantially insoluble in water, and should have a pH within the range of about 5 to 9.
When included, the activated charcoal filler material should have a particle size in the range of approximately 4 mesh to 20 mesh, wherein its particle size is preferably substantially the same as that of the alumina substrate. Also, like the alumina substrate, the activated charcoal should be substantially insoluble in water, and should have a pH in the range of approximately 5 to 9. Unlike the alumina substrate, however, the activated charcoal should have a hardness less than the hardness of silver (i.e., less than about 2.5) according to the Mohs scale.
In embodiments in which filler material is intermixed within the carrier material, the weight and/or volumetric ratio of filler material to carrier material generally is in the range of about 5:1 to 1:1, preferably about 2:1.
Still other aspects and embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below.


A review and retry mechanism ensures a port channel can be configured to provide and maintain a minimum data speed. A timer-based review sequence reviews the constituent interfaces of a port channel to determine if a minimum speed requirement is met. If the minimum speed cannot be fulfilled, the port-channel member interfaces are un-programmed and removed from the port-channel, rendering the port-channel functionally inactive, thereby preventing network traffic loss. A timer-based retry sequence attempts to program the constituent interfaces. The minimum speed requirement of the interfaces is checked in the next review cycle. If the minimum speed requirement is met, then the review and retry mechanism halts and the port channel continues to remain active; otherwise, the interfaces are un-programmed and the process repeats.

The present disclosure relates to port channels. A port channel is a virtual interface which generally refers to an aggregate of one or more interfaces (Ethernet ports) on a switch to provide improved performance such as higher bandwidth, load balancing, link redundancy, and the like. A port channel can be referred to as a channel group, a link aggregation group (LAG), and the like.
A port channel provides a communication link between two devices supported by matching channel group interfaces on each device. The port channel can be established between a switch and another switch or between a switch and a host.
The "speed" of a port channel refers to the sum of the speeds (bandwidth or data rate) of the port channel's constituent interfaces; the interfaces in the channel group. For example, suppose a port channel comprises the following interfaces and data rates (generally specified as bits per second): Et1 (10 Gbps), Et4 (1 Gbps), and Et7 (5 Gbps). The speed of the port channel would be 10+1+5=16 Gbps.

Review and retry for minimum speed port channel


A network management device according to an embodiment includes network property storage means for storing information representing network properties, information object storage means for storing an information object relating to a network configuration corresponding to information representing network properties stored in the network property storage means, network property acquisition means for acquiring, from the network property storage means, information representing network properties corresponding to an optional protocol layer, information object acquisition means for acquiring, from the information object storage means, the information object corresponding to information representing network properties acquired by the network property acquisition means, and display means for displaying the information object acquired by the information object acquisition means.

There is technology, in an operation support system that performs integrated management of a communication network (hereinafter may be referred to as NW) constructed of different protocol layers, such as each of forwarding layer and IP layer for example, for visualization of each of the physical configuration of the network, configuration of each protocol layer, and connections among the protocol layers. Now, information indicating configurations of the protocol layers and connection among the protocol layers (NW configuration information) has been defined in programs (See NPL 1, for example.).
There also is technology where technology the same as that in NPL 1 has been applied to an optical integrated network, but information indicating configurations of the protocol layers and connection among the protocol layers has been defined in programs in this technology as well (See NPL 2, for example.).

Network management device, network management method, and network management program

NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION


The wired circuit board includes a metal supporting board, a metal foil formed on the metal supporting board, a first insulating layer formed on the metal supporting board so as to cover the metal foil, and a conductive pattern formed on the first insulating layer and having a plurality of wires. The metal foil is arranged along a lengthwise direction of each of the wires so as not to be opposed to part of the wires in a thickness direction and so as to be opposed to a remainder of the wires in the thickness direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wired circuit board. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wired circuit board such as a suspension board with circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
A suspension board with circuit used in a hard disk drive is a wired circuit board formed with a wired circuit pattern on a suspension board which supports a magnetic head via an insulating layer. In recent years, this suspension board with circuit has become widely available because a magnetic head keeps a minute gap from a magnetic disk against an airflow caused when the magnetic head and the magnetic disk travel relatively to each other, so that the magnetic head obtains a good floating posture.
Such suspension board with circuit is formed with a gimbal portion, wherein the gimbal portion include comprising a tongue portion for mounting a slider equipped with a magnetic head, and an outrigger portion arranged on both widthwise sides of the tongue portion and formed with a wired circuit pattern usually at a tip portion thereof. The rigidity of the outrigger portion is an important factor in order to precisely adjust a floating posture (angle) of the slider with respect to the magnetic disk.
Meanwhile, in recent years, there has been a need for a signal having a higher frequency in the suspension board with circuit from a viewpoint of a higher density data. However, the higher frequency causes higher transmission loss in a conductive pattern.
Therefore, a proposal has been made that transmission loss in a conductor is reduced, for example, by sequentially laminating a lower conductor, an insulating layer, and a conductor consisting of a record-side line and a reproduction-side line on a suspension (cf., Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-11387).


A system and method for processing a flexible photosensitive sheet or web material (PSM) including a photographic emulsion on at least one of the faces thereof employs a reservoir cell having an elongated cavity for containing a relatively small quantity of processing solution held therein in a sheet-like configuration and through which the PSM is routed during a processing operation. A pump is associated with the cell for circulating processing solution through the cell cavity from one end of the cavity to the other end thereof to enhance the distribution and mixing of the processing solution within the cavity. There is also associated with the cell a flat strip of substantially air-impermeable material for engagably overlying a substantial portion of the upper surface of the processing solution contained within the cavity to reduce the likelihood of oxidation of the solution if left within the cell for a prolonged period of time. The cell also includes an electric heating element secured in heat exchange relationship with the body of the cell and appropriate controls for controlling the temperature of the reservoir and to thereby control the temperature of the processing solution contained within the cell.

