A quadrifilar antenna having helical windings is fed by a phase shift feed network, each winding having an open circuit termination element, the phase shift feeding network having forward directional phase shift paths from a feed input to phase shift feed output ports, and having a first reverse directional transmission path from one or more of the phase shift feed output ports back to a first isolation port, and a second reverse directional transmission path from another one or more of the phase shift feed output ports back to a second isolation port, the first and second isolation ports isolated from the forward directional phase shift paths, and a differential termination impedance, floating from ground, connected the first and second isolation ports. Optionally, the differential termination impedance is frequency selective.

Demand for smaller, higher performance, simpler and cheaper antennas continues to increase. The demand is due to multiple factors. One is that terminals for satellite communications and other wireless applications are becoming smaller. Another factor is that crowding of antennas continues to increase, both in space and frequency, increasing demand for improved antenna selectivity, in polarity and frequency. Further, power budgets are becoming tighter, which increases demand for higher transmitter/antenna efficiency. Further, particularly for hand held devices—as these tend to move relative to human bodies—demand for antennas that do not require a separate ground plane, and/or that do not require sharing of other components for an effective ground plane is increasing.
Many of these demands have been met, for approximately the last three decades, by related art fractional-turn quadrifilar helical antenna (QHA). As known, related art QHA have circular polarization, good ground-plane independence, a typically acceptably low backlobe, and a reasonably small size.
Related art QHA are known and, therefore, a detailed description of their theory of operation is omitted. Various structures of related art QHA are also known and, therefore, a detailed description of each is omitted. One example typical related art QHA has two spatially orthogonal bifilar helix loops that are balun-fed, typically at one end, and the helix loops being fractional turn (one-fourth to one wavelength) and having a large pitch angle. The helical elements of related art QHA are open or short circuited, typically at the end opposite the feed end, depending on whether the elements are multiples of one-quarter or one-half wavelength, respectively. The radiation pattern of related art QHA is off the end of the antenna, in a broad beam, cardioid shape.
In one related art QHA arrangement, the feed passes through the central axis of the cylinder supporting the conducting arms to drive the helical arms from the top of the QHA. The radiation in this arrangement is in a direction behind the feed, hence the name backfire antenna.
The theory and structure of prior art QHA is known and is described in many publications available to persons skilled in the art. See, for example, R. C. Johnson, "Antenna Engineering Handbook," Third Edition, John Wiley, pp. 13-19 to 13-20 (1993).
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate examples of prior art QHA structures and FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate examples of prior art QHA feeding circuits.
Referring to FIG. 1 shows a prior art QHA arrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,776, issued Apr. 9, 2002 to O. Leisten et al. ("the '776 patent"), with reference numbers added, comprising a feeding region arranged as the depicted region 1, a ceramic core (not labeled) having a height, an integrated balun 2 formed of an outer feed conductor 4A connecting to a first pair (not separately numbered) of helical radiating element arms 3A, and having an inner feed conductor 4B connecting to a second pair (not separately numbered) of helical radiating element arms 3A. The helical radiating elements 3A are not equally spaced. The two pairs of helical radiating element arms extend downward (relative to the orientation of the Figure) an axial length from the feeding region 1 to a shorted arms region 3B. A coaxial antenna feed connection 4C extends from the bottom of the core and up through a center portion (not shown) of the core, exiting at the feeds 4A and 4B. The present inventors observe it is known in the art that the electrical path of the elements 3A is λ/2 at the operating wavelength, and known that the balun electrical length is ˜4 at the operating frequency of the antenna. The present inventors have further identified that the height of the FIG. 1 prior art antenna is driven, in part, by the size of the balun.
Prior Art FIG. 2 shows another example prior art QHA, which is taught by U.S. Patent Publication US2006/0082517A1, naming S. Chung and Y. Wang as inventors, showing a U.S. filing date of Nov. 17, 2005 ("the Chung et al. '517 application"). Referring to FIG. 2, this prior art QHA has core material 5, shorted arms region 6, helical windings 7, two of the windings 7 having a thinner width line section, or indentation 9, and a perpendicular balun board 8. As taught by the Chung et al. '517 application, the indentation 9 must be formed only in one of the pairs of helical arms, and is structured to establish a phasing between the arms to create circular polarization. The indentation 9 inherently decreases conductor radiation resistance, even if formed at a minimum current location as taught by the Chung et al. '517 application, and therefore decreases the antenna efficiency.
Prior Art FIG. 3 shows still another prior art QHA arrangement, disclosed as prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 6,535,179, issued Apr. 18, 2003 to A. Petros ("the Petros '179 patent") having folded arms, arranged and structured as illustrated by the helical arm portions 10, 12, 13 and 14 and their respective parallel folded sections 16, 17, 18 and 19, as labeled by the prior art FIG. 3 of this disclosure. The end of each helical arm portion 10, 12, 13 and 14 opposite its respective parallel folded section (16, 17, 18 and 19) is coupled to a hybrid phase shifter such the related art example illustrated by FIG. 4. The length of the FIG. 3 prior art folded arms, however, is well known to persons skilled in the art as being 3λ/4. See Petros and S. Licul, "'Folded' quadrifilar helix antenna," in Antennas & Propagation Society International Symposium Digest, vol. 4, (Boston, Mass.), IEEE, vol. 4, pp. 569-572, July 2001.) Further, although the known practical limit to which the prior art FIG. 3 arms can be folded is 0.5λ, it is also well known that if the length of the folded element (items 16, 17, 18 and 19) is greater than approximately than 0.18λ the interaction between the arms increases such that a practical and acceptable tuning of the antenna is not likely feasible in the known QHA arts.
Prior art QHA, including the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, are typically connected to a feed circuit providing a different phase shift for each helical element. The phase shifts are often 0, −90, −180 and −270 degrees, for circularly polarized radiation. The circular polarization being left handed or right-handed is determined by the sense of the helical windings (e.g., counterclockwise for right-hand sensed circular polarization and clockwise for left-hand sensed circular polarization) and the phase order of the feed excitations.
Prior Art FIG. 4 shows an example prior art QHA quadrature phase feeding network having an input port, labeled 105, and four phase shift output ports, labeled 110-113. The FIG. 4 exemplary prior art feeding network is formed of three 90-degree hybrid couplers, labeled, 106, 108 and 109, and one minus 90-degree shift line to provide a minus 180 degree phase shift between the input 105 of the hybrid coupler 106 and the input (not labeled) of the hybrid coupler 108.
With continuing reference to prior art FIG. 4, one fundamental aspect of the prior art feeding networks represented by the Figure is that the isolated port of the hybrid coupler 108 is resistively terminated through the element labeled 114 to ground and, likewise, the isolated port of the hybrid coupler 109 is resistively terminated, through the element labeled 115, to ground. Stated differently, prior art QHA feeding networks do not have a differential termination between the hybrid couplers 108 and 109.
Prior Art FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a second example prior art quadrifilar feeding network, labeled 117, consisting of four separately configured matching networks, labeled 118a-d, two 90-degree hybrid couplers, and one 180-degree coupler. The feeding network 117 typically uses stripline or microstrip or a combination of the two in a distributed series formation. One problem with this arrangement is that the characteristic impedance of the series distribution changes for each phased output and, therefore, each of the four antenna matching networks 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d must be differently configured.
Referring again to FIG. 5, one fundamental aspect of such prior art feeding networks is the isolated port of the 90-degree hybrid coupler outputting the 0 and −90-degree feeds is resistively terminated, through element 119, to ground. Likewise, the isolated port of the 90-degree hybrid coupler outputting the −180 and −270 degree feeds is resistively terminated, through element 120, to ground. Stated differently, in the FIG. 5 feed mechanism, and in all similar and related prior art feed mechanisms known to the present inventors, there is no differential termination between the different antenna elements fed example 90-degree hybrid couplers.
All of the FIG. 1-5 other prior art QHA have fundamental limitations, though, that will likely pose significant problems as demand for smaller size, higher performance antennas increases. One problem is bandwidth. The bandwidth of prior art QHA is typically narrow, for example 0.25% using a high dielectric constant of, for example, 39 as a representative number. Another problem is size. Prior art QHA, when first introduced, provided size reduction over certain other antenna types, but further reduction in QHA size appears elusive. Incremental improvements have been made, basically due to general improvements in materials sciences and manufacturing methods.
Dielectric loading has been considered for reducing QHA size. The theoretical basis is that, ideally, in an infinite medium the effective wavelength is reduced by a factor inversely proportional to the square root of the relative dielectric constant. Therefore, theoretically, a relative dielectric constant of 25 yields a calculated size reduction factor of five, which is significant. There are fundamental problems, however, with this method. One is that only the core of the antenna can be dielectrically loaded. Otherwise the structure implementing the loading itself increases overall antenna size. Therefore, the size reduction actually attainable with dielectric loading in prior art QHA is much less than the theoretical reduction factor. Cost is also increased. In addition, loss is increased, reducing efficiency and gain. Further, in the prior art QHA the higher the dielectric constant, the higher the Q, and the bandwidth is therefore reduced.
For these and other reasons, a QHA is needed that provides further size reductions, substantial increase in performance, and improved manufacturability.

