A wave shim and a method of shimming two elements is provided. The method includes inserting between two elements, at least one wave shim, which is a wave-shaped compressible body with a slot subdividing a portion of the body at the end into a pair of wave-shaped extending arms, and a tab attached to the body at a side opposite the wave-shaped extending arms. The shim has an area of reduced body material at a junction point between the tab and the body so that the tab can be broken off, and at least one area of reduced body material exists at corresponding locations along each of the wave-shaped extending arms so that the length of the arms can be reduced. The tab and arms define through-holes and grooves, which can be used in conjunction with a guide-line to align several elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates primarily to shims used in construction projects. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a shim and method of using a shim that can easily be placed within a gap.
2. Description of the Related Art
In building construction, walls are commonly constructed with rough openings, which are provided for the subsequent installation of doors, windows, or a variety of other construction items. The walls are most commonly constructed from either wood, cement block, or poured concrete, with most commercial or community-living construction projects utilizing poured concrete. The materials used for walls in residential construction may vary based on geographic location, but are most often wooden frame, cement block, or a combination of both.
Doors and windows intended to fill the rough openings are often pre-manufactured at the factory to meet the specifications of the builder. To allow for installation of the doors and windows, the builder must make the openings in the building slightly larger than the object that is to be inserted into the particular opening. Due to tolerances in materials, human error, and other factors, the walls of the rough openings may not be true and the intersections of the walls often do not meet at perfect 90-degree angles. These unpredictable variances add to the difficulty of installing the pre-manufactured doors and windows.
The installation of a door or window is as follows: The frame is inserted into the rough opening in a particular wall. Because the frames are slightly smaller than the rough opening, relatively small gaps exist between the outside surfaces of the frame and the corresponding inside surfaces of the walls of the rough opening. The direction "inside" refers to a direction toward a center region of the rough opening. Similarly, the direction outside refers to a direction opposite the center region. To fill the gaps between the frame and the opening, material is placed between the frame and the corresponding inside surface of the opening. The material placed in the gaps is referred to as a "shim," and is utilized to bridge the gap between the wall and the frame and bring the two into physical communication with each other. Different amounts of shim material are used at various shim points around the frame to account for dimensional variances in the rough opening in the wall. The result is a frame that is physically supported and level. The frame is then secured to the wall using common nails, screws, bolts, or other similar methods of attachment. Although several attachment methods are suitable, the use of screws will be referred to hereafter.
If the shims are placed more than a few inches away from a point where the installation screw attaches the frame to the opening in the wall, the pressure exerted by the head of the screw on the relatively thin frame material, usually aluminum, as the screw is turned, will flex and distort the frame. It is therefore desirable to place the shims, among other places along the frame, as close as possible to the screws. One method, as is done in the prior art, is to provide a U-shaped shim that will slide around and contain the screw within its channel. This provides a solid base between the inside surface of the wall of the rough opening and the outer surface of the frame. As a result, the frame will not distort under normal pressure when the screw is tightened.
The size of the gap between the frame and the rough opening may vary along the length of the opening. It is therefore desirable to have a shim that varies in thickness, or a plurality of shims that can be stacked to achieve the particular desired thickness.
Several prior art shims exist that have the above-mentioned features. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,934 to Workman, describes a horseshoe-shaped shim that can fit around a screw or bolt and also has the feature of being snappably connectible to adjacent shims through upwardly extending projections on a surface of a first shim and corresponding recessed areas on a second shim. Workman however, has several disadvantages. When installed between two vertical elements, the Workman shim must be installed around an installation screw or bolt and be aligned so that the open end of its horseshoe shape faces in a downward direction. Otherwise, the shim will not stay in its intended position and will fall off of the installation screw or bolt. The shims may also rotate with the screw during the tightening step and can slip or dislocate. Secondly, the Workman shims are difficult to install around the installation screws or bolts because they are concealed behind the frame and are not provided with an easy way to insert them between the rough opening and the frame once the frame is in place. Finally, the Workman shims are not suitable for placement between two vertical elements not having a screw or bolt to support them, because they will dislocate without a structure to hold them in place.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,575 to Rathsack discloses a shim having arms defining an insert slot with an inner edge formed with an outwardly directed bevel forming an insert aid. The bevels help grip the installation screw and allow the shim to stay in place while the screw is tightened and the shim is compressed between the frame and the rough opening. Additionally, the bevels allow the shim to be installed in any orientation, with regard to the open end of the shim, without later becoming dislocated. However, the bevels only allow the shims to hold their position when the shims are installed around a screw, bolt, or other similar mounting structure. It is often necessary however, to insert a shim that will maintain its position between structures forming a gap that does not contain a screw, bolt, or other similar mounting structure. The bevels on the Rathsack shim will not be useful in this location. The Rathsack shim also suffers from the same deficiency as does the Workman shim. When placed within a gap defined by two vertically oriented elements, without a mounting structure, the shim will have a tendency to fall and dislocate. Additionally, neither the Rathsack nor Workman shims provide an attachment that allows the shim to easily be inserted completely within the gap.
A shim produced by Grove Products, Inc. and described in their 2003 catalog, found at http://www.groveproductsinc.com/shim_stacks.htm, and a similar shim described in the Sommer & Maca Industries, Inc. 2002-2003 catalog, found at http://www.somaca.com/Product Detail.asp?ProductNumber=345-5025, disclose respective plastic and a PVC shims having a general horseshoe shape with two arms defining an insert slot. At the portion of the shim opposite the extending arms is a rectangular tab. The tab is provided as a method for completely inserting the shim between a gap where the installer's fingers may not fit. In the Sommer & Maca shim, the tabs are provided at their base, which is the connecting junction to the main body of the shim, with a decreased thickness of the material. This decreased area allows the tab to easily snap off of, and away from, the body of the shim once the shim is fully inserted between the gap. Additionally, both publications disclose a shim that has multiple perforations at locations along the arms, which span the width of the arms in a direction perpendicular to the insert slot defined by the arms. The perforations allow the length of the arms to be reduced by simply applying a bending pressure to the arm near one of the perforation points, which will cause a section of the arm to break away from the body of the shim.
The published shim designs also disclose shims that are provided in attached stacks of multiple shim elements. The stacks may be snapped apart to achieve the desired thickness of the gap to be filled with the shim.
Neither the Sommer & Maca, Grove Products, nor any of the shim designs described above, provide a shim that can easily be placed within a gap, is self-tensioning between the gap, and will hold its inserted position without reliance on supporting structure other than the elements defining the gap itself.


A liquid vaporizer is provided which includes a housing stabilization system for stabilizing the vaporizer when it is plugged into a wall outlet. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stabilization system comprises one or more projections which abut the wall or outlet to which the vaporizer is inserted. The liquid vaporizer stabilization system may also serve to prevent dispensing of vaporized material proximate to the electrical outlet.

