An air compressor apparatus is disclosed that includes an air tank. A first compressor assembly can be fluidly coupled to the air tank, the first compressor assembly including a first head unloader valve. A second compressor assembly can be fluidly coupled to the air tank, the second compressor assembly including a second head unloader valve. A control unit can be electrically coupled to the first and second compressor assemblies, the control unit operable to control the operation of the first and second compressor assemblies. During startup, the first and second air compressor assemblies can be configured to draw less than 20 amps of current combined from a single 120 volt power source. The first and second compressor assemblies can each be dual piston compressor assemblies.

The present disclosure relates generally to air compressor units for supplying compressed air to a desired system, such as pneumatic tooling including but not limited to nail guns, air wenches, paint sprayers, pressure washers, air inflation devices, air blasting devices, etc.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to dual air compressor systems having two compressor assemblies for supplying pressurized air to an air tank. When the pressure in an air tank is depleted, the air compressor assemblies can be actuated to drive air into the air tank and increase or maintain the pressure of the air in the air tank. Maintaining the air pressure within the air tank within a desired range can help ensure that air from the air tank which is supplied to the pneumatic tooling is delivered at a desired pressure. Dual motor compressors or compressors with multiple compressor assemblies can be desirable as compressors having dual motors can typically supply air to an air tank of the compressor faster than a single motor unit. This is particularly advantageous in air compressors with larger air tanks or receivers.
During start up, dual motors associated with dual air compressor systems can draw a large current due to the increased force and power needed to start the motors from rest and the reduced resistance in the wiring for the system during a resting state. Conventional dual motor compressor systems if connected to a standard 120V power source will exceed a threshold or desired current limit set for the system, typically 20 amps. Exceeding the desired current limit can potentially cause damage or increase wear to the electrical components of the motors, increase the risk of a fire hazard, or cause the breaker for the circuit to trip, which is undesirable.
As a result, it is often necessary for dual motor air compressors to be electrically connected to two separate 120V power sources on separate breakers, or on a larger voltage source, such as a 240V power outlet, in order to handle the additional power requirements needed from the dual motor compressor during startup. These power requirements can limit the number of locations within a facility at which the dual motor air compressors can be used, as 120V power outlets are more common within most facilities. Additionally, in rural areas where 3 phase power or 240 V power is not available, such units cannot be used. In residential settings which are equipped primarily with standard 120V outlets, this can require one or more of the 120V outlets in the residence to be upgraded to a 240V outlet, which is costly and inconvenient.
What is needed then are improvements in dual motor air compressor systems.


A medical closure device serves for coupling to a discharge opening of a device protruding from a mammalian body. The medical closure device includes a coupling part for engaging a part of the device protruding from the mammalian body. The coupling part is a circumferential flexible member delimiting a coupling opening configurable between a relaxed configuration where the coupling opening cannot pass over the medical device and a stressed configuration where the coupling opening of the coupling part can pass over the medical device. The coupling part has a securing member for securing the coupling part to a closure part, such as a cap, an ostomy bag, a catheter, or an irrigation device, for subsequent closure of a discharge opening.

The invention relates to a medical closure device adapted for coupling to a discharge opening of a medical device protruding from a mammalian body, which closure device comprises a coupling part for engaging the part of the device protruding from the mammalian body.
Within the scope of the present invention the term "medical closure device" means any device that can close, or cooperate with further components to close, a discharge or supply opening to prevent discharge or spillage. Thus a "medical closure device" provides, or facilitates the provision of, a boundary to the environment to terminate and shut off access to the body. "Medical closure devices" may include bags and pouches.
The medical device could for example be an implant, providing an external opening to achieve temporary or permanent access to and/or communication with a body vessel or a body cavity, a catheter, a tracheal port, or an infusion port.
In particular the medical device could be an implant associated with an ostomy, i.e. a surgically created opening between the small bowel or large bowel and the skin of the abdomen, i.e an ileostomy or a colostomy, respectively, through which stool and gas are passed. Similarly an urostomy may be created for discharging urine. However, irrespective of the kind of discharged matter, discharging must be made in a controlled way and body waste matter needs to be stored either in an internal reservoir or in an external reservoir until final disposal. The associated implants serve in particular for securing pouches for collecting continuous, uncontrolled discharge of body waste, or for temporary closure of an internal continent reservoir to be evacuated or irrigated optionally by the patients interaction when appropriate and convenient for the patient. Antegrade irrigation may take place by instilling water or other kinds of enemas through specialised equipment through the stoma to control stoma output. Faeces evacuates by reflexive peristaltic enabling the patient to control the stoma action to a certain degree, unlike the patient whose stoma spontaneously evacuates and needs to wear an appliance. In the intervals between evacuations, stomas and/or some internal continent reservoirs necessitate leakproof closure for preventing spontaneous evacuation.
A gastrostomy, i.e. an artificial external opening into the stomach, may e.g. be provided for nutritional support.
Known medical cap means or medical closure devices for sealing closures of ostomy implants are difficult to operate and are often customised to a specific implant. Moreover, such medical cap means or medical closure devices may be difficult to operate in relation to the ostomy implant because the stoma site can be difficult for the patient to view. Moreover, operation of the medical cap means or medical closure means involves a risk of injuring the sensitive tissue attachment between body and ostomy implant during multiple fastenings and removals of medical cap or medical closure device, irrigation device and/or coupling flange of ostomy bag.
Also in relation to other medical devices inserted for obtaining temporary access to a cavity or vessel inside the body, e.g. a catheter, a tracheal port, or an infusion port, the selection of medical cap means or closure means that can be substituted or opened and closed multiple times in a reliable and sealing manner without injuring or irritating the body are limited.
WO 02/09629 discloses a clamp for mounting e.g. an ostomy pouch on an implant. The clamp is formed from a ring with a slit in it. An arm is attached to the ring on either side of the slit and by squeezing/releasing the arms the ring is caused to expand/contract so that it can be attached to the implant. However, this arrangement is not robust and may be inconvenient for the patient to operate.
Thus there is a demand for new medical closure devices for medical devices implanted or inserted into the mammalian body and it would be desirable to provide a medical closure device of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph, which medical closure device can be operated numerous times without injuring or irritating the tissue attachment of the device to the mammalian body.