Method and apparatus for quadrifilar antenna with open circuit element terminations


The present invention is an improved catalytic filter material for use in removing contaminants such as NO.sub.x from a fluid stream. The filter of the present invention employs composite fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with catalytic particles. The composite fibers are chopped into staple fibers and made into a felt material. Preferably, the felt material is then laminated on at least one side with a protective microporous membrane. The combined filter removes both macro-particles, such as dust, from the filter stream before the dust can clog active catalytic sites and effectively catalytically coverts undesirable contaminants in the fluid stream to acceptable end products.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a chemically and/or catalytically active particulate and gas filtration materials, such as those used in flue gas cleaning processes.
2. Description of Related Art
Catalytic filters are employed for a variety of gas filtering applications. Typically these filters combine some form of catalytic material (e.g., TiO.sub.2, V.sub.2 O.sub.5, WO.sub.3, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, MnO.sub.2, zeolites, and transition metals and their oxides) within some matrix. As the gas passes over or through the matrix, contaminants within the gas will react with active sites on the catalyst to convert the contaminants to a more desirable by-product. Examples of such include:
______________________________________ Contaminant Catalyst Resulting Product(s) ______________________________________ NO.sub.x, NH.sub.3 TiO.sub.2, V.sub.2 O.sub.3, WO.sub.3 N.sub.2 + H.sub.2 O CO Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Pt CO.sub.2 Dioxin/Furan TiO.sub.2, V.sub.2 O.sub.3, WO.sub.3 CO.sub.2, HCl O.sub.3 MnO.sub.2 O.sub.2 ______________________________________
Examples of various previous attempts to produce a catalytic filter device include those set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,220,633 to Pirsh; 4,309,386 to Pirsh; JP 4-156479 to Norio Maki; EP 0,470,659 to Ekkehard, Weber; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,053,557 to Kageyama Yoichi; 5,051,391 to Tomisawa et al.; 4,732,879 to Kalinowski et al.; DE 3,633,214 A1 to Dr. Hans Ranly.
In certain cases (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,633 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,386) the filters have to collect substantial amounts of dust, such as that generated in a combustion process. After short collection times of between 1 minute and 6 hours, a layer of collected dust on the dirty side of the filter material increases the pressure drop across the filter and the filter has to be cleaned. (In many cases in situ.) During this cleaning cycle (e.g., a high energy air impulse system, a shaker system, a reverse air system, etc. ), the outer dust layer falls off and a new filtration cycle can begin. Most catalytic filter materials today of which none are commercially available constitute a mesh of a regular woven or non-woven filter material in which the catalytically active particles are inserted as a foreign body. During the cleaning cycle, in which the filter material is exposed to high energy input and flexing, these particles are believed to abrade the host fibers at the fiber interception points and degrade the life of the filter.
Furthermore, inserted catalytic particles have the disadvantage that they increase the pressure drop of the filter material. In a filter which is used for particle collection, an optimal percentage of the filter will be occupied by fibers. If less fibers are used, the filter becomes weak and particulate collection will decrease. If more fibers are used, the filter will become stronger and collect dust particles at a higher efficiency but the pressure drop across the filter will increase above tolerated levels. Since catalytic particles on the surface of fibers will not increase fiber strength but rather fiber diameter, one will have to use at least the same amount of fibers as used for the original filter to obtain sufficient strength. In this case, the pressure drop increases significantly. On the other hand, if less fibers are used to keep pressure drop consistent, the resulting filter will be weaker. In general it can be said that the more volume in a filter is occupied by noncatalytic constituents, the lower the catalytic activity per unit volume of the filler or the higher the pressure drop across the filter. In addition, the contact of the pollutant dust with the catalyst particles in the filter medium will decrease catalyst activity due to catalyst pore or active site clogging. In cases where glue is employed to help anchor the catalyst in place within the material, the glue tends to clog active sites on the catalyst and diminish its effectiveness. In cases in which catalyst particles are glued to solid surfaces, gases can only access the catalyst from the side which is directly facing to the fluid stream.
A number of other instances (e.g., Japanese Patent Application JP 4-235718 to Vilene Co., Ltd.) employ integrated catalysts and support matrix. While abrasion from loose particles can be reduced or avoided with this approach, these devices continue to have significant problems. First, many of these materials are relatively weak and tend to provide inadequate catalyst retention and/or are easily damaged during handling and use. This condition usually worsens as the quantity of catalyst is increased in the matrix.
Second, the catalytic filter must be thin and open enough to assure that gas can readily reach the active catalytic sites. Unfortunately, providing a thin and open structure decreases the strength and integrity of the filter material even further. While reinforcing materials or thicker or denser materials might be employed in the filter to increase its strength, the filter will undergo a resulting decrease in gas removal efficiency since there will be fewer fully exposed active catalytic sites for gas contact. Furthermore, denser or thicker material will cause an undesirable increase in the pressure drop through the material. These problems are particularly evident in Japanese Patent Application JP 4-235718 to Vilene, where it is taught that the catalytic material may need to have holes punched into it in order to produce adequate flow-through properties. Of course the use of through-holes is not entirely acceptable since gas flowing directly through macroscopic holes in the material will not contact any catalyst.
Third, contamination is a serious problem with virtually every previous catalytic filter device. Although by definition a catalyst is not consumed during the catalytic reaction, until the present invention catalytic filters may have limited operating lives due to particle contamination in a fluid stream (e.g., fine dust particles, metals, silica, salts, metal oxides, hydrocarbons, water, acid gases, phosphorous, alkaline metals, arsenic, alkali oxides, etc.). Over time, these aerosols tend to become embedded within the filter matrix, thus blocking the pores of the catalyst and, therefore, minimize the surface area and access to the active sites of the catalyst. Unless these particles can be shed from the filter, the filter will rapidly diminish in efficiency until it must be replaced. As has been noted, a variety of cleaning apparatus exists to remove dust from filter apparatus (e.g., shaker filter bags, back-pulse filter bags and cartridges, reverse air filter bags, etc.), but these devices are not expected to be particularly effective at removing dust from current integrated catalytic filter materials. This is due to the filter's overall weakness, preventing its rigorous handling; and the intricacies of the filter structure, making it very difficult to remove particles from the matrix once they have become embedded therein.
Accordingly, it is a primary purpose of the present invention to provide a catalytic filter material that is effective at catalytically converting contaminants in a fluid stream. Fluid streams in this invention are gas and liquid streams.
It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a catalytic filter material that has improved strength and a more open structure over existing catalytic filter designs. Within the new filter structure, pollutant molecules can access the catalyst particles from all sides.
It is yet another purpose of the present invention to provide a catalytic filter that can be effectively cleaned, with minimum contamination of the catalytic particles, so that the filter has an extended effective operating life.
These and other purposes of the present invention will become evident from review of the following specification.

Catalytic filter material and method of making same

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Methods and systems for selectively connecting a user device on a first network to a peripheral device on a second network are provided. More particularly, a communication server controls the peripheral devices that are visible to a user device in a discovery process. In addition, the communication server limits the peripheral devices that are available to a user device to those peripheral devices that the user device is authorized to access. The system further enables a user device to operably connect to a visible peripheral device.

Increasingly, digital networks are used for communication and entertainment purposes. As the use of digital networks has become more common, the need to conveniently and securely connect devices to such networks has increased. For example, in a hospitality setting, such as a hotel or conference, it is desirable to allow guests and conference participants to make use of digital networks at the hotel or other host facility. For example, it is desirable to allow user devices, such as smart phones, tablet computers, or laptop computers, to make use of facility networks in order to access the Internet. In addition, it is desirable to allow user devices to utilize facility peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, projectors, or other peripherals. However, it is important to control access by user devices to ensure security of information, and to ensure that only authorized devices are granted access to the facility resources. In particular, in many hospitality settings, device isolation, which prevents user devices from discovering other devices, is a requirement. For example, where device isolation is in effect, Wi-Fi clients are restricted from seeing other Wi-Fi devices. The requirement of device isolation thus conflicts with the desire to allow a user device to discover and make use of other Wi-Fi devices in the vicinity of the user device. In addition, previous systems have lacked a way to connect devices on different sub-networks or nodes.
In many hotels and conference centers, business or guest services facilities are available for use by guests. These often require the user to provide a portable storage device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory device, in order to transfer files between the user's device and the peripheral device. As an alternative, a direct wireline (e.g. USB connector) or wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) connection can be established between the user device and the peripheral. These mechanisms have the disadvantage of requiring direct physical access or proximity to the peripheral device by the user. As yet another alternative, peripheral devices may be made available through a local area network (LAN), or intranet, directly or through indirect means, such as email. However, the use of a network connection can be relatively insecure. In addition, all of these techniques are relatively inconvenient.
In order to address security concerns, while removing the need for direct physical access to or proximity with the peripheral device, such devices can be accessed over a virtual local area network (VLAN). However, establishing a VLAN for individual users or groups of users can require a large amount of system overhead. In addition, making use of a VLAN can require that relatively complex steps be taken by each user and the facility.

Methods and systems for enabling communications between devices


A communications network comprising at least two nodes is disclosed. The network has two communication paths that carry traffic in opposite directions and work as a bi-directional bus. The network has a first inactive segment that carries no traffic and is arranged to allow the first inactive segment to be made active and another segment to be made inactive, especially in the case of fault in the other segment. The activation and inactivation logically xe2x80x9cmovexe2x80x9d the first inactive segment. Additional protection paths are provided between the nodes.