The present invention relates generally to the field of liquid vaporizers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for liquid vaporization.
Electric liquid vaporizers (often referred to as xe2x80x9cliquid electricsxe2x80x9d) are known. Generally, such electric liquid vaporizers comprise a housing unit configured to receive a liquid container or bottle portion. In such systems, typically the bottle portion includes some type of a wick or wick system which permits the liquid, which is ultimately to be vaporized, to be absorbed therein through capillary action. The housing unit of such a system generally contains a heating mechanism, typically electrically activated. The bottle portion which generally contains the liquid for vaporization, is usually configured for attachment to the housing such that the wick is suitably positioned proximate the heating mechanism so that the liquid will be vaporized. Various systems of the general configuration are known. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,053 issued Jul. 8, 1997 to Schroeder et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,394 issued Aug. 6, 1991 to Hasegawa et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,546 issued Mar. 1, 1994 to Hasegawa et al.
The system disclosed in the ""394 and ""546 comprises a chemical solution bottle removably fitted into a socket disposed under a heater. The bottle is threaded to fit within the socket in a screw-like manner. In contradistinction, in the system disclosed in the ""053 patent a container of volatilizable liquid material is attached to a housing through the use of container attaching means, which means serve to hold the container and wick in place within the housing. The attachment means may include bayonet attachments undercut with matching projections and the like. Other systems which are known include projections contained on the solution bottle for xe2x80x9csnap-fitxe2x80x9d attachment into the housing. See, for example, U.S. Design Pat. No. 393,063 issued Mar. 31, 1998 to Wefler and U.S. Design Pat. No. 386,974 issued Dec. 2, 1997 to Wefler.
Thus, various methods for connecting bottle portions to housing units have been developed and are known. Typically, such methods comprise simple snap-type mechanisms or screw-thread designs. With such systems, particularly when used in a wick containing vaporizer, the wick may be damaged by being crushed or bent by careless interconnection, or be overheated by contact with the heating element during operation, due to instability and improper positioning of the wick relative to the heating element. This same instability and improper positioning may cause uneven heating of the wick, resulting in diminished evaporative performance and consumer frustration.
In addition, many existing vaporizer units are configured such that the vaporizer""s plug structure extends out from the rear of the housing unit a substantial distance. With such vaporizer""s, when the unit is plugged into a socket of a wall outlet, because of the extension of the plug structure, excess space between the wall/outlet and the body of the vaporizer is created in the vicinity surrounding the plug structure and the back of the vaporizer housing. Such space may leave the vaporizer susceptible to undesirable movement about the plug structure. The constant weight of the vaporizer unit itself, as well as inadvertent blows to the vaporizer, while the vaporizer is plugged in, may cause the vaporizer to rotate about the plug and potentially cause it to become unplugged from the outlet.
To overcome undesirable movement, some vaporizer designs incorporate a xe2x80x9cflushxe2x80x9d plug which maintains the body of the vaporizer housing against the wall/electrical outlet in attempts to minimize movement of the inserted vaporizer. However, using a housing that is flush with the wall or outlet presents other problems. For example, because the housing is closer to the electrical socket, the vapor dispensing area of the vaporizer may also be closer to the socket. Likewise, depending on the location of the plug structure, vapor may also be dispensed proximate to the electrical socket. If the vapor condenses the electrical sockets, problems occur.
Lastly, in many buildings, conventional two socket outlets, rather than being vertically oriented, may be oriented in other fashions. For example, the sockets may be horizontal. Thus, when the vaporizer is plugged into the horizontal socket, the vaporizer will likewise be oriented horizontally, thereby reducing the vaporizer""s effectiveness and/or potentially causing leakage of the material to be dispensed.
Thus, vaporizer designs which improve upon these and various other aspects are desirable.
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for securely guiding, centering and stabilizing an electric liquid vaporizer refill bottle in a liquid vaporizer housing unit which addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art methods and apparatus.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a guidance system is provided, wherein guidance of the refill bottle into the housing unit is provided. This guidance system serves to aid in positioning the bottle relative to the housing unit, and in centering the wick relative to the heating element once the parts are interlocked. Preferably, the guidance system comprises one or more ribs and substantially corresponding grooves contained on the refill bottle and/or housing unit. Interlocking of the refill bottle into the housing unit may be achieved with a protrusion on the front of the refill bottle which corresponds to an aperture in the front of the housing unit or in other manners.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bottle stabilization system is provided, wherein stabilization of the combination of the refill bottle and housing is obtained. In general, this stabilization system comprises opposing elements on the refill bottle and/or housing, which elements serve to stabilize the refill bottle relative to the housing.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, multiple guiding protrusions (ribs) and indentations are provided on the refill bottle and/or housing unit to further facilitate proper guidance of the refill bottle into the housing unit, and to further stabilize and center the refill bottle once it is placed into the housing unit, so that the wick is evenly heated on all sides by the heating element. Further, a guide track may be provided on the housing unit.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, additional locking mechanisms are provided on the refill bottle and housing unit to further connect the refill bottle and housing unit. One such connection may be a push-and-release or other type of mechanism to provide child safety protection.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the bottle unit is shaped to provide easy gripping during the connection and disconnection process, as well as to allow a free flow of air into the housing unit to facilitate evaporation from the wick.
In accordance with the present invention, a liquid vaporizer having a housing stabilization system is provided, wherein stabilization of the housing unit when the housing is inserted into a wall outlet is improved. According to one aspect of the present invention, the stabilization system serves to aid in preventing rotation of the vaporizer about its plug when inserted into a wall outlet.
Preferably, the stabilization system comprises one or more projections contained on the back of the housing unit. The projection is preferably about the same length as the base of the plug of the vaporizer and substantially abuts the wall/outlet when the vaporizer is in place.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the plug structure of the vaporizer is located proximate to a lower portion of the vaporizer. The stabilization system thus can serve to minimize dispensing of the material to be vaporized in the vicinity of the electrical wall outlet into which the dispenser is inserted. For example, when inserted into the lower outlet of a conventional two-outlet electrical wall outlet (e.g., having vertically oriented outlets), the stabilization system covers the upper outlet and/or maintains the dispensing end of the vaporizer away from the wall outlets.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the plug structure of the vaporizer is rotatable, so that the vaporizer can be maintained in a substantially upright position in wall outlets of various orientations.
In accordance with these and other aspects of the invention, described in greater detail below, the ease of application and performance of an electric liquid vaporizer, as well as its safety, is improved, resulting in greater consistency of product performance, and reduced consumer frustration.

Liquid vaporization with housing stabilization system


A vehicle interior trim component hinge assembly includes a rotatable component, and a shaft disposed through the rotatable component. The hinge assembly also includes a first friction disk rotationally coupled to the shaft, and a second friction disk rotationally coupled to the rotatable component. The hinge assembly further includes a biasing member configured to urge the first and second friction disks toward one another to establish a friction force that provides resistance to rotation of the rotatable component about the shaft.

The invention relates generally to a hinge assembly for a vehicle interior trim component.
Many vehicles have a central floor console located between the driver seat and the front passenger seat. In most cases, the floor console extends from below the front dash toward the second row of seating and may include an armrest for the driver and/or front passenger. These floor consoles have been used in vehicles for many years and can vary quite significantly, depending on the type and make of the vehicle. However, a common aspect of many of these floor consoles is the inclusion of a designed storage space.
Certain floor console armrests are configured to rotate about a lateral axis of the vehicle interior to expose a storage compartment underneath the armrest. For example, an occupant may rotate the armrest upwardly to access items within the storage compartment. In certain configurations, a hinge assembly facilitates rotation of the armrest with respect to the floor console while providing resistance to rotation. Certain hinge assemblies include a steel shaft with spring clips disposed about the shaft. Friction between the spring clips and the shaft establishes a desired resistance to armrest rotation. Unfortunately, because the shaft and spring clips are machined from steel, such hinge assemblies are expensive to manufacture. In addition, the steel elements may increase vehicle weight, thereby reducing fuel efficiency. Furthermore, adjusting the hinge assembly to achieve a desired level of resistance may be a complex and time-consuming process, thereby further increasing manufacturing costs.

Hinge assembly for vehicle interior trim component


Provided are methods and compositions, including topical compositions, for inducing tolerance to a sensitizing agent known to provoke contact hypersensitivity in a subject. Included are methods of topically applying to the subject an effective amount of an antisense composition targeting the start site or splice site of a CFLAR mRNA.

Contact dermatitis is responsible for over 5.6 million doctor visits each year in the United States and accounts for 15-20% of all occupational diseases. Including lost workdays and loss of productivity, the estimated total annual costs associated with occupational skin diseases approach $1 billion annually in the United States (CDC National Institute of Occupational Health, Update Jul. 1997) and up to $3 billion annually in Germany (Merk, Baron et al. 2006). Eighty percent of contact dermatitis instances are due to irritants while in the other 20% the compound induces an immunologic cascade and are classified as allergic (Leung, Diaz et al. 1997).
Contact dermatitis and many hypersensitivity reactions of the skin are produced by haptens, in the form of low molecular weight molecules or metal ions, complexing with cellular proteins. Subsequently these are processed into peptides and presented on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), typically Langerhans cells, the principle APC of the skin, residing in the epidermis (Saint-Mezard, Krasteva et al. 2003). Once Langerhans undergo maturation they migrate to the regional lymph node and present hapten-modified peptides in the context of major histocompatibility class I and II molecules to hapten-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively (Saint-Mezard, Berard et al. 2004). Antigen-specific activation of T cells constitutes the sensitization phase of contact sensitivity responses. Upon subsequent exposure to hapten, the challenge phase, effector memory T cells migrate to the peripheral tissues harboring hapten-presenting APCs. Here antigen recognition induces the T cells to express various mediators of inflammation and cytotoxicity, ultimately causing dermatitis and tissue damage (Saint-Mezard, Rosieres et al. 2004).
One of the anti-apoptotic proteins that is upregulated in T cells following T-cell activation is CFLAR (Kirchhoff, Muller et al. 2000). T cells that upregulate CFLAR as a consequence of T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement are resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis. It has been clearly established that this CFLAR associated resistance correlates with de novo protein synthesis of CFLARS (Schmitz, Weyd et al. 2004). In these studies, it was also shown that CFLAR exerted its anti-apoptotic effect by blocking DISC activity. Increased expression of CFLAR is also seen following cross-linking of the B-cell receptor for antigen. In this case the upregulation was seen in the levels of CFLARL and was also associated with inhibition of Fas-mediated apoptosis (Wang, Lobito et al. 2000). CFLAR expression levels are also associated with the resistance to apoptosis that is seen following monocyte to macrophage differentiation (Perlman, Pagliari et al. 1999). It appears that CFLAR is commonly upregulated as a first step to prevent Fas-mediated apoptosis following signals for subsequent cell differentiation.
Although the signaling pathways associated with apoptosis and immunoregulation are complex and incompletely understood, CFLAR is one anti-apoptotic molecule that appears to play an important role in cell survival especially following death receptor ligation (Thorburn 2004).
A disclosure of antisense targeting of CFLAR, as shown in Mourich, et al (US20050203041 and WO2005030799), describes the use of such compounds to treat transplantation rejection and autoimmune conditions. The circulating T cells targeted by the methods and compositions of US20050203041 are activated by alloantigens that induce a graft versus host response in the case of transplantation and hyper-activated T cells responding to self antigens in the case of autoimmune conditions.
Accordingly, given the absence of a sufficient number of interventions for combating contact hypersensitivity, the present invention solves this deficiency while providing other related advantages.

