A nozzle system for mixing contents in a tank and scouring surfaces of debris and sediment is disclosed. The system is capable of use either below or above a tank's liquid content surface as well as being adaptable to flow channels and other surfaces which may become impeded with sediment and debris. The nozzle system includes at least one nozzle receiving fluid from a pump, and a splash plate positioned to deflect a discharged stream from the nozzle in a spread and downward direction. The number and positioning of additional nozzles in the system can be determined by mapping the discharge of each splash plate equipped nozzle and arranging for the desired area of coverage.

Storm water runoff can pose significant issues for sewage water treatment facilities. Often such facilities have a CSO (Combined Sewage Overflow) system. A CSO system is comprised of a big tank, like a huge swimming pool, that collects the storm water runoff so that the runoff does not just get dumped into the local waterways. Typically, local sewage treatment plants cannot handle the added flow from a rain storm, so they bypass the water treatment and dump thousands of gallons of untreated water into local waterways. As an alternative, the CSO system collects this rain and sewage and gradually pumps it to the treatment plant for processing. This approach keeps sewage out of the local rivers and lakes.
Along with pollutants and toxins, the runoff water can carry with it a great deal of debris and unsettled sediment carried from roadways, parking lots, and the like. To the extent that such sediment remains entrained in the water flow, it can be properly filtered at the treatment facility. Likewise, the pollutants and toxins can be removed with proper treatment at the facility. However, where the runoff water is held for long periods of time, the debris and sediment can settle out of the water and deposit on the CSO tank bottom where it may fill the sump and block the pump which sends the water out to the treatment plant.
Even if the sediment and debris does not immediately block pumping action, the buildup will continue to reduce the volume of the CSO tank. For all the reasons described above, a loss of overflow volume could lead to contamination of local waterways, such as ponds, lakes, streams and the like.
Another problem with prior systems has to do with nozzle pressure and clogging. Typical pumps and nozzles for such operations are sized to provide about 10 psi of head pressure at each nozzle, with a nozzle discharge velocity in the range of from about 30 to about 40 feet/second. Systems having six nozzles have been successfully used to entrain debris and wash away deposits of silt, sand and grit (i.e., small particle size sediment). However, to maintain the desired pump and system pressure and nozzle discharge velocity, nozzle openings must be a specific size.
For example, in one known application the nozzle openings have an diameter of no more than 2.5 inches (about 6.4 cm). When larger debris, such as shoes, balls, branches, etc., enter the CSO tank, it can quickly clog the 2.5 inch nozzles. Accordingly, nozzles having larger opening diameters must be used to prevent clogging, but using the same pump (designed for a particular optimum flow with the smaller 2.5 inch nozzles) requires the use of fewer nozzles to prevent a drop in head pressure and discharge velocity.
It is well-known that nozzle flow is related to discharge velocity by the equation:V=0.408Q/d2 where, V is velocity (ft/sec), Q is flow (U.S. gal/min) and d is nozzle opening diameter (inches). The following chart illustrates the potential drop in velocity by switching from 2.5 inch nozzles to 3.5 inch nozzles with maintained flow.
TABLE 1Velocity dropFlow (Q)Velocity (V)2.5 inch Nozzle580 gpm38 ft/sec3.5 inch Nozzle580 gpm19 ft/sec
Using six larger 3.5 inch nozzles also precipitously drops system discharge pressure, allowing the centrifugal pump to create too much flow, which leads to the creation of damaging cavitation inside the pump. As a means to maintain velocity in the 30 to 40 ft/sec range without increasing the pump power and to avoid pump damage from high-flow cavitation, fewer flow nozzles must be used—about half the number of nozzles based on the velocity drop. Unfortunately, the use of fewer nozzles in large CSO tanks presents an issue in that the resulting system will be unable to properly stir the tank contents while also simultaneously washing away settled debris at the tank center.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, a typical three nozzle tank mixing system creates high mixing velocities along the outermost zone of the tank. However, a low-velocity region exists at the tank center which allows the settling of sand, grit and debris. Over time, a large deposit of such material will exist in this low-velocity area. One way those skilled in the art may eliminate the sediment and debris is to physically enter the CSO tank and move the deposits with tools and/or large quantities of pressurized water. This can only be done, of course, when the CSO tank is substantially empty and not in use.
The present system, device and methods solve the numerous problems of mixing, discharging settled debris from tanks, surfaces, and the like, and preventing clogging of the nozzles. The present system, device and methods are capable of not only preventing settling of sediment and debris, but may be implemented in tanks already impinged with sediment to remove such from a tank bottom or other surfaces. The present system accomplishes these and other goals without sacrificing coverage area, head pressure, or discharge velocity.


A light diffuser (100) for illuminating a display (304) comprises a rectangular light distributor (108) which is coupled to a light director (208) located along an edge normal to a major axis (110) of the light distributor (108). The light director (208) directs light received from a lamp (14) into the light distributor (108). The light distributor (108) has a polished, planar top surface (210) and a bottom surface (112) comprising a predetermined serration pattern oriented normal to the major axis (110) of the rectangular light distributor (108). The predetermined serration pattern comprises a plurality of grooves (116, 118, 120) having a predetermined pitch gradient corresponding thereto. The plurality of grooves (116, 118, 120) further have roughened surfaces for diffusing light impinging thereon toward the polished, planar top surface (210) of the light distributor (108). The light impinging on the polished, planar top surface (210) at less than a critical angle is coupled through the polished, planar top surface (210 ) to uniformly illuminate the display (304).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of display backlight diffusers, and more particularly to an enhanced light diffuser for a liquid crystal display.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Liquid crystal displays have become very popular for use in many products ranging from hand held calculators and watches to communication receivers, due largely to their very low power drive requirements. However, there is a significant drawback when liquid crystal displays are used, in that there must be a source of light, such as sunlight or room light, which is required to illuminate the display to make the displayed information readable. When sunlight or room light is unavailable, such as in the evening, at night, or in a darkened room, the displayed messages become unreadable except with the aid of auxiliary lighting. Such auxiliary lighting has generally been provided by a lamp mounted in front of, adjacent to, or behind the display to provide the light necessary to read the message. When a lamp is provided which is positioned adjacent to the display, the lighting provided has generally been non-uniform, with a "hot", or brightly lit, spot being located on the display near the lamp, and a darkly lit area being located on the display away from the light, both conditions often detracting from the readability of the display. Numerous methods have been employed to overcome the problem of poor light distribution across the display, the most commonly employed being that of using a light diffuser, or wedge in an attempt to provide a more uniform distribution of the auxiliary light across the display to make the message readable in dim lighting situations. The prior art light diffusers have relied on a number of techniques in order to achieve light distribution across a display. One technique which has been employed is the use of a transparent plastic material having a roughened top surface and a reflective back surface, often backed by an opaque reflective tape, the combination of which is intended to improve the distribution of light toward the display. While providing improvement in the light distribution, the "hot" spots have generally remained, as well as a generally non-uniform light distribution across the display. Light wedges, wherein the thickness of the plastic material is reduced across the length of the display, have been used to further enhance the uniformity of the light distribution across the display. Again, while providing improvement in the light distribution, the "hot" spots have generally remained, as well as a noticeable non-uniform light distribution across the display. Other techniques, such as employing multiple auxiliary lamps located at opposite ends of the light wedge, have improved the lighting uniformity, but at a cost of additional power to drive a second auxiliary light source as well as the cost of a second lamp. Still another technique used to provide back lighting for a liquid crystal display, especially a large display has been through the use of a electroluminescent panel which, while providing generally uniform illumination, and which while providing a more uniform illumination, is achieved at a significant cost increase as well as a significant increase in the power required to drive the electroluminescent panel.
What is needed is a light diffuser which utilizes a single light source, and which enhances the distribution of light to more uniformly illuminate a display.