The application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7xc2xa7119 and/or 365 to 9802169-4 filed in Sweden on Jun. 17, 1998; the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference:
The invention relates to a communications network and also to an add and drop node and an error handling method in such a network.
There exist different types of communication networks, with different ways of taking care of errors. There also exist different types of multiplexing in communication networks, such as frequency division multiplexing (FDM), time division multiplexing (TDM) and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).
Optical multi-channel systems employing wavelength multiplexing are used both in new networks and in order to enhance the transmission capability of existing optical fiber networks. Thus, information channels that previously had to be transmitted on a plurality of separate fiber pairs can be forwarded in a single fiber pair in WDM networks.
Using optical wavelength division multiplexed channels means that a plurality of serial information signals, i.e. a plurality of serial binary signals, are transmitted on the same optical fiber. Each serial signal is modulated on a carrier of its own, having a definite wavelength clearly separated from the other carriers. These modulated light signals are then combined in an optical coupler or optical multiplexer arrangement to a composite light signal on the considered optical fiber. The signal modulated on a carrier together with the carrier can be called a channel or traffic channel.
Optical wave length multiplexing can be used in different optical fiber network configurations or architectures. Such an architecture is the FlexBus(trademark) concept as described in B. S. Johansson et al., xe2x80x9cFlexible bus: A self-restoring optical ADM ring architecturexe2x80x9d, Electronics Letters, Dec. 5, 1996, Vol. 32, No. 25, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,235, this architecture comprising a ring configuration of optical links connecting a plurality of nodes. The FlexBus(trademark) concept has emanated from the need for protecting ring networks against fiber cuts and optical amplifier failures, and to solve the problem, often associated with optical ring network architectures, of circulating signals and noise.
In the FlexBus(trademark) architecture one section or segment of the fiber ring is always made passive or inactive by means of optical switches or amplifiers. This intentionally introduced break effectively eliminates all problems associated with circulating signals and hence allows that less circuit components having lower performance can be used. In the case of a real failure of a section or link, the segment being intentionally made inactive is logically xe2x80x9cmovedxe2x80x9d from its former position to the failed section, by making the inactive segment active and the faulty segment inactive, what also is called that xe2x80x9cthe bus flexesxe2x80x9d, and thereby the traffic is restored.
Different developments of the FlexBus(trademark) may be found in for example WO 96/31025 and WO 96/24998.
One problem with FlexBus(trademark) and many other error handling algorithms in communication networks is that they can only take care of one error at the time. In FlexBus(trademark) this is due to the fact that when a deactivated segment contains a fault it cannot be logically moved as described above until the fault is repaired, because else the bus would not work.
An object with the invention is to solve this problem by using protection links in parallel with the ordinary links. If a fault occurs the deactivated segment will logically move to the fault as usual. A bypass connection is made over protecting links parallel to the first deactivated segment and a second deactivated segment is created instead of the now deconnected deactivated faulty segment.
Since the second deactivated segment does not contain any fault it is possible to logically move in the case of the occurrence of a second fault. When the second deactivated segment has logically moved to the second fault a third deactivated segment will, in the same way, be created in parallel to the second deactivated segment. Thus, the third deactivated segment is possible to logically move in the case of a third fault etc. This is of course not extendable forever. It depends on the look of the net of protection links and it could eventually happen that the new fault occurs in a place where it is not remediable. It rarely occurs more than one or two errors at the same time though, so in practise there will be no problem.
The advantages with this are that a simple and cheap error handling method is provided, which is capable of taking care of many occurring errors.
If the links are also physically parallel a break in a protection link will probably occur at the same time as a break in an ordinary link. This problem is solved in an embodiment of the invention in that multi direction cross points are used to connect different protecting links in a more flexible way, forming a sort of net.
The advantages with this embodiment are that it is safer, that already existing links may be used as protecting links and that a more flexible bus reconfiguration is possible in the case when a larger part of the ordinary ring is faulty.

Communications network and an add and drop node


A system configuration and operating method for a single shaft combined cycle plant includes a gas turbine, an exhaust heat recovery boiler for generating steam using exhaust heat discharged from the gas turbine, and a steam turbine driven by steam generated from the exhaust heat recovery boiler. Rotors of the gas turbine and rotors of the steam turbine are coupled. The steam turbine includes a high pressure turbine being supplied with and driven by high pressure steam generated at a superheater of the exhaust heat recovery boiler and a reheating turbine supplied with and driven by steam that passes through the high pressure turbine and is reheated by a reheater of the exhaust heat recovery boiler. The gas turbine operates independently and a regulated amount of cooling steam is supplied to the steam turbine in order to prevent superheating due to windage loss of the steam turbine rotating in an unventilated state. A bypass path is provided in parallel with the exhaust heat recovery boiler as a path through which cooling steam flows in order to further raise the cooling effect, and each turbine and a condenser are made to communicate so as to make pressure within the turbines low.

With reheating-type plants of related single shaft combined cycle plants, such as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. Sho. 62-101809, steam provided to a high-pressure turbine bypasses the high-pressure turbine and is supplied to the reheating turbine. The high-pressure turbine is then made to communicate with a condenser and heating accompanying windage loss of high-pressure turbines and reheating turbines at the time of activation of the steam turbine is prevented.

Single shaft combined cycle plant and method for operating the same


The invention provides a microfluidic apparatus for performing 2-D biomolecular separations. The microfluidic 2-D device may include first and second planar substrates which include at least a first dimension microchannel extending in a first direction and an array of second dimension microchannels extending in a second direction, preferably, orthogonal to the first dimension. The ends of at least some of the microchannels are in fluid communication with a plurality of reservoirs. The substrates may further include a number of microchannels and reservoirs. The reservoirs are in electrical communication with a plurality of electrodes and voltage power sources. The device enables two dimensional separations of proteins and other biomolecules. According to another aspect of the invention, an isoelectric point based separation is enabled in a first dimension, and a size based separation in a second dimension.

Existing protein analysis technology is largely based upon two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE), which has undeniably assumed a major role and is central to much of what is now described as "proteomics." Typically, proteins are separated by charge in a first dimension, based on isoelectric focusing in a pH gradient medium, and by size in a second dimension, based on molecular weight in a polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). When proteins are radiolabeled, or stained, their positions in the gel are detected by autoradiography, or densitometry, respectively.
Despite the selectivity of 2-D PAGE, existing techniques are a collection of manually intensive procedures and time-consuming tasks prone to irreproducibility and poor quantitative accuracy. Thus, automated, high resolution, rapid, reproducible, and ultrasensitive 2-D separation techniques would be advantageous for large-scale analysis of proteins.
Microfluidic platforms offer fast, accurate, and low cost electrokinetic systems for high-throughput 2-D PAGE. One drawback of existing systems is a lack of methodology to detect protein separations in microchannels. Performance of the isoelectric focusing and the size based separation can be monitored by detecting the proteins in microchannels. A robust detection system of proteins in microchannels, is not only important for identification of proteins, but also important for quantification of proteins, with accuracy and resolution.
Another drawback of the application of existing microfluidic techniques to 2-D PAGE devices is a lack of methods to introduce different separation media into different dimensions in the same unit. Performing both charge and size based separations in one miniaturized 2-D PAGE device is desirable for high-throughput purpose.
Another drawback of the application of existing microfluidic techniques to 2-D PAGE devices is a lack of methods to transfer proteins simultaneously from first to second dimensions without significant loss in resolution. In existing methods, protein analytes are continuously sampled in the first dimension and transferred to the second dimension. To date, sufficient resolution has not been achieved using existing methods.
These and other drawbacks exist.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Plastic microfluidics enabling two-dimensional protein separations in proteome analysis


Methods and systems for detecting new calls from an existing spam or robocaller and aggregating calls that originate from the same infrastructure using a telephony honeypot are disclosed. An example method may receive a telephone call to a telephony honeypot and store metadata and a call audio recording associated with the telephone call. A transcript may be created of the call audio recording. Audio features may be extracted from the call audio recording. The transcript may be compared to other previously-received transcripts in order to determine a similarity between the call and previously-received calls. Audio features and metadata may also be compared to determine whether the call is similar to other previously-received calls. If a call is similar, the call may be identified with the same spam campaign or robocaller as the similar, previously-received call.

Telephony is a universal communication technology that has undergone fundamental changes in the recent past. Many of these changes have had positive impacts on consumers' lives, but others have undermined consumers' trust in this technology. Because of technological advancements to telephony such as Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP), telephony has effectively merged with the Internet. As a result, many of the cyber threats and attacks that infiltrate the Internet also impact telephony. Robocalling, voice phishing, and caller ID spoofing are common cybercrime techniques used to launch scam campaigns through the telephony channels that unsuspecting users traditionally trust.
Multiple phone numbers are typically used by a single scammer to launch a scam campaign. However, customary machine learning techniques based on historical behavior of a phone number fail to catch these bad actors since a bad actor will typically only call a specific destination number with a certain source phone number at most a couple of times.
As recognized by the inventor, there should be a way to identify a bad actor operating several phone numbers even if each source number only calls a specific destination number one or two times.

Apparatus and method for detecting new calls from a known robocaller and identifying relationships among telephone calls


The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.