A skewer for fixing a wheel to a cycle-type vehicle, comprising a rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a first end that includes structural elements that cooperate with the vehicle frame, and a second end that includes structural elements configured to cooperate with a device exerting a tightening torque, in which the rod includes a groove extending along the longitudinal axis over a first length, an element having a variable diameter and a second length, the second length being less than the first length, is received in the groove so as to be translationally movable along the longitudinal axis, and an elastic biaser longitudinally constrains the variable diameter element towards the second end. The variable diameter element is a split tubular ring whose diameter in the free state is greater than the maximum outer diameter of the rod; it is longitudinally constrained by a spiral spring, and a distribution ring is interposed between the spring and the variable diameter element.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cycles and, more particularly, to quick-release and fastening assemblies for a cycle wheel to the fork of a bicycle frame.
The invention is particularly applicable to quick-release, and fastening, assemblies for fastening road bike and mountain bike wheels.
The invention also relates to a release/fastening assembly, including a skewer and a hub for such assembly, as well as a wheel and a cycle equipped with such a hub and assembly.
2. Background Information
Conventionally, a cycle wheel comprises a hub, a rim adapted to receive a tread and spokes or disks providing mechanical connection between the hub and the rim.
The hub comprises a hub body configured to be attached to the spokes or the discs and a hub shaft providing the mechanical connection of the hub to a front or rear fork of a bicycle frame.
The fork typically comprises two dropouts that are each attached to one of the ends of the shaft of the hub. The latter is therefore rotationally fixed when the rim rotates.
In the practice of sports cycling, one needs to be able to separate the wheel and the fork quickly and without tools in order, for example, to quickly assist a cyclist who has suffered a puncture with the repair, or simply for ease of transportation or storage of the bike.
A number of solutions have been proposed for quick release and fastening of the wheel to the fork.
These solutions are all based on the use of a skewer that extends through the shaft of the hub, with one end of the skewer projecting on each side of the hub. Each end of the skewer cooperating with one of the fork dropouts to enable the skewer to be fixed to the fork in the locked configuration and to enable the skewer to be removed from the fork in the unlocked configuration.
A first solution involves inserting each of the ends of the skewer into one the two bores carried by the dropouts. The patent documents EP 0810944 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,560 describe a solution of this type. Each bore of the dropouts has a passage slot for the bore to communicate with the outside and for inserting the skewer into the bore via movement through the passage slots. This movement is a mainly vertical movement when the cycle is in a rolling configuration.
A disadvantage of this type of solution is that, in the event of improper tightening of the skewer to the fork, the skewer may come out of the bores through the passage slots. The wheel may then separate from the frame when rolling, which may cause a fall with dramatic consequences.
To improve the safety of the cyclist, another solution provides for dropouts on the fork with bores that are closed, that is to say, devoid of passage slots. It is therefore necessary to insert the skewer through these bores along a direction corresponding to the axis of rotation of the wheel. One of the bores forms an internal thread into which a threaded end of the skewer is screwed. This solution, although satisfactory in terms of safety, has the disadvantage of requiring complete removal of the skewer from the hub during wheel replacement, which is time-consuming and tedious.
To overcome this disadvantage, another solution, such as that described in the patent document U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,675, provides a fork having a first dropout comprising a threaded bore without a passage slot and a second dropout comprising a non-threaded bore extended vertically by a passage slot. The hub/rod assembly may then be aligned with the two bores by passing the skewer through the passage slot of the second bore and then moving it along the axis of the skewer to engage the threaded end of the skewer with the threaded bore of the first dropout.
The aforementioned document describes a plurality of embodiments in which the skewer is pushed axially by a spring to pre-engage the threaded end of the skewer into the thread of the first bore.
The patent document US 2013/0270893 discloses an improvement over the aforementioned document by adding a skewer axial indexing system, which provides a stable open position for the skewer, despite the axial thrust of the return spring.
These solutions have the disadvantage of preventing or considerably complicating the extraction of the skewer from the hub. However, this extraction is necessary for the cleaning of these elements that are essential to the performance of the cycle or for replacing the wheel while keeping the same skewer.
These solutions also have a very specific hub design that makes them incompatible with commercially available skewers. Thus, a wheel of this type cannot be installed on a bike having a fork equipped with a standard skewer comprising two closed bores (devoid of passage slots). Such incompatibility drawback greatly limits the adoption of this concept by the end-user cyclist, the distribution network, and the hub manufacturer.
Furthermore, the handling of the skewer is complex.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a solution to overcome disadvantages mentioned above.
In particular, it would be very advantageous to have a robust, reliable, and economical solution that makes it possible to reduce, or even avoid, the risk of inadvertent detachment of the wheel while enabling easy dismounting thereof, easy extraction of the skewer out of the hub, and inter-compatibility of such a hub with already commercially available forks and rods.


An enhanced system and method for the “smart” routing of orders in an electronic options environment is disclosed. The method of routing includes different rules and protocols for orders that are allowed to route using a traditional intermarket linkage than for orders that are allowed to route using an alternative private direct connection or third-party service provider. The system and method of routing has at its basis a configurable, rules-based routing table that allows orders to be routed using different protocols based on the account type of the incoming order.

Nearly all actively-traded equity options trade on multiple exchanges today. However, such widespread trading has been practiced only recently. From 1977 until 1999, most options were listed only on a single exchange and traded on the floor, so there was no choice as to where to send a customer's order for execution. As options exchanges have only routed orders to each other using the Intermarket Linkage since 2003, the marketplace did not employ nor require complex routing algorithms.
As the options market structure has evolved to more closely resemble the equities market structure in the past few years, there is an increasing need for more sophisticated routing models and methodologies. For example, certain options have recently been allowed to trade in pennies as part of a penny pilot program. As quotes move around more quickly in a marketplace where issues trade in pennies, one of the consequences could be more routing. As liquidity becomes spread among more price points, market participants may be unable to obtain immediate and complete execution at the NBBO, and may need to execute at multiple price points to be filled.
As the current intermarket linkage plan was developed so that market makers could access liquidity on other exchanges, there is a need for a faster, alternative "direct" routing protocol with fewer restrictions and greater speed. A "direct" routing protocol may be especially advantageous for issues that do not require market maker participation, such as highly-active options that trade in pennies. The "direct" connection may be a single third-party order delivery provider; may be multiple direct network connection providers accessed in a round robin fashion; or may be any other linkage alternative, including private direct pipelines.
There is accordingly a need for a rules-based options order routing model that can accommodate both legacy and new routing protocols concurrently. Such a rules-based routing model must be able to automatically choose, on an order-by-order basis, the appropriate routing destination and the appropriate routing protocol to reach that destination, depending on the characteristics of the order to be routed and the eligibility of the receiving market centers. The routing decisions must be immediate, anonymous, and fully electronic.
Additionally, there is a need for a system and method that minimizes the impact of away market best bid and offer quote traffic on the other components of the system, especially if the away market quotes are at prices that are inferior to the NBBO and do not result in execution opportunities.