Light diffuser for a liquid crystal display


The invention relates to a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by formula (1)

This invention relates to liquid crystalline compounds and liquid crystal compositions, and more particularly, to liquid crystalline fluoro-substituted alkenyl compounds as a suitable component for the liquid crystal compositions especially for TN mode, STN mode, TFT mode, and OCB mode, liquid crystal compositions comprising such compounds, and liquid crystal display elements comprising such liquid crystal compositions.
The expression xe2x80x9cliquid crystalline compoundxe2x80x9d is used herein as the general term for a compound possessing a liquid crystal phase and a compound exhibiting no liquid crystal phase and yet serving as a useful constitutional component for a liquid crystal composition.
The liquid crystal display element utilizes the optical anisotropy and the dielectric anisotropy possessed by a liquid crystal substance. It is sorted into various types according to the display mode such as twisted nematic (TN) mode, dynamic scattering (DS) mode, guest-host (G-H) mode, deforming of aligned phases (DAP) mode, supertwisted nematic (STN) mode, voltage control birefringence (VCB, ECB, or TB) mode, vertical aligning (VA) mode, multidomain vertical aligning (MVA) mode and OCB mode, utilizing liquid crystal substances with different properties suitable for each mode. The liquid crystal substances which are used for these display modes are required to be stable to moisture, air, heat, and light.
A liquid crystal display element requiring a lower driving voltage and yet manifesting a high contrast has been demanded in these years. For the purpose of lowering the driving voltage, it is important to increase dielectric anisotropy value (xcex94∈) of a given liquid crystal material. Particularly, for the purpose of heightening the contrast of the liquid crystal display element of the STN mode, the curve of voltage transmittance of a given liquid crystal display element needs to be very steep. For this, a large elastic constant ratio (K33/K11) of the liquid crystal material is required.
EP 0330216 A discloses the below (1-a) and WO91/06522 discloses the below (1-b), as a liquid crystal material exhibiting a positive dielectric anisotropy value.
These compounds, however, have small xcex94∈ and small K33/K11 ratio and thus are not sufficient for solving the problems mentioned above. Though WO91/06522 claims the compounds containing a cyano group, the description discloses neither the structure nor the data of such compounds.
An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystalline compound which has a broad temperature range for liquid crystal phases applicable to various modes of liquid crystal display elements, can show any optical anisotropy value (xcex94n) depending on combination of factors such as a ring structure and a substituent, and is stable against the influence of moisture, air, heat, and light.
More specifically, the invention aims at providing a liquid crystalline compound which eliminates the conventional technical defects mentioned above thereby possessing a large xcex94∈ and a large K33/K11 ratio.
Another object of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition comprising the above compound, which can impart the merits of a low driving voltage and a high contrast to a liquid crystal display element.
Further object of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition.
The present inventors, as a result of diligent study, have found that the following liquid crystalline compounds possess a large xcex94∈ and a large K33/K11 ratio.
More specifically, (a) the compounds of the following formula (1) wherein the ring A3 is not a cyclohexane ring; (b) the compounds represented by the formula (1) which contain a monofluoroalkenyl group or a difluoroalkenyl group when the ring A3 is a cyclohexane ring and Z3 is not a single bond and which further contain a cyano group; and (c) the compounds represented by the formula (1) which contain a monofluoroalkenyl group or a difluoroalkenyl group when the ring A3 is a cyclohexane ring and Z3 is a single bond and which contain, in addition to a cyano group, a benzene ring having at least one hydrogen atom substituted by F.
The present inventors have further found that the liquid crystal compositions comprising such compounds are the materials best suitable for achieving a low driving voltage and the manifestation of a high contrast in various liquid crystal display elements, and finally completed the present invention.
The present invention provides a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1):
wherein Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are each independently H or F, provided that at least one of Y1 and Y2 is F; Q1 is a single bond or an alkylene group of 1-20 carbon atoms, at least one xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94 being optionally substituted by xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94, provided that two or more xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 are not adjacent to each other; Q2 is a single bond or xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94; Rings A1, A2and A3 are each independently a cyclohexane ring, a dioxane ring, a cyclohexene ring, a pyrimidine ring, a pyridine ring, or a benzene ring, or a benzene ring having at least one hydrogen atom substituted by F; Z1, Z2 and Z3 are each independently a single bond, xe2x80x94CH2CH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CH2Oxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CF2Oxe2x80x94, or xe2x80x94OCF2; and m and n are each independently 0 or 1; provided that Y3 is F when Ring A3 is a cyclohexane ring and Z3 is a single bond.
This invention further provides a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1) wherein m and n are both 0.
This invention further provides a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1) wherein Ring A3 is a dioxane ring, a cyclohexene ring, a pyrimidine ring, a pyridine ring, or a benzene ring, or a benzene ring having at least one hydrogen atom substituted by F.
In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1) wherein Ring A3 is a cyclohexane ring.
In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1) wherein Z3 is xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94.
In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1) wherein both Y1 and Y2 are F.
This invention also provides a liquid crystal composition comprising a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1).
This invention further provides a liquid crystal composition comprising as a first component a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1) and as a second component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (2), (3) and (4)
wherein R1 is an alkyl group of 1-10 carbon atoms, at least one xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94 being optionally substituted by xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, provided that two or more of xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 are not adjacent to each other, and at least one H atom being optionally substituted by F; X1 is F, Cl, OCF3, xe2x80x94OCF2H, xe2x80x94CF3, xe2x80x94CF2H, xe2x80x94CFH2, xe2x80x94OCF2CF2H, or xe2x80x94OCF2CFHCF3; L1 and L2 are each independently H or F; Z4 and Z5 are each independently xe2x80x94(CH2)2, xe2x80x94(CH2)4xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CF2Oxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCF2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, or a single bond; Rings A and B are each independently a cyclohexane ring, a dioxane ring, or a benzene ring, or a benzene ring having at least one hydrogen atom substituted by F; and Ring C is a cyclohexane ring, a benzene ring, or a benzene ring having at least one hydrogen atom substituted by F.
The invention further provides a liquid crystal composition comprising as a first component a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1) and as a second component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (5) and (6)
wherein R2 and R3 are each independently an alkyl group of 1-10 carbon atoms, at least one xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94 being optionally substituted by xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, provided that two or more of xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 are not adjacent to each other, and at least one H atom being optionally substituted by F; X2 is xe2x80x94CN or xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94CN; Ring D is a cyclohexane ring, a benzene ring, a dioxane ring, or a pyrimidine ring; Ring E is a cyclohexane ring, a benzene ring, a benzene ring having at least one hydrogen atom substituted by F, or a pyrimidine ring; Ring F is a cyclohexane ring or a benzene ring; Z6 is xe2x80x94(CH2)2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CF2Oxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCF2xe2x80x94, or a single bond; L3, L4 and L5 are each independently H or F; and b, c and d are each independently 0 or 1.
The invention further provides a liquid crystal composition comprising as a first component a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1) and as a second component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (7), (8) and (9)
wherein R4 and R5 are each independently an alkyl group of 1-10 carbon atoms, at least one xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94 being optionally substituted by xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, provided that two or more of xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 are not adjacent to each other, and at least one H atom being optionally substituted by F; Rings G and I are each independently a cyclohexane ring or a benzene ring; L6 and L7 are each independently H or F, provided that L6 and L7 are not simultaneously H; and Z7 and Z8 are each independently xe2x80x94(CH2)2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94, or a single bond.
The invention further provides a liquid crystal composition which comprises as a first component a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1), as a second component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (2), (3) and (4), and as a third component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (10), (11) and (12)
wherein R6 and R7 are each independently an alkyl group of 1-10 carbon atoms, at least one xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94 being optionally substituted by xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, provided that two or more of xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 are not adjacent to each other, and any of H atoms in the group being optionally substituted by F; Rings J, K and M are each independently a cyclohexane ring, pyrimidine ring, a benzene ring, or a benzene ring having at least one H atom substituted by F; and Z9 and Z10 are each independently xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94(CH2)2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, or a single bond.
The invention further provides a liquid crystal composition which comprises as a first component a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1), as a second component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (5) and (6), and as a third component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (10), (11) and (12).
The invention further provides a liquid crystal composition which comprises as a first component a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound represented by the formula (1), as other components a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (7), (8) and (9), and a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (10), (11) and (12).
The invention further provides a liquid crystal composition which comprises as a first component a fluoro-substituted alkenyl compound, as a second component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (2), (3) and (4), as a third component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (5) and (6), and as a fourth component a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (10), (11) and (12).
Further, the present invention provides the liquid crystal compositions which further comprise at least one optically active compound.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition of the invention.
Now, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred modes of the invention.
The fluoroalkenyl compounds represented by the formula (1):