In the food and beverage industry, and the carbonated beverage industry in particular, cleaning and sanitizing plant equipment can be very time consuming and costly. The current methods of cleaning and sanitizing plant equipment require very high temperatures up to 185° F. Consequently, time is spent heating and cooling the equipment. Oftentimes, maintaining high temperatures for an entire cleaning and sanitizing program is difficult and can lead to ineffective sanitation of the equipment. Additionally, the high temperatures, coupled with aggressive chemistry, lead to wear and tear on the equipment. Repeated heating and cooling subjects the equipment to thermal stresses that can lead to metal fatigue and breakdown of elastomer gaskets and seals providing a harborage for bacteria. This can then lead to the formation of hard to remove biofilms and undesirable effects on the product. It is especially costly and time consuming to clean beverage plant equipment if carbon dioxide from carbonated beverages is still in the equipment. Typically, when cleaning carbonated beverage plant equipment, the carbon dioxide must be removed from the system before it can be cleaned with a caustic cleaner. If the carbon dioxide is not removed and a caustic detergent with sodium hydroxide is used, the caustic is converted into sodium carbonate by the carbon dioxide. Formation of sodium carbonate causes several problems. It can form a precipitate adding to the soil load if its solubility limit is exceeded. In the presence of hard water, sodium carbonate reacts with the calcium and magnesium ions to form insoluble calcium and magnesium compounds. Further, the conversion of gaseous carbon dioxide to sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate can create a vacuum that can destroy vessels by collapsing them. Therefore, a need exists for a method of low temperature cleaning of plant equipment that eliminates the time, cost, and wear and tear on equipment associated with current high temperature cleaning methods. Additionally, a need exists for a method of low temperature cleaning of beverage plant equipment using carbon dioxide compatible chemistry that eliminates the need for removing carbon dioxide when the equipment is being cleaned.


An engine for the interactive delivery and presentation of multimedia data. The delivery mechanism is premised on a topic and panel metaphor. A topic is comprised of a series of panels. Each panel further defines the multimedia data which will be used when the panel is displayed. Each panel may also contain control and qualifier elements which are used to determine the next panel to be displayed. Control elements are used to solicit information from the user. The information is then used by the qualifier elements in determining the next panel to be displayed. Each element is stored in a database as a discrete object. This allows sharing of objects amongst different panels or topics. Prior to delivery and presentation of the data, the topic must be set-up. Set-up occurs by retrieving all the necessary panel, control qualifier and data descriptor objects. The actual data associated with multimedia data objects is only retrieved when the data is to be displayed. The various qualifier objects are evaluated while panels are being viewed to determine the next panel to be displayed.

1. Field of The Invention
The present invention relates to the field of storage and retrieval of data, in particular, to organizing and storing multimedia data for use in interactive data delivery and display systems such as those used for instructional or educational purposes.
2. Description of The Related Art
As use of computer systems become more widespread, the desire to utilize multimedia has become more immediate. Multimedia refers to the integrated use of text, graphics, video and audio information media's. In order to effectively use multimedia, mechanisms for delivering the data to the user must be developed. For example, in order to create an interactive instructional application, various screens or panels are created which contain the instructional information. The panels must be logically linked and displayed in an order corresponding to the state of the interactive instruction.
Two known systems provide interactive multimedia delivery capabilities; Macro Media Director and HyperCard.RTM.. MacroMedia Director, a product of Macro Media Inc., use a score, stage, and cast metaphor to deliver interactive multimedia. A score (timeline) is used to place cast members (multimedia objects) on the stage (display). Objects can be layered visually by their placement along the vertical axis of the score and temporally by their placement along the horizontal axis. What the user sees at any point in time is represented by a column in the score. The flow of delivery (i.e. instruction) is controlled by the score. Scripts can be attached to cast members and the score to alter the flow of delivery. Scripts require processing external to the flow of delivery. Further, subsequent alterations to the flow are cumbersome.
HyperCard, a product of Apple.RTM. Computer, Inc. uses a notecard and object metaphor to deliver interactive multimedia instruction. Visual objects are placed on cards. The cards are then ordered. The flow of delivery is controlled by the card order. Scripts can be attached to visual objects and cards to alter the flow of instruction. A HyperCard card is equivalent to a column in the Macromedia Director score. A HyperCard object is equivalent to a cast member in MacroMedia Director. Both elements in both products can have scripts attached.
The prior art systems have various deficiencies. First, the flow of data delivery may only be altered via scripting. It would be desirable to be able to alter the flow of instruction inherently within the design of the instruction. Further, there is no backtracking once a flow of instruction has commenced.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an interactive multimedia delivery system which overcomes the foregoing deficiencies of the prior art.


A method and apparatus for transmitting information compatible with IEEE 802.3, 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and Ethernet LAN standards across a service interface in the Physical Layer which is architected to reduce pin count in multi-port Physical Layer Devices. The service interface architecture allows specification of a four channel PHY device in a PLCC package or a six channel PHY device in a PLCC package and reduces the interface connection requirement of a twelve channel MAC device to 56 pins from a worst case 216 pins for 802.3 standard MII implementations. The interface utilizes a single, constant rate system clock and a single transmission path per channel that operates at constant speed while supporting both 10 Mb/s and 100 Mb/s data rates. The service interface separates the digital gates, in the Physical Layer from the analog functionality to implement a dual speed, 10/100 Mb/s IEEE standards compliant PHY device, with Auto-Negotiation, that optimizes device implementation technology to functional requirements, but does not necessarily adhere to the architectural boundaries and signaling primitives defined in the IEEE 802.3 standard.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of baseband computer networks. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus utilized by a dual speed 10/100 Mb/s physical layer device. The dual speed device provides support for transmitting waveshape information compatible with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 Clause 14, 10 million bits per second (10 Mb/s) Physical Layer specification, i.e., IEEE 802.3 Standard 10BASE-T Ethernet, over a service interface in the physical layer.
Although not specified in IEEE 802.3, the interface can also be utilized in the implementation of 100 million bits per second (100 Mb/s) Local Area Network (LAN) physical layer devices compatible with the Physical Layer specifications defined in the IEEE 802.3u Supplement (excepting Clause 23 and 26), i.e., IEEE 802.3 Standard 100BASE-TX Ethernet.
2. Description of the Related Art
Overview of 10 MbAs and 100 Mb/s Baseband Networks
To better appreciate and understand the present invention, a brief overview of relevant aspects of 10 Mb/s and 100 Mb/s baseband local area networks follows. The operation of a Local Area Network (LAN) is often described in terms of the International Standards Organization (ISO) seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) abstract reference model. Referring to FIG. 1, the relationship between the seven-layer OSI reference model 100 and the IEEE 802.3 architectural layers for 1 Mb/s to 20 Mb/s operation model 110 and 100 Mb/s operation model 115 are shown.
10BASE-T is an IEEE standard 802.3 and ISO/IEC standard 8802-3 Physical Layer specification for 10 Mb/s Ethernet LANs. 100BASE-T is an IEEE 802.3 standard supplement (802.3u ) Physical Layer specification for 100 Mb/s Ethernet LANs. The 802.3u standard extends the speed of the 802.3 Media Access Controller (MAC) to 100 Mb/s while utilizing the existing MAC service interface 102 of MAC 120. MAC service interface 102 is connected through a Reconciliation sublayer 103 and a Media Independent Interface (MII) 130 to a Physical Layer Device (PHY) sublayer 104. The MII is the IEEE 802.3 standard specification for a dual speed 10/100 Mb/s service interface in the Physical Layer 10, although implementation of the MII is optional.
The PHY sublayer 104 may be specified for operation at data rates of either 10 Mb/s or 100 Mb/s. The specifics of a 10 Mb/s PHY sublayer connected to an MII are not explicitly defined by the 802.3 standard, but inferred to match the overall system performance objectives of the MAC 120, PLS 121, AUI 113, PMA 114, and MDI 111 architecture at 10 Mb/s.
Multiple PHY sublayers have been specified in IEEE standard supplement 802.3u (and later supplements) for operation at 100 Mb/s. The current list of 100 Mb/s PHY sublayer specifications includes 100BASE-T4, 100BASE-T2 and 100BASE-X.
100BASE-T4 specifies the use of four pairs of category 3, 4 or 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) wire and supports only half duplex operation. 100BASE-T2 specifies the use of two pairs of category 3,4, or 5 UTP wire and supports full duplex operation. 100BASE-X supports two embodiments, both of which support full duplex operation: 100BASE-TX and 100BASE-FX. 100BASE-TX specifies the use of 2 pairs of category 5 UTP or shielded twisted pair (STP) wire. 100BASE-FX specifies the use of 2 optical fibers. Generally, the term 100BASE-X is used when referring to characteristics common to both 100BASE-TX and 100BASE-FX.
100BASE-X is an IEEE standard 802.3 Physical Layer specification for 100 Mb/s LANs that uses the FDDI signaling standards. 100BASE-X encompasses 100BASE-TX (which references ANSI X3T9.5 TP-PMD/312, Revision 2.2, FDDI Twisted Pair Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) sublayer), and 100BASE-FX (which references ISO 9314-3, 1990, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)--Part 3: Token Ring PMD sublayer).
As described in clause 28 of IEEE standard 802.3u, Auto-Negotiation is an optional function that allows a network device, such as a workstation, switch or repeater, coupled to a point-to-point link segment, to advertise the modes of operation of which it is capable to a network device at the other end of the point-to-point link segment and detect corresponding operational modes that the other network device may be advertising. Auto-Negotiation provides the capability for future technology upgrades and can be modified to advertise such modes of operation as types of physical layer devices available, full -duplex communication, and flow control. Auto-Negotiation further provides, through the use of the Parallel Detect Algorithm, the ability to detect and interoperate with legacy, non-Auto-Negotiation, half duplex, 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX and 100BASE-T4 based nodes where applicable. Auto-Negotiation is designed for LANs implemented using unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper wire and the well known, ISO/IEC 8802, eight-pin modular jack (RJ-45 connector). The signaling mechanism used in Auto-Negotiation is backwards compatible with the installed base of 10BASE-T baseband computer networks as defined in IEEE 802.3 Clause 14.
10BASE-T operation employs a discontinuous signaling method over the transmission medium. When data is not being sent over the medium, the voltage on the medium is zero, with the exception of an occasional Link Test Pulse 300. The Link Test Pulse, as defined in IEEE standard 802.3 Clause 14, signals that an active link connection exists. The Link Test Pulse is generally a 100 nanosecond positive pulse that repeats approximately every 16 milliseconds. Clause 28 Auto-Negotiation refers to the 10BASE-T Link Test Pulse as the Normal Link Pulse (NLP). Auto-Negotiation uses multiple Link Test Pulses to form a burst referred to as a Fast Link Pulse (FLP) Burst, as a signaling mechanism. Auto-Negotiation substitutes the FLP Burst in place of the single 10BASE-T Link Test Pulse. This approach increases the signaling capability of the link identifier, while maintaining backwards compatibility with 10BASE-T. The FLP Burst encodes the data (identifying modes of operation) transmitted by the Auto-Negotiation function.
100BASE-T Architecture and Nomenclature
With reference to FIG. 1, the 100BASE-T standard extends the IEEE standard 802.3 Media Access Control (MAC) sublayer 120 to 100 Mb/s and couples the MAC sublayer to a 100 Mb/s Physical Layer 101. The Physical Layer is comprised of additional sublayers including the Reconciliation Sublayer 103, Media Independent Interface (MII) Sublayer 130, Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS) 140, Physical Medium Attachment (PMA) sublayer 150, Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) sublayer 160 and, in a 100BASE-T4, 100BASE-T2 or 100BASE-TX environment, an optional Auto-Negotiation (AutoNeg) sublayer 170. The PMD sublayer 160 encompasses the Medium Dependent Interface (MDI) 180. The MDI provides the medium attachment, including the connector, to the medium 190, such as UTP or STP wiring.