Routing of orders in equity options by means of a parameterized rules-based routing table


A header-replaceable hybrid waveguide sensor comprises a header coupling section including a dielectric layer having an optical signal input section and an optical signal output section formed in one end thereof, the dielectric layer having two lines of protrusions formed on the upper surface thereof; and a polymer layer formed on and under the dielectric layer; and a sensor header including a dielectric layer having a protrusion formed on the upper surface thereof and a predetermined size of thin metal film provided therein; a polymer layer formed on and under the dielectric layer and having an opening formed in a portion corresponding to the thin metal film, the opening having a larger width than the thin metal film; and a receptor layer formed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer exposed by the opening.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a header-replaceable hybrid waveguide sensor in which a detachable header having a receptor mounted thereon can be separated. When the lifetime of the receptor ends, the header can be replaced so that the same level of sensitivity can be maintained at all times.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the environment changes and is polluted, a need for environmental sensors, bio-sensors, and gas sensors gradually increases. Particularly, there is a need for such a sensor that is much more sensitive and is small enough to carry.
The development of sensors has been continued for dozens of years. Among a variety of techniques which have contributed to the development of sensors, the technique for optical sensors has been significantly developed. Particularly, sensors using surface plasmons (SP) have more excellent sensitivity than the other sensors. Therefore, the sensors using surface plasmons are being actively manufactured.
Surface plasmons are charge-density oscillations which propagate along an interface between materials with dielectric constants having a reverse sign. In general, surface plasmons exist at the interface between metal having the negative sign and a dielectric having the positive sign, and can be excited by electrons accelerated at high speed and optical waves. Electromagnetic waves which are coupled to surface plasmons so as to propagate are referred to as surface plasmon polarions (hereinafter, referred to as "SPP").
Since the wave vector of the surface plasmon is larger than those of surrounding materials, the SPP is bound to a metal surface. Therefore, the interface between metal and a dielectric can be considered as a two-dimensional optical waveguide.
In view of the optical waveguide, SPPs to be generated at the interface between metal and a dielectric are effectively bound to the metal surface, while a propagation distance thereof is as short as dozens of mm in a visible-ray region. However, when the thickness of metal is limited to several nm to dozens of nm such that SPPs propagating at the interface is coupled to each other, long-range transmission of light can be implemented. These are referred to as long-range surface plasmon polariton (LR-SPP) modes. The field profile of the LR-SPP modes is widely distributed in a dielectric around a thin metal film. Therefore, a propagation loss of light is small, and a coupling characteristic with optical fiber is excellent. Accordingly, the LR-SPP modes are applied to various optical elements.
Hereinafter, a conventional metal waveguide using LR-SPP modes and a conventional waveguide sensor using the same will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a conventional metal waveguide using LR-SPP modes.
Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional metal waveguide includes a core composed of metal 110 of which the cross-section has a predetermined thickness and width and which is formed in a strip shape; and a dielectric 120 surrounding the core. The entire structure of the waveguide may be also formed in a strip shape.
Such a conventional waveguide couples light to the metal 110 such that SPP waves propagate in the longitudinal direction of the metal 110. In this case, since the metal 110 has a predetermined thickness and width of cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the propagation direction of the SPP waves, the SPP waves can be two-dimensionally bound, which makes it possible to implement a waveguide using LR-SPP modes.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conventional waveguide sensor using the waveguide shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the waveguide shown in FIG. 1 is constructed as an MZI (Mach-Zehnder Interferometer) type waveguide. Then, a reference signal is applied to one arm 10, and a substance to be measured is caused to interact with the waveguide in the second arm 20 such that a phase shift generated by receiving a modulated signal is detected. Then, it is possible to sense a type or concentration of the substance.
When the entire core of the above-described waveguide is formed of metal such that the waveguide can be utilized as a sensor using the reaction of a sensing substance with the surface of the metal, high sensitivity can be obtained because of the reaction of the metal. However, an overall propagation loss is large.
In order to solve such problems, sensors using a waveguide are developed and used. In the conventional waveguide sensor, however, a sensing section and optical signal input and output sections are integrally formed. Therefore, as the frequency of use increases, the sensitivity of the sensing section decreases. Accordingly, the sensing section and the optical signal input and output sections should be all replaced.
As a result, a replacement cost of the sensor in which the sensing section and the optical signal input and output sections are integrally formed increases so that economical efficiency is significantly degraded.

Header-replaceable hybrid waveguide sensor


An electronic device may attempt to provision an unprovisioned credential, such as a payment instrument, by providing a message with information specifying the unprovisioned credential to a first computer. This first computer may be associated with a first region in which: a first provisioned credential of a user is supported, the user has registered, and the user can conduct transactions based on the first provisioned credential. However, the unprovisioned credential may be supported in or otherwise associated with a second region. Consequently, the electronic device may receive, from the first computer, redirect information that specifies a second computer associated with the second region. In response, the electronic device can provide the message to the second computer. Further, the electronic device can communicate provisioning information for the unprovisioned credential with the second computer, so the credential can be provisioned.

Field
The described embodiments relate generally to the storage of electronic data including the storage of secure credentials associated with a wireless electronic device.
Related Art
Many modern electronic devices typically include a networking subsystem that is used to wirelessly communicate with other electronic devices. For example, these electronic devices can include a networking subsystem with a cellular network interface (UMTS, LTE, etc.), a wireless local area network interface (e.g., a wireless network such as described in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard or Bluetooth™ from the Bluetooth Special Interests Group of Kirkland, Wash.), and/or another type of wireless interface (such as a near-field-communication or NFC interface).
There is presently interest in using such electronic devices to conduct secure transactions, including financial transactions. To facilitate these transactions, an electronic device may include a secure element to provide: security, confidentiality, and one or more application environments. The secure element may support one or more applets or applications (such as a payment applet associated with a credit card) that execute in an environment of the secure element, where the applets enable the secure element to conduct a financial transaction with another electronic device, such as a point-of-sale terminal (such applets are sometimes referred to as 'payment instruments').

Storing secure credential information in different regions


Footwear is provided that includes a sole having a front and a back. A light source is disposed in the front of the sole. A foot sensor, disposed in the sole, detects the presence or absence of a foot in the footwear. A light sensor, disposed in the sole, is adapted to detect the amount of ambient light adjacent the footwear. The sole may also include a delay circuit for maintaining the light source in the ON state for a predetermined period of time after the foot is removed.