wherein the symbols are as defined above include compounds having 2 to 4 rings in the core and has no cyclohexane ring for Ring A3 in the formula (1); compounds having a monofluoroalkenyl group or a difluoroalkenyl group when Ring A3 is a cyclohexane ring and Z3 is not a single bond and further having a cyano group; and compounds having a monofluoroalkneyl group or a difluoroalkenyl group when Ring A3 is a cyclohexane ring and Z3 is a single bond and further having a benzene ring with at least one H atom substituted by F, in addition to a cyano group.
The compounds represented by the formula (1) can show any xcex94n depending on the combination of a ring structure and a substituent.
The compounds represented by the formula (1) with three or four rings have a broad liquid crystalline phase temperature range.
Accordingly, the compounds represented by the formula (1) can show a large xcex94∈ and a large K33/K11 ratio owing to the above structure of the compounds.
In the compounds represented by the formula (1), any combination of Y1 with Y2 provides excellent physical properties of the compounds. Particularly, the compounds wherein Y1 is a fluorine atom and Y2 is a hydrogen atom have a high clearing point, and the compounds wherein both Y1 and Y2 are a fluorine atom show a low viscosity.
The compounds (1) wherein Q1 is an alkylene group of 2-7 carbon atoms have a low viscosity and are preferable, and the compounds wherein Q1 is the alkylene group having at least one xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94 substituted by xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 show an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystalline compounds or liquid crystal compositions.
The compounds (1) wherein Q2 is a single bond have a high stability to light and the compounds wherein Q2 is xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94 have a high clearing point and a low viscosity.
The compounds (1) wherein groups Z1, Z2 and Z3 each are a single bond have a low viscosity and the compounds wherein groups Z1, Z2 and Z3 each are xe2x80x94CH2CH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CH2Oxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94OCH2xe2x80x94 have an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystalline compounds or liquid crystal compositions. Particularly, the compounds wherein groups Z1, Z2 and Z3 each are xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94CF2Oxe2x80x94 show a large xcex94∈ and the compounds wherein groups Z1, Z2 and Z3 each are xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94 have a high clearing point and a low viscosity.
In the compounds represented by the formula (1), the core parts have various structures, which are illustrated in the compounds (1-1)-(1-7) below.
In the above formulas, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Q1, Q2, Z2 and Z3 have the same meanings as defined above and each (F) is independently either F or H.
These compounds have a large xcex94∈ and a large K33/K11 ratio.
Further characteristics of these compounds are mentioned below. The compounds (1-1) have a low viscosity, while the compounds (1-2) and (1-4) have a very large xcex94∈, a large xcex94n and a relatively low viscosity. The compounds (1-3) have a very large As, while the compounds (1-5)-(1-7) have a high clearing point. Further, xcex94n, xcex94∈, and viscosity are increasingly larger or higher in the order of the compounds (1-5), (1-6) and (1-7).
The liquid crystal composition of the invention may comprise at least one liquid crystalline compound represented by the formula (1) as a first component. Preferably, the composition may comprise, in addition to the first component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (2), (3) and (4) as a second component (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cSecond component Axe2x80x9d) and/or at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (5) and (6) (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cSecond component Bxe2x80x9d);
wherein the symbols are as defined above.
Further, the present composition may comprise as a third component at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formulas (10)-(12), which will be specifically illustrated later, in order to adjust threshold voltage (Vth), liquid crystal phase temperature range, optical anisotropy value, dielectric anisotropy value, viscosity and etc. Each of the components of the liquid crystal composition may be an analogue formed of respective isotopic elements because it has no significant difference in physical properties.
For the Second component A, preferred examples of the compound represented by the formula (2) include the following compounds (2-1)-(2-9); preferred examples of the compound represented by the formula (3) include the following compounds (3-1)-(3-97); and preferred examples of the compound represented by the formula (4) include the following compounds (4-1)-(4-33).
wherein R1 and X1 have the same meanings as defined above.
The compounds represented by the formulas (2)-(4) exhibit a positive dielectric anisotropy value and an excellent thermal stability and chemical stability. They are mainly used in the liquid crystal composition for the TFT mode. In the preparation of the liquid crystal composition for the TFT mode, the amount of the compound to be used is properly in the range of 1-99% by weight, preferably in the range of 10-97% by weight, and more preferably in the range of 40-95% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
Next, for the Second component B, preferred examples of the compounds represented by the formulas (5) and (6) include the following compounds (5-1)-(5-58) and (6-1)-(6-3), respectively.
wherein R2, R3 and X2 have the same meanings as defined above.
The compounds (5) and (6) exhibit a positive and large dielectric anisotropy value and thus are mainly used in the liquid crystal compositions for STN and TN. These compounds are used mainly for the purpose of lowering threshold voltage. They are also used for the purposes of adjusting viscosity and optical anisotropy value, broadening a liquid crystal phase temperature range and improving sharpness of the transmittance according to the electric field. In the preparation of liquid crystal compositions for STN or TN, the amounts of the compounds (5) and (6) to be used are properly in the range of 0.1-99.9% by weight, preferably in the range of 11-97% by weight, and more preferably in the range of 41-95% by weight.
In the preparation of liquid crystal compositions having a negative dielectric anisotropy value which are used for the vertical aligning mode (VA mode), it is advantageous to incorporate therein at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds (7)-(9) (hereinafter called Second component C), in addition to at least one compound represented by the formula (1).
wherein R4, R5, Rings G and I, L6, L7, Z7 and Z8 are as defined above.
When these compounds (7)-(9) are used in the liquid crystal compositions, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the below illustrated compounds (10)-(12) may be incorporated therein in order to adjust threshold voltage, liquid crystal phase temperature range, optical anisotropy value, dielectric anisotropy value, viscosity and etc.
Preferred examples of the compounds represented by the formulas (7), (8) and (9) include the compounds (7-1)-(7-3), the compounds (8-1)-(8-5) and the compounds (9-1)-(9-3), respectively.
wherein R4 and R5 have the same meanings as defined above.
The compounds represented by the formulas (7)-(9) have a negative dielectric anisotropy value. The compounds represented by the formula (7) are a bicyclic compound and they are mainly used for the purpose of adjusting threshold voltage, viscosity or optical anisotropy value. The compounds represented by the formula (8) are used for the purposes of widening the nematic ranges for example by heightening clearing points, as well as decreasing the threshold voltage and increasing the optical anisotropy value.
The compounds represented by the formulas (7)-(9) are mainly used in the liquid crystal composition for VA having negative dielectric anisotropy value. When these compounds are used in an increased amount, the resulting composition shows decreased threshold voltage and increased viscosity. So long as the required threshold voltage is satisfied, the compounds are preferably used in the smallest possible amounts. Since the absolute value of dielectric anisotropy are not more than 5, when the compounds are used in an amount less than 40% by weight, the produced elements may not be effectively driven. The amount of the compounds represented by the formulas (7)-(9) used in preparing the liquid crystal composition for VA is preferably not less than 40% by weight and suitably in the range of 51-95% by weight.
The compounds represented by the formulas (7)-(9) may optionally be incorporated in the composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy value for the purposes of controlling the elastic constant and regulating the curves of voltage transmittance. For example, the compounds represented by the formulas (7)-(9) may be added as a second component C to the composition containing the compound represented by the formula (1) as the first component and the second component A and/or the second component B mentioned above. The amount of the compounds (7)-(9) to be added in this case are preferably not more than 30% by weight.
The compounds represented by the formulas (10)-(12) may be incorporated in the composition as the third component.
wherein R6, R7, Rings J, K and M, Z9 and Z10 are as defined above.
Preferred examples of the compounds represented by the formulas (10), (11) and (12) as the third component of the present liquid crystal composition include the compounds (10-1)-(10-11), the compounds (11-1)-(11-12) and the compounds (12-1)-(12-6), respectively.
wherein R6 and R7 have the same meanings as defined above.
The compounds represented by the formulas (10)-(12) have a small absolute value of dielectric anisotropy. The compounds represented by the formula (10) are mainly used for the purpose of adjusting viscosity or optical anisotropy value. The compounds represented by the formulas (11) and (12) are used for the purpose of widening the nematic phase temperature range by heightening clearing points or adjusting the optical anisotropy value.
When the compounds (10)-(12) are used in an increased amount, the resulting composition shows increased threshold voltage and decreased viscosity. So long as the required threshold voltage is satisfied, these compounds are desirably used in the largest possible amounts. In the preparation of the liquid crystal composition for TFT, the amount of the compounds represented by the formulas (10)-(12) to be used is preferably not more than 40% by weight, more preferably not more than 35% by weight. In the preparation of the liquid crystal composition for STN or TN, the amount of the compounds (10)-(12) is preferably not more than 70% by weight, more preferably not more than 60% by weight.
The liquid crystal compositions of the invention preferably comprise at least one liquid crystalline compound represented by the formula (1) in the range of 0.1-99% by weight so as to provide excellent physical properties. The liquid crystal compositions are generally prepared by any of the methods known per se such as, for example, the method wherein various components are mutually dissolved at an elevated temperature. Addition of appropriate additives, if necessary, makes the liquid crystal composition improved and optimized for the intended uses. Such additives are well known to any person of ordinary skill in the art and are described in detail in the literatures. Generally added is a chiral doping agent, which is effective in inducing a liquid crystal to form a helical structure and consequently adjusting a twist angle as required and preventing an inverse twist. Examples of the chiral doping agent include the optically active compounds represented by the following formulas (OP-1) to (OP-8). is adjusted preferably in the range of 40-200 xcexcm. In case of the compositions for STN, the adjustment is preferably in the range of 6-20 xcexcm. In case of those for bistable TN mode, the adjustment is preferably in the range of 1.5-4 xcexcm. Further, two or more of the optically active compounds may be added to adjust the temperature dependence of pitch.