Antisense compositions and methods for modulating contact hypersensitivity or contact dermatitis


A process and apparatus for removing oxides, millscale and other impurities from continuous metal strip longitudinally fed at regulated speeds from a coil at one end through a series of horizontally aligned treatment stages, including three shallow pickling tanks, to a recoiler at the other end. The pickling tanks are constructed of granite slabs formed into a V-shaped cross section near the ingress and a flat ramp near the egress. Variable speed pinch rolls at the ends of each tank regulate the immersion of the strip in the tanks.

The present invention relates to cleaning metal and the like by liquid contact; and more particularly, to an improved process and apparatus for removing oxides, millscale and other impurities from continuous strip metal traveling through plural stages of pickling and rinsing with recirculated solutions.
Objectionable oxides, millscale and the like formed on or adhered to the surface of steel after milling or metal working are usually removed by immersion in an acidic solution or so-called pickling. In a continuous pickling process the steel in strip form travels longitudinally through a series of pickling and rinsing solutions at a regulated speed. The efficiency with which this is accomplished is dependent on several factors including the temperatures of the strip and the solutions, acidity of the solutions, and duration the strip is immersed. Prior art systems have been found inadequate for controlling all of these factors with the precision needed to produce steel strip with high surface quality while realizing effective chemical waste treatment, conservation of acid and water, and uninterrupted processing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,166,583 to Critten discloses a process in which the strip is longitudinally transported through a series of pickling and rinse tanks. Hold-down rollers in the tanks keep the strip immersed while pinch rolls at each end of the series keep the strip taut as it passes through each tank. Spent acid in any tank may be drained by gravity to a dump tank within the series and replaced by fresh acid without interrupting operation of the other tanks. U.S. Pat. No. 2,697,050 to Barnes discloses a similar process except the pickling solution flows by gravity through the tanks in the same direction as the strip travels and the acid in the last tank is recirculated to the first tank. Fresh acid is added to the first tank when needed to raise the overall acidity. In some processes the spent acid is also purified and regenerated before it is recirculated. U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,284 to Robinson Jr., et al, for instance, removes any accumulated solids and distills the remaining acid to a higher concentration.
There is still a growing demand for pickling processes which are even more efficient and less detrimental to the environment. Some of the prior art systems require extensive waste chemical treatment to ensure there is no harmful discharge into the air, streams or ground. Still others consume large amounts of acid, employ costly regenerating systems for acid conservation, or require large quantities of water. Also, many critical and expensive components within these systems are often short lived due to their continuous exposure to the pickling solutions, and therefore require frequent replacement. More precise control of acid concentration, strip and pickling solution temperatures and immersion time are also required for improved product quality.


Disclosed is a valve comprising a valve member (72) that is guided so as to be movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (73) thereof, extends into a valve pressure chamber (77), and is provided with a sealing surface (81) on a face which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (73) thereof inside the valve pressure chamber (77). Said sealing surface (81) of the valve member (72) cooperates with a valve seat (79) that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (73) thereof so as to at least largely close an opening (78) which is surrounded by the valve seat (79) relative to the valve pressure chamber (77). A connection (64) to a low-pressure area lies immediately next to said opening (78). The inventive valve member (72) is also provided with a peg (83) which extends into the connection (64) and by means of which liquid that flows out of the valve pressure chamber (77) when the sealing surface (81) of the valve member (72) is lifted from the valve seat (79) is directed in such a way that said liquid applies at least nearly no resulting force onto the valve member (72) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (73) thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is based on a valve for controlling a connection in a high-pressure fluid system, in particular in a fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A valve of the type with which this invention is concerned, known from EP 0 840 003 A, serves to control a connection in a fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine and has a valve member that is guided so that it can slide in the direction of its longitudinal axis, protrudes into a valve pressure chamber, and, in the valve pressure chamber, has a sealing surface at an end extending transversely in relation to its longitudinal axis. The sealing surface of the valve member cooperates with a valve seat extending transversely in relation to its longitudinal axis in order to close an opening encompassed by the valve seat in relation to the pressure chamber. In this case, high pressure prevails in the valve pressure chamber and the opening is adjoined by a duct leading to a low-pressure region; the valve member controls the connection of the valve pressure chamber to the low-pressure region, thus controlling the pressure in the valve pressure chamber. When the valve is open, i.e. when its sealing surface is lifted away from the valve seat, fuel flows out of the valve pressure chamber into the low-pressure region. The outgoing fuel generates forces acting on the valve member in the direction of its longitudinal axis that can cause the valve member to move uncontrollably in the direction of its longitudinal axis. This can make it impossible to precisely control the fuel injection, chiefly the injected fuel quantity, or can even result in a complete functional failure of the valve and therefore of the fuel injection apparatus. In addition, the high flow velocity of the fuel flowing out of the valve pressure chamber into the low-pressure region and the lack of optimal flow guidance in the known valve can lead to cavitation and therefore damage to the valve member and/or the valve seat.

Valve for controlling a connection in a high-pressure fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine


Apparatus and method for changing one or several dimensions of a load space in a working machine, when the dimensions are width, height or length. In the method the weight of the load in the load space is determined or the weight of the load in a full load space is predicted on the basis of said determination and the current value of the dimension; a new value is calculated for the dimension by means of which it is possible to reach a set maximum quantity for the part of the weight of the load; and the dimension of the load space is adjusted either gradually or at once to a position according to the new value. In the method for changing the height of the load space the quantity of the load or a change in the quantity of the load in the load space is determined automatically; and the current height of the load space is adjusted to a new height or in accordance with a predetermined change of height that corresponds to the quantity of load according to a set dependency, wherein the height of the load space is at the same time kept as low as possible during the loading or unloading.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for changing one or several dimensions of a load space in a working machine. The invention also relates to a method for changing the height of a load space in a working machine. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for changing one or several dimensions of a load space in a working machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
For harvesting, working machines, such as harvesters are known which move on a terrain by means of wheels or tracks and in which a harvesting device, a so-called harvester head, is provided at the end of a boom assembly for cutting, felling, and delimbing a standing tree stem and sawing it to pieces of desired length. The sawn tree stems are collected with a forwarder equipped with a grapple, and transported in its load space. A known load-carrying vehicle, movable by means of wheels is disclosed in the application publication WO 91/14610, said working machine comprising two frame parts connected to each other by means of a joint. The rear frame is equipped with a load space in which the tree stems are collected. The front frame is equipped with a cabin and a power source for the working machine.
For changing the load space of a forwarder, there is a known apparatus according to the publication SE 420699, in which the stakes restricting the load space can be extended telescopically. Publication SE 426677A also discloses a telescopically operating apparatus, wherein the height of the stakes and their mutual distance can be adjusted. The systems are intended especially for compression of the load. There is a known solution according to the patent publication FI 76295 for changing the length of the load space.
It is necessary to change the surface area and height of the load space so that the entire capacity of the load-carrying vehicle could be utilized, especially in the case of wood material and/or tree stems that is/are lighter or shorter than usual. Thus, the maximum capacity and maximum loadbearing capacity are not utilized even if the load space is full, wherein it is possible to increase the quantity of timber from normal by expanding the load space. Some solutions of related art have the drawback that it is often impossible and even dangerous to open manual lockings, especially when the load space contains timber. Thus, the load space must be adjusted beforehand, but it is difficult to predict the quantity and weight of timber beforehand.
The size of the load space can also be changed by means of pressurized medium operated actuators, which is safe, because it is possible to control the actuators from the cabin of the working machine. The systems require for example a control circuit, pipes and cylinders that are installed and integrated in the stakes. Thus, it is easy to adjust the load space in its maximum and minimum position, but it is still difficult to estimate the weight and quantity.
There are known weighing devices for weighing a load to be lifted up by a grapple, such as single tree stem or a bundle of stems, said weighing devices being coupled between the end of the boom assembly and the grapple. The device collects information on the quantity loaded in the load space. There are also known weighing devices installed in the bunks of the load space, and on the basis of the loading of said weighing devices it is possible to measure the weight of the loaded timber. By means of the measurement it is now also possible to monitor that the maximum capacity of the forwarder is not exceeded. There are also other known weighing devices that can be based for example on the identification of the loading exerted on the wheels or affecting in the structures, on the basis of which the increased load can be determined.
The load spaces that identify only the maximum and minimum position and/or that are based solely on the act of monitoring whether the maximum capacity is exceeded during the loading, are inadequate. The width of the load space and the location of the centre of gravity have an effect especially thereon in which kind of terrain and in how narrow surroundings in a forest it is possible to move for example with a forwarder. This is not taken into account in present systems in any way, wherein optimization of the various relevant factors is not possible. A load space that is positioned in a stepwise or continuous manner makes it possible to conduct even small changes, but if the driver is inexperienced, unnecessary changes and interruptions may occur during the work. As a result, the user may be distracted from the actual loading work, and making decisions relating to the changes takes time and requires actions to be taken.