People must often walk in dark areas, especially at night. Due to the darkness, it is difficult to see objects, such as furniture, toys, balls, etc., in their path. Hitting or tripping over unseen objects can cause injuries. To prevent such injuries, it is desirable to use a light to illuminate the path to be traveled.
It is known to provide a source of illumination on a shoe to overcome the difficulties described above. Some known shoes use a manually operated switch disposed on the exterior of the shoe to control the illumination. Other known shoes include an external heel switch actuated by the pressure of the foot on the floor. In such shoes, the heel switch automatically opens and closes depending on whether the heel is off the floor or on the floor, which results in a flashing shoe light. Still other known shoes include an internal switch that turns a light ON when a foot is in the shoe and turns the light OFF when the foot is removed. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,008,038.
None of the known prior art describes or teaches a construction in which the useful life of a battery controlling a shoe light is extended or how to illuminate an unlighted area once a user's foot is removed from a shoe. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved lighted shoe that addresses the deficiencies of the prior art.
It is also desirable to provide footwear, such as a shoe or slipper, that includes a light source and a light sensor adapted to detect the amount of ambient light adjacent the footwear so as to activate the light source only when needed, i.e., when the ambient light is below a predetermined threshold. This extends the battery life of the lighted shoe by disabling the power source when there is sufficient light.
It is desirable to provide footwear that includes a light source and a delay circuit for maintaining the light source in the ON state for a predetermined period of time after the foot is removed, allowing time for the footwear user to maneuver in a lighted path before the light is deactivated.
Thus, a need exists for improved footwear having a lighting construction that enables extended life of the light power source by only activating the light when needed. A need also exists for improved footwear having a lighting construction that provides light even after the foot is removed from the footwear, thereby allowing the wearer time to maneuver before the light is deactivated.


Provided are an opto-electric hybrid board and a manufacturing method therefor. The opto-electric hybrid board includes an optical waveguide unit and an electric circuit unit having an optical element mounted thereon, the electric circuit unit being coupled to the optical waveguide unit. The optical waveguide unit includes notch portions for locating the electric circuit unit, which is formed in portions of at least one of an undercladding layer and an overcladding layer, and the notch portions are located and formed at predetermined locations with respect to one end surface of a core. The electric circuit unit includes bent portions, which fit into the notch portions, and the bent portions are located and formed at predetermined locations with respect to the optical element. The optical waveguide unit and the electric circuit unit are coupled to each other under a state in which the bent portions fit into the notch portions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an opto-electric hybrid board which includes an optical waveguide unit and an electric circuit unit having an optical element mounted thereon, and to a manufacturing method therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent electronic devices or the like, as the amount of transmission information increases, in addition to electric wiring, optical wiring is adopted. More specifically, an opto-electric hybrid board including an electric circuit unit in which an optical element such as a light-emitting element for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal or a light-receiving element for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal is mounted on an electric circuit board having electric wiring formed thereon, and an optical waveguide unit in which an optical waveguide as optical wiring for transmitting the optical signal is formed is incorporated in the electronic device or the like.
In the opto-electric hybrid board, light which is emitted from the light-emitting element is required to enter one end surface (light entrance) of a core (optical wiring) of the optical waveguide unit, and light which exits the other end surface (light exit) of the core is required to be received by the light-receiving element. Therefore, it is necessary that the optical element (the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element) and the core be aligned with each other.
Accordingly, methods of aligning the optical element and the core are conventionally proposed. In an exemplary method, an optical waveguide unit is fixed and, in a state in which light is emitted from a light-emitting element to one end surface (light entrance) of a core of the optical waveguide unit while the location of the light-emitting element is changed, the intensity of light which exits from the other end surface (light exit) of the core is monitored, and the location at which the intensity becomes the highest is determined as the alignment location (see JP-A1-HEI5 (1993)-196831). In another exemplary method, a connector having holes for locating formed therein is attached to an optical waveguide unit, pins for locating, which fit into the holes, are attached to an electric circuit unit, and, by fitting the pins into the holes, respectively, an optical element and a core of the optical waveguide unit are automatically aligned (see JP-A1-2009-223063).
However, in the aligning method described in JP-A1-HEI5 (1993)-196831 above, although alignment with high accuracy is possible, it takes time and effort, and thus, the method lacks mass-productivity. Further, in the aligning method described in JP-A1-2009-223063 above, although position adjustment may be carried out in a simple method of fitting the pins into the holes, respectively, not only dimensional deviations are caused when the connector and the pins are respectively manufactured but also misalignment of the attachment location of the connector with respect to the optical waveguide unit, misalignment of the attachment location of the pins for locating with respect to the electric circuit unit, and the like are caused. Accumulation of those dimensional deviations and misalignments lowers the accuracy of the alignment. If enhancement of the accuracy of the alignment is attempted, control of the dimensional accuracy is necessary so that the dimensional deviations and misalignments are not caused, and thus the cost increases and the method lacks mass-productivity.

Opto-electric hybrid board and manufacturing method therefor


A combined tie extractor and plate remover for railroad track maintenance includes a frame configured for movement along the track and having a first side corresponding to a first side of the track and a second side corresponding to a second side of the track, each side of the track having a corresponding rail. A rail lifting apparatus associated with the frame is configured for lifting a selected one of the first and second rails away from the track. A plate remover assembly associated with the frame is configured for grasping and removing tie plates associated with each side of the track from a selected tie. At least one tie extracting assembly is disposed on the frame for extracting the gripped tie transversely relative to the track in conjunction with the removal of the tie plates.