The addition of dichroic dyes of merocyanine, styryl, azo, azomethine, azoxy, quinophthalone, anthraquinone and tetrazine types enables the liquid crystal composition to be used for GH. The composition of the invention are usable as the liquid crystal composition for electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) mode or DS mode as well as for NCAP manufactured by microcapsulating the nematic liquid crystal and the polymer dispersion type liquid crystal device (PDLCD) manufactured by forming a three-dimensional reticular macromolecule in a liquid crystal such as, for example, the polymer network liquid crystal device (PNLCD).
Examples of the nematic liquid crystal composition of the invention manufactured as described above include the following compositions 1-38. The compounds used in these compositions are expressed by the symbols shown in Table 1 below. The parenthesized numbers next to the compounds in the composition examples are identical with those shown in the working examples below. The content of the compound is in terms of xe2x80x9c% by weightxe2x80x9d unless otherwise specified. The physical property data of the compositions are expressed by TNI (nematic-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature), xcex7 (viscosity: measured at 20.0xc2x0 C.), An (optical anisotropy value: measured at 25.0xc2x0 C.), xcex94∈ (dielectric anisotropy value: measured at 25xc2x0 C.), and VTH (threshold voltage: measured at 25.0xc2x0 C.).
The liquid crystal compositions of the invention generally rely on the addition of such an optically active compound to adjust the pitch of twist. In case of the liquid crystal composition for TFT or TN, the pitch of twist
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=79.5 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=20.9 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.164
xcex94xcex5=9.2
VTH=1.60 (V)
0.8 Part by weight of the optically active compound represented by the formula (OP-4) was added to 100 parts by weight of this composition, and the resulting composition showed a pitch of 11.2 xcexcm.
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=89.1 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=86.6 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n =0.149
xcex94∈=30.5
VTH=0.92 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=92.4 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=36.7 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.195
xcex94∈=7.2
VTH=2.11 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=61.1 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=42.7 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.122
xcex94∈=12.8
VTH=1.14 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=75.4 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=36.2 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.117
xcex94∈=24.0
VTH=0.95 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=62.9 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=22.3 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.158
xcex94∈=7.4
VTH=1.58 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=97.0 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=17.2 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n =0.134
xcex94∈=8.8
VTH=2.08 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=80.9 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=16.8 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n 0.116
xcex94∈=6.2
VTH=1.89 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=96.7 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=19.6 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.130
xcex94∈=8.8
VTH=1.64 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=68.3 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=18.2 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.130
xcex94∈=9.0
VTH=1.62 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=71.6 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=19.0 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n =0.127
xcex94∈=7.0
VTH=1.87 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=100.8 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=23.0 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.095
xcex94∈=5.8
VTH=2.47 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=74.8 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=20.0 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.082
xcex94∈=6.7
VTH=1.91 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=69.2 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=35.9 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.086
xcex94∈=14.1
VTH=1.26 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=61.6 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=27.9 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.099
xcex94∈=9.5
VTH=1.57 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=59.9 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=16.4 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.076
xcex94∈=4.5
VTH=2.39 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=76.3 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=32.8 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.091
xcex94∈=9.3
VTH=1.59 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=72.2 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=21.6 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.066
xcex94∈=6.8
VTH=1.80 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=77.5 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=21.7 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.080
xcex94∈=8.9
VTH=1.63 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=76.8 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=29.6 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.117
xcex94∈=12.9
VTH=1.33 (V)
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=60.7 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex7=24.6 (mPaxc2x7s)
xcex94n=0.097
The physical properties of this composition are shown below.
TNI=80.5 (xc2x0 C.)
xcex94n=0.088
xcex94∈=xe2x88x922.5
The compounds represented by the formula (1) can be easily prepared by the known methods, for example, those disclosed in A. Suzuki, Metal-Catalyzed Cross-coupling Reactions, Eds. F. Dietrich, P. J. Stang, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 1998, pp. 49-97 and EP 0330216A. The descriptions of the relevant parts in the literatures are incorporated herein by reference.
The compound represented by the formula (1) wherein both Y1 and Y2 are a fluorine atom (compound (G3)) can be synthesized by treating a compound (G1) with an acid thereby converting it into aldehyde (G2), which is then reacted with triphenylphosphine and sodium chlorodifluoro-acetate. A compound (G7) can be synthesized by reacting a compound (G4) with a lithiation reagent and then iodine, or alternatively with periodic acid, iodine and sulfuric acid (H. Suzuki, Org. Synth., VI, p. 700 (1988)), to produce an iodine compound (G5), which is then treated in the similar manner used in synthesizing the compound (G3) from the compound (G1). The descriptions of the related parts in the literature are incorporated herein by reference. The compound (G7) is then cyanated with a metal cyanide such as copper cyanide to prepare the compound represented by the formula (1) wherein Q2 is a single bond (compound (G8)).
Now, the method for synthesizing the compound represented by the formula (1) wherein both m and n is 0 will be described in detail below.
Cyclohexanedion monoacetal (G9) is reacted with Grignard reagent (G10) to give an alcohol (G11), which is then dehydrated with an acid to prepare a compound (G12). The compound (G12) is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium/carbon or Raney nickel to produce a compound (G13), which is then treated with an acid to form a ketone (G14). Ketone (G14) is subjected to Wittig reaction using methoxymethyl triphenyl phohsphonium chloride to produce a compound (G15), which is then iodinated to produce a compound (G16). The compound (G16) is then treated with an acid to prepare an aldehyde (G17). The compound represented by the formula (1) wherein the alkylene group for Q1 has a longer chain length can be synthesized by repeatedly subjecting the aldehyde (G17) to Wittig reaction using methoxymethyl triphenylphohsphonium chloride and the treatment with an acid.
The compound (18) can be synthesized in the same manner as used in synthesizing the compound (G8), except for using the aldehyde (G17) instead of the compound (G6).
The compound (G20) can be synthesized by subjecting the compound (G19) to Wittig reaction using methoxymethyl triphenylphosphonium chloride, followed by treatment with an acid. The compound (21) can be synthesized in the same manner as used in synthesizing the compound (G7), except for using the compound (G20) instead of the compound (G6). The compound (G21) is saponified to produce carboxylic acid (G22), which is then reacted with phenol (G23) using a dehydrating agent such as dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) to prepare a compound (24). The compound (G24) can also be prepared by dehydration condensation of carboxylic acid (G22) and phenol (G23) in the presence of sulfuric acid as a catalyst, or reacting carboxylic acid (G22) with thionyl chloride to form an acid chloride, which is then reacted with phenol (G23) in a basic solvent such as pyridine.
In the formulas (G25), (G27), (G28), (G30), (G31), (G32), (G33) and (G34), the symbol (F) denotes F or H.
The compound (G27) can be prepared by subjecting the aldehyde (G25) to Wittig reaction using 1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyltriphenyl phosphonium bromide and then hydrogenating the resultant substance in the presence of a catalyst such as Raney nickel or palladium/carbon. The compound (G27) is reacted with a lithiation reagent such as n-butyl lithium or sec-butyl lithium and then triisopropyl borate, followed by treatment with an acid thereby producing boronic acid (G28). The boronic acid (G28) is reacted with the compound (G29) following the procedure disclosed in A. Suzuki, Metal-Catalyzed Cross-coupling Reactions, Eds. F. Dietrich, P. J. Stang, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 1998, pp. 49-97 to prepare the compound (G30). When the phenylene group of the compound (G28) is 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 1,4-phenylene, the compound (G30) can also be synthesized by the method disclosed in J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 2, 2041 (1989). The compound (31) can be synthesized in the same manner as used in synthesizing the compound (G8), except for using the compound (G30) instead of the compound (G4). The compound (G31) wherein each of the symbol (F) is H can be synthesized by initiating the process using 4-bromobenzaldehyde in place of the compound (G25). The descriptions of the related parts in the literatures are incorporated herein by reference.
The compound (G27) is subjected to a lithiation reaction with n-butyl lithium or sec-butyl lithium followed by a reaction with dry ice to produce carboxylic acid (G32). Carboxylic acid (G32) is then reacted with phenol (G23) using a dehydrating agent such as dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) to form an ester (G33). The compound (34) can be synthesized in the same manner as used in synthesizing the compound (G3), except for using the compound (G33) instead of the compound (G1). The ester (G33) and the compound (G34) wherein each of the symbol (F) is H can be synthesized by initiating the process using 4-(1,3-dioxolan-1-ylethyl)-bromobenzene in the place of the compound (G27).
An aldehyde (G35) is reacted with 2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propane diol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as p-toluenesulfonic acid to produce a compound (G36). The compound (G36) is oxidated by the Swern oxidation or the PCC oxidation disclosed in A. J. Mancuso, S. L. Huang, D. Swern, J. Org. Chem., 43, p. 2480 (1978) and K. Hori, Y. Ohfune, ibid., 53, p. 3886 (1988) to produce a compound (G37). The compound (G38) can be synthesized in the same manner as used in synthesizing the compound (G3), except for using the compound (G37) instead of the compound (G2). The descriptions of the related parts in the literatures are incorporated herein by reference.
The compounds represented by the formula (1) wherein n is 1 can be synthesized by suitably combining the methods described above, the methods in the following examples and the ordinary methods used in organic synthesis. Any person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various alterations and improvements are suitably allowable within the spirit and the scope of the claimed invention.