This invention relates generally to the processing of photosensitive sheet material and more particularly is concerned with the processing of photosensitive sheet material with a relatively small amount of liquid processing solution, such as developer solution.
Photosensitive sheet material (PSM) as used herein and with which this invention is concerned is intended to include a substantially flexible base sheet or web and a coating of photographic emulsion carried on at least one of the major faces of the sheet. Commonly, the emulsion includes a plurality of layers wherein each layer is designed to produce a specific result when allowed to react with developer solution. For example, in the photographic art, reproduction of an image is commonly accomplished by exposing a photosensitive material such as, for example, a photographic film or paper, to light reflected from an object or image, and then the exposed PSM is thereafter developed to produce a reproduction, i.e., print of the image. Development of such flexible PSM commonly includes the subjecting of the PSM to a series of processing steps, such as immersing the emulsion-carrying face in a developer solution to bring forth the desired image.
Developer solutions comprise combinations of chemicals, generally in aqueous solution, wherein each of the chemicals is chosen to react with one or more of the constituents in one or more of the layers of the emulsion to produce a specific result. The quality of the resulting product depends, to a large extent, upon the nature of the physical contact of the PSM with the developer solution. However, chemical reactions which occur during development of a PSM generate by-products that are taken up in the developer solution which, in turn, renders the developer solution less effective. Therefore, it is important that during a development process, developer solution in contact with the PSM be cyclically exchanged to continuously expose the PSM to fresh or less-depleted solution.
The type of apparatus with which this invention is concerned includes a reservoir cell including an internal cavity for containing a processing solution, such as a developer solution, so that the body of solution contained within the cell cavity is substantially sheet-like in form (a continuous layer). During a processing step with such a reservoir cell, a PSM is routed edgewise through an opening provided in the reservoir and into the body of solution contained therein and conveyed through the cavity so that the processing solution acts upon the PSM in a desired manner and for a predetermined period of time. The apparatus may include a series of such reservoir cells arranged in a side-by-side arrangement so that conveyance of a PSM in sequence through the cells exposes the PSM in succession to the working fluid contained within each cell. The number of cells and the characteristics of the solution contained within each cell depends upon the characteristics which the PSM is desired to exhibit when processed. In addition, the rate at which the PSM is conveyed through any one cell and the rate of replenishment of the fluid contained within the one cell are commonly coordinated to control the exposure of the PSM to the working fluid within the one cell.
A reservoir cell of the aforedescribed class is shown and described in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 07/679,762, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,994, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment of the reservoir cell described in the referenced application, there is provided a plurality of elongated woven fabric loops which are secured to the upper part of the reservoir cell so that the bight of the loop extends downwardly into the reservoir cavity. A PSM which is moved through the cavity of such a cell slidably moves in contact with the underside of the loops so that the volumetric amounts of developer solution in contact with the emulsion is replaced with fresh or less-depleted volumetric amounts of developer solution. Heretofore, however, the distribution of replacement solution throughout the cavity was, to a large extent, unpredictable. It would therefore be desirable to provide a reservoir cell wherein the distribution of replacement solution with depleted solution through the cell cavity improved.
There are many processing chemicals, e.g., those which possess a pH greater than 11.0, which are highly susceptible to oxidation when exposed to air. When such a chemical remains within a cell of the aforedescribed class for a prolonged period of time, such as overnight, the chemical loses some of its effectiveness and may be rendered undesirable. It would be desirable to provide a reservoir cell wherein the likelihood of oxidation of processing solution contained within the cell cavity is substantially reduced so that if the solution is left within the cell for a prolonged period of time, the effects of oxidation of the solution are also reduced.
It is also well known that photographic processing operations are quite sensitive to temperature changes. Depending upon the process, temperatures may need to be held within ranges of between .+-.0.5.degree. F. to .+-.2.0.degree. F. from a base temperature for consistency and optimum results. In processing applications of the type with which this invention is concerned, i.e., those involving a relatively small amount of liquid processing solution, and especially solution disposed in a sheet-like form, an appreciable differential between the temperature of a reservoir cell and that of the working fluid introduced into the cell may alter, e.g., cool, the temperature of the introduced working fluid to such an extent that the temperature of the process operation is outside of an acceptable range. It would therefore be desirable to provide a reservoir cell wherein the temperature of the working fluid contained therein can be accurately controlled.
An aspect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved system and method utilizing a reservoir cell of the aforedescribed class wherein the distribution of processing solution throughout the cell cavity is enhanced.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved reservoir cell of the aforedescribed class which reduces the likelihood of aerial oxidation of processing solution contained within the cell cavity.
Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved system and method utilizing a reservoir cell of the aforedescribed class wherein the temperature of the working fluid contained within the cell can be accurately controlled.

System and apparatus for the processing of a photosensitive sheet material and an associated method


A non-intrusive solar panel bracket for the prevention of the sudden displacement of large amounts of snow and ice from solar panels mounted on a pitched roof, the brackets selectively snap fit over the lower horizontal frame member of a solar panel, a portion of the bracket extending upwardly above the level of the solar panel preventing the downward displacement of snow and ice, yet at a height so as not to interfere with the solar panels generation of electricity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to solar panels, and in particular, solar panels positioned on a pitched roof, and a snow/ice dam bracket which is not intrusively fastened, but easily "sandwiched" or snap fit between the first and second row of the solar panels and prevents the sudden displacement of large amounts of snow/ice from the solar panels and the roof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The increase in awareness with respect to energy conservation has led to a significant increase in the use and installation of solar panels for the generation of electrical energy from renewable resources, i.e. the sun. In rural areas vast arrays of solar panels can be erected on what are termed "solar farms", where the panels are erected and placed on frames which are directly supported by the underlying earth and oriented to make maximum use of available sunlight.
In suburban and urban areas, vacant land is not as readily available so as to lend itself to the development of solar farms. In suburban and urban areas, the most advantageous location for the placement of solar panels is normally on the roof. There therefore has been a significant increase in the installation and use of solar panels on roofs, not only of individual dwelling units, but multiple dwelling units, commercial buildings such as strip malls and larger malls, and industrial buildings, such as factories and warehouses.
In many of these installations, the roofs upon which the solar panels are mounted are flat, such as warehouses and the like, and the panels are arrayed in either a horizontal position or mounted on frames that allow for an angular mount to make more effective use of the declination of the sun's rays impacting the solar panels. In these instances, the solar panels are erected and mounted side by side and not in a vertical arrangement.
In the instance of certain dwelling units and certain commercial and industrial buildings, and churches, the roofs are pitched such that to make maximum use of solar panels, the solar panels are mounted on the roofs, but are mounted in rows or matrices to take advantage of maximum roof coverage.
The solar panels mounted as aforesaid on a pitched roof present a substantial problem which the Applicant has addressed. An array or matrix of solar panels on a pitched roof in a cold climate will accumulate snow and possibly ice on the solar panels. The snow will accumulate during a snow storm, however, as soon as the storm abates and sunlight is available, the underlying solar panels will begin to heat up regardless of the amount of accumulation of snow which covers them. This heating from solar activity will immediately begin to melt the layer of snow immediately adjacent the solar panel, which may freeze in the form of ice in non-daylight hours. This melting process will be happening simultaneously on each adjacent solar panel in the array or matrix on the pitched roof.
Depending upon the intensity of the solar activity and the length of time, large sheets of snow and possibly ice, are displaced from the solar panels under the influence of gravity on the pitched roof and the underlying melting snow such that these large sheets of snow/ice will slide over the edge of the roof.
Depending upon the surrounding geography of the building, and its layout, one of several hazardous situations may occur. (1) The sliding snow and ice may fall upon heating and air conditioning units located adjacent the base of the building, and possibly damaging same. (2) The snow and ice sheet may engage a recreational portion on the exterior of a dwelling unit, such as a deck patio area, and again damage the dwelling unit or exterior facilities, such as barbeques and the like. (3) There may be a walkway or sidewalk immediately adjacent the building and under the pitched roof, which could subject pedestrians to injuries from the falling snow or ice. (4) A parking area could be immediately adjacent the building having the pitched roof, and vehicles may be damaged from the falling snow and ice.
There therefore has been a need for some form of retainer that would prevent the slippage of snow/ice from an array or matrix of solar panels mounted on a pitched roof. One early method was to install upright barriers along their lower most edge on the pitched roof to prevent such slippage. However, these barriers when not required to prevent the slippage of snow and ice, would cast shadows onto the solar panels, blocking the sunlight, and thereby decreasing the efficiency of the solar panels. There therefore has been a need for a more efficient way to prevent the slippage of snow and ice from an array or matrix of solar panels mounted on a pitched roof without affecting the efficiency of the solar panels and allowing the solar panels to heat the snow and ice and allow for water runoff as a normal course without the significant displacement and slippage of large quantities of snow and ice.
It should be pointed out that any solution to the problem that involves the physical intrusive fastening of a device to a solar panel is unacceptable in that it would automatically void any warranty associated with the solar panel.


A vehicle includes a foldable roof top and a trunk having a luggage compartment. A trunk lid is movable between a closed lid position in which the lid covers the trunk and an opened lid position in which the lid provides trunk access. The roof is movable between a closed roof position in which the roof parts cover the vehicle interior and an opened roof position in which the roof parts are folded and stored within the trunk over the compartment. When the lid is in the opened lid position the roof is movable from the opened roof position to a loading roof position in which the folded roof parts are raised over the trunk to provide compartment access. A blocking device prevents the lid from unintentionally closing when the lid is in the opened lid position and the roof is in the loading roof position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vehicles having folding roof tops.
2. Background Art
DE 199 60 101 C2 describes a vehicle having a folding roof top. The roof is movable between a closed position in which the roof covers the vehicle interior and an opened position in which the roof is folded and lowered into the trunk of the vehicle for storage therein. A trunk lid may close to cover the trunk while the roof is stored therein. To allow access to a luggage compartment within the trunk, the folded roof may be moved out of the trunk to a loading position.
DE 698 18 970 T2 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,589) describes a vehicle having a folding roof top. The roof is movable between a closed position in which the roof covers the vehicle interior and an opened position in which the roof is folded and lowered into the trunk of the vehicle for storage therein. The vehicle includes a luggage compartment in the rear of the vehicle body. In the closed position of the roof, a tension bracket holds a section of the roof in position above the trunk. The tension bracket is pivotably supported on the vehicle body. An actuating system moves the tension bracket into a raised position to provide access to the trunk. The actuating system may be activated by switching an operating switch provided on the vehicle body.