This application relates generally to railway right-of-way maintenance equipment of the type used to repair and maintain railroad track. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for replacing rail ties and for handling rail tie plates during rail tie replacement.
Conventional railroad track consists of a plurality of spaced parallel wooden ties to which are each attached a pair of spaced rail tie plates. Each tie plate is configured to rest on the upper surface of the tie and includes holes for receiving spikes or screws, as well as a canted seat or a cradle formation for receiving the bottom of the steel rail. Since two rails make up a railroad track, there is a pair of spaced tie plates on each tie. Some of the spikes are used to secure the tie plate on the tie and others are used to secure the base of the rail to the tie plate cradle.
During track maintenance operations, it is common to periodically remove worn out or rotten ties. This is accomplished by first removing the spikes which hold the plates to the tie as well as to the rail. Railroad ties are typically removed and replaced using specially designed machines. Generally, the tie replacing machines roll along the railroad track and stop at a tie needing replacement. Most machines have an extending member that positions a gripping device normally relative to the track and adjacent to an end of a rail tie to remove it. The gripping device has vice-like jaws that clamp onto the end of the rail tie (other machines have a pushing mechanism which pushes the loosened tie transversely from the track). Then, the extending member extends normally away from the track, and thereby removes the tie from under the railroad track. The reverse operation is used to insert a new tie under the track.
Although these prior machines are able to remove and replace the railroad ties, the machines are subject to several disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the extending members on the prior machines are relatively unstable. On the prior machines, the extending members are attached to the railroad repair machine frame at the center of the members. In operation, each member has an inner portion that is slidingly engaged within an outer portion and telescopes away from the frame to position the gripping mechanism relative to the rail tie. The length of the fully extended member places stress at the attachment point where the end of the member meets the frame. This stress often causes the member to sag, work improperly or even break over time. Furthermore, some prior machines only had one extending member, which was attached to a pivot, in order to remove ties from the other side of a track if necessary. These machines experienced additional stress at the attachment point due to the excess movement and vibration on the extending member.
More recently developed machines include two extending members, one on each side of the machine that are mounted along the same axis. A main support member is situated in the middle of the machine frame and contains the two extending members which are slidingly engaged with each other. This innermost member extends in an opposite direction from the next outer member. In operation, one extending member slides outward within the main support member, and away from the machine frame, towards the location of the rail tie.
The dual in-line extending member design increases efficiency and overcomes the stress experienced by the single pivoting extending member design. These machines can remove a rail tie from either side of a track without pivoting, however stress problems still occur when the extending member is completely extended away from the frame. The full extension places most of the weight of the extending member on the minimal contact point between the extending member and the main support member. Stress is created on the contact point between the main support member and extending member, and failure results.
As the tie is extracted, the loosened tie plates either fall into the rail bed or ballast, or are retained on the removed tie. Conventional practice is to manually remove the plates and throw them off to the side of the ballast so that they do not interfere with the replacement of the new tie. Once the new tie is inserted under the raised track, the plates must be reinserted in the appropriate position to support the rail and for re-spiking.
To avoid on the job injuries, especially those involved with handling tie plates, which typically weigh approximately 18-40 pounds and are heavy to manipulate, railways have attempted to mechanize the tie replacement and plate placement process as much as possible. One attempt has been to provide a mechanism which grips the plates and secures them to the rail as the tie is removed from beneath the plates. This system has not been widely accepted by the railroads because of its relatively complicated mechanism, and because in many instances the insertion of the new tie will cause particles of railway ballast to be retained on top of the tie and interfere with the repositioning of the tie plates. These conventional mechanisms have no way to remove unwanted ballast particles from the top surface of the tie.
Another drawback of conventional mechanized plate placement devices is that their speed is relatively slow and they cannot keep up with the other operations of the rail maintenance gang. Using manual removal and placement of tie plates, the tie replacement process typically operates at a rate of about 15 ties per minute. Conventional mechanized plate removal devices operate in the range of 3 to 5 ties per minute. At this point, this rate of production is unacceptable to the railroads.
Thus, there is a need for improved rail maintenance machinery which addresses the above-listed drawbacks by synchronizing the operations of tie extraction and plate handling. In addition, there is a need for an improved tie plate handling apparatus which addresses the problem of tie plates getting in the way of the tie extraction process. Another need in the industry is an improved plate handling system which reduces the manual handling of plates during the tie replacement process.
The above-listed goals are met or exceeded by the present combined tie extractor and plate remover, which features the ability to grasp tie plates independently of the tie extraction procedure. In this manner, the tie plates do not interfere with the extraction and/or subsequent insertion of ties. Also, the tie plate remover assembly is preferably movable relative to the main machine frame, which allows the removed tie plates to be released remotely from the location of the tie extraction. In addition, when two non-axially aligned tie gripping extending members are provided on the frame, the movable tie plate remover assembly may be selectively movable to reference points associated with each of the extending members for operation on either side of the frame or either rail.
More specifically, a combined tie extractor and plate remover for railroad track maintenance includes a frame configured for movement along the track and having a first side corresponding to a first side of the track and a second side corresponding to a second side of the track, each side of the track having a corresponding rail. A rail lifting apparatus associated with the frame is configured for lifting a selected one of the first and second rails away from the track. A plate remover assembly associated with the frame is configured for grasping and removing tie plates associated with each side of the track from a selected tie. At least one tie extracting assembly is disposed on the frame for extracting the gripped tie transversely relative to the track in conjunction with the removal of the tie plates.
In another embodiment, a method for extracting ties and removing plates from a railroad track having a first and a second rail, includes gripping both tie plates located upon a tie to be extracted using a tie plate gripping assembly, lifting one or both of the rails of the track at a selected location of a tie extraction, pulling the tie plates away from the tie, grasping an end of the tie to be extracted adjacent the location where the rail is lifted, the grasping being performed by a tie gripping and extraction assembly, pulling the grasped tie transversely relative to said track from the point where the rail was lifted, and releasing the gripped plates.

Combined tie extractor and plate remover for rail maintenance


A hair colorant composition comprises 3-amino-2,6-dimethylphenol in combination with a second dye coupler selected from the group consisting of 2,6-dihydroxyethylaminotoluene, 2,6-diaminopyridine and a developer selected from the group consisting of 4-aminophenol, 4-amino-3-methylphenol, 4-(methylamino)phenol. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.