Fluoro-substituted alkenyl compounds, liquid crystal compositions, and liquid crystal display elements

Abstract: wherein Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are each independently H or F, provided that at least one of Y1 and Y2 is F; Q1 is a single bond or an alkylene group of 1-20 carbon atoms, at least one xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94 being optionally substituted by xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94, provided that two or more xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 are not adjacent to each other; Q2 is a single bond or xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94; Rings A1, A2 and A3 are each independently a cyclohexane ring, a dioxane ring, a cyclohexene ring, a pyrimidine ring, a pyridine ring, or a benzene ring, or a benzene ring having at least one hydrogen atom substituted by F; Z1, Z2 and Z3 are each independently a single bond, xe2x80x94CH2CH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CH2Oxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94OCOxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CF2Oxe2x80x94, or xe2x80x94OCF2; and m and n are each independently 0 or 1; provided that Y3 is F when Ring A3 is a cyclohexane ring and Z3 is a single bond. The liquid crystal composition comprising the compound, when used in liquid crystal display elements for various modes, excels in driving voltage and contrast.


An efficient switching power supply provides power for penetration phosphor cathode ray tube color displays employing rapidly selectable high voltages for anode or acceleration electrodes. The apparatus employs a serially connected command decoder, a voltage regulator, a power oscillator, and a voltage multiplier along with an output voltage divider for supplying a fed back voltage to the regulator for comparison purposes. Positive transitions of the high voltage output are directly accomplished in the power oscillator-voltage multiplier serving as a unidirectional voltage to unidirectional voltage converter. The apparatus is further supplied with a signal lever detector responsive to the voltage regulator and employing a switching oscillator to control the conductivity state of a pull down switch coupled in shunt with respect to the anode voltage line. Negative transitions of the high voltage output are controlled by turning off the power oscillator and by pulling the output voltage down by making the pull down switch conductive.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to cathode ray tube displays and more particularly to cathode ray displays of the phosphor penetration type employing rapidly selectable high anode or acceleration voltages for providing improved color displays.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Penetration phosphor cathode ray tubes of several types are known in the art and are attractive for use in specialized displays wherein their bright color producing capabilities permit the presentation of complex data in semi-pictorial forms quickly interpretable by the viewer. They are additionally attractive for use in such information displays, including displays for air traffic control, navigation, radar, and the like systems, because they provide images with high resolution and good contrast, even in the central portion of the viewing screen.
The conventional penetration phosphor cathode ray tube in its most prevalent form has a viewing screen which uses controlled penetration of electrons into a series of phosphor layers for producing therein light of a corresponding series of colors. For example, the screen may include two or more different phosphor layers, each very thin, uniform, and separated by a transparent dielectric layer. When the electron beam is driven by a relatively low voltage, the energy of the electrons is not sufficient to penetrate the dielectric barrier layer; only the phosphor of the first layer is excited and only its color is produced. At higher electron beam voltages and correspondingly higher electron energies, the phosphors of both of the first and second layers are excited, the intensity of the color contribution by the second layer phosphor increasing as the electron beam energy is increased.
Full use may be made of the penetration phosphor characteristics in providing a variable color display while using only one electron beam simply by controlling the voltage on the beam acceleration electrode adjacent the focusing electrode. With red and green emitting phosphors, successive changes in the beam acceleration voltage generate distinct colors; for example, red, orange, yellow, or green may thus be generated. Only one suitably controlled electron gun is required and the apertured masks of prior art color television tubes are eliminated along with other features undesirable for use in fast high resolution information displays. A further understanding of the construction and operation of penetration phosphor displays is found in the following Sperry Corporation U.S. patents: S. F. Ignasiak, U.S. Pat. No. 3,939,377 for "Penetration Phosphors and Display Devices", issued Feb. 17, 1976, C. D. Lustig, J. B. Thaxter, U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,267 for "Plural Filter System Cooperating With Cathode Ray Display with Lanthanum Host Phosphor Emissive in Two Colors", issued Mar. 23, 1976, and S. F. Ignasiak, U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,640 for "Penetration Phosphors for Display Devices", issued Jan. 31, 1978.
Various techniques are found in the prior art for selectively switching the color of successive cathode ray traces on such phosphor screens from one color to another. Since such operations necessarily involve the difficult problem of switching of high anode or acceleration voltages, great care must be taken not to compound the already difficult situation by making non-constructive design choices. For example, an anode power supply which appears on its face to be simple, uses a series regulator triode in the anode voltage line and a second triode allowing the discharge of the effective capacitance of the cathode ray anode or accelerating electrode to ground. The effective capacitance to be discharged may be as high as 500 picofarads for a shielded cathode ray tube, so that considerable power must be dissipated.
Where much shorter switching times are desired and much lower power dissipation, as is often the case in airborne displays, switching power supplies have been proposed that consist of a relatively slow switching shunt triode connected in parallel with a fast switching device employing two sequentially operating pulse transformers with controlling drive circuits permitting anode voltage rise and fall times to be considerably reduced. However, even the latter arrangement lacks suitability since the two pulse transformers are large and heavy. Furthermore, the prior art supply does not generally lend itself to construction in a compact, efficient, stable, and trouble-free form.