Vehicle and folding roof top for a vehicle


The present invention is a method for enhancing the separation of polynucleotides or polypeptides of various chain lengths or a mixture of polynucleotides and polypeptides of various chain lengths using electrophoretic processes to sharpen sample component zones and produce maximum resolution of electrophoretically separated macromolecules by modifying the matrix of electrophoretic gel.

Polyacrylamide and other acrylamide-based polymers are used as support matrices for various electrophoretic processes, including separation procedures such as isoelectric focusing, conventional zone, capillary zone, or discontinuous zonal electrophoresis. Various modifications in the pore size of the acrylamide support medium are often required for separations based on either the charge, size, or both, of macromolecules of biological origin. For example, low resolution simple charge separations of the plasma proteins may be made on media such as agarose, cellulose acetate and paper that contain pore sizes too large to sieve the molecules.
High resolution separations of macromolecules based on size require a support medium where the pore size can be varied to exert a sieving or retardation effect, on the macromolecules as they migrate in the electrical field. Such separations require a system wherein the pore size may be varied or produced with a graduated pore size. This is commonly done using polyacrylamide gels or acrylamide derivatives, where the pore size may be varied by varying the monomer concentration. An electrophoretic gel having a single pore size will not resolve many of the macromolecules present in a complex mixture.
The article Allen et al, "Rehydratable Gels: A Potential Reference Standard Support for Electrophoresing PCR-Amplified DNA" published in Biotechnology, Vol. 8, Dec. 1990 by the present Applicants has indicated that rehydratable gels can be modified after their formation by adding specific amounts of one or more alcohols, polyols or monosaccharides. The matrix modifiers were added to preformed polyacrylamide gels and were used to separate various macromolecules.
Accordingly, there is a continued need in this art for an improved method for resolving mixtures of biological macromolecules using a modified electrophoretic support to increase the resolution of macromolecules such as polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further, there is a need in this art to further improve the resolution of electrophoretic support media whose matrix has been modified to enhance the separations of macromolecules and individualization process of various biological materials.

Matrix modification in the electrophoretic separation of nucleic acids

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


A switching mechanism includes a main body, a rotational body, a swinging member, and a biasing member. The swinging member detaches from the shaft portion against a biasing force of the biasing member by a centrifugal force generated at the swinging member in response to rotation of the rotational body rotating in conjunction with movement of the rotational member, for example, a vehicle door, to switch the state of the switching mechanism to an operation allowed state in a state where the rotational member is operated to rotationally move. The biasing force of the biasing member pushes the swinging member to make contact with the shaft portion and engages with the shaft portion by friction to retain the rotational body in a stopped state to switch the state of the switching mechanism to a movement restrained state in a state where the rotational member is stopped from making rotational movement.

A door position restraining apparatus for restraining a position of an opened door in a door apparatus for a vehicle provided with a hinge is disclosed in JP2009-235844A, hereinafter referred to as Reference 1. Reference 1 discloses an apparatus using an opening-closing movement of a door to switch a state of the apparatus between a movement restraining mode and a movement allowing mode without using an actuator. More specifically, the apparatus includes a movement restraining mechanism that switches the state of the restraining mechanism to the movement restraining mode in response to rotation of a change ring rotating in a first direction by an operation where movement of opening the door is stopped at an intermediate position followed by moving the door slightly in a closing direction. Furthermore, in a state where the door is moved in a direction to fully close the door, the change ring is driven in a second direction in response to the door closing operation so that the movement restraining mechanism switches to the movement allowing mode. In other words, the apparatus disclosed in Reference 1 switches the state of the apparatus between the movement restraining mode and the movement allowing mode without using an actuator by making use of a manually operated door closing operation.
In JP2010-95855A, hereinafter referred to as Reference 2, a door opening-closing retaining apparatus that retains a door at a selected opening degree is disclosed. Reference 2 discloses an apparatus to improve door opening-closing operation performance by providing simple and comfortable operation by restraining a check force from being exerted while opening and closing the door. More specifically, during a period during which the door is operated to open, an engagement release operation member is operated to disengage a checking mechanism so that the door is smoothly opened in a state where the check force is not exerted. During a period during which the door is operated to close, closing operation of the door disengages the checking mechanism. In other words, without an independent procedure to operate the engagement release operation member, the door may be closed.
Furthermore, an automatic opening-closing apparatus for a vehicle for an application of a power back door, which is a back door for a vehicle provided with a drive source, is disclosed in JP2006-265982A, hereinafter referred to as Reference 3. Reference 3 discloses an apparatus to improve opening-closing operation performance of an opening-closing body in a manual operation by allowing the opening-closing body to be manually operated to open, to close and to stay still in an intermediate position by an operation at a single operation portion. More specifically, the automatic opening-closing apparatus for a vehicle is described as an apparatus for automatically opening and closing the opening-closing body mounted on a vehicle body in a state where the opening-closing body freely makes opening and closing movements in upward-downward direction via a hinge. The automatic opening-closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a drive source for driving the opening-closing body to open and to close, an opening-closing operation portion, which is operated by an operator, arranged on the opening-closing body, an auxiliary opening force generating means arranged between the vehicle body and the opening-closing body and biasing the opening-closing body in an opening direction, and a clutch arranged between the opening-closing body and the drive source and selectively connecting a power transmission path between the opening-closing body and the drive source by an operation of the opening-closing operation portion. In a state where the clutch is in a disconnected state, even in a case where the opening-closing operation portion is operated, the automatic opening-closing apparatus for a vehicle maintains the clutch in a disconnected state during a period during which the opening-closing body is within a range within which the opening-closing body is recognized as closed and during a period during which the opening-closing body is within a range within which the opening-closing body is recognized as open. Note that, the range within which the opening-closing body is recognized as closed is a range where the opening-closing body is at a position between fully closed position and a position where the opening-closing body is half-latched. The range within which the opening-closing body is recognized as open is a range where the opening-closing body is at a position between fully opened position and a predetermined position.
In addition, a door retaining control apparatus for a sliding door of a vehicle for an application of a power sliding door for a vehicle is disclosed in JP3816511B, hereinafter referred to as Reference 4. Reference 4 discloses an apparatus to retain a sliding door with a transmitted retaining force that is appropriate for manually operating the sliding door to open and close while retaining the sliding door immovable by self-weight under any condition. More specifically, the door retaining control apparatus for a sliding door of a vehicle includes a sliding door to be moved by a sliding door moving mechanism and moved on a guide track arranged on a vehicle to open and close the sliding door, a clutch mechanism selectively transmitting power from a drive source to the sliding door moving mechanism, a movement detection means detecting movement of the sliding door, and a clutch control means adjusting the transmitted retaining force at the clutch mechanism. The clutch control means adjusts the transmitted retaining force to restrain movement of the sliding door when the clutch control means receives an output from the movement detection means and detects that the sliding door has further moved in a direction toward opening the sliding door from a fully opened position or from a position close to the fully opened position. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the clutch control means adjusts the transmitted retaining force to minimum, which is a smallest force required for retaining the sliding door in a non-moving state.
Furthermore, a drive system for opening and closing, for example, a tail gate or a trunk of a vehicle is disclosed in WO2009059747A, hereinafter referred to as Reference 5. Reference 5 discloses an apparatus including a connecting apparatus connected to an electric motor in a driving side and to a closing member in an output side. The connecting apparatus includes a first friction engagement element providing pushing pressure on a contact surface of a non-moving member and a second friction engagement element connecting a driving element to the driven element and configured to provide pushing pressure on a contact surface of a transmission element. In a state where the drive system is driven by an electric motor, the second friction engagement element transmits torque, which is generated in the driving side, from the driving element to the driven element. In a state where the closing member of the drive system is manually operated, the transmission element transmits torque generated in the driven side to the first friction engagement element so that restraint on the contact surface is released. Note that, from drawings in Reference 5, the closing member is a tailgate, or a back door, and the friction engagement elements are coil springs.
The door position restraining apparatus disclosed in Reference 1 requires an operation where movement of opening the door is stopped at an intermediate position followed by moving the door slightly in the closing direction in order to bring the door position restraining apparatus to the movement restraining mode. In addition, an operation to move the door in the closing direction is required to switch the door position restraining apparatus from the movement restraining mode to the movement allowing mode. Furthermore, the door position restraining apparatus disclosed in Reference 1 is not allowed to operate the door in the opening direction from the state in which the door position restraining apparatus is in the movement restraining mode. Accordingly, an operation performance of the apparatus disclosed in Reference 1 leaves room for improvement. Furthermore, the door opening-closing retaining apparatus disclosed in Reference 2 requires an operation of the engagement release operation member to release the door from a retained state. Accordingly, an operation performance of the apparatus disclosed in Reference 2 leaves room for improvement. In a case where a rotational member in the apparatus disclosed in Reference 1 or in Reference 2 is a door and a retaining member in the apparatus disclosed in Reference 1 or in Reference 2 is a vehicle body member, a switching mechanism is required to smoothly switch between an operation allowed state, which is a state where movement of the rotational member is allowed, and a movement restrained state, which is a state where the movement of the rotational member is retained at a selected stopped position, with a simple operation and to reliably retain the movement restrained state.
Each of the apparatuses disclosed in Reference 3 through 5 uses an electric motor as a drive source and furthermore requires a clutch mechanism. A clutch mechanism, in general, is defined as a mechanism that selectively transmits power from an engine body to a driven body, which is a mechanism that manually or automatically connects and disconnects between the engine body and the driven body to engage and disengage the engine body and the driven body. The clutch mechanism is mainly divided into two types, which are a positive clutch that engages by engaging teeth and a friction clutch that engages by friction. In each type, the clutch mechanism engages to transmit power from the engine body to the driven body and disengages to stop transmitting power. The friction clutch transmits rotation by frictional resistance, or frictional force. Accordingly retaining a frictional state while transmitting power is considered important. In a state where the power is not transmitted, the friction clutch is in a disengaged state. A separate consideration is required for retaining the friction clutch in the disengaged state, which is a state in which the operation of the friction clutch is stopped.
Particularly in each of References 3 and 4, an electromagnetic type clutch is used as a clutch mechanism. Accordingly, an electrical control is required to retain the clutch in a state in which the operation of the friction clutch is stopped. In addition, in each of References 3 and 4, a worm reducer, which is low in efficiency, is used. Accordingly, a large output type electric motor is required and the apparatus becomes large in size, heavy in weight, high in cost, and large in power consumption. In comparison, a size of an electric motor may be reduced in the system disclosed in Reference 5. Nevertheless, the system in Reference 5 is configured to increase a retaining force for retaining a tailgate. Power required for operation during manual operation of the tailgate has increased as much as the retaining force increased to retain the tailgate. Accordingly, a manual operation performance is decreased. In a state where the system is driven by a motor, sliding movement of coil springs results in resistive loss, which leads to a difficulty in reducing size and reducing power consumption.
A need thus exists for a switching mechanism, which is not susceptible to the drawbacks mentioned above.