Changing the dimensions of the load space of a working machine


A stake assembly includes a spike having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis of the stake assembly. A flange is connected at the second end of the spike and extends laterally therefrom and defines the upper end of the substantially inflexible portion of the stake assembly. A resilient fastening member is connected to the spike, extends upwardly therefrom and is resilient in both lateral and longitudinal directions. A controlling member is connected to the spike, extends upwardly and is connected to the second end of the resilient fastening member. A tether or leash may be fastened to the second end of the resilient fastening member.

This invention relates to stake assemblies and devices and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a stake assembly which has no rigid structure extending obstructively above ground and has a limiting or controlling device to restrict expansion of the device during stress thereon.
The use of various types of stakes and tethering devices to restrain animals, tents, boundary wires and lines, and the like, are known. Generally, such devices have included a rigid post which is driven or screwed into the ground, or otherwise attached to the ground, with a rigid end thereof protruding above the ground. The animal or object to be restrained is tethered to the protruding end of the post. The protruding end of the rigid post creates a safety hazard in that it may be stepped on, tripped over, or fallen into, thereby causing injury; and also causes operational problems, particularly when used to restrain an animal, such as a dog, in that the tether connecting the animal to the protruding end, wraps around the protruding end as the animal circumnavigates the post until the freedom of the animal is unnecessarily and perhaps dangerously restrained.
A device to alleviate these problems is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,435 filed Oct. 24, 1997 and issued Nov. 30, 1999 to Gary R. Kindell and Sharon D. Kindell.
In the testing and research of this patented invention, it was discovered that the device functioned exceptionally well and solved many of the problems associated with stake assemblies which had above ground rigid structure. However during subsequent research, it was later realized that the stake assembly could be damaged and ruined by excessive tinsile forces.
The inventors of U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,435 therefore researched various apparatus which would limit the force exertable on the above ground coil spring of the invention and thereby detrimentally damage the apparatus.
The present invention is directed to overcome one or more of the heretofore problems, as set forth above.
A stake assembly is provided for placing in the ground so that the stake assembly has no rigid structure extending substantially above the surface of the ground and whose flexibility in a linear direction is controlled.
The stake assembly has a spike which has first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis of the stake assembly.
A flange is connected at the second end of the spike and extends laterally therefrom. The flange has a lower surface facing the first end of the spike for covering the surface of the ground adjacent to the spike and limiting the penetration of the stake assembly into the ground. An upper surface forms the axial extremity of the second end of the spike so that the second end of the spike and the upper surface of the flange are adapted to be substantially flush with the surface of the ground when the spike assembly is placed in the ground.
A receptacle extends axially into the flange in a direction from the second toward the first end of the spike;
A resilient fastening member is provided which has a first end connected to the spike within the receptacle at a location between the lower surface of the flange and the first end of the spike, and a second end extending out of the receptacle beyond the upper surface of the flange. The resilient fastening member is both axially and laterally resilient continuously between the first and second ends of the resilient fastening member so that the stake assembly has no rigid structure extending beyond the upper surface of the flange at any time.
A controlling member is provided which has first and second ends and is laterally flexible, substantially linearly inflexible and which has a length greater than the resilient fastening member in its normal unstressed condition. The first end of the controlling member is connected to the spike within the receptacle. The second end of the controlling member is connected to the second end of the resilient fastening member for limiting the amount of movement of the fastening member second end in a direction from the second end of the spike.


This application relates to a hardware interface, and in particular, to a USB Type-C interface used for an electronic device. In this application, a step is disposed on the USB Type-C interface to place a display screen. This shortens a distance from a front display screen of the electronic device to an edge of the electronic device, and increases a screen-to-body ratio.

Power and data interfaces of mainstream smartphones are being fully converted from micro USB interfaces to USB Type-C interfaces, and structure designs thereof are becoming increasingly compact. A ratio of a screen area to an area of a front surface of a mobile phone body, that is, a screen-to-body ratio, directly reflects a compact degree of a structure design, and is also an important criterion for evaluating, by consumers, whether an appearance of a mobile phone is attractive. Therefore, the screen-to-body ratio has received much attention from mobile phone manufacturers.

Electronic device and USB type-C interface used for electronic device


A method for producing sequenced reaction products comprising performing, in one pot, a first reaction at a lower temperature followed by a second reaction at a higher temperature in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a proazaphosphatrane in combination with a palladium compound is provided. In one embodiment, the first reaction is a double amination reaction and the second reaction is an arylation. Use of one pot and a single catalyst system for each set of sequential reactions is efficient and economical. Novel N,N-diarylaminostyrenes and N,N-diarylaminostilbenes are produced according to the methods described herein.

Sequenced reactions are used to produce complex molecules, such as those in which both the C—N and C—C bonded moieties are fundamental features. Examples of such complex molecules include, but are not limited to 6-phenanthridinones and their heterocyclic analogs.
Examples of sequenced reactions used to form such products include, but are not limited to, transition metal-catalyzed sequential C—C and C-heteroatom bond forming reactions. This includes amination/intramolecular cyclization reaction sequences for the synthesis of indole derivatives such as 1,3-diphenylindazole; 1,3-di-p-tolylindazole; and 1-phenyl-3-p-methoxy phenyl indazole, and so forth. However, such sequenced reactions are costly and time-consuming as they require multiple catalysts (or catalyst systems) and/or multiple pots. These methods are also not necessarily environmentally friendly as there are typically large amounts of waste products generated.
Other complex molecules produced with sequenced reactions include N,N-diarylaminostilbenes. Known synthetic routes for these compounds begin from aniline and the corresponding aryl halides via a three step process involving an Ullmann, Vilsmeier and Wittig reaction sequence. Alternatively, these reactions can begin with triphenylamine as a starting material via a Vilsmeier, Wittig and palladium-catalyzed arylation reaction series. It is also possible to synthesize trans-4-N,N-diarylaminostilbenes from the corresponding halostilbenes or aminostilbenes using palladium catalyzed amination/arylation reactions. All such methods, however, require multiple catalysts (or catalyst systems) and/or more than one pot.
Thus, what is needed is an efficient and economical way to produce complex molecules, such as those in which both the C—N and C—C bonded moieties are fundamental features.

One pot sequential reactions and novel products produced thereby

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.


A navigation system extends satellite navigation to divers, underwater vehicles, and surface vessels. The navigation system comprises a location reference unit and a plurality of sub-surface beacon units. The location reference unit includes a receiver to receive navigation signals from earth-orbiting satellites and/or an inertial navigation system. The location reference unit further includes processing circuits to communicate with to sub-surface beacon units and to transmit location information to said sub-surface beacon units, and a sonar transmitter to transmit location information to the sub-surface beacon units. The beacon units include processing circuits to determine the location of the beacon unit based on location information received from the location reference unit, and a sonar transceiver to receive location information from the location reference unit and to transmit location information to a diver unit to provide navigation assistance to the diver unit.