High voltage switching power supply for penetration cathode ray displays


The present invention discloses a bi(3,5-dimethyl-5-hydroxymethyl-2-oxomorpholin-3-yl) compound and its efficacy as a rescue agent against anthracycline and mitomycin C induced tissue damage. A method of synthesizing said compound has also been described.

1. Technical Field
The present invention is related to the preparation of an oxomorpholinyl dimer and its efficacy as a rescue agent against anthracycline and mitomycin C induced tissue damage. More particularly, the present invention is related to the synthesis of bi(3,5-dimethyl-5-hydroxymethyl-2-oxomorpholin-3-yl) and its use as a protective drug for the prevention or treatment of anthracycline and mitomycin C induced tissue injury.
2. State of the Art
Anthracycline compounds, particularly doxourubicin and daunorubicin, and mitomycin C are useful drugs in the treatment of human malignant diseases. However, the clinical application of these compounds is limited by their tissue or organ toxicity. For instance, tissue necrosis following drug extravasation is a well recognized complication resulting from the intravenous administration of doxorubicin (DOX) or mitomycin C (MIT). The local toxicity is characterized initially by pain, erythema, and swelling at the site of extravasation. The clinical course of tissue damage is variable and indolent, but it can progress to ulcer formation and necrosis of deep subcutaneous structures including tendons, joints, and nerves. Extensive surgical debridement may be required and infection and/or loss of limb function may be secondary complications of this injury.
Of utmost importance in the prevention of drug-induced skin injury is meticulous intravenous technique. However, even when DOX or MIT is administered by experienced and well-trained chemotherapy personnel, the incidence of extravasation may be high. Newer schedules of drug administration, such as weekly dosing or continuous infusion may increase the chance of drug extravasation.
Recommendations for the local treatment of DOX or MIT extravasation are based largely on anecdotal or uncontrolled clinical studies and many agents have been cited as putative antidotes for drug-induced injury. Several animal models have been developed to test the efficacy of these potential antidotes. However, the skin of most of these species differs considerably from human skin and these models have failed to establish a consistently effective pharmacologic treatment for DOX-induced injury. Recently, a swine model was developed to study DOX skin toxicity (Wolgemuth, et al., Proc. Am. Assoc. Cancer Res. 23:171, 1982; Desai, et al., Cancer Treat. Rep. 66:1371-1374, 1982) and only one report has adequately demonstrated predictable and reproducible lesions following intradermal injections of DOX (Okano, et al., Cancer Treat. Rep. 67:1075-1078, 1983). Again, no clear protection against necrosis, by any of 11 agents tested in this model, could be shown, although dimethyl sulfoxide appeared to ameliorate the severity of injury.
Bi(3,5-dimethyl-5-hydroxymethyl-2-oxomorpholin-3-yl) (DHM3) of the present invention represents a class of radical dimer compounds that reacts with DOX in vitro to produce the insoluble and pharmacologically inactive 7-deoxyaglycone metabolite. Various benefits of DMH3 of the present invention are demonstrated.

Oxomorpholinyl dimer and rescue of anthracycline and mitomycin C damage

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services


The present application discloses a mobile apparatus includes a light emitting unit, a touch sensor unit, a display panel and a control circuit; wherein the light emitting unit providing backlight to the display panel, the touch sensor unit is disposed on the light emitting unit and electrically connected to the control circuit. The present application is by disposing the touch sensor unit on the light-emitting unit and electrically connected to the control circuit, so that the mobile apparatus does not need to additional provide a FPC need to be adhesive to the cover plate to dispose the touch sensor unit, to save the cost and eliminate the adhesion process.

With the development of mobile phone industry, touch screen mobile phone has been widely applied, users can realize the function of the independent button by the method of forming capacitance by touching sensor pattern by user's finger and the touch sensor unit in the mobile phone.
For touch sensor unit in the touch mobile phone, in the conventional technology, the touch sensor unit is formed on the separate FPC in a more common practice, then the FPC is adhesion on the cover plate. In this approach, an additional FPC is needed to be provided, and it need to adhesive the FPC to the cover plate with high costs, and increase the adhesion process.

Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd


An endless roller chain conveyor supports pallets, which independently travel along the horizontal runs of the conveyor, while the roller chain runs continuously. The pallets are attached in a vertical position and may be stopped and held anywhere along the conveyor using mechanically driven stop assemblies located at required load, unload, holdback, or workstation positions assigned to the particular application. The carriers or pallets are driven on the roller chain by way of a guided sprocket, adjustable clutch, alignment bar, and support roller assemblies. The pallets are guided by xe2x80x9cVxe2x80x9d grooved wheels or other roller or wheel arrangement securing the pallet to a track assembly fitted to the upper support structure which creates a continuous track which allows pallets to travel in a xe2x80x9ccarouselxe2x80x9d fashion. Vertical-type pallets allow for the transport of long products as well as parts commonly carried on the horizontal style of the conveyor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vertical or carousel-type conveyor assembly wherein the pallets are transported in a vertical orientation and are configured to accumulate along the conveyor at dedicated stop stations or during contact with other accumulated pallets.
2. Background Art
Prior art designs facilitate carrying of parts on a vertical pallet or carrier, but do not allow for accumulation of the pallets along an endless drive chain. These designs were indexing style conveyors, which relied upon the pallets being attached permanently to the drive chains on fixed centers. This type of design is greatly limited in flexibility in comparison to accumulating-type conveyors. An accumulating conveyor is one which allows pallets to stop moving with a continuously moving drive chain at dedicated stop stations, or while contacting other pallets. Accordingly, while the drive chain is continually driven, one or more pallets may be stopped and accumulated while the pallets are loaded or unloaded, or other operations are performed on the parts which are carried by the pallets, such as welding operations, etc.
Accumulating pallet assemblies are available, however these conveyors are of the over/under type, which carry the pallets in a horizontal position. One such conveyor assembly is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,813, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. This horizontal style conveyor is flexible in operation, but may become excessively wide if it must carry long or wide parts. This is undesirable because floor space is at a premium in manufacturing or assembly plants in which these conveyors are implemented.
Another shortcoming of horizontal-type conveyors is that products cannot be recirculated. The products must be removed prior to a terminal end of the conveyor so that the pallet may be transported, upside down, along the lower run back to a starting terminal end. Also, the over/under style conveyor requires that the pallets may only be stopped for loading and unloading between the terminal ends because special mechanical features are required at the terminal ends for transporting the pallets between the upper and lower runs, and therefore the terminal ends are generally enclosed and not accessible for stopping or not configurable for stopping. Also, the over/under style cannot carry parts around the terminal end from an upper level to a lower level without some mechanical means of holding the product on the fixture or tooling.
It is desirable to provide a much more flexible conveyor configuration capable of multiple load and unload positions while providing pallet accumulation and the ability to carry larger parts. It is also desirable to reduce the footprint of the conveyor equipment required to carry such parts.
Objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading of the following specification and claims, and are achieved by providing an endless chain arranged in a horizontal configuration and engaged with first and second sprockets which are rotatable about vertical axes of rotation. The endless chain is configured to transport a plurality of pallets along at least one rail by engagement with a clutch sprocket on each pallet. The clutch sprockets enable pallet accumulation anywhere along the length of the conveyor assembly. The vertical conveyor does not require that pallets be stopped for loading and unloading only between the terminal ends.
This xe2x80x9cverticalxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9ccarouselxe2x80x9d type conveyor assembly will carry long or wide parts in a more upright position, therefore minimizing the overall footprint of the machine. Since the pallets travel in a continuously upright orientation, the attitude of the product being carried never changes. No other means of holding a part on the fixture or tooling is required during the entire travel of a complete revolution. Another benefit of the vertical design over an over/under style conveyor is the ability of the user to allow products to be recirculated if not removed prior to a terminal end.
The clutch sprockets on the carriers or pallets provide resistance to the chains by means of adjustable clutches and alignment bars. The adjustable clutches allow for adjustment of rolling resistance to accommodate the particular load requirements of the specific application for a particular machine. The sprockets are engaged on the inside of the multi-strand roller chain and the alignment bars are riding on the outside of the multi-strand roller chain.
A single driven sprocket located at the drive end of the conveyor drives the multi-strand roller chain. At the opposing end of the conveyor a similar sprocket acts as an idler and/or take-up sprocket to allow for proper tensioning of the multi-strand roller chain.
Unlike the horizontal-type accumulating pallet conveyor, the sprockets are mounted in such a way as to have the center shafts mounted vertically.
Each individual pallet or carrier is both supported and guided by a series of articulating xe2x80x9cVxe2x80x9d-grooved wheels assemblies which engage a mating xe2x80x9cVxe2x80x9d section machined track having a continuous path with straight runs and curved returns fitting together in a smooth and continuous path. This configuration is preferred to provide for a tight and more precise fit of the pallet or carrier relative to the track to maintain a tight tolerance. For some more forgiving applications, other guide wheel arrangements may be applied. The bottom of each pallet or carrier may have similar guides or simpler roller configurations depending on the particular application for a machine.