A brake shoe having brake linings for a brake apparatus includes a carrier element, and a first brake lining segment configured to be mounted on the carrier element, and a second brake lining segment configured to be mounted on the carrier element, the first brake lining segment and the second brake lining segment being spaced apart from one another in a mounted state, and the first brake lining segment and the second brake lining segment differing from one another with regard to material composition, force loading and/or shape to configure a friction profile.

The present invention relates to a brake shoe, a system for the modular assembly of a brake shoe, a brake apparatus and a method for producing a brake shoe.
Brake apparatuses, such as drum brakes or disk brakes, are well known from the prior art. Here, in the braking state, a brake lining which is attached to a brake lining carrier is pressed against an abutment, for example a brake drum or a disk, whereupon a frictional resistance between the brake lining and the abutment counteracts a rotation of the abutment. As a result of said counteracting, a wheel which is connected fixedly to the abutment so as to rotate with it, in particular a commercial vehicle wheel, can be braked. In order to set certain properties in the braking behavior, the prior art knows, furthermore, brake linings, the properties of which are controlled in a targeted manner by way of the lining material, by a defined lining mixture being used, in order to boost desired properties. Here, the lining material is usually applied to a brake lining carrier, for example in the form of a cast back plate, or onto a steel back plate, the brake lining and the brake lining carrier together forming a brake shoe. However, the setting of the properties of the manufactured brake lining is restricted, since compromises from the mixed lining materials are often necessary.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a brake shoe having brake linings, which brake shoe is improved in comparison with those known from the prior art, and is optimized, in particular, with regard to the adaptation of a friction profile to different load cases.

Brake shoe, system for modular assembly of a brake shoe, brake apparatus and method for producing a brake shoe


An imaging target includes a light emitter configured to emit visible light from a surface of the imaging target, and an imaging device captures an image of at least the light emitter of the imaging target and acquires image data including the light emitter.

Patent Document 1 discloses an internal observation device for capturing an image of an imaging target inside an air conditioner. The internal observation device captures an image, for example, of a drain pan as the imaging target. A service provider or any other operator observes a state of dirt on the imaging target based on the captured image data.


A solar thermal power plant and a method using indirect evaporation are provided. The solar power plant includes a primary circuit having a heat transfer medium conduction system and at least one solar thermal subassembly for heating the heat transfer medium by means of solar energy, a steam secondary circuit having a steam turbine system, and a generator coupled to the steam turbine system. The heat exchanger includes a heat transfer medium conduction system to transfer the heat energy from the heat transfer medium of the primary circuit to the steam superheating stage, the steam generation stage and the preheating stage of the steam secondary circuit which has a bypass around the steam superheating stage and/or the steam generation stage which is fed back into the main current of the heat transfer medium conduction system upstream of the preheating stage.