The permanent alteration of the color of keratinous fibers, in particular human hair, by the application of hair dyes is well known. Oxidative hair dye precursors, i.e., developers (also called primary intermediates) and couplers diffuse into the hair through the cuticle and into the cortex. The precursors combine in the presence of an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, to form larger-sized dye molecules that result in a visual color of the hair ("end hair color") that is distinct from the color of the hair before coming into contact with the precursors and oxidizing agent. Different combinations of developers and couplers produce different shades of hair color when combined with the oxidizing agent. The end hair color is not easily predicted given the complex chemical process that occurs to achieve an end hair color.
Permanent hair colorant formulations should produce end hair colors that are stable for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Additionally, the end hair color should exhibit good washfastness, good lightfastness, fastness to rubbing, as well as sufficient resistance with respect to perspiration. Preferably, it should be possible to produce a broad palette of different color shades by combining suitable developers and couplers. Hair colorant formulations also should be stable, for example, in terms of shelf life, ability to retain color benefits after storage (i.e., stability of the developers and couplers), and chemical stability both after mixing and during application to hair.
Hair colorant formulations generally provide acceptable and immediate results. However, achieving both desired shade (hue) and depth of shade (chroma) remains challenging, particularly for hair colorant formulations that impart reddish colors to the hair. To achieve desirable shades in the red area, 5-amino-2-methylphenol (AHT):
is one common example of a suitable coupler, to be used by itself or in a mixture with other couplers, in combination with one or more suitable developer or developers. For example, when AHT is used as a coupler in combination with 4-aminophenol and an oxidant system of ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide, red shades may be achieved. Nevertheless, the red shades may fail to provide the desirable red hue and chroma and, thereby, the hair colorant formulation may fall short of producing the desired end hair color.
GB Pat. No. 1,229,517 discusses a class of couplers having formula (A):
in which R of formula (A) is hydrogen, lower alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, acyl, of an N-alkylated or unsubstituted amino lower alkyl or carbamylmethyl group. The couplers are exemplified in combination with p-toluene diamine (2-methyl-1,4-benzenediamine) to produce colors such as violet, blue-grey, eggplant, violet-blue, reddish blond, and bluish black on white hair.
U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2007/0067926 discusses agents for oxidative coloring of keratin fibers, in which 2-amino-5-ethylphenol is combined with at least one m-aminophenol. Exemplified compositions each comprise the 2-amino-5-ethylphenol and the m-aminophenol as couplers, in combination with one or more developers.
There remains an ongoing need for additional hair colorant compositions that can provide desirable red shades, particularly when used with various oxidant systems, i.e., ammonium carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and, optionally, a radical scavenger and/or chelant. There remain further needs for hair colorant compositions that deliver not only redder shades with increased chromaticity, but also increased stability and shelf life.

Hair colorant compositions comprising 3-amino-2,6-dimethylphenol and 4-aminophenol-type developers, methods, and kits comprising the compositions


A circuit, system, and method is provided for regulating the pulse width and/or duty cycle of a signal indirectly or directly used to drive, e.g., a transmitter. The load of the transmitter can be, for example, an optical signal transmitter. The circuit includes a feedback loop that adjusts the output signal so that the lower voltages are chopped at a reference voltage input into the driver. The magnitude of the reference voltage will regulate the pulse width of the output signal, as well as the duty cycle of the output signal. A low input voltage swing is well-suited to be operated upon by the driver circuit to produce a symmetric pulse width that is particularly adapted to high-speed optical data communication applications. The gain and slew rate of the feedback circuit and, predominantly, the comparator and pull-down transistor of the feedback circuit is tuned to ensure the pull-down transistor is always on and, therefore, the comparator will toggle, but within constrained (i.e., regulated) voltage limits.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a circuit useful, for example, as a pulse width adjustment circuit applicable to an optical communication system. The circuit can produce an output signal that has an adjustable pulse width or duty cycle to compensate for disturbances on the output signal caused by the communication system.
2. Description of the Related Art
The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior art by virtue of their inclusion within this section.
A driver circuit or buffer is generally recognized as a circuit which can drive a transmitter. The transmitter will then forward the appropriate signal across the transmission path to a receiver. Depending on the transmitter and the transmission path, the driver can be subjected to various load constraints that can impart distortion or skewing of the output signal produced by the driver.
A popular form of driver is one that is used to drive a light source. The light source can be a photodiode or laser. A popular photodiode is a light-emitting diode (xe2x80x9cLEDxe2x80x9d), and a popular laser is a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (xe2x80x9cVCSELxe2x80x9d). VCSELs have distinct advantages over LEDs in that lasers can transfer data across the transmission path at much higher rates and for further distances than LEDs. With the advent of SONET and high-speed Ethernet systems, fiber-optic transmission paths have become increasingly pervasive as a communication system. Moreover, use of VCSEL diodes as the light source to transmit optical data is also becoming increasingly popular.
Depending on the technology used, the light-emitting diode can operate at differing voltages and at differing speeds. A high-speed application, however, is less tolerant to skews in the driver output signal sent to the diode. Moreover, lower operating voltages of the diode may require additional output drive on the edges of each pulse to ensure a pulse width ratio is maintained across differing operating voltages.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,753 (xe2x80x9cPatent ""753), herein incorporated by reference, describes a driver circuit which can maintain a given pulse width and duty cycle across different operating voltages. Thus, if the operating voltage should decrease, instead of the duty cycle also decreasing at a given measuring point, the pulse width or duty cycle can be adjusted to maintain the pre-existing duty cycle. That duty cycle can be, for example, 50%. In optical communication systems, it becomes necessary in most instances to maintain a given duty cycle near 50% even though the light-emitting diode can operate at differing voltages and can induce load distortion or skew onto the output signal produced from the driver and sent to the diode.
As described in Patent ""753, there are numerous ways in which to maintain a pulse width or duty cycle of the output signal sent from a driver into a load. The various methodologies described have certain disadvantages. It would be desirable to derive a driver circuit which can adjust the pulse width or duty cycle of an output signal produced by the driver circuit depending on the load or diode being used yet, however, the desired driver circuit produces an output signal that is symmetric on both the rising and falling edges of each pulse and does not require that the output signal be pulled up and down to the power supply rails. Accordingly, the desired driver circuit can adjust the pulse width or duty cycle of the output signal to compensate for disturbances in the load, and that the output signal purposely avoids voltage swings between the power supply rail and ground which would lessen the speed at which the output signal can transition. Thus, the desired output signal is one that has a low voltage swing and operates at high speed, readily used by VCSEL optical communication systems.
The problems outlined above are in large part solved by a high-speed, low-swing pulse width adjustment circuit and method. The circuit can adjust the pulse width or duty cycle of an output signal produced by the driver circuit. The driver circuit output signal does not transition between the power supply and ground voltages. Instead, the output signal transitions between a positive peak voltage and a negative peak voltage, where the reference voltage is preferably regulated at a voltage between the negative peak voltage and the positive peak voltage. Any change in the operating voltages of the load to which the output signal must be adjusted can be compensated for by correspondingly changing the reference voltage. Thus, if the output signal positive peak voltage decreases to accommodate a lower operating voltage of a load, the reference voltage can also decrease a proportionate amount so that the time at which each pulse extends upward from the reference voltage to the positive peak and back down to the reference voltage, will remain constant over dissimilar operating voltages (and dissimilar output signal peak voltages).
Adjusting the reference voltage in proportion to the output signal peak voltages, and any distortion or skewing affects of the load, ensures that the pulse width of the output signal can be regulated under any loading conditions. An input voltage to a source follower transistor will have a relatively small voltage swing. After chopping, this signal is further reduced. However, this signal can be amplified to achieve a desired swing for the driver. Additionally, regulating the reference voltage gives a desired pulse width and swing. This limited swing signal is particularly well-suited for driving a VCSEL diode for higher speed applications. If the reference voltage is properly regulated, a 50% duty cycle can be maintained for any distortion, skew, jitter, or operating voltage levels of a driver load device (e.g., a diode in an optical communication system). In certain optical communication systems, it is important to maintain a 50% duty cycle and, thus, the present driver can achieve that goal by simply regulating the reference voltage input to the driver circuit, where the output signal can maintain a symmetrical rise and fall transition without having to attempt adjusting the duty cycle by simply changing the fall transition and not the rising transition, as in certain prior art systems. A more robust pulse width and duty cycle regulator is, therefore, achieved by the improved driver circuit than conventional driver circuits.
According to one embodiment, a circuit is provided. The circuit comprises a comparator having an output and a pair of inputs. The pair of inputs are adapted to receive an output signal voltage produced from the circuit and a reference voltage forwarded to the circuit. The output of the comparator is coupled to a pull-down transistor that is connected to one of the pair of inputs of the comparator. The input of the comparator to which the pull-down transistor is connected is preferably the same input that receives the output signal.
According to another embodiment, a system is provided. The system is one that can adjust the pulse width or duty cycle of an output signal. The system includes a circuit for maintaining a reference voltage between the positive and negative voltage peaks of the output signal. A comparator is also provided and is coupled to compare a voltage of the output signal to the reference voltage. Depending, in part, on the slew rate and/or gain of the comparator, the comparator can fix the minimum voltage of the output signal to a voltage approximately equal to the reference voltage. The comparator is coupled in a feed-back arrangement so that the pulse width of the output signal varies in proportion to changes in the reference voltage. Along with the pulse width, a duty cycle of the output signal also varies in proportion to changes in the reference voltage. For example, an increase in the reference voltage will cause a corresponding decrease in the pulse width and duty cycle of the output signal. Conversely, a decrease in the reference voltage will cause a corresponding increase in the pulse width and duty cycle of the output signal. The slew rate and/or gain of the comparator is predetermined to preferably preclude a voltage of the output signal from being less than the reference voltage. The system can further include a pull-down transistor and an optical signal transmitter coupled to receive the output signal. Preferably, the transmitter is a VCSEL diode or LED.
According to yet another embodiment, a method is provided for regulating a duty cycle of an output signal. The method includes presenting the output signal into a comparator for comparing the output signal to a predetermined reference voltage and feeding back the results of the comparison to a pull-down transistor that chops the output signal between a periodic and symmetric positive peak voltage value and the reference voltage. The time at which the positive peak voltage value extends above the reference voltage and the ensuing duty cycle is directly proportional to the magnitude of the reference voltage.