Method and apparatus for transmitting dual speed ethernet information (10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX) across a physical layer device service interface


The invention relates to an elliptical trainer including: a frame having a first end and a second end; a rocker-rod mechanism hingedly connected to the first end of the frame; a pedal mechanism connected to the frame and the rocker-rod mechanism, the pedal mechanism being linked with the rocker-rod mechanism on the frame; a resistance adjustment mechanism provided at the first end of the frame, the resistance adjustment mechanism being connected to the pedal mechanism through a transmission mechanism for adjusting the movement resistance of the pedal mechanism. In the apparatus of the invention, there are two resistance adjustment ways i.e. manual resistance adjustment and electronic-controlled resistance adjustment, the user can select any one or both according to requirements. By combining the manual adjustment and the electronic controlled adjustment, the adjustable range of movement resistance is increased, and not only a wide range resistance control is achieved, but also fine-tuning of the movement resistance can be achieved manually.

Elliptical trainer is a recently emerging exercise fitness equipment, and generally refers to a variety of devices which can guide the left and right pedals to move along an elliptical trajectory or a trajectory in similar shape for the user to simulate leg movements such as walking, running, and stair climbing.
Although the existing front-type elliptical trainer has a certain resistance adjustment function, the adjustment form is single, and the adjustable range is small, therefore it can not achieve a well user experience, which not only makes it impossible to choose the movement form according to the personal preference and choose the muscle parts that the user wants to exercise, but also makes the movement lack changes and be monotonous. Moreover, the existing resistance adjustment mechanism performs resistance adjustment by the operation on the control panel, and the transmission mechanism is complex, so the cost is high, and it is unable to meet the needs of different consumers.
The above-mentioned information disclosed in the background is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention and therefore may contain information that is not the prior art known to those skilled in the art.


The present invention provides a novel method for generating braking force in a wheel. In a vehicle having wheels, a wheel control device for controlling the wheels is provided with an actuator for performing an operation to vary a slip angle of the wheels, and a controller for controlling the actuator to increase the braking force of the wheels by increasing the slip angle absolute value of the wheels such that a lateral force is generated in the wheels relative to a ground contact surface of the wheels.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wheel control device and a control device, and more particularly to a wheel control device and a control device with which an improvement in the braking force of a vehicle can be achieved, and reductions in vehicle stability during wheel driving can be suppressed.
2. Description of the Related Art
Antilock control exists as a conventional example of a technique for controlling a wheel to achieve an increase in the braking force thereof (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-HEI5-155325). According to this antilock control, the slip ratio of the wheel is controlled during vehicle braking to ensure that the wheel does not lock, and in so doing, a reduction in the braking force of the vehicle caused by an excessive brake operating force (brake pressure, for example) is prevented.
Techniques for suppressing decreases in vehicle stability during driving of the wheels also exist. An example of these techniques is known as traction control (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-HEI6-80047). According to this traction control, when the spin tendency of a drive wheel is large during vehicle driving, the driving torque of the drive wheel is reduced by the brake, and thus the slip ratio of the drive wheel is controlled. As a result, reductions in vehicle stability caused when the slip ratio of the drive wheel deviates from an appropriate range are suppressed.


An improved method of burn-in of I/C chips is provided wherein, at the beginning of the burn-in process, the thermal resistance between the heatsink and the chip is measured at reduced power, the maximum allowable thermal resistance between the chip and heatsink interface is calculated and compared to the actual thermal resistance of the interface. If the actual thermal resistance measured at the interface between the heatsink and the chip package is greater than the maximum allowable calculated thermal resistance, then the corrective action is initiated in order to prevent damage to the I/C chip during burn-in or increase efficient use of the test sites.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to burn-in procedures for integrated circuit chip packages and, more particularly, to a method for controlling burn-in of integrated circuit chips to prevent damage to the chip by excessive heat build-up resulting from applied power during the burn-in procedure.
2. Background Information
In the manufacture of integrated circuit chips and integrated circuit chip devices or packages, one of the final procedures performed on the chip or chip package is final burn-in and testing. It is important to note that powers seen during burn-in are rapidly increasing over time. Increase in device power over time is attributed to increased static leakage current per device corresponding to CMOS technology advancement. This is a trend that follows technology. The burn-in and testing is generally done on a plurality of chips in chip packages mounted in a fixture. The burn-in procedure usually takes many hours and includes subjecting each of the chips or chip packages to relatively high voltages and temperatures. The high voltage results in high power levels during burn-in. The burn-in procedure is necessary in order to assure good quality chips; thus, relatively stringent or aggressive parameters are set for both the chip voltage delivered to each chip and the temperature environment encountered by each chip during burn-in.
Because of these very aggressive standards, it is necessary that they not be exceeded or damage likely will result to the chips. This is especially true of the temperature to which the chip is to be heated. For example, it is common for the test parameters of the chip to be set at 120Âxc2x0 C. plus or minus 5Âxc2x0 C. If during testing the temperature of the chip exceeds the maximum allowable temperature, i.e. about 125Âxc2x0 C. in this case, a relatively high likelihood of damage to the chip is the result, thus damaging a chip that would otherwise be a good and serviceable chip if tested within the temperature parameters set by the test. In some cases, the burn-in test equipment has over temperature and over voltage protection. However, even when these are present, and they actuate, this burn-in station is rendered non-functioning, and thus the chip at this station is not burned-in. This results in a lower equipment efficiency. Hence, it is desirable to have as many stations as possible operating.
One contributing factor to the temperature encountered by the chip during the test procedure is the thermal resistance between the chip and a heatsink used in the testing device. Thermal resistance between the chip and the heatsink can vary from test position to test position of the various chips or chip packages being tested in a single test fixture. There are many causes for this variation in thermal resistance at the interface between the heatsink and the chip. For example, differences in surface finish or flatness of the various heatsinks for each individual chip package can cause significant variation in thermal resistance; also, different surface finish or flatness of the back side of the chip which is in contact with the heatsink can also cause differences in the thermal resistance. Other causes of high thermal resistance include foreign bodies, such as dust or other particles at the interface. Moreover, different size I/C chip packages and heatsinks will have different thermal resistance at their interfaces. Too high a thermal resistance at the interface between the heatsink and the chip can result in thermal heating of the chip above allowable limits, thus destroying what might otherwise be a perfectly good chip. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technique of preventing excessive heating of an I/C chip during burn-in.
According to the present invention, an improved method of burn-in of I/C chips is provided wherein at the beginning of the burn-in process, the thermal resistance between the heatsink and the chip is measured at reduced power (theoretically, the thermal resistance is independent of the power level), the maximum allowable thermal resistance between the chip and heatsink is calculated and compared to the actual thermal resistance of the interface. If the actual thermal resistance measured at the interface between the heatsink and the chip package is greater than the maximum allowable calculated thermal resistance, then the corrective action is initiated in order to prevent damage to the I/C chip during burn-in or increase efficient use of test sites.