Solar thermal power plants represent an alternative to conventional power generation from water power, wind power, nuclear power or fossil fuels. They make use of solar radiation energy to produce electrical energy and are embodied as solar thermal subassemblies with, for example, parabolic trough collectors, Fresnel collectors or solar tower receivers.
Such power plants typically comprise either a singular working fluid circuit system, in which a working fluid is directly evaporated in this circuit, or a first solar power plant section for the absorption of solar energy and a second, mostly conventional power plant section with a steam turbine system powered by a working fluid. This second power plant type with two separated circuit systems is referred to as a solar thermal power plant using indirect evaporation, since the solar energy is only employed here indirectly to evaporate the working fluid.
A conventional solar thermal power plant using indirect evaporation typically comprises a solar thermal subassembly such as, for example, a solar array made from parabolic trough collectors, Fresnel collectors or a tower receiver, wherein a heat transfer medium is heated, a heat exchanger group wherein the heat energy is transferred from the heat transfer medium to a working fluid in a steam circuit such as, for example, a water steam circuit, and optionally from a thermal storage tank. In the heat exchanger group, the heat energy is typically released in three stages from the primary circuit into the working fluid in the steam circuit, comprising preheating, evaporation and superheating. In solar thermal power plants using indirect evaporation, heat transfer oils, water, air or molten salts have been used up until now as the heat transfer medium in the primary circuit, wherein water is generally used as the working fluid of the secondary circuit in the steam circuit.
At present, parabolic trough collectors with heat transfer oil as a heat transfer medium, Fresnel collector solar arrays with water as a heat transfer medium and tower receiver power plants with molten salts, air or water as a heat transfer medium comprise the majority of these power plant types in use. Temperatures of up to 390° C. for heat transfer oil plants and temperatures of up to 550° C. for molten salts can be feasibly attained, though temperatures of up to 1100° C. can be attained with tower receivers using air as the heat transfer medium.
Superheating the working fluid in the steam circuit serves to increase the efficiency of the plant in solar thermal power plants; it is employed when operating steam turbines to prevent the turbine blades from being damaged by condensed drops of liquid which remain in the steam after the steam generation stage. At present, a steam turbine system comprising several steam turbines is often operated to improve the energy use of the hot heat transfer medium produced in solar thermal power plants. Here, one, two or more resuperheating processes are incorporated into the steam conduction system between the steam turbines, in particular in parabolic trough collector power plants using heat transfer oil as a heat transfer medium. During this resuperheating process, live steam generated in the superheating stage is conducted via a high-pressure turbine. Before entering the downstream (in terms of the steam direction) process unit, such as a mid-pressure or low-pressure turbine, the steam is then conducted into a resuperheater with one, two or more heat exchangers, where it is once again superheated by the hot heat transfer medium diverted before the superheating stage.
The presently most common method of connecting heat transfer media in a solar thermal power plant using indirect evaporation and single resuperheat is represented in FIG. 1. Here, the oil used as a heat transfer medium in the heat exchanger group is, on leaving the solar array, conducted first via the superheater, then via the evaporator and finally via the preheater of the secondary circuit. In addition, part of the hot oil is diverted before the superheater and is conducted via a resuperheating stage.
A further possibility for connection is to carry out the first resuperheating stage in two devices, or to superheat the steam a second time in a second resuperheating stage. Potential connection variants for solar thermal power plants using indirect evaporation and single or dual resuperheat are, for example, summarized in the Siemens patent applications WO 2009034577 A2 and WO 2010054911. All connection variants described therein are accepted with reference to this patent specification as the basic connection variants for the present invention.

Solar thermal power plant having a bypass conduction path bypassing the superheating and/or steam generation stages of the solar circuit and using indirect evaporation and method for operating such a solar thermal power plant


An electrical device configured to install within a wall mounted electrical box. The electrical device includes a bezel frame configured to fit within a faceplate. The bezel frame includes an antenna element. The device further includes a radio frequency circuitry component in electrical communication with the antenna element and configured to receive a control signal from the antenna element.

1. Technical Field
The subject matter described herein relates to wall mounted electrical control devices that can be remotely controlled and monitored via radio frequency transmissions. The subject matter described herein also relates to remote control devices for controlling and monitoring the wall mounted electrical control devices. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to electrical devices that can include one or more interchangeable key capsules, one or more associated interchangeable bezel frames which include a radio frequency antenna element, and one or more interchangeable radio frequency circuitry components.
2. Background Art
The field of home automation is rapidly developing. The ability to control electrical fixtures, appliances, and electronics remotely or through a central location is becoming more and more common place. Remote electronic control devices, such as lighting dimmers, include control circuitry and processors which can be powered by internal power supplies that derive power from high voltage house wiring that is typically 120 VAC (volts, alternating current) in the United States.
Wall mounted switching devices such as light switches and dimmers are typically placed inside a junction box or mounting fixture. In commercial construction, metal wallboxes are often used. A metal electrical wallbox along with a metal faceplate can act as a Faraday cage that significantly attenuates the transmission of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation from the antenna. As such, antenna location is an important factor.
Traditional radio Frequency (RF)-Controlled lighting dimmers have typically operated using RF frequencies, such as 418 megahertz (MHz), that have a relatively long ¼ wavelength (i.e. 6¾ inches) with respect to the physical dimensions of a residential single-gang wallbox that conforms to National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) specifications (i.e., 2¼ inches (W)×3¾ inches (L)×3¼ inches (D)). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the physical dimensions of an antenna, particularly the 'length' dimension, are primary determined by the ¼ wavelength (λ) of the operating frequency of the antenna. Various methods have been employed in the prior art to accommodate undesirable long antennas used to satisfy the ¼ wavelength (λ) standard at operational frequencies such as 418 MHz.
As an example, some traditional devices use a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna that includes capacitors to help balance the inherent inductive load. Prior art FIG. 1 depicts a wall mounted RF-controlled lighting dimmer 20, that incorporates a PCB antenna with dimensions much smaller than a ¼ wavelength (λ) of the intended operating frequency. This allows the antenna (not visible) to fit behind a faceplate 6 that covers the opening of a wall 7 cut to accommodate an electrical wallbox. A perimeter of the faceplate 6 includes left edges 31, right edges 32, top edges 33, and bottom edges 34. Prior art FIG. 2 depicts a wallbox 8 covered by a front surface 9 of a faceplate as part of an RF-controlled lighting control device according to a traditional system. The system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna that fits behind a front surface of the faceplate and within the area defined by the faceplate. Prior art FIG. 3 shows a typical PCB antenna 24 that is used in traditional devices.
Prior art FIG. 4 illustrates an attempt to accommodate an extended wire antenna 242. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the extended wire antenna 242 extends for several inches outside of a wall-mounted electrical device, such as a lighting dimmer 20. As illustrated, the extended wire antenna 242 that extends from the lighting dimmer 20 is wrapped around the lighting dimmer 20 in order to conceal the extended wire antenna behind a faceplate 6 (indicated by the dashed lines). Such a solution is not practical for use behind a metal-faced faceplate, such as those typically found in residential kitchens and bathrooms, commercial buildings, etc.

Wall-mounted electrical device with modular antenna bezel frame


A reception coupling for air-to-air refuelling has a main body and a fuel passage. A moveable valve member is provided for opening and closing the fuel passage. A chamber is separate from the fuel passage. A portion of the valve member can be accommodated in the chamber as the valve member moves toward an open position, shielding that portion from effects of pressure in the fuel passage.

In air-to-air refuelling, a tanker aircraft trails a refuelling hose, to the trailing end of which is attached a drogue assembly comprising a reception coupling and drogue canopy. The drogue canopy stabilises the refuelling hose trailing from the tanker aircraft, and provides a drag force.
A receiver aircraft is equipped with a refuelling probe which projects from the receiver aircraft. The refuelling probe comprises a nozzle disposed at the forward end of the refuelling probe and arranged to engage with the reception coupling. The reception coupling comprises an opening for receiving the refuelling probe.
On engagement of the refuelling probe with the reception coupling, the refuelling probe acts against the drag force provided by the drogue assembly. Following engagement a fuel flow path is established between the tanker aircraft and the receiver aircraft via the refuelling hose, the drogue assembly, and the refuelling probe.
The reception coupling comprises a fuel passage therethrough providing a channel for fuel for refuelling a receiver aircraft, and a valve for opening and closing the fuel passage to prevent fuel freely flowing out from the refuelling hose when the refuelling probe of a receiver aircraft is not engaged with the reception coupling. Conventional reception couplings comprise a poppet-type valve.
Fuel in the refuelling hose is pressurised to achieve a high flow rate of fuel to the receiver aircraft. The fuel pressure tends to act on a surface of the valve urging it towards a closed position.
On engagement of the refuelling probe with the reception coupling, the refuelling probe pushes against the valve with an engagement force to open the fuel passage. The engagement force must be sufficient to overcome the closing force on the valve caused by the fuel pressure. Engagement forces (loads) can therefore be high.
In some tanker refuelling systems the fuel pressure within the refuelling hose and the reception coupling can be reduced to reduce the engagement loads. However, this tends to lead to a lower flow rate of fuel to the receiver aircraft.
Some tanker refuelling systems are not capable of reducing the fuel pressure within the refuelling hose and the reception coupling, leading to high engagement loads, and requiring corresponding high relative speeds between the receiver aircraft and the tanker aircraft to ensure full engagement. This can cause issues with larger receiver aircraft due to the distance required by the aircraft to slow down following engagement.
For all aircraft, high engagement load (i.e. high relative engagement speed) is a constraint resulting in reduced precision and probability of full engagement.
The present invention is aimed at addressing such issues.