Circuit and method for adjusting duty cycle of a high speed, low swing output signal


A radiotherapy couch top includes a cantilevered section adapted to support at least a portion of a prone patient's upper body. The cantilevered section may be provided with an opening configured to allow at least a portion of the body portion to extend into from above and to allow a radiation beam to pass through from below.

This invention relates generally to radiation apparatuses and methods, and in particular to devices for supporting or positioning patients in prone positions for radiotherapy, imaging and/or treatment simulation.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. Each year, about 200,000 American women are diagnosed to have breast cancer. One of eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during their lifetime. Depending on the type, stage of the cancer and other factors, patients with breast cancer can be treated with radiation therapy, surgery, and other forms of therapy. Radiation therapy in the breast is usually used in conjunction with surgery and may also be combined with chemotherapy. Most patients receive whole-breast irradiation (WBI) therapy after lumpectomy (surgical removal of cancer lumps) to destroy cancerous cells that may remain in the area after lumpectomy. Some patients opt for accelerated partial-breast irradiation (PBI) therapy because of the appealing shorter treatment time.
The vast majority of radiation therapy of breast cancer is carried out with the patient in a supine position due to the ease of access and patient comfort. In this position however, gravity depresses the breast towards the patient's torso and the breast tends to spread laterally over the chest wall. This makes accurate positioning of the breast difficult and complicates the location of internal structures relative to the radiation beam directions required to deliver the prescribed dose to the breast. Treatment planning options are constrained by the greater proximity of the breast to the chest wall and critical organs including the lung and heart. Also, due to the flattened shape of the breast in a supine position, use of devices such as wedge filters, beam spoilers bolus etc. are often required to overcome non-homogeneous dose distribution and skin overdose.
In some situations it is believed desirable for radiation treatment to be carried out with the patient in a prone position so that gravity pulls the breast away from the chest wall. Prone patient set up may minimize radiation doses to the chest wall and critical organs including the heart and lungs, and provide more uniform dose delivery. In addition a prone position results in less motion of the breast caused by respiration.
Conventional supporting devices for prone breast radiotherapy consist of raised platforms or cushions that rest on top of a couch top, which allow the treated breast to hang into the space between the platform or cushion and the couch top. FIG. 6 illustrates a conventional radiation treatment table for prone breast radiotherapy. With these designs, the upper thorax, arms and head are supported by the platform which in turn rests on the couch top below the breast. A raised platform or cushion placed onto a conventional couch top significantly limits the physical clearance for rotating a radiotherapy treatment machine around the patient as required to direct the treatment beam from various directions. Physical and visual access to the breast being treated is also restricted by the presence of the conventional couch top below the breast.

Prone patient positioning devices and methods


A baffle for use in an attic defined by a vertical exterior wall having a top wall plate, parallel ceiling joists supported by the top wall plate, and spaced apart, inclined rafters securely connected to the top wall plate and the ceiling joists is disclosed. The rafters typically have a roof deck fastened to their top surface. The baffle is installable between adjacent roof rafters to substantially block the flow of ventilating air through an opening located between the top surface of the wall plate and the underside of the roof deck. Once installed, the baffle of the present invention restricts flow of ventilating air between an exterior soffit and insulating material installed between the ceiling joists in the attic cavity. The baffle includes a rectangular panel, a bottom flap hingedly connected to the rectangular panel and attachable to the wall plate, side flaps hingedly connected on opposed ends of the rectangular panel and attachable to the inner face of the roof rafters, and a top flap hingedly connected to the rectangular panel and attachable to the underside of the roof deck. Preferably, the baffle consists of a unitary cardboard sheet having crease lines defining the joints between the rectangular panel and the bottom flap, top flap and side flaps respectively. The baffle may further include adjustment lines printed on one of its surfaces for adapting the baffle for installation in houses having variable spacing between adjacent roof rafters. Advantageously, the baffle can be used in combination with a companion baffle installable between adjacent roof rafters. The companion baffle enables flow of ventilating air between the exterior soffit and the attic cavity while substantially obstructing flow of ventilating air through the insulating material located between the attic ceiling joists.