The present invention relates generally to underwater navigation and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for extending GPS navigation to divers and underwater vehicles.
Satellite-based positioning systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), provide the ability to accurately determine location virtually almost anywhere on the Earth's surface. The GPS comprises 24 earth-orbiting satellites located in 6 orbital planes. Each earth-orbiting satellite carries an atomic clock and continuously broadcasts radio signals indicating its current time and location. A receiver located on the Earth's surface can receive these radio signals and determine its distance from the satellites based on the time of arrival of the signals. By receiving signals from four satellites, an Earth-based receiver can determine its location by triangulation.
GPS signals do not propagate underwater. Consequently, divers and underwater vehicles beneath the water's surface are not able utilize these GPS signals to accurately navigate between two points. A number of systems have been proposed for extending GPS to underwater divers and vehicles. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,701,252 to Brown and U.S. Pat. No. 6,657,585 to Kucik disclose a floating buoy that is connected by a tether to a diver or underwater vehicle. The floating buoy carries a GPS antennas and/or receiver and conveys signals via the tether to the diver or underwater vehicle. This solution is limited in utility by the need for a tether connecting the underwater diver or vehicle to the floating buoy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,341 to Youngberg discloses a system for extending GPS to divers and vehicles beneath the water's surface using buoys that float freely on the surface. The floating buoys can receive signals from GPS satellites and can communicate underwater users using acoustic signals. However, the floating buoys do not stay in place, but instead drift on the surface of the water. Further, floating buoys are subject to easy detection and thus are not suitable for covert operations.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for extending GPS to divers and underwater vehicles


A method and power converter unit for operating a generator includes a rotatable shaft operably coupled with a source of rotational force, a rotor mounted to the rotatable shaft and having at least one rotor pole defining a rotatable direct axis, a stator encircling the rotor and having a set of stator windings, and a power output electrically coupled with the set of stator windings and operable in a power generating mode and a power absorption mode

Electric machines, such as electric motors and/or electric generators, are used in energy conversion. In the aircraft industry, it is common to find an electric motor having a combination of motor and generator modes, where the electric machine, in motor mode, is used to start an aircraft engine, and, depending on the mode, also functions as a generator to supply electrical power to aircraft systems. Regardless of the mode, the machines typically include a rotor having main windings that are driven to rotate by a source of rotation, such as a mechanical or electrical machine, which for some aircraft can be a gas turbine engine.

Method and power converter unit for operating a generator


A spray head adapted for connection to a supply of fluid. The head includes a body to receive the supply of fluid and a number of conical mixing volumes, in fluid connection with the body and supply of fluid, each conical mixing volume having an outlet. Each conical mixing volume includes at least one first inlet for a flow of fluid into the conical mixing volume at an angle to a conical axis thereof, and at least one second inlet for a flow of fluid into the conical mixing volume substantially parallel to the conical axis. There is a valve disposed upstream of the conical mixing volumes, the valve adapted to divide and vary the supply of fluid flow between the at least one first inlet and the at least one second inlet, which in turn varies the output of the fluid from the outlet of the conical mixing volumes.

Users of spray heads, for example those in the shower and bath areas, often desire a range of flow forms and types from their spray head for differing functions. For example a user may want a fine delicate spray, almost like a mist for example for relaxing, but may also desire, in the same instance of use, a firmer flow such as straight jets, a massaging flow, a firm spray for rinsing soap and hair products, or a finer spray for general bathing.
Spray heads of the prior art are typically provided with multiple discrete spray functions, each from a plurality of apertures, jets or outlets from which a stream of water issues. A problem with such spray heads of the prior art is that each spray function is notably different, and they often do not provide a continuously adjustable variation of sprays over a spectrum, or the ability to easily vary the spray or jet outlet. They are also bulky due to the number of differing jet types to achieve each of the spray functions, and therefore are also aesthetically unappealing.
The applicant has discovered that many users prefer the ability to easily vary the output from a spray head and thus vary the sensations or functionality from their spray head more than are created by the spray heads of the prior art.
One straight forward way to achieve variability in the spray or outlet is to simply to have a set of jets on the spray head and vary the flow rate to them by increasing or decreasing the amount of water flowing to the spray head. For example, if a lever mixer is used to control temperature by rotation of the lever, and volume flow by pulling the lever in and out, then the increased flow would result in a firmer output from the spray head, while a decreased flow would result in a lighter output. However, this is undesirable as varying the flow rate in this manner may result in too little flow from the spray head resulting in a less than desirable experience for the user.
Another method to achieve different fluid output forms from a spray head is to have several sets of jets each with a distinct flow output and then have a valve that sends the fluid to each set in turn, for example a gentle output set, a more firm 'needle or stream_ like set, and a firmer massage setting. While in practice this works, it has the disadvantage of requiring complex valving and flow paths internally, or leading to the spray head. In addition the spray head must be of sufficient size to accommodate all the differing jets or outlets, even though at any one time only 1 or a mix of sets is being used. An example of such a spray head is that shown in patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,866 which uses a valving lever mounted on the spray head to change the flow from one jet output set, or set of outputs to another.
In addition such a multi-set output spray head has the disadvantage that it can only output discrete variations in flow, ie one flow type per outlet type. Thus it cannot output a continuum of flows, such as for when a user may want a flow that sits partway between a gentle and firm output.


A localization and attitude estimation method using magnetic fields includes the following steps. First, in three-dimensional coordinates, at least three magnetic landmarks arbitrarily disposed around a moving carrier are selected, wherein any two of the at least three magnetic landmarks have different magnetic directions. One set of at least five tri-axes magnetic sensors is used to sense the magnetic fields of the at least three magnetic landmarks. Three magnetic components on three axes of a current position of each of the tri-axes magnetic sensors are respectively generated by a demagnetization method. Five non-linear magnetic equations are solved to obtain position information and magnetic moment information of the at least three magnetic landmarks in the three-dimensional coordinates. Position vectors and attitude vectors of the set of at least five tri-axes magnetic sensors in a three-dimensional space are estimated based on tri-axes magnetic moment vectors of the magnetic landmarks.

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is an important carrier in automated material transfer field. Compared with the conventional transfer method using a conveyor belt, the AGV has the advantages of occupying less space and more flexibly adjusting in the production line. For the trackless guided AGV, the localization of the existing AGV is normally achieved through a laser reflective label, a magnetic lamdmark, a two-dimensional bar code label or the like. However, when the label localization technology is actually used, the space site needs to be emptied in advance. So, it is hard to be used for those plants lack of pre-planning site. In addition, the label localization technology is limited to the two-dimensional condition, and thus cannot be applied to a three-dimensional localization system. Also, the label localization technology cannot judge the attitude of the object in the three-dimensional space, and therefore needs to be improved.

Localization and attitude estimation method using magnetic field and system thereof

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE


An ion beam processing system including a plasma chamber, a plasma plate, disposed alongside the plasma chamber, the plasma plate defining a first extraction aperture, a beam blocker, disposed within the plasma chamber and facing the extraction aperture, a blocker electrode, disposed on a surface of the beam blocker outside of the plasma chamber, and an extraction electrode disposed on a surface of the plasma plate outside of the plasma chamber.

Fabrication of complex 3D semiconductor structures often employs ion assisted plasma processes. Many of such processes use an ion beam having zero or small incidence angle, with respect to normal to the substrate plane. There are processes such as controlled etching of trench sidewalls, where ion beams having ion angular distributions (IAD) characterized by a high mean angle)(>50°) with respect to normal are called for. Such high incidence angles can be obtained by extracting the beam at zero degrees (with respect to the wafer normal when a wafer is oriented at a default "horizontal" orientation) and tilting the wafer at the desired angle. For example, an ion beam having a smaller cross-section than the area of a substrate to be processed may be directed to impinge generally along a normal orientation to the horizontal plane, while the tilted substrate (with respect to the horizontal plane) is scanned along the horizontal direction to expose in a sequential fashion the entirety of the substrate to the ion beam. The drawback of this approach is the process non-uniformity across the wafer surface: given the inherent beam divergence, there will be a variation in the ion beam dose as the wafer (substrate) is scanned in front of the beam.
With respect to these and other considerations the present disclosure is provided.

Tunable extraction assembly for wide angle ion beam


In a pneumatic damper for slowing down movable furniture parts, comprising a cylinder and a piston movably disposed in the cylinder so as to form a displacement chamber at one side and a vacuum chamber at the other side of the piston, the piston includes a seal element which, in one end position thereof, is in close contact with the wall of the cylinder whose cross-section increases toward the opposite end of the cylinder so that the sealing effect collapses when the piston approaches its other end position and the piston includes a piston rod, which has a diameter of less than 35% of the piston diameter and sealingly extends through a cylinder end wall.

The invention resides in a pneumatic damper for slowing down movable furniture parts, including a cylinder and a piston which is axially movably supported in the cylinder and connected to a piston rod subjected to internal and external forces. The piston includes a seal element acting also as a check valve and divides the cylinder into a vacuum chamber and a compression chamber from which gas can released depending on the direction of a piston stroke. The piston has seal elements which are in contact with the cylinder walls at least in an end position of the piston where it is not subjected to gas pressure. The cross-section of the interior of the cylinder becomes larger at least in parts thereof in a uniform way toward one end position of the piston and the piston is provided with at least one sleeve-like seal element and is disposed in close contact with the cylinder walls at least in the area thereof adjacent the piston rod.
Such a device is disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 11/168,035 where it is part of a guide system. However the cylinder piston unit disclosed therein operates in the slow-down stroke only against a pressurized air cushion.
EP 1 260 159 A2 discloses another movement damper in which the slow-down forces are generated by compression and vacuum forces. However, with the arrangements described, only a relatively small vacuum can be generated. Furthermore, during the slow-down stroke, the force generated by the vacuum is effective only relatively slowly.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a pneumatic retarding or damper mechanism wherein a retarding effect is rapidly established and wherein the damper is stopped in the end position thereof without a hard impact and without rebound and which furthermore requires only a relatively small amount of space.