Method of burning in an integrated circuit chip package

International Business Machines Corporation


Non-asbestos elastomeric insulating materials for solid propellant rocket motors are disclosed. The insulating materials are composed of EPDM rubber, polyaramide fiber, liquid EPDM rubber, magnesium hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide, silicon dioxide, chlorinated flame retardant compound and zinc hydroxystannate. The char forming organic fiber is used to substitute asbestos in traditional insulating materials that are believed to cause serious environmental problems. These fillers in the formulation, which when combined, have a synergistic effect that reduces the ablation rate significantly. Also, use of zinc hydroxystannate to substitute Sb2O3, may further reduce density of the insulator and smoke density and smoke toxicity of exhausted gas from the rocket motor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an elastomeric insulating composition for solid propellant rocket motors.
2. Description of Prior Art
In general, a propellant of solid rocket motors is composed of various kinds of high-energy materials and oxidizers. When ignited the propellant releases huge amount of gases and heat energy that propels the rocket to move forward at very high speed. However energy accumulated therein and temperature in the motor case can rise to 2400° C.˜3700° C. in a very short time. Such high temperature may destroy the rocket motor case if it is not properly protected. Therefore an insulator is used in solid propellant rocket motors to protect the motors from damage.
Insulators usually contain fillers such as asbestos, aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), antimony oxide (Sb2O3) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), etc. to increase the ablative resistance of the insulators. These fillers are added to a rubber compounding recipe and the resultant rubber stock is thereafter calendered into thin sheet. The uncured rubber sheet is applied to the inside wall of the motor case by a suitable method, such as an inflatable mandrel technique, and cured therefore to form the insulator layer.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,047 (1967) described a rubbery insulator containing 3 phr to 200 phr (parts per hundred weight) asbestos in rubber, which fulfills inflatable mandrel technique requirements in practical application work. A corresponding commercial product designated V-44 with a specific gravity 1.28 gr/cm3 made by the Aerojet Company in the United States is made from NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) and asbestos fiber. This product has been applied to tactical missiles such as the Patriot™ of the United States and the Gabriel™ of Israel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,841 (1985) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,431 (1989) use polyaramid fiber and inorganic fillers in an insulator compounding recipe. Notable increasing in ablation resistance was disclosed. However, the specific gravity of this ablative material ranging from 1.4 gr/cm3 to 1.5 gr/cm3 is considered to increase the total weight of rocket motor and, therefore, its firing range is minimized.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,284 (1998) disclosed the synergistic effect of ammonium sulfate and antimony oxide that were used in an insulator composed of EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer) rubber and polyaramid fiber. The ablation rate of the insulator thus prepared is significantly reduced because of such synergistic effect. The specific gravity of the insulator may be as low as 1.18 gr/cm3. According to the patent, versatile application methods and better mechanical properties of the insulator are declared.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,649 (1996) disclosed an insulator made from EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer) rubber containing polyamide and maleic anhydride with a low specific gravity. However, there is no data to support the ablative resistance character of this insulator in this patent. The disclosed insulator of this patent is compounded in a thermal plastic polymer that is totally different from the thermosetting rubbers of the general insulator formulation used.
Antimony oxide has long been used together with chlorinated flame retardant to form a synergistic effect in insulator formulations and is reported to have superior ablation resistant effect. However, antimony oxide releases toxic gas when burnt and that gas is harmful to the environment. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved composition of the insulating materials to mitigate and/or obviate the aforementioned shortcomings.

Elastomeric insulating composition for a solid propellant rocket motor

Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology


In a bearing having inner and outer rings concentrically disposed about a bearing axis, the outer ring is provided with an annular mounting groove in an inner surface facing the axis for receiving a shield plate. The shield plate is an annular disk-like plate having a central opening for receiving the inner ring as the shield plate is mounted between the rings. The shield plate has an annular generally V-shaped groove in a surface facing in the axial direction, the groove being bounded on the outer circumferential side by a first portion of the plate having a nearly triangular shape, and bounded on the inner circumferential side by a second portion of the plate. The first portion of the plate has a thickness in the radial direction which is 1/2 to 1/6 the thickness of the second portion, and a height in the axial direction which is 1/2 to 1/5 the thickness of the second portion. Variations in the depth of the mounting groove occurring during formation of the outer ring are absorbed by variations in the deformation of the first portion of the shield plate so that the shield plate lies normal to the bearing axis and the outer ring is not deformed.

FIG. 5 shows a plastic shield plate for a bearing as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model 5-58955. Referring to FIG. 5, the shield plate E is disk-shaped and has a center opening E.sub.5 through which a shaft D and a bearing inner ring A extend. The plate E has a deep circular groove E.sub.2 formed in the surface of the plate extending outwardly from the bearing in the direction of the axis of the shaft. The outer side of groove E.sub.2 is bounded by a mounting part E.sub.1 which is received into a mounting groove B.sub.1 of the bearing outer ring B. The mounting part E.sub.1 has a flat surface E.sub.1a which abuts a horizontal surface B.sub.1a of mounting groove B.sub.1 when the shield plate is fitted into the mounting groove.
The shield plate is mounted on the bearing by placing the plate over the bearing (as viewed in FIG. 5) and pressing it downwardly. The plate flexes in the region E.sub.3 as the mounting part E.sub.1 is pressed against that portion of the outer ring bounding the upper portion of the mounting groove B.sub.1. If sufficient force is applied, the mounting part E.sub.1 snaps into the mounting groove.
Once the shield plate is in place, it is held by engagement of a flat surface E.sub.1b on the mounting part with a flat surface B.sub.1b bounding the mounting groove. To hold the shield firmly in place, the thin portion E.sub.3 of the plate, which flexes during installation, must be relatively stiff. However, if the portion E.sub.3 is too stiff then the outer ring is deformed as the shield plate is pressed into position.
High precision is required during the manufacturing of shield plate E and formation of the mounting groove B.sub.1. However, variations in dimensions may occur if, for example, there is a flaw in the cutting machine which forms the mounting groove B.sub.1 or the cutting machine is not accurately adjusted. The mounting part E.sub.1 is a stiff lump and lacks elasticity hence any dimensional variations in the groove B.sub.1 occurring during manufacture cannot be absorbed by the mounting part. If the mounting groove is too large, the shield plate may move loosely in the groove. On the other hand, if the mounting groove is too small, the outer ring may be deformed as the shield plate is pressed into position, and the main part E.sub.4 of the shield plate may be flexed so that it does not lie in a linear state normal to the axis of the shaft B but is instead inclined relative to the shaft.
If, to absorb any dimensional variations during manufacture, a soft synthetic resin material is used, the shield plate exerts less pressure against the surface of the mounting groove B.sub.1 so the shield plate may be detached by a slight external force.


Provided is a stretchable supercapacitor and a method of manufacturing the same. The stretchable supercapacitor includes a separator between first and second current collectors. The first and second current collectors each including an active material. The second current collector is on the first current collector. The separator includes an electrolyte. Each of the separator, the first current collector and the second current collector includes an elastic polymer layer. The first and second current collectors may each have a 3-dimensional nano-pore structure. The stretchable supercapacitor may further include a first electrode in contact with the first current collector and a second electrode in contact with the second current collector. The elastic polymer layers may include at least one of styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene (SBS), polyurethane, polyurethane acrylate, acrylate polymer, acrylate terpolymer, and silicone-based polymer.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to capacitors, and more particularly, to a stretchable supercapacitor and/or a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A capacitor is a device for storing charges. A supercapacitor is also referred to as an electric double-layer capacitor or an electrochemical capacitor. When a voltage is applied to a supercapacitor, a double-layer is formed at an interface between an electrolyte and an electrode. Due to the double-layer, the supercapacitor can store a much larger amount of charges than a general capacitor.
A supercapacitor has drawn attention as an important storage means in renewable energy applications and/or fuel-efficient vehicle applications. The supercapacitor can store a large amount of energy in addition to having the advantages of a general capacitor. The supercapacitor may be one of the low cost substitutes for replacing a battery in various devices, such as power tools, mobile electronic devices, and electric motor vehicles. The energy density of the supercapacitor may be relatively lower than that of a battery, but the output density of the super-capacitor is much higher than that of the battery.

Stretchable supercapacitor and method of manufacturing the same

KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


A process for the preparation of a polyunsaturated thiol comprising:                (1) reacting a polyunsaturated alcohol in the presence of a compound of formula R2—SO2Hal wherein R2 is a C1-20 hydrocarbyl group, such an C1-10 alkyl group, to form a polyunsaturated sulphonyl ester;        (2) converting the polyunsaturated sulphonyl ester to a polyunsaturated thioester by reacting with an anion of formula −SC(═O)R4 wherein R4 is a C1-20 hydrocarbyl group;        (3) converting the polyunsaturated thioester to form a polyunsaturated thiol optionally in the presence of an antioxidant, e.g. using a metal carbonate.        (4) reacting said polyunsaturated thiol with a compound (LG)R3COX wherein X is an electron withdrawing group and R3 is an alkylene group carrying a leaving group (LG), such as LG-CH2— forming