Vertical conveyor assembly with accumulating pallets


A wafer cleaning apparatus includes a polishing unit used in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a wafer and a cleaning dispensing unit arranged to direct cleaning fluids toward a far edge of the wafer after the CMP of the wafer. A wafer cleaning method includes CMP of a wafer by a polishing unit and directing cleaning fluids toward a far edge of the wafer after the CMP of the wafer by a cleaning dispensing unit. Another method can include CMP, applying deionized water, and applying pH adjuster having a pH range from about 2 to about 13.

Chemical mechanical polishing, CMP, is commonly used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry to polish and remove metal or other materials from over a surface of a semiconductor substrate upon which semiconductor devices are being fabricated. Most commonly, conductive interconnect patterns are formed on semiconductor devices by forming a series of openings, such as vias and trenches in an insulating material disposed on a substrate surface, and then forming a conductive layer over the substrate surface and filling the openings. Damascene technology involves removing the conductive material from over the surface such that the conductive material remains only in the openings to form conductive structures such as various plugs and leads that serve as interconnection patterns and vias. CMP is also used extensively for planarizing shallow trench isolation regions.
When polishing to remove metal materials from over the substrate surface, it is critical to ensure that no metal residue remains over the surface as this can cause bridging between otherwise isolated conductive features, resulting in short circuits. Even when additional steps such as brush cleaning are used after CMP, residues remain that can still cause defects.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


A method includes initiating a test of a servo gauge by causing the servo gauge to attempt to move a displacer of the servo gauge, where the servo gauge uses a drum to move the displacer in a tank. The method also includes measuring a torque associated with the drum during or after the attempt to move the displacer and identifying a mechanical problem with the servo gauge based on the measured torque. For example, a stuck displacer can be identified when the measured torque exceeds an upper expected value. A lost displacer or a stuck drum can be identified when the measured torque is below a lower expected value.

Various facilities routinely include tanks for storing liquid and gas products. For example, storage tanks are routinely used in tank farms and oil, gas, and chemical storage facilities to store liquid and gas products. As another example, oil tankers and other liquid transport vessels routinely include numerous tanks storing oil or other products.
Often times, it is necessary or desirable to measure the level of a product in a tank, such as during loading of a product into the tank or unloading of a product from the tank. For example, an overfill protection system is typically used to detect when a product is approaching the maximum safe fill level of a tank. Ideally, these measurements are used to stop the filling of the tank before the tank overflows or is damaged and the product escapes from the tank. Overfill protection systems often require extreme reliability and precise measurements of the product in a storage tank.
Among other approaches, radar gauges and servo gauges have been used to measure the product level in a tank. A radar gauge typically transmits radar signals towards a product in a tank and receives radar signals reflected off the surface of the product in the tank. Analysis of the reflected signals can be used to determine the product level in the tank. A servo gauge typically raises and lowers a displacer that sinks in the product within a tank. The servo gauge can determine the product level in the tank based on changes in the displacer's apparent weight, which changes depending on (among other things) whether the displacer is hanging in the air or submerged in the product.

Apparatus and methods for automatically testing a servo gauge in an inventory management system


The present invention discloses a paper web with a highly textured surface and a method of forming the highly textured web. The process includes printing a viscous material onto the surface of a paper web in a pattern with a low pressure printing process. Specifically, it has been discovered that certain low pressure printing technologies may be used to deliver a viscous material to the surface of a paper web such as a tissue, an air laid web, or a fibrous nonwoven web with good control of material delivery. At some point after the viscous material is applied to the web, the material may be fibrillated into a three-dimensional structure and then cured. In various embodiments, the viscous material may be fibrillated and cured so as to provide a good scrubbing surface to the web, provide an attachment structure on the web, or provide a good contact surface against a second substrate in forming laminate products.

Products made from paper webs such as bath tissues, facial tissues, paper towels, industrial wipers, food service wipers, napkins, medical pads and other similar products are designed to include several important properties. For example, for most applications, the product should be highly absorbent. In addition, products often should include surface texture in order to provide, for example, a good wiping surface in the case of wiping products or a soft surface texture in products which may be used while in contact with skin. Moreover, absorbent paper products which are multi-ply laminated products should avoid delamination under conditions of use.
Methods for increasing texture at the surface of a paper product are well known in the art. One well-known method is embossing, wherein the fibers in the web are mechanically deformed under high mechanical pressure to impart kinks and microcompressions in the fibers that remain substantially permanent while the web is dry. When wetted, however, the fibers may swell and straighten as the local stresses associated with the kinks or microcompressions in the fiber relax. Thus, embossed tissue when wetted tends to lose much of the added surface texture imparted by embossing, and tends to collapse back to a relatively flat state. Similar considerations apply to the fine texture imparted to tissue by creping or microstraining, for such texture is generally due to local kinks and microcompressions in the fibers that may be relaxed when the tissue is wetted, causing the tissue to collapse toward a flatter state than it was in while dry.
Other methods are known in the art for protecting the strength of a paper web, such as when the paper web is wet. These methods, however, do little to protect the texture of the surface of the web while maintaining web strength. For example, wet strength agents may be used in tissue and other paper webs to help strengthen or protect fiber-fiber bonds of the web as it dries, but such agents do not protect additional texture imparted to the dry web by embossing, creping, microstraining, or similar processes. When an embossed web which has been treated with wet strength agents is wetted, the swelling of the fibers and/or the relaxation of stresses in the fibers tends to remove much of the embossed texture as the web returns to the topography that existed as the web initially dried when the wet strength agents became activated or cured.
Thus, there is a need for a method of converting a dry tissue web or other porous web into a structure having enhanced texture and physical properties. Moreover, there is a need for a highly textured paper product which may maintain a highly textured surface even after becoming wet.
Further, laminated products, such as laminated wiping products, for example, often experience delamination of plies during scrubbing. The use of binder fibers has been utilized in the past to join two textured webs, but this method sometimes results in weak spots where the binder fibers are scarce. Maintaining good uniformity of binder fibers between plies may be challenging, and getting good contact between the fibers and both adjacent tissue plies may also be challenging. Thus, there is a further need for a multi-ply wiping product which may maintain desired surface characteristics during use with improved contact between plies and less chance of ply delamination during use.