A method for supplementing new antibody or adding additional titer of an already present antibody into the circulating system in a newborn by feeding antibody to the newborn within the first few days of its life. The antibody is preferably obtained from the egg of an immunized mother and fed to the newborn within the first 24 hours of its life.

The invention relates to a method for supplementing antibodies into the circulating system of a newborn. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for supplementing new or adding additional titer of antibody into the circulating system in a newborn by feeding antibody to the newborn within the first few days of its life.
In certain species, antibodies are transferred to the fetus inutero through the placenta or to the developing embryo through the yolk sac. In other species, such transfer does not occur. This is compensated for, usually, by post partum ingestion of high antibody concentration from colostrum. Horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and dogs, among many others, are species in which passive immunity in the newborn is acquired by way of the colostrum. Antibodies from the colostrum are absorbed through the intestinal tract of the newborn, in most cases during the first 24 hours of life only. Because it is essential that the newborn animal receive all the passive immunity available to protect it during early life, efforts should be made to provide the necessary colostrum as soon as possible after birth; antibodies are absorbed at a decreasing rate even during the first 24 hours. The newborn animal is subject to infection until the antibodies are absorbed.
Of primary concern for a mammal at birth is whether it receives a sufficient amount of colostrum. Colostrum is the mammal""s first milk and contains a high concentration of immunoglobulins (antibodies). These antibodies are used to protect the animal from disease and infection. Prior to lactation the mammal secretes colostrum during the first 24-48 hours following birth. The nursing mammal acquires the protective antibodies through the colostrum. This process is known as passive transfer. Passive transfer of antibodies and immune factors in colostrum helps compensate for the nursing newborn""s immature immune system and provides the nursing animal with immunity to many serious bacteria and viruses.
Gastrointestinal tract absorption of colostrum begins to decrease after 12 hours, with minimal absorption occurring 24 hours after birth. It is therefore essential that an animal receive colostrum during this time initial 12-24 hours.
Lack of passive immunity during the early stages of life can be seen in the case of orphaned animals. In equine, for example, when a foal is orphaned and does not receive colostrum during the first 24 hours, 2-4 liters of blood plasma may be administered intravenously to supply the needed antibodies. Without either colostrum or plasma, however, foals will have insufficient antibody protection and will most likely succumb to infection. This is known as xe2x80x9cfailure of passive transferxe2x80x9d (FPT).
In non mammalian animal species such as avians, reptiles, fish and amphibians, passive transfer of antibody occurs through the egg yolk. Exposure of the mother to various antigens (eg. bacteria and viruses) will determine what antibodies will collect in the egg yolk and be available to the hatchling. Like colostrum, antibodies that are gained through passive transfer in the egg yolk are generally short lived because the transferred antibodies survive in the circulation for only a few weeks before they are degraded and removed. This does not minimize their importance to the animal since these passively transferred antibodies are protective in nature until the animal""s immune system matures sufficiently to provide its own protection.
Similar to mammals, antibodies have been injected into young avians, and even into the yolk of an egg and have been successful in improving the antibody levels and profile. To date, however, no evidence can be found to suggest any success by feeding antibodies to non-nursing neonates or non mammalian species for the purpose of supplementing circulating antibody titer.
In one aspect the invention is directed to a method for supplementing an antibody into the circulating system of a hatchling, the method comprising feeding an egg product to said hatchling within the first 24 hour period after the hatchling is hatched.
In a second aspect the invention is directed to a method for increasing the titer of an antibody in the circulating system of a hatchling, the method comprising feeding an egg product to said hatchling within the first 24 hour period after the hatchling is hatched.
In an additional aspect the invention is directed to a method for generating systemic immunity in a hatchling, the method comprising feeding an egg product to said hatchling within the first 24 hour period after the hatchling is hatched.
Definitions
The term xe2x80x9chyperimmunizationxe2x80x9d means exposure to one or more antigens such that an immune response is elevated and maintained above the natural unexposed state.
The terms xe2x80x9ceggxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cegg productxe2x80x9d each mean any whole egg (table, hyperinmunized or otherwise) or any product or fraction derived therefrom.
The terms xe2x80x9chyperimmune eggxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9chyperimmune egg productxe2x80x9d each mean whole egg or any product or fraction derived therefrom, obtained from an egg producing animal maintained in a hyperimmune state.
The term xe2x80x9chatchlingxe2x80x9d refers to any animal that has recently been hatched from an egg.
The term xe2x80x9ccirculating systemxe2x80x9d refers to any of serum, plasma, tissues, marrow or organs of an animal.
The term xe2x80x9cnon-nursing animalxe2x80x9d refers to any animal not currently acquiring antibody in its circulating system by directly ingesting milk or colostrum from a maternal animal of the same species.
The term xe2x80x9cimmunogenxe2x80x9d means a substance that is able to induce a humoral antibody and/or cell-mediated immune response rather than immunological tolerance. The term signifies the ability to stimulate an immune response as well as react with the products of it, e.g., antibody.
The term xe2x80x9canimalxe2x80x9d means the animal kingdom definition.
The Invention
It is our finding that when hatchlings less than 24 hours post-hatch are fed, orally, a preparation of concentrated egg yolk, antibody originating from the egg yolk can be found in the circulating system of these birds. It is theorized that the antibody preparation can originate from any source and fed to an animal soon after birth to supplement antibody in the circulating system of such animal. It is preferred that the antibody be obtained from an egg or from milk of an animal that has been hyperimmunized with at least one antigen. It is alternately preferred that the antibody be purified, synthesized via fermentation or concentrated from egg or milk and fed to hatchlings, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish or any other animal developing outside the mother animal during the first 12-24 hours post hatch or after birth.
As it is clear that circulating antibodies can be found in the serum of newly hatched hatchlings as result of passive immunity from egg yolk provided by the mother. It is the inventor""s position that the oral feeding of antibodies during the early stages of life can be used to further supplement the systemic immunity obtained from the egg yolk. As a result it is possible to add to the length of time that systemic immunity can be generated in a hatchling post hatch and supplement additional antibodies that the mother may not have provided. The half-life of maternal antibody is defined as the time required for half of the antibody present in the circulation to be depleted. If the total amount of specific antibody in the circulation can be increased by feeding, then it follows that when the first half-life depletion occurs, there is more antibody remaining to perform its protective function than would be found if no supplemental antibody were provided to the circulation of the neonate.
The supplemented antibody can be used in a variety of ways. For example, supplemented antibody may be used to add to the titer of an antibody already circulating. On the other hand, the supplemented antibody may be used to provide antibody that is not present in the circulation. Supplemented antibody can further be used to design a profile of circulating antibody to meet the needs of the animal in the specific environment that it is bred or resides. This is important as animal production challenges can vary from location to location within the same company.
While it is preferred that the antibody(s) be obtained from a hyperimmunized avian or bovine, it is inventors"" position that the antibody(s) can be obtained from any source.
Preparation Of Hyperimmune Egg or Milk Product:
It is important to keep in mind that the hyperimmunization process can be performed with either avians, whereby the egg contains the desired antibody or IgY profile resulting from the hyperimmunization process, or with bovine whereby the milk contains the desired antibody or IgY profile resulting from the hyperimmunization process. The below description is limited to hyperimmunization of avians, although the same concept is applicable to the hyperimmunization of bovine and the collection of their hyperimmune milk.
The hyperimmune egg product can be produced by any egg-producing animal. It is preferred that the animal be a member of the class Aves or, in other words, an avian. Within the class Aves, domesticated fowl are preferred, but other members of this class, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, are a suitable source of hyperimmune egg product.
The hyperimmune egg product is preferably obtained from laying hens vaccinated with one or more immunogens. It is submitted that any immunogen or collection of immunogens can be used in the hyperimmunization process of this invention.
When such egg-producing animals are brought to a specific state of immunization by means of, for example, periodic booster administrations of specifically chosen antigens, the animals will produce eggs that will contain the desired antibody or IgY profile.
Having knowledge of the requirement for developing and maintaining a hyperimmune state, it is within the skill of the art to vary the amount of immunogen administered, depending on the egg-producing animal genera and strain employed, in order to maintain the animal in the hyperimmune state.
Alternative modes of hyperimmunizing egg producing animals can be used which, in place of immunogenic vaccines, include the use of genetic vaccines. In particular, any DNA construct (generally consisting of a promoter region and an immunogen encoding sequence) will trigger an immune response. Genetic vaccines consist of immunogen-coding vectors, fragments of naked DNA, plasmid DNA, DNA-RNA antigens, DNA-protein conjugates, DNA-liposome conjugates, DNA expression libraries, and viral and bacterial DNA delivered to produce an immune response. Methods of DNA delivery include particle bombardment, direct injection, viral vectors, liposomes and jet injection, among others. When applying these delivery methods, much smaller quantities may be necessary and generally result in more persistent immunogen production. When using such genetic processes, the preferred method for introducing DNA into avians is through intramuscular injection of the DNA into the breast muscle.
The process of spray drying the pasteurized liquid egg minimizes damage to the antibodies and immune modulators in the egg, resulting in a product that has a high nutrient value and is capable of conferring passive protection to opportunistic enteric infections and appears capable of decreasing inflammation. Antibodies, as a group, are especially resistant to destruction by normal enzymes, and upon oral consumption, a significant fraction will pass through the gastrointestinal tract intact and active. Numerous studies report that orally consumed antibodies offer protection against specific enteric agents.
Preferred Hyperimmunization Procedure:
The following list of steps is an example of a preferred procedure used to bring an egg-producing animal to a heightened state of immunity:
1. Selecting one or more immunogens.
2. Eliciting an immune response in the egg-producing animal by primary immunization.
3. Administering booster vaccines of immunogens of appropriate dosage to induce and maintain the hyperimmune state.
Step 1: Any immunogens or combination of immunogens may be employed as a vaccine. The immunogens can be bacterial, viral, protozoan, fungal, cellular, or any other substances to which the immune system of an egg-producing animal will respond. The critical point in this step is that the immunogen(s) must be capable of inducing immune and hyperimmune states in the egg-producing animal.
Step 2: The vaccine can be either a killed or live-attenuated vaccine and can be administered by any method that elicits an immune response. It is preferred that immunization be accomplished by administering the immunogens through intramuscular injection. The preferred muscle for injection in an avian is the breast muscle. Other methods of administration that can be used include intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection, intradermal, rectal suppository, aerosol or oral administration. When DNA techniques are used for the hyperimmunization process, much smaller quantities are required, generally 1-100 micrograms.
It can be determined whether the vaccine has elicited an immune response in the egg-producing animal through a number of methods known to those having skill in the art of immunology. Examples of these include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), tests for the presence of antibodies to the stimulating antigens, and tests designed to evaluate the ability of immune cells from the host to respond to the antigen. The minimum dosage of immunogen necessary to induce an immune response depends on the vaccination procedure used, including the type of adjuvants and formulation of immunogen(s) used as well as the type of egg-producing animal used as the host.
Step 3: The hyperimmune state is preferably induced and maintained in the target animal by repeated booster administrations of an appropriate dosage at fixed time intervals. The time intervals are preferably 2-8 week intervals over a period of 6-12 months. Dosage is preferably 0.05-5 milligrams of the immunogenic vaccine. However, it is essential that the booster administrations do not lead to immune tolerance. Such processes are well known in the art.
It is possible to use other hyperimmunization maintenance procedures or combination of procedures, such as, for example, intramuscular injection for primary immunization and intravenous injection for booster injections. Further procedures include simultaneously administering microencapsulated and liquid immunogen, or intramuscular injection for primary immunization, and booster dosages by oral administration or parenteral administration by microencapsulation means. Several combinations of primary and hyperimmunization are known to those skilled in the art.
Processing and Administration Of Hyperimmune Egg:
Once the egg-producing animals have been sufficiently hyperimmunized, it is preferred that the eggs from these animals are collected and processed to produce a hyperimmune egg product. Subsequently, the hyperimmune egg product can be administered to the subject.
The egg and/or egg product of the present invention is administered to a newborn animal by any means that results in the supplementation of antibodies in the circulation of the animal and resultant systemic immunity. It is preferred that administration occur by directly feeding the egg or any effective derivative of the egg. Egg and egg yolk are natural food ingredients and are non-toxic and safe.
One preferred method for preparing the egg involves drying the egg into an egg powder. Although various methods are known for drying eggs, spray drying is a preferred method. The process of spray drying eggs is well known in the art.
In an alternate embodiment, the hyperimmune egg is administered together with a food product containing several nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Such nutrient-bearing foods are often in the form of a nutritional or dietary supplement so as to provide extra nutrients.
Further purification or concentration could provide more potent fractions of antibodies or elimination of undesirable components. Such further separation will provide for the ability to make encapsulated products and pharmaceutical type compositions with said egg or fraction thereof.
It is the inventors"" finding that feeding of anywhere from 0.1 mg to 5 g of antibody or IgY per kilogram of animal weight is effective in supplementing antibodies in the circulating system of the animal. Duration and intensity of the treatment will depend upon the particular species and stage in life. The hyperimmune egg product is fed in any amount that results in circulating antibodies. For example, in some cases, daily amounts ranging from less than one to several whole, hyperimmune eggs (or hyperimmune egg products containing the equivalent of less than one to several whole, hyperimmune eggs) can be fed to the hatchling or other newborn depending on the particular species and stage in life. More potent fractions of antibodies can be separated and concentrated by methods well-known in the art, from several hundred eggs.
The advantageous properties of this invention can be observed by reference to the following examples which illustrate the invention.