Many biologically active polyunsaturated fatty acids have one or more carbon-carbon double bonds in the cis configuration. Free radicals have been reported to support isomerization of these bonds to a less desirable trans configuration. Cis/trans isomerization can adversely effect polyunsaturated compounds intended for pharmaceutical use, for example, by reducing biological activity, and/or complicating synthesis. See, for example, C. Ferreri et al. (2007) Mol. Biotech. 37:19; Chatgilialoglu, C et al. (2002) Free Rrad. Biology & Medicine, 33: 1681; and WO 2002/100991.
Some, but not all, free radicals have been reported to support cis/trans isomerism of particular polyunsaturated compounds. It is believed that the kinetics of radical-mediated oxidation depend on several parameters including the chemical nature of the unsaturated compound to be made, temperature, pH, presence or absence of light, oxygen, etc. Free radicals have been reported to occur naturally in the environment or as unwanted by-products that are produced from certain chemical reactions. See, for example, Mengele, E. A et al. (2010) Mos. Univ. Chemistry Bull 65: 210.
There have been attempts to reduce oxidation and cis/trans isomerism of carbon-carbon double bonds. In one approach, an antioxidant such as octyl gallate, ascorbic acid, a polyphenol, mercaptoethanol, beta-carotene, or 2,6,-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT), for example, is added to reduce unwanted oxidation reactions. See Mengele, E. A, ibid; Klein, E and N. Weber (2001) J. Agric. Food Chem. 49: 1224; and Hung, W-L, et al. (2011) J. Agric. Food Chem. 1968.
There have been reports that certain polyunsaturated trifluoromethyl ketone compounds have useful biological activities. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,687,543; Huwiler, A et al. (2012) Br. J. Pharm. 167: 1691.
Methods for preparing particular polyunsaturated ketones have been disclosed. In one method disclosing the synthesis of particular polyunsaturated trifluoromethyl ketones, a Mitsunobu-type reaction was used to transform an alcohol to the corresponding thioester. Further chemical reactions were said to produce the polyunsaturated trifluoromethyl ketone (compound 18 therein) in 71% yield. See Holmeide, A and L. Skattebol (2000) J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1: 2271. There are however concerns that this process can lead to double bond racemisation and unwanted oxidation reactions.
There is general recognition that a compound intended for pharmaceutical use should be produced in high yield, e.g. 70% or more. Less than satisfactory yields can be associated with unwanted side products. These can be costly or difficult to remove from the main product (API), thereby making further pharmaceutical development difficult. Additionally, regulatory agencies often require a detailed analysis of side products in compounds intended for pharmaceutical use. This requirement can make scale-up costs prohibitive.
The present inventors seek a process for the manufacture of a polyunsaturated thiol and eventually a corresponding polyunsaturated ketone that produces, after suitable purification, a pharmaceutical grade compound with minimal oxidation and cis/trans isomerization by products. After extensive synthetic work, the inventors have determined that a particular process as claimed herein offers an ideal route to the compounds of the invention as the process operates with minimal oxidation and cis/trans isomerization by products. The process described herein not only achieves very high purity but achieves very high yield. It can also be readily scaled up to industrial operation.

Process for the preparation of a polyunsaturated ketone compound

Abstract: where X is an electron withdrawing group and LG is a leaving group; optionally in the presence of an antioxidant, so as to form a polyunsaturated ketone compound.


An image capture device includes an image sensor having an array of pixels therein, which are configured to receive light reflected from an object during an image capture time interval. A light source is provided, which is configured to project light to the object during at least a portion of the image capture time interval. A control circuit/unit is provided, which is electrically coupled to the image sensor and the light source. This control circuit is configured to drive the light source with signals that cause the light source to project light to the object without interruption during at least a first time interval when all rows of a frame of pixels within the array are being sequentially read and during a second time interval when all rows of the frame of pixels within the array are being sequentially read.

With the widespread dissemination of cameras, technology for taking three-dimensional (3D) images using information about a distance to an object as well as a two-dimensional image of the object has received attention. A device for acquiring information about a distance to an object and sensing the distance is called a depth sensor. A 3D image sensor that obtains a 3D image using the depth sensor is called a 3D image sensor.
The depth sensor measures a delay time between pulse light emitted from a light source which is then reflected from an object and received by the image sensor. A pixel of the depth sensor includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements. Each of the photoelectric conversion elements generates photocharge in proportion to the quantity of pulse light emitted by a light source and then reflected and returned from the object. A difference between a time of emission of the pulse light and a time of sensing the pulse light is called a time of flight (TOF). The distance to the object can be calculated from the TOF and the speed of the pulse light. In other words, the depth sensor calculates the distance to the object using the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion element. A 3D image can be realized using the distance calculated by the depth sensor and color information acquired by another sensor. However, the quality of the 3D image may be low due to various types of interference. Techniques for preventing the interference have been developed.

Methods of controlling image sensors using modified rolling shutter methods to inhibit image over-saturation


The glass panel unit includes a first glass substrate, a second glass substrate, a sealing member, an inside space, and a plurality of spacers. The inside space is hermetically enclosed by the first glass substrate, the second glass substrate, and the sealing member, and has reduced pressure. The plurality of spacers are placed in the inside space. At least one of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate is a wire-embedded glass panel with a wire structure embedded therein. The plurality of spacers are arranged so as to overlap with part of the wire structure in a plan view.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a vacuum insulated glass plate (glass panel unit). In this vacuum insulated glass plate, an evacuated space (vacuum space) is formed between a first plate of glass and a second plate of glass, and multiple spacers are positioned inside the evacuated space.
Additionally, Patent Literature 1 discloses that wire-reinforced glass which is excellent in fireproof properties can be used as the first plate of glass and/or the second plate of glass.

Glass panel unit, glass window, and method for manufacturing glass panel unit

Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.


A plurality of sealed tubes, pipes or the like constituting the wall of a relatively large diameter pipe that is susceptible of being submerged and which has buoyant or semibuoyant walls. The tubes or pipes are arranged parallel to one another in a circular pattern with their axes parallel to the axis of the large diameter pipe and said tubes are sealed to one another along their length. A suitable clamping device is positioned upon said tubes or pipes to prevent them from collapsing over each other which acts as a positive stabilizer while maintaining said tubes or pipes in alignment in a circle.

The present invention is directed to a tubular conduit or the like fabricated from a plurality of tubes or pipes.
There is disclosed in Applicant's prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,538,955 dated Nov. 10, 1970, the concept of suspended submarine pipe consisting of a plurality of small tubes or pipes that are so assembled and joined to one another as to form a relatively large diameter pipe. In said patent the wall of the large diameter pipe is constructed from a plurality of sealed tubes or pipes arranged parallel to each other with their axes parallel to the axis of the large pipe and sealed to one another along their lengths. The small tubes or pipes are provided with an encircling stiffening ring for the purpose of keeping said tubes and pipes in alignment in a circle.
When the large pipe is submerged and supported from its upper end the buoyant force, as produced by the small tubes or pipes, reduces the tensile stresses in the pipe wall. The buoyancy of the small tubes or pipes may be varied by varying the density of the material in the tubes as by filling the tubes with gases.


The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents. The invention also relates to a magnetic resonance sensor that alters it shape in response to a condition of an environment such that the condition may be detected.

Biotechnology and biomedical research have benefited from the introduction of a variety of specialized nanoparticles whose well-defined, optically distinguishable signatures enable simultaneous tracking of numerous biological indicators. Optically based labels such as colored fluorophores, multi-spectral semiconductor quantum dots, and metallic nanoparticles can be used for multifunctional encoding, and biomolecular sensing and tracking. However, these optically based labels can probe only so far beneath most surfaces.
Contrast agents used in magnetic resonance may probe far below most tissue surfaces. Equivalent multiplexing capabilities are largely absent in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI cell tracking is based on the magnetically dephased signal from the fluid surrounding cells labeled with many superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles, or dendrimers, or individual micrometer-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO). The continuous spatial decay of the external fields surrounding these magnetizable particles, or any other magnetizable particles, imposes a continuous range of Larmor frequencies that broadens the water hydrogen proton line, obscuring any distinction between different types of magnetic particles that might specifically label different types of cells and as a consequence provide only a monochrome contrast. Accordingly, there is a need in the art to distinguish with magnetic resonance (MR) between different cell types, at the single-cell level, for application in cellular biology, and early disease detection and diagnosis.
Alternatively, cellular tracking and labeling by strong magnetic resonance T2* agents can also be used for labeling to provide a strong monochrome contrast to cellular components. T2* contrast agents such as nanoscale superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (SPIOs) and their micrometer-sized equivalents (MPIOs) can only be used in limited amounts in a cell without compromising its viability and therefore prevented in vivo tracking of single cells from becoming routine. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved contrast agent.

Magnetic microstructures for magnetic resonance imaging

The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

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


A structural analysis computing device for determining structural characteristics of an object pictured in a three-dimensional (3D) image may be provided. The structural analysis computing device may include a memory, a user interface, an object sensor configured to capture the 3D image of the object, and at least one processor in communication with the memory and the object sensor. The processor may be configured to access the 3D image including the object, automatically determine a first plurality of measurements of the object from the 3D image, and display the 3D image on the user interface. The processor may be further configured to generate a data file including the 3D image and the first plurality of measurements, and store the data file within the memory. The processor may also be configured to transmit the data file to an insurance server computing device for generation of an associated insurance claim form.

When a structure, such as a home, is damaged, the owner of the home may submit an insurance claim on an insurance policy associated with the home. The amount of the claim disbursement paid to the homeowner may correspond to an amount of damage, a nature of the damage, and/or an estimated cost to repair the damage. Accordingly, an agent of the associated insurance provider (e.g., a claims handler) may travel to the damaged home to assess the damage. The claims handler may sketch an illustration, such as a floor plan view, of each room that sustained damage. The sketching process may require that the claims handler manually obtain and record all necessary measurements of the room, then document (e.g., by taking photos) the room, including all damaged areas. The claims handler may additionally need to manually determine and document building materials and/or the nature of the damage.
At least some known systems permit the claims handler to manually input all documented data into a software platform configured to prepare an estimate for the claims disbursement (e.g., an estimate of a cost to repair the damage). For example, the claims handler may need to upload any photos, upload any sketches, manually enter room measurements, and manually enter any addition details (e.g., room name, room type, building materials, etc.). In addition, at least some known insurance software platforms may require the claims handler to generate new projects, manually enter information associated with an existing project, and/or manually enter information for each separate damaged room in a single project. Needless to say, the entire process may be time-consuming and laborious for the claims handler. Moreover, the longer the process takes for the claims handler, the longer it may take for the homeowner to receive their claim disbursement, which is disadvantageous for the homeowner and may lead to frustration. Any reduction in the time and/or labor involved in the claims handling process may be desirable.