Pneumatic damper for slowing down movable furniture parts


An apparatus for providing sound. The apparatus includes a sound receiver for receiving sound and outputting an output signal, a first part comprising a signal generator for generating a second signal corresponding to the output signal, a second part comprising receiving means for receiving the second signal and outputting sound corresponding to the second signal, and an element for transporting the second signal from the signal generator to the receiving means. The transporting element comprises a sound guiding channel connected to the sound receiver and for guiding sound from outside the apparatus to the sound receiver along a portion of a length of the transporting element.

BTE/RIC-combination hearing aids may be seen in e.g. WO2011/098153, which relates to a hearing aid with a new type of connector which enables the microphones positioned in the BTE part to be positioned further in front part of the BTE part.
In such apparatus, the sound receivers or microphones are positioned either in the BTE part or in the RIC part, and both positions have disadvantages. Positioning the microphone or sound receiver behind the ear, will make sound detection more difficult, especially when directionality is desired. Providing the microphone in the RIC part increases the possibility of feed back from the sound fed to the ear and the microphone. The present invention aims to provide a better solution.

Apparatus and a method for providing sound


Provided are a system for channel sounding of broadband single carrier mobile communications and a method thereof. A channel sounding device is provided, which achieves precise modeling of a broadband mobile communication in a 5 GHz band. The channel sounding device can perform precise channel modeling by collecting broadband channel data of 20 MHz between a base station and a mobile station moving at maximum 150 km/h, using a sounding signal including a 802.15.3 preamble, a maximum length sequence (MLS) signal, and a single carrier frequency domain equalization (SC-FDE) symbol overcoming a limitation of signal distortion of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. The channel sounding device can simultaneously perform modeling of interference of an adjacent channel as well as a transmission channel.

To design a transceiver for broadband digital wireless communications, accurate modeling of a channel, i.e., a communication path is required. Channel modeling is a process that defines information of channel distortion as a specific structure, which occurs multipath propagation in a wireless data transmission process, and obtains variables of the specific structure.
Examples of a channel sounding device for broadband channel modeling include a sounding device using a basic M-sequence, and a sounding apparatus using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol using a multi-carrier.
The sounding apparatus using the M-sequence has a wide operating range and implements a simple modeling method, but has limitations in that signal loss occurs because of an unlimited channel bandwidth and high signal power in a channel area excluding a bandwidth of a channel of interest (COI).
In contrast, the sounding device using the OFDM symbol has limitations in that unless a high-performance analog device is used for an amplifier, an analog-to-digital (AD) and digital-to-analog (DA) converter and a reception signal synchronizer, distortion of the device occurs, making it difficult to perform accurate channel modeling and reducing its operating range.
Also, in the case of high-speed broadband mobile communications, high-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal of 32-QAM or higher must be used. Thus, receiver performance may be significantly deteriorated by an influence of signal noise, channel distortion, carrier synchronization, etc.
To overcome the limitations, a high-performance analog device may be employed and/or a complicated compensation algorithm for distortion processing of the device may be used. However, this may complicate the structure of the sounding device and increases a cost.
The digital modem technique employing the multi-carrier method, such as the OFDM, has limitations of a complicated synchronization technique at a reception terminal for precise signal synchronization, an expensive linear amplifier, and an expensive AD/DA converter with high resolution. However, a digital modem technique using a single carrier method can easily implement a low-power/low-priced receiver with a simple structure, using a simple synchronization technique at a reception terminal, a low-priced amplifier and an AD/DA converter with low resolution.
However, most of current devices for channel modeling for broadband mobile communications use an OFDM signal, and there is almost no device for modeling a mobile environment channel by the single carrier method for broadband mobile communications.
Although interference of an adjacent channel is a very important issue in channel modeling of the wireless communication field using multiple channels, a related art channel modeling device uses a separate device to analyze the adjacent channel interference, which lowers efficiency of channel modeling.

System for channel sounding of broadband signal carrier mobile communications and method thereof

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A medical device that inhibits distortion of medical resonance images taken of the device. In particular, various structures are utilized to allow visibility proximate, and inside of, a tubular member, such as a stent. In one embodiment, the stent is constructed such that any closed path encircling at least a circumference of the stent will pass through at least two materials to reduce or eliminate electrical loops formed in the stent.

The present invention relates generally to devices for use in vascular treatments. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices used in vascular treatments that incorporate a magnetic resonance visibility enhancing structure, the devices being adapted for use in magnetic resonance imaging.
Vascular stents are known medical devices used in various vascular treatments of patients. Stents commonly include a tubular member that is moveable from a collapsed, low profile, delivery configuration to an expanded, deployed configuration. In the expanded configuration, an outer periphery of the stent frictionally engages an inner periphery of a lumen. The deployed stent then maintains the lumen such that it is substantially unoccluded and flow therethrough is substantially unrestricted. However, various stent designs substantially distort the surrounding of the stent during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical procedure that utilizes magnets and radio waves to produce a picture of the inside of a body. An MRI scanner is capable of producing pictures of the inside of a body without exposing the body to ionizing radiation (X-rays). In addition, MRI scans can see through bone and provide detailed pictures of soft body tissues.
A typical MRI scanner includes a magnet that is utilized to create a strong homogeneous magnetic field. A patient is placed into or proximate the magnet. The magnetic field causes a small majority of the atoms with a net magnetic moment, also referred to as spin, to align in the same direction as the magnetic field. When a radio wave is directed at the patient's body, atoms precessing in the magnetic field with a frequency equal to the radiowave are able to adapt the radiowave energy, which causes them to "tumble over" and align in the opposite direction of the magnetic field. The frequency at which atoms with a net spin precess in a magnetic field is also referred to as the Larmor frequency. The opposing alignment is at a higher energy level compared to the original orientation. Therefore, after removing the radiowave, atoms will return to the lower energetic state. As the atoms return to the lower energetic state, a radio signal is sent at the Lamor frequency. These return radio waves create signals (resonance signals) that are detected by the scanner at numerous angles around the patient's body. The signals are sent to a computer that processes the information and compiles an image or images. Typically, although not necessarily, the images are in the form of 2-dimensional "slice" images.
An ability to effectively view areas proximate a stent during an MRI procedure is desirable. In particular, viewing areas inside and proximate a tubular member of a stent may be desirable both during deployment and after deployment of the stent in a patient. However, various current stent designs prevent adequate imaging of the area surrounding the stent. Instead, the images are distorted and thus cannot be used.
The visibility of the inside of current stent designs during MRI procedures is blocked for two reasons. First of all, the permanent influence of the surrounding magnetic field by stents containing ferromagnetic materials prevents adequate imaging. A second reason that adequate imaging of the area inside the stent is blocked relates to induction currents (Eddy currents), induced in the closed cell metal stent structure due to the changes in the magnetic field generated by the MRI system during image sequencing. The result is that the MR visibility of the inside of the stent is shielded.
It is possible to build a stent out of polymer or other non-conducting materials such as ceramics. Building stents out of such non-conducting materials would avoid either of these MR artifacts. However, stents made from materials such as these would require larger strut dimensions to maintain adequate stent mechanical performance as compared to stents made of metals.
The present invention addresses at least one of these or other problems, and/or offers other advantages over the prior art.

Stent designs which enable the visibility of the inside of the stent during MRI


A device controller is connected with multiple terminals and with at least one input-output device via a network. The device controller has: a reception controller configured to perform first authentication according to data input from a first terminal and to cause the first terminal to obtain information on a specified series of processing based on a result of the first authentication; and an input-output controller configured to perform second authentication according to data input from a second terminal and to cause a specific input-output device selected out of the at least one input-output device to perform the specified series of processing, based on a result of the second authentication. The input-output controller allows the specific input-output device to perform the specified series of processing when the second terminal is selected in advance for the specific input-output device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to network control technique.
2. Description of the Related Art
Implementation of the personal information protection law and tendency of the enhanced internal control increasingly attract attention in management of classified information from companies and organizations. In the case of printing classified information, when a printing device is located away from a terminal currently logged in by a user to give a print instruction, there is a risk that the classified information may be leaked to a third person before the user reaches the location of the printing device. An authenticated printing system has been proposed as a countermeasure against this potential problem to suspend a printing operation after the user's print instruction and allow the printing operation in response to only the user's authentication by the printing device or a printer server related to the printing device (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-259012).
In this proposed authenticated printing system, however, there is relatively heavy management load for smooth operations of the printer server and the printing device performing authentication. For example, in a corporate user having multiple bases, there may be only one authorized system administrator. In the event of failure of a printer server installed at a base without the system administrator, the system administrator should go to the base with the failed printer server for fixation. Such a problem is not characteristic of the printing process but is commonly found in similar processes, for example, a process of writing information into an information recording medium.