Absorbent webs including highly textured surface


A method for machining the tooth flanks of a bevel gear workpiece includes carrying out correction machining of a concave tooth flank and a convex tooth flank of at least one tooth gap by, after machining using a first machine setting, cutting free of the concave tooth flank by the bevel gear workpiece executing a workpiece rotation in a first rotational direction having a predefined first absolute value in relation to a gear-cutting tool and/or cutting free the convex flank by the bevel gear workpiece executing a workpiece rotation in another rotational direction having a predefined second absolute value in relation to the gear-cutting tool, and finish machining the concave tooth flank using a second machine setting, which differs from the first machine setting, and finish machining the convex tooth flank using a third machine setting, which differs from the second machine setting.

There are greatly varying approaches for the industrial production of bevel gears. Crown gears, as a special form of bevel gears, are frequently produced by a plunging method (also called piercing), in which the profile is generally accurately imaged as a tooth gap in the material of a crown gear workpiece. A corresponding example is shown in schematic form in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C.
This plunging method is a forming method. There are both single-indexing and also continuous-indexing plunging or forming methods. The tool 2 (a cutter head gear-cutting tool 2 here) having bar cutters 3 executes solely a plunging or piercing movement ET in relation to the crown gear workpiece 1 for the milling of the tooth gaps. Most of the methods in this case operate in the two-flank cut, also called completing. In this case, both tooth flanks are finished using one tool and one machine setting (as described in one of the following paragraphs). There are also plunging methods in which the individual flanks are machined separately. However, this is only rarely used in practice.
The workpiece spindle axis R2 (also called the workpiece rotational axis R2) is typically inclined in relation to the tool spindle axis R1 (also called the tool rotational axis R1), as indicated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A shows the situation during the execution of an infeed movement ZB, to move the tool 2 toward the crown gear workpiece 1. FIG. 1B shows a snapshot after the execution of the plunging movement ET. During the plunging, the machine setting of the gear-cutting machine is maintained in the simplest case, since in this case only a linear plunging or piercing movement ET of the tool 2 into the crown gear workpiece 1 takes place. In this case, there is only the plunging advance, which is illustrated in the basic gear-cutting machine by the movement of only one axis. Depending on the construction of the real gear-cutting machine, however, multiple axes of the machine can move. Further details in this regard can be inferred, for example, from document DE10334493 A1.
FIG. 1C illustrates the known plunging method in simplified schematic form in summary. The dotted arrow illustrates the infeed movement ZB and the solid arrow, which is oriented in the direction of the crown gear workpiece 1 (not shown here), illustrates the plunging movement ET. A dashed arrow having reversed direction is shown in parallel to the solid arrow. This dashed arrow illustrates the withdrawal movement AT. After the tooth base of a tooth gap to be created is reached, a direction reversal takes place. In FIG. 1C, this is shown by the opposing arrows ET and AT and by the reversal point UP. The orientation of the infeed movement ZB does not necessarily have to correspond to the orientation of the plunging movement ET, as shown in FIG. 1C. The symbol M1 is to indicate that the plunging takes place using a first machine setting M1.
The machine setting during the plunging is typically defined by the following variables: radial distance φ (also referred to as radial), cradle angle α, machine base angle γ, depth position χ, axial offset η, inclination angle (tilt) τ and orientation angle (swivel) σ, and the distance mccp of the axis intersection point of the crown gear workpiece 1 from the machine center of the gear-cutting machine. All of these variables can be constant during the plunging, as already described. Only the depth position χ changes, as indicated in FIG. 1B by the arrow ET.
Further details on the plunging of bevel gears can be inferred, for example, from the book "Kegelräder; Grundlagen, Anwendungen [bevel gears; foundations, applications]" of the editor Jan Klingelnberg, 2008, Springer-Verlag, (see, for example, pages 105-106 therein).
Alternatively, crown gears can also be produced by generative methods. In most cases, however, plunging is more productive than generative methods.
It has been shown that topography errors, such as spiral angle, longitudinal crowning, vertical crowning, twist, and flank angle errors can occur in plunge-machined bevel gears 1, i.e., in bevel gears 1 which have been machined by a plunging method. Moreover, tooth thickness and indexing errors can occur. The flank angle errors and the correction thereof are primarily described hereafter, wherein the disclosure herein may also be applied to the other mentioned errors.
Studies have now shown that these flank angle errors are caused, for example, by thermal influences in the gear-cutting machine and by deformations of the crown gear workpieces. Variations, which occur during the regrinding of the bar cutters of the cutter head gear-cutting tools 2, have been identified as a further cause of the occurrence of flank angle errors.
The location, direction, or shape of the mentioned flank angle errors can be defined as positive and negative. They can occur oriented in opposite directions, i.e., the flank angle error of the concave tooth flank has a different sign than that of the convex tooth flank, or oriented in the same direction, the flank angle errors of both tooth flanks have the same sign. Such flank angle errors, which either point in the positive direction on both tooth flanks or in the negative direction on both tooth flanks, cannot be corrected to zero during the plunging by means of correction of the machine settings, since the plunging, as mentioned above, machines the concave and convex tooth flanks using only one machine setting. Because only one machine setting is usually available during the plunging, such flank angle errors can only be averaged via changing the plunging position. However, this is only possible if the flank angle errors are different from the absolute value. The relative position between the gear-cutting tool 2 and the crown gear workpiece 1 is referred to as the plunging position.

Method for machining the tooth flanks of bevel gear workpieces


A clamping heat sink formed of a thermally conductive material for releasable attachment to an electronic component. The clamping heat sink includes a horizontal base wall, a pair of vertical side walls extending upwardly from the base and a resiliently deflectable clamping element which extends downwardly from the top of each vertical wall into the rectangular channel which is formed by the base wall and vertical side walls. Each clamping element has an upper portion which extends downwardly at any angle toward the base wall and the opposite side wall and a lower portion which extends downwardly at an angle from the lower end of the upper portion toward its own side wall, the upper portion of the clamping element forming a juncture with the lower portion. Each vertical side wall has an opening which is horizontally aligned with its respective clamping element to enable the clamping element to be deflected into the opening when a semiconductor package is passed between the clamping elements, prior to positioning of the semiconductor package on the base wall of the clamping heat sink.

The present invention is directed to an improved heat sink for clamping to an electrical component and, specifically, to an electronic semiconductor device or package, such as a TO-220. The TO-220 has a housing which contains electrical connections and metallic tabs which project from the housing. In order to dissipate the heat which is generated by such a semiconductor device, a heat sink of heat conductive material such as resilient sheet metal is applied to the semiconductor device. The heat sink is in contact with the semiconductor device for conducting heat from the semiconductor device. The heat sink also has a relatively large radiating surface for dissipation of heat from the heat sink and away from the semiconductor device.
Prior art self clamping heat sinks for semiconductor devices are awkward to apply to the semiconductor device. Many prior art clamping heat sinks require special tools to apply and to remove. As a result, the tabs which project on the semiconductor device are frequently disturbed and damaged and result in damage to the electrical connections within the semiconductor device. Other prior art heat sinks do not require special tools. However, these prior art heat sinks are difficult to apply and do not remain connected to the degree of reliability normally required in the assembling of circuit boards. In many cases, design features which enables a heat sink to be easily applied and removed from a semiconductor device also result in a diminishing of the contact area between the semiconductor device and the heat sink. This reduces the effectiveness of the heat sink to remove heat from the semiconductor device. Another problem associated with prior art heat sinks is the inability of the heat sink to be positioned in a precise manner on a semiconductor device. This can cause problems with the connections of the semiconductor device with other electronic components on a typical circuit board. Precise positioning of any component in the crowded environment of a typical circuit board can sometimes be very critical. Semiconductor devices of each particular type are available in a multiplicity of sizes, each size requiring a heat sink of a matching size. This requires a large inventory of heat sinks to accommodate an ever increasing number of semiconductor devices. The ever increasing size of heat sink inventory makes assembly of circuit boards and inventory control increasingly more difficult. These and other difficulties experienced with the prior art clamping heat sinks have been obviated by the present invention.
It is, therefore, the