Structural characteristic extraction from 3D images

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company


Disclosed herein is a cool air circulating blower for a refrigerator. The blower comprises a blowing fan for blowing cool air, a motor for driving the blowing fan, and a shroud for guiding the cool air leaving the blowing fan. The shroud is designed to suppress generation of turbulence in such a manner that the cool air leaving the blowing fan is dispersed quickly and condensed water obtained by condensation of moisture laden in the cool air is guided to some places other than the motor, whereby the noise caused due to the turbulence is reduced, the power consumption is decreased, the blowing efficiency is improved, and any breakdown of the motor due to the condensed water is prevented.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cool air circulating blower for a refrigerator, and more particularly to a cool air circulating blower for a refrigerator that is capable of quickly dispersing air flow leaving a blowing fan to reduce generation of turbulence and stopping condensed water obtained by condensation of moisture laden in the cool air from dropping onto a motor for rotating the blowing fan to prevent any breakdown of the motor due to the condensed water.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a refrigerator stores foodstuffs in a fresh state for a long time using cool air obtained by a refrigerating cycle. The cool air is used to cool down the foodstuffs or prevent any decomposition of the foodstuffs. A cool air circulating blower is disposed in a flow channel through which the cool air is circulated for blowing the cool air to a chilling chamber or a freezing chamber.
FIG. 1 is a side view, in longitudinal section, of a general refrigerator. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional cool air circulating blower for a refrigerator, and FIG. 3 is a front view, in longitudinal section, of the conventional cool air circulating blower for the refrigerator.
As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator basically comprises a outer case 1 having an open front part, an inner case 2 disposed in the outer case 1 and spaced apart from the outer case 2, a chilling chamber A mounted at the upper part in the inner case 2, a freezing chamber B mounted at the lower part in the inner case 2, a machinery chamber C provided below the freezing chamber B, a door 3 pivotably attached at the upper front part to the outer case 1, and another door 4 pivotably attached at the lower front part to the outer case 1.
Between the outer case 1 and the inner case 2 is defined a flow channel, through which the cool air is supplied to the chilling chamber A or the freezing chamber B. In the flow channel at the freezing chamber B is mounted an evaporator 5 for producing the cool air by heat exchange with atmospheric air. In the flow channel above the evaporator 5 is mounted a blower 10 for upwardly blowing the cool air having passed through the evaporator 5.
In the machinery chamber C are mounted a compressor 6 connected to the evaporator 5 via a refrigerant pipe, a condenser (not shown), and an expander (not shown), all of which constitute a refrigerating cycle together with the evaporator 5 mounted in the flow channel defined between the outer case 1 and the inner case 2. With operation of the refrigerating cycle, the blower 10 is also operated such that air passing through the evaporator 5 is cooled down, and the resulting cool air is supplied to the chilling chamber A or the freezing chamber B. Consequently, the chilling chamber A or the freezing chamber B are maintained at low temperatures, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the blower 10 comprises a shroud 12 for guiding the flow of the cool air, a blowing fan 14 rotatably mounted inside the shroud 12 for blowing the cool air, a motor 16 with a rotating shaft 15 connected to the blowing fan 14 for rotating the blowing fan 14, and a motor supporting bracket 18 integrally formed beneath the shroud 12 for fixedly supporting the motor 16.
The shroud 12, the surface of which is even, is mounted horizontally in the flow channel. The shroud 12 comprises a central hole 12h formed through the shroud 12, inside which the blowing fan 14 is disposed, and a bell mouth 12a formed in the shape of a circular groove and provided around the central hole 12h for guiding the flow of the cool air.
When the blowing fan 14 is operated, the cool air having passed through the evaporator 5 is guided by means of the bell mouth 12a and passes through the blowing fan 14. The cool air is mainly blown from below the blowing fan 14 to above the blowing fan 14 so that the cool air is supplied to the chilling chamber A and the freezing chamber B.
Specifically, the cool air enters the blowing fan 14 in the radial direction of the blowing fan 14 below the shroud 12, and leaves the blowing fan 14 in the radial direction of the blowing fan 14 above the shroud 12.
The cool air having passed through the blower 10 contains condensed water laden therein. The resulting condensed water drops onto the shroud 12 owing to its own weight, or condenses on the shroud 12. Especially, the condensed air is gathered in the bell mouth 12a formed in the shape of a circular groove since the bottom of the circular groove is lower than the top surface of the shroud 12.
In the conventional cool air circulating blower for the refrigerator, the blowing fan 14 for blowing the cool air is mounted inside the shroud 12 such that the plane of rotation of the blowing fan 14 is level with the shroud 12, the surface of which is planar. Consequently, the cool air leaving the blowing fan 14 in the radial direction of the blowing fan 14 is blown against the shroud 12 to generate turbulence. This turbulence causes noise and reduction in the flow rate of the cool air, with the result that the reliability of the blower is impaired, the blowing efficiency is decreased, and the power consumption is increased.
Furthermore, in the conventional cool air circulating blower for refrigerators, the cool air having passed through the evaporator 5 passes through the shroud 12 and is supplied upwardly with the operation of the blowing fan 14. Consequently, the condensed water obtained by condensation of moisture laden in the cool air condenses on the shroud 12. Especially, the condensed water is gathered in the bell mouth 12a formed in the shape of a circular groove since the bottom of the circular groove is lower than the top surface of the shroud 12.
In consequence, an increasing amount of condensed water is gathered in the bell mouth 12a as the refrigerator is repeatedly operated, and finally the condensed water gathered in the bell mouth 12a overflows and then drops onto the motor 16 mounted below the shroud 12 through the central hole 12h, whereby the motor is damaged, and thus the reliability of the refrigerator itself is impaired.

Cool air circulation blower for refrigerator


A process and product of making a tissue product is provided. For example, the method can comprise (a) providing a first papermaking furnish containing refined softwood fibers; (b) providing a second papermaking furnish containing hardwood fibers; (c) incorporating the first and second papermaking furnishes into a tissue web such that the tissue web has a hardwood layer and a softwood layer; (d) contacting the tissue web with a drying surface so that the hardwood layer is disposed adjacent thereto; and (e) removing the tissue web from the drying surface with a creping blade at a creping pocket angle of less than about 82 degrees.

The use of debonders/softening agents in facial and bath tissue is a common practice in the industry. It has been shown that adding such chemicals to the wet end of a tissue machine reduces adhesion to the drying surface. Generally speaking, debonders soften by interfering with fiber-to-fiber bonding and often reduce dryer adhesion when used in a creping process. The reduced adhesion results in less efficient sheet break-up and coarser creping. This reduction in sheet break-up takes away from the total softness of the tissue, which is contrary to the purpose for which the softener was added.
Consequently, various other techniques have been developed to counteract these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,839 to Wendt, et al. describes an especially soft tissue produced using a closed creping pocket in conjunction with a softening agent. However, in some instances, the softness is enhanced to such an extent that slough is generated. Sloughing may be described generally as the loss of paper particles from the surface of the paper due to surface abrasion. Many consumers react negatively to paper that exhibits a high degree of sloughing.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a process, system and resulting product showing capable of providing a high degree of softness and strength, with reduced amounts of sloughing.

Method and system for manufacturing tissue products, and products produced thereby


A loader includes a pair of rear supports projecting transversely outwardly from a longitudinally extending tractor frame. The rear supports are square in cross section. The loader further includes a pair of posts having receptacles at the bottoms thereof which are received about the rear supports when the posts are in upright dispositions, the receptacles, as viewed from the side, being delimited by front and rear contact surfaces that are engaged with locations below and closer together than a major dimension of the associated support so as to secure the posts to the support. When a latch at the front of the loader is released for permitting removal of the loader, lift cylinders of the loader may be operated to cause the posts to swing forwardly and to be lifted away from an associated support once the receptacles are in positions permitting such movement.

The present invention relates to a tractor-mounted loader and more particularly relates to structure for attaching or detaching the masts of a front-mounted loader to or from the tractor.
Designers have spent a lot of effort trying to come up with designs which permit a loader to be easily attached to, or detached from, a tractor. As considered when mounted on a tractor, these loaders typically include a pair of spaced apart, upright masts or standards respectively having lower ends coupled to frame members extending outwardly from the tractor frame. The rear ends of a pair of loader arms are pivotally attached to upper ends of the masts and a pair of boom cylinders are coupled between the masts and the arms for raising and lowering the arms relative to the tractor. A u-shaped brace structure has a pair of legs respectively rigidly attached to the masts at locations below the upper ends thereof and joined together by a transverse bight portion extending ahead of and releasably coupled to a forward end of the tractor. It is the connections between the bottom ends of the masts and the tractor-mounted frame members and between the bight portion of the brace and the front end of the tractor that designers have been trying to simplify. However, attachment of the masts to framework carried by the tractor often involves one or more of bolts, pins, rotatable latches or wedges. These parts often require tools for their installation and/or adjustment so that they properly effect a reliable connection
U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,233 granted to Meyer et al on 19 Jan. 1988, U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,764 granted to Hamm on 27 Dec. 1988 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,737 granted to Rae et al on 26 June 1990 exemplify the prior art.

Structure for attaching a loader to a tractor