Device controller, system, and method for authenticated printing


A method and apparatus for cleansing the interior surfaces of body cavities employs a balloon catheter adopted to be inserted into a cavity through its ostium with the balloon in collapsed condition. An input flow tube for a cleansing and/or medicating fluid passes through a central passage in the balloon. When the balloon is inflated to establish a narrow passage between the balloon and the cavity walls, a pressurized flow of the fluid is pumped out the distal end of the input flow tube through the passage, parallel to the cavity walls, where it scours the inner wall of the cavity, removing debris as it flows out of the ostium. The fluid flow is urged toward a turbulent condition by attachments to the outer wall of the balloon.

Balloon catheters have been employed to provide treatment to relatively inaccessible body cavities such as occluded blood vessels, nasal cavities, wounds, or paranasal sinuses and the like. In some cases, these balloons are used to introduce fluids onto the linings of various body cavities to carry medications such as antibiotics and the like into intimate contact with the interior surfaces of the cavities. Attempts to clean a cavity with a forceful jet into the cavity that is filled with fluid is defeated as its force is absorbed by the fluid. A device that reduces the volume of the cavity to a thin rim over the entire surface can force the flow directly onto the walls and in a direction that parallels the walls but without dissipation of the force and covering the entire surface. In essence this is the basic concept of this invention.
Certain of these balloons have been formed with walls of porous materials so that the fluids from the interior of the balloons will flow outwardly against the body cavity interior surfaces to provide medicated fluids or the like to those surfaces. U.S. Patent Publication 2007/0129751 assigned to Acclarent, Inc. discloses a device for balloon sinusplasty which may employ a balloon with porous walls to deliver fluids to the interior walls of sinus cavities. The fluid flows from the interior of the balloon are thus generally directed perpendicularly to the interior surfaces of the body cavity and are sometimes pressurized so that any medication contained in the fluid will forcefully impact the interior walls of the cavity. These fluid streams can only clean areas similar to the cross-sections of the streams and schemes for moving the streams over the side walls invariably leave some areas untouched or under cleaned. Increasing the force of the streams impacting the walls may do harm to the walls.
In many medical situations it is desirable to remove dead cells and the like which may have accumulated on the interior wall of a body cavity. For example, in a healthy nose mucus produced by the lining of the paranasal sinuses drains out of the sinus through the ostium, an opening connecting the interior of the sinus cavity to the nasal passages, carrying cellular and bacterial debris with it. In conditions such as sinusitis the mucus may be prevented from freely exiting the ostium and tends to accumulate the debris on the interior walls of the sinus cavities interfering with the normal functions and healing of the cavities. This mucosal congestion may result in microbial growth on the surface which must be removed to restore the sinuses to their normal function.

Balloon irrigation and cleaning system for interior walls of body cavities


The present disclosure provides a method and system for mapping anatomical structures and marking them on an image to be printed on a substrate including the steps of inserting an imaging device into a surgical site, obtaining an image of a defect located in the surgical site from the imaging device, adjusting the image, transmitting the image to a printer, and printing the image on a substrate. The printed image may be a size directly proportional to the defect. The adjusting step may further include the steps of setting a minimum margin to be maintained between the perimeter of the defect and the perimeter of the substrate, selecting a shape and size of the substrate, and identifying at least one anatomical feature of the surgical site.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for mapping of internal anatomical features and printing them on a substrate. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to providing an internal probe to capture an image of a surgical site with anatomical features and a printing device for printing the image of the anatomical features on a mesh substrate.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/661,563, filed on Jun. 19, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image guided surgery has become more and more common, in part because of the ability of a surgeon to view internal images of a patient's anatomy and pre-plan a medical operation. In this way, for example, pre-acquired images of the anatomical body are used to plan the course of the medical procedure, whether the medical procedure is diagnostic, therapeutic, or surgical in nature. The pre-acquired images may also be used, to some extent, during the medical procedure for orientation of the surgeon with respect to the internal anatomy of the patient.
The images of a patient's external or internal anatomy used in image guided surgery may be generated by, for example, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), video, ultrasound, and X-rays. Images may also be captured using angiography, single photon emission computer tomography, and positron emission tomography (PET).
Hernias are abnormal protrusions of an organ or other body structure through a defect or natural opening in a covering membrane, e.g., a wall of a cavity that normally contains the organ or other body structure. For example, inguinal hernias are, typically, caused by soft tissue from the intestines protruding through the inguinal wall. Ventral hernias, on the other hand, are caused by internal organs pushing through to a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
The use of prosthetic mesh has now become accepted practice in the treatment of patients with both inguinal and ventral hernias, as well as other types of hernias, e.g., hiatal, femoral, umbilical, diaphragmatic, etc. To endoscopically apply the mesh for hernia repair, a surgical region (i.e., adjacent the cavity wall) is, typically, insufflated. Subsequently, a surgeon selects points on the cavity wall where the surgeon believes a peripheral edge of the mesh, i.e., the expected corners of a mesh (assuming a rectangular mesh), will be affixed.
In certain instances, prior to affixing the mesh, the mesh is, initially, held in position by pressing on the mesh from outside the body while observing the mesh through a laparoscope or, conversely, pressing upward against the mesh with the use of one or more suitable devices, e.g., an atraumatic grasper or the like. Thereafter, the surgical mesh is often affixed, e.g., sutured or tacked using a fastener, to the cavity wall by conventional techniques.
Unfortunately, this method has shortcomings. Once the mesh is initially held in position, a surgeon does not know what anatomical features are located behind the mesh. When suturing or tacking the mesh to the surface, the surgeon must be aware of the anatomical features behind the mesh so as to avoid tacking or stapling into nerves or blood vessels, which can cause acute and chronic pain as well as bleeding. Accordingly, a need exists for mapping the anatomical structures and marking them on the mesh so the surgeon will be aware of the proper suturing positions when affixing the mesh to the tissue surface.

System and method for mapping anatomical structures and marking them on a substrate


The present invention provides a particulate water absorbing agent for a thin type absorbing substrate suitable for actual use. A particulate water absorbing agent having irregularly pulverized shape, characterized by comprising, a surface crosslinked water-absorbing resin obtained by crosslinking polymerization of an unsaturated monomer with an acid group and/or salts thereof, which absorbing agent contains agglomerated particles therein and further satisfies (i) centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) in a physiological saline solution of not lower than 32 g/g, (ii) mass median particle size (D50) of 200 to 400 μm, and (iii) particles smaller than 600 μm and not smaller than 150 μm of 95 to 100% by weight. By using the particulate water absorbing agent, such absorbing articles can be obtained as have few rugged surface after water absorption, excellent liquid permeation property.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a particulate water absorbing agent having a water-absorbing resin as a main component. In particular, it relates to a particulate water absorbing agent having irregularly pulverized shape used for an absorbing substrate in a thin type diaper or a thin type sanitary napkin, which maintains conventionally not obtained thin state even after use and exerts superior absorbing ability.
2. Description of Related Art
At present, as component materials in sanitary articles such as a paper diaper, a sanitary napkin, so to speak an incontinence pad, and the like, a water-absorbing resin to absorb body fluid and hydrophilic fibers such as pulp are widely used. As the water-absorbing resin, for example, partially neutralized crosslinked polyacrylic acid, hydrolysates of starch-acrylic acid graft polymer, saponified vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymers, hydrolysates of acrylonitrile copolymer or acrylamide copolymers or crosslinked polymers thereof, crosslinked polymers of cationic monomers, and the like are used as main raw materials.
Water absorption characteristics conventionally required to the water-absorbing resin include superior liquid absorption capacity or water absorption speed, gel strength and gel permeability in contact with aqueous liquid such as body fluid, along with water suction force to suck water from a substrate containing aqueous liquid. Further, as recent trends, a water-absorbing resin powder with very narrow particle size distribution or a water-absorbing resin with high absorbency and low soluble content has been required and high absorbency against pressure or liquid permeability under pressure has essentially been required. Further, a water-absorbing resin superior also in handling, in addition to these improved performances has been required.
For example, there are many patent applications on many parameters specifying various properties of these water-absorbing resins or water absorbing agents with a water-absorbing resin as a main component, or on measurement methods thereof (US Reissued 32649, UK2267094B, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,051,259, 5,419,956, 6,087,002, EP0629441, EP0707603, EP0712659, EP1029886, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,462,972, 5,453,323, 5,797,893, 6,127,454, 6,184,433, 6,297,335, US Reissued 37021, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,140,076, 6,414,214B1, 5,994,440, 6,444,744, 6,194,531, EP0940148, EP1153656, EP0605215, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,147,343, 5,149,335, EP0532002, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,601,452, 5,562,646, 5,669,894, 6,150,582, WO02/053198, EP0937739).
Water-absorbing resins superior in gel strength, soluble content and absorption capacity are proposed in US Reissued 32649. A water-absorbing resin superior in liquid permeability under no pressure, absorption speed and absorption capacity is proposed in UK2267094B. Technology specifying specific particle size distribution is also proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,051,259, 5,419,956, 6,087,002 and EP0629441. Further, a water-absorbing resin superior in absorbency against pressure under various loads or many measurement methods therefore are also proposed and water-absorbing resins with superior absorbency against pressure alone or in combination with other property are proposed in EP0707603, EP0712659, EP1029886, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,462,972, 5,453,323, 5,797,893, 6,127,454, 6,184,433, 6,297,335 and US Reissued 37021.
Water-absorbing resins with little property decrease by impact are proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,140,076 and 6,414,214B1. A water-absorbing resin with specific powdery dust amount is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,440, and a water-absorbing resin with less coloring is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,444,744. Water-absorbing resins superior in gel durability in an aqueous L-ascorbic acid solution as index of urine resistance or superior in water absorption ability are proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,531 and EP0940148. A water-absorbing resin with superior air permeability is proposed in EP1153656. A water-absorbing resin with less residual monomers is proposed in EP0605215.
Further, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,147,343, 5,149,335, EP0532002, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,601,452, 5,562,646, 5,669,894, water-absorbing resins with specific property are proposed as suitable to water absorbing articles such as a diaper having specific property, specific composition or specific polymer concentration.