It is commonplace in the construction of residential houses to install batt or particulate insulation between the ceiling joists of the house attic. However, problems may arise if the insulation is installed around the perimeter of the attic between the ceiling joists and the overlying roof deck to such an extent that air vents are blocked. Building codes in most jurisdictions presently require a free flow of ventilating air above the insulating material in order to cool the attic space during the summer months and restrict moisture buildup in the winter.
Soffit or eave vents are currently the most common type of residential attic ventilation. Such vents are intended to provide free flow of air through the opening between the top wall plate of the house and the underside of the roof deck. Ventilating air can circulate into and out of the attic cavity provided that this passageway remains unobstructed.
The need to have a ventilating passageway above the insulating material presents several problems. Excessive heat loss may result if ventilating air is permitted to flow freely through the attic. The thermal value of insulating material decreases dramatically if there is not dead air space above the insulating material to provide resistance to the conductive flow of heat.
Another problem which has arisen is the tendency of particulate insulating material to fall through the opening between the top wall plate of the house and the roof deck into the soffit space. Common practice today is to install cardboard or polystyrene vents in this opening and then stuff fibreglass insulation between the rafters and the vents above the top plate in order to act as a physical barrier. Particulate insulation is then blown into the attic cavity between the ceiling joists.
Although such fibreglass barriers prevent insulation from falling into the soffit space, they do not effectively restrict airflow. Consequently, the entire perimeter of the house between the top wall plate and the roof deck has very little insulating quality and no measurable R values. This allows for significant heat loss and may result in condensation problems in the attic.
The present invention is directed to a cardboard baffle which can be installed between adjacent roof rafters to regulate the flow of ventilating air into and out of the attic. One aspect of the invention is an insulation stop which can be installed between the top wall plate and the roof deck to act as a rigid air barrier and to prevent particulate insulation from inadvertently falling into the soffit. A second aspect of the invention is a ventilation baffle which can be installed between adjacent roof rafters to ensure that a ventilating passageway is maintained above the insulating material. Both configurations of the baffle preserve a dead air space above the insulating material by restricting airflow through the lower portion of the attic cavity adjacent the ceiling joists.
The insulation stop and ventilation baffle of the present invention are companion products which may be readily installed in combination to result in optimal attic ventilation, while at the same time maximizing the thermal value of the attic insulation.
Several insulation vents and baffles are disclosed in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,628 granted to Kreimer on Jan. 24, 1978 discloses an eave thermal baffle which can be installed between adjacent roof framing members. The baffle is constructed from a blank having a series of score lines or creases which define separate panels and flaps. The baffle blank can be bent about the score lines and installed to provide a trough for the passage of air from the eave-soffit area into the attic.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,878 granted to Fitzgerald on Feb. 26, 1980 also discloses a house roof insulation vent which is attachable between adjacent roof rafters. The vent consists of a generally rectangular sheet made of corrugated cardboard or the like. Each sheet has a series of crease lines which enable the sheet to be folded into hingedly connected sections and installed between the roof rafters of the house. Once installed, the invention creates a passageway for free flow of ventilating air from the eave or soffit area along the interior base of the roof boards into the attic cavity. Other combined insulation stops and ventilation baffles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,553 issued Feb. 4, 1975 to Koontz and U.S. Pat. No. 3,160,987 issued Dec. 15, 1964 to Pinkley.
The above-noted prior art references have several apparent shortcomings. The principal drawback of the Kreimer baffle is that it is designed to fit between roof rafters having a standard spacing and a single truss heel size. Accordingly, it cannot be readily adapted to suit alternative framing sizes. The Fitzgerald baffle also has crease lines and flaps which are fixed at a standard size and therefore it is similarly unsuitable for adaptation to non-standard construction dimensions.
The present invention, by contrast, incorporates a series of strategically placed perforated crease lines and preprinted cut and score lines to allow adjustment of the width and height of the baffle to suit the dimensions of the particular job. For example, the present invention can be readily adapted for installation in houses having 12 inch, 16 inch or 24 inch rafter spacing, as well as a number of truss heel sizes.
Furthermore, unlike the Kreimer and Fitzgerald references, one aspect of the present invention also includes a further element which completely blocks the flow of air between the top wall plate of the house and the roof deck. This configuration completely avoids the possibility that particulate insulation could inadvertently fall through the openings located around the periphery of the attic into the soffit space. Used in conjunction with the ventilation baffle, it improves the isolation and containment of the insulation material. U.S. Pat. No. 3,240,144 issued Mar. 15, 1966 to Lind discloses a baffle consisting of a rectangular plate forming a dam to contain the insulation, but this baffle is designed to allow air to flow over the top of the baffle.


A method is provided for treating used potassium chloride (KCl) drilling mud for disposal. The process comprises feeding the mud into one end of a rotary tube, advancing the mud through the rotating tube and heating the mud by cascading action using lifters, to expose it to a hot gas stream, thereby partially drying the mud to lumps, further modifying the lumps by contacting them with a burner flame to form clinker pellets, and finally contacting the clinker pellets with a second flame to complete the drying process, producing dried clinker pellets containing the majority of the KCl in the mud, the pellets having a structure that resists the leaching action of water. The pellets further lend themselves to being evenly distributed over fields, so that unwanted excessive concentrations of KCl can be avoided.

Drilling fluids or mud are commonly used in the oil and gas drilling industry. Mud is used to maintain borehole pressure equilibrium and to remove bit cuttings. Mud is typically a highly lubricating slurry of clays and fluid. One such mud, containing potassium chloride, is referred to as KCl mud. This process has been developed in connection with treatment of KCl mud, although it is not limited to it. After drilling a well, significant quantities of spent mud remain. Typically, a used KCl mud may contain 40,000 ppm of salt in an aqueous bentonite clay slurry.
In the past, the used mud has been mixed with soils or otherwise spread on fields for disposal. The increase in regulations for disposal of noxious materials and the level of salts in this particular type of used drilling mud has made disposal difficult and expensive.
Prior methods of disposal include diluting the mud with water, to reduce the fractional KCl levels to acceptable disposal limits (ie. 5,000 ppm KCl), and then spraying it on fields. This has been a very expensive process. Additionally, the highly diluted mud is also mobile and amenable to leaching and transport of salts by rain water. This leads to accumulation and high concentration of salts in low areas of the field, thus ultimately failing the disposal criteria.

System for treating drilling mud containing potassium chloride (KCl) for disposal