Supplemented antibody feed to enter the circulating system of newborns


A method and apparatus is disclosed for generating a drive signal that is applied to a coil in a motor. The drive signal is applied during a period (commutation period) between a commutation event and the immediately following commutation event when the coil is energized. The drive signal comprises pulses which vary over the duration of the commutation period.

The present invention relates generally to electric motors and the management of noise produced during operation of electric motors. More specifically, the present invention relates to noise management in brushless DC (direct current) motors and in particular to shaping the signal for energizing the coils in a brushless DC motor.
The basic construction of a brushless DC motor includes a rotating permanent magnet(s) (the permanent magnet rotor) surrounded by some number of coil windings (stator coils). A current is made to flow through each of the coils in a sequential manner, thus sequentially energizing the coils. The magnetic fields created by this flow of current through the coils interacts with the magnet(s) of the rotor. Rotary motion arises by changing the current flow in the coils as the poles of the permanent magnet rotor change angular position. The process of changing the current flow is referred to as "commutation." The period of time during which a coil or coils is energized is commonly referred to as the "commutation period."
The speed of the motor is controlled by how much current is made to flow through the coil windings (energizing the coils). One method of energizing the coils is to apply a constant voltage across the coils for the duration of the commutation period. Another method of energizing the coils is to apply a series of pulses across the coils for the duration of the commutation period.
To achieve variations in rotational speed, the voltage level applied to the coils is varied. In one case, the voltage level of a constant voltage supply that is applied across the coils can be varied. Thus, maximum rotational speed can be obtained by energizing the coils with the maximum value Vmax of the voltage supply. A lower rotational speed (50%, say) can be achieved by energizing the coils with a voltage level of 0.5 Vmax.
A more commonly used and power-efficient approach is to energize the coils with a pulsewidth modulated (PWM) signal. Thus, the voltage Vmax of the voltage supply is applied as a series of pulses during the commutation period. The duty cycle (ON to OFF ratio) determines the speed of the motor. For example, maximum speed calls for a 100% duty cycle, namely, always ON. A speed of 75% would call for a duty cycle of about 75% where the pulse is at Vmax for 75% of the pulse period and at ground (0 volts) for the remaining 25% of the pulse period.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show the current flow through a coil during a commutation period of duration P. FIG. 6 shows the current profile when a coil is energized by a constant voltage source. It can be seen that toward the end of the commutation period there is a current spike. This current spike is due to collapsing of the magnetic field (also referred to as the back EMF, electromotive force) in the coil when the voltage is removed at the end of commutation period.
A similar effect is seen in FIG. 7 where PWM is used to energize the coils. A similar spiking effect results at the end of the commutation period when the energizing pulses are removed toward the end of the commutation period.
These spikes can create audible noise. More significantly, the spikes can be a source of EM interference (EMI). Conventional solutions include the use of circuitry to filter the spikes resulting during operation of the fan motor, or to otherwise reduce the effects of the spikes.