Particulate water absorbing agent with irregularly pulverized shape


A water filtering device and system. The system includes: a rod in a reservoir of the water cooler under an inverted, installed water bottle, the rod aligned with a neck of the water bottle; a hollow cylinder having a diameter less than the neck, an open end, and a closed end opposing the open end, the open end having an external flange at a perimeter thereof with a diameter greater than the neck, the closed end configured to removable retain a water filter, the hollow of the cylinder dimensioned to accept a portion of the rod; a cover having a ring-shaped base and a sidewall, the base having an inner perimeter, an outer perimeter with a diameter greater than the diameter of the flange, the sidewall extending from the base at the outer perimeter, the cover configured to receive at least the flange of the cylinder; and a filter.

1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to water filtration and, more particularly, to filter arrangements for bottled water-type water coolers.
2. Description of Related Art
In developed regions, safe drinking water is plentiful and relatively inexpensive. This is because these regions tend to have the financial resources necessary to build and maintain large scale, centralized water processing plants and water delivery infrastructure.
In underdeveloped regions, safe drinking water is often neither plentiful nor inexpensive. Rather, obtaining a supply of safe and affordable drinking water can be a challenge. A primary reason for this challenge is the absence of effective centralized water processing. Underdeveloped regions usually do not have access to capital necessary to build and maintain this infrastructure. Furthermore, even when some centralized water processing is available, the infrastructure necessary to deliver treated water maybe lacking. Thus, alternatives/supplements to centralized water treatment are often necessary.
One successful alternative/supplemental approach to water treatment is to practice decentralized point of use treatment. In point of use treatment, water is treated (physically, chemically and/or biologically) at the point of consumption rather than at a centralized location. In this way, point of use treatment is a decentralized approach.
Another alternative/supplemental approach to water treatment is to obtain water that has been processed remotely at a centralized location. One example of this approach is bottled water.
One known shortcoming of bottled water is that its treatment level and quality may be unknown, non-uniform, and/or difficult to determine. For example, as is known, the quality of some bottled water degrades over time. Thus, some drinkers may opt to treat bottled water using a point of use treatment method. In this way, point of use treatment methods supplement water treatment and ensure the safety of water consumed.
Various point of use water treatment methods are known, including: boiling, chlorination, coagulation, and filtration. Filtration is one of the most convenient and cost-effective point of use treatments. Generally, a water filter removes impurities from water by passing the water through a physical barrier, a chemical process, or a biological process so as to cleanse the water. Examples of water filters include media filters such as an activated charcoal filter.
A convenient way to deliver bottled water is by way of a water cooler. Generally, a water cooler is a device, usually freestanding, that cools and dispenses water. Water coolers come in two types: bottle-less; and bottled.
Bottleless water coolers are connected to a water supply. These coolers rely on the water pressure of the water supply to deliver water.
In contrast to bottleless water coolers, bottled water coolers are free-standing, gravity-powered systems that dispense water in a controlled manner from an installed inverted water bottle. To install the bottle, the bottle is tipped upside down and set onto the dispenser, a probe punctures the cap of the bottle and allows the water to flow into the machine's internal reservoir. On the front, a lever or push button dispenses the water into a cup held beneath the spigot.
Convenient, easy to use, effective and inexpensive arrangements to filter the water from bottle type water coolers is always sought after.


In an energy storage and recovery system for a hybrid vehicle 1, the operating ratio range of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) 10 which transfers drive between the vehicle's driveline 8 and a flywheel 9 is effectively extended by the use of an integrated starter-generator (ISG) 13 connected to the flywheel shaft 12. When there is a high mismatch of rotational speed between the propshaft 8 and the flywheel shaft 12, prior to connecting the two shafts by a clutch 11, the ISG 13 either spins up or decelerates the flywheel 9 until its speed is brought within the optimum operating range of the CVT 10. This measure reduces wear and tear on the clutch 11.

This invention relates to a flywheel driveline and control arrangement, suitable for use as part of an energy storage and recovery system such as may be incorporated in a hybrid vehicle.
In a high-speed flywheel-based energy storage and recovery system, the flywheel is connected to the transmission of the vehicle via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and manipulation of the CVT ratio achieves control of energy storage and recovery. See, for example, SAE technical paper 2008-01-0083, Apr. 14-17, 2008.
When the ratio is set so as to speed up the flywheel, energy is stored and when the ratio is set so as to slow down the flywheel, energy is recovered.
The key advantage of a flywheel hybrid vehicle is the magnitude of the power that can be transmitted between the flywheel and the vehicle wheels. A road car is capable of very high power transfer during braking and the key to hybrid system effectiveness is capturing as much of this normally wasted energy as possible. This is achieved by the careful matching of the flywheel rotational speed to that of the vehicle. The rotational speed of a high-speed flywheel varies approximately between zero and 60,000 RPM, whereas the vehicle's speed varies from zero to over 160 kph. There are two extremes of real-world operating conditions. The first is when the flywheel has zero speed and when the vehicle's speed is maximum. The second is when the flywheel is at its maximum speed and when the vehicle's speed is zero. To match these extreme conditions, ideally an infinitely variable transmission is required, or alternatively a CVT transmission used in conjunction with at least one clutch. The second option is perhaps more pragmatic as CVT's are a known and mass-produced transmission. Unfortunately, a CVT has a finite ratio range of typically six. This ratio range is inadequate to cover the entire operating spectrum of flywheel and vehicle speed, even with appropriately selected interim gear ratio sets. Consequently, the interim gear sets are usually optimized for a given goal such as maximizing fuel consumption savings on a defined drive cycle. However, this is likely to compromise fuel consumption savings at other operating conditions, especially those outside the boundaries of the defined drive cycle.
As described in Applicant's co-pending Application GB0816109.3, selectable multiple gear sets can be incorporated within the transmission between the flywheel and the vehicle wheels. The inclusion of one or more additional selectable gear sets beneficially broadens the operating window of the energy storage and recovery system. However, even with these additional multiple gear sets it is not possible to transfer power between the flywheel and the vehicle's wheels under the extremes of operating conditions. This limits the potential for fuel consumption savings. As it is not possible for the CVT transmission system to always match the vehicle and flywheel speeds, a clutch, interposed between the CVT and the flywheel is generally deployed to dynamically bridge the speed difference.
In conditions when the flywheel is at maximum speed and the vehicle is close to stationary, a substantial amount of energy (˜400 kJ) needs to be dissipated through the clutch. At the other extreme condition, when the flywheel is at zero speed and the vehicle speed is close to maximum, a considerable but lesser amount of energy (˜100 kJ) needs to be dissipated through the clutch to bridge the speed difference. These conditions represent wastage of energy and can lead to premature wear of the clutch itself.
This invention aims to mitigate the aforementioned problems.

Flywheel driveline and control arrangement