A micro bubble pump comprises a narrow tube with two liquid columns separated by a gas bubble. Separate reservoirs containing respective fluids are connected to either of the liquid columns through small valve-controlled openings. External ultrasound waves imposed on the liquid columns oscillate the bubble, allowing it to shrink and expand and causing liquid to flow into and out of the tube respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet valves are replaced with diffusers. The micro bubble pump has no moving parts and can be actuated by remote energy sources.

Micro-pumps, generally defined as handling fluid volume on the order of 1 milliliter and below, have wide applications in chemical, biological and medical systems, particularly related to precision medicine in the past decades. Among the first micro-pumps, Smits (Reference [1]) used them in controlled insulin delivery systems for maintaining diabetics' blood sugar levels without frequent needle injections. Recently, micro-pumps are used to dispense engineered macromolecules into tumors or the bloodstream to destroy cancer cells. The most well-known application of micro-pumps might be the ink-jet printheads developed in the 1970s by IBM (Reference [2]), which are still widely used today. A micro scale chamber made from piezoelectric material are made to contract by the application of an electric charge. As the chamber contracts, ink contained in it is forced out through the nozzle as a droplet. As the chamber returns to its original state, capillary action causes ink to flow into the chamber from the ink supply, making it ready to produce the next drop.
Micro-pumps, or pumps in general, are divided into two major categories: displacement pumps, which exert pressure on the working fluid through moving boundaries, and dynamic pumps, which continuously add energy to the working fluid. Smits' insulin delivery pump and the ink-jet printhead belong to the first category, while the common centrifugal pumps, and the latest eletrohydodynamic pumps are in the second one.
There are some major drawbacks of the existing micro-pumps. The major one is the complexity of the actuation mechanism and the micro-valves. These micro-pumps are hard to fabricate in micro scale and they have moving parts which are subject to mechanical failure, wearing, stress and fatigue. Such delicate parts also prevent their true miniaturization. For example, piezoelectric micro-pump could not be made less than the size of its piezoelectric disks which is around 10 mm. Reliability, power consumption, cost and biocompatibility are the critical factors in developing implantable micro-pumps. The deficiencies in these areas have precluded widespread implantation of micro-pumps.
Recent developments in the microfluidic market has drawn out more and more new micro-pump designs from both industry and academia. Micro bubble pumps are among the fastest developing categories. One type of micro bubble pump is the thermal-bubble-actuated micro-pump, which is based on thermopneumatic actuation. Prosperetti's micro-pump (Reference [3]) consists of a resistive heater arranged in a conical-shaped chamber connecting two liquid reservoirs. The actuation mechanism comes from periodically nucleating and collapsing thermal bubbles within the conical-shaped chamber. Zimmermann et al. (Reference [4]) designed a planar micro-pump which could be easily integrated into micro systems. This micro-pump comprises of heat resistors for generation of vapor bubbles and two in-plane flap valves for flow control. Similarly, cyclic pulsing of the resistive heaters causes bubbles to grow and collapse in the bubble chamber, which provides the pumping action. Although thermal bubbles can be easily generated even if the pump is small, heat loss and residual bubbles can decrease the flow rate significantly.
Besides thermal-bubble-actuated micro-pumps, micro bubble pumps utilizing electrochemical energy have also been developed. Kabata et al. (Reference [5]) proposed a prototype micro-pump for insulin administration. Hydrogen bubbles are generated through electrolysis of water in a closed chamber when electric current is present in the water, exerting pressure on the insulin solution through a silicone rubber diaphragm separating the two liquids. In Kabata's design, electric current is produced through oxidation of a silver anode. The electrochemically driven microwell drug delivery device reported by Chung et al. (Reference [6]) applies a similar mechanism. Instead of oxidizing silver anode, Chung et al.'s device produces an electric current by dissolution of a gold membrane. For this type of micro bubble pump, no external energy supply is needed and the chemical reactions provide fast drug delivery. However, actuation based on electrochemical energy has issues in the continuous supply of materials and their compatibility with microfluidics or in vivo environments.
Recently, micro-propulsion of oscillating bubbles through excitation of external acoustic waves has drawn the attention of many scientists as an alternative actuation mechanism. The advantage of acoustic energy is that it can act on the bubble remotely from an outside source so that the micro-pump does not need internal energy to function. This feature is critically important in biomedical applications and drug delivery as it is non-invasive and greatly simplifies the design of the bubble pump. Dijkink et al. (Reference [7]) built an acoustic bubble propulsion device called the "acoustic scallop", consisting of a small tube immersed in liquid and closed at one end with a bubble trapped inside. The bubble oscillations generate a quasi-steady streaming flow that eventually produces propulsion forces in the device. Feng et al. (Reference [8]) reported a micro-propulsion-based underwater micros-swimmer for navigating microfluidic environments and possibly narrow passages in the human body to perform drug delivery and other tasks.
The present invention aims an implantable, non-invasive, compact and biocompatible device for drug delivery and biomedical applications.

Implantable micro bubble pump for drug delivery and biomedical applications


There is provided a method of performing a surface treatment with respect to a metal mounting table for mounting a substrate to be plasma-processed, the mounting table functioning as a lower electrode configured to generate a plasma by a high frequency power applied between an upper electrode and the lower electrode. The method includes: performing a first surface treatment by spraying a non-sublimation blast material as a non-sublimation material onto a mounting surface of the metal mounting table on which the substrate is mounted, followed by a second surface treatment by spraying a sublimation blast material as a sublimation material onto the mounting surface.

In a process of fabricating a semiconductor, an etching process or plasma process such as a film-forming process is sometimes performed on a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter, referred to as a "wafer") using capacitively-coupled plasma, inductively-coupled plasma or the like. A plasma processing apparatus using the capacitively-coupled plasma is configured such that a substrate is mounted on a mounting table including a lower electrode inside a processing container and a high frequency power is supplied between an upper electrode installed above the substrate and the lower electrode to plasmarize a process gas.
In recent years, there is a tendency of lowering a temperature in a plasma process. For example, low temperature plasma having a temperature of, e.g., 500 degrees C. or less, specifically, about 450 degrees C. or below, has been used. For example, when alumina (Al2O3) is used as a material of a mounting table, corrosion is prone to occur on a silicon oxide (SiO2) film. In addition, there is a need to reduce a resistance component in a high frequency circuit containing the plasma. In view of the foregoing, the use of a mounting table made of metal is under consideration.
On the other hand, in order to suppress the generation of particles or prevent the sliding of a wafer, a blasting process of spraying, for example, fine particles of alumina (Al2O3) onto a surface of a mounting table is performed to finish the mounting table to have a rough surface. However, if a plasma process is performed using the mounting table made of metal, which has been subjected to the blasting process, the plasma may become unstable, which fails to achieve a good plasma process.
For example, there is known a method of performing an alumina-based blasting process to enhance an adhesion of a thin film to a surface of a metal base material of a shower head part, and further performing another blasting process using a dry ice to remove the alumina particles which may remain after the blasting process. However, the related art does not describe on the association between a mounting table located at a back side of a substrate and stabilization of plasma.

Method of performing a surface treatment on a mounting table, the mounting table and a plasma processing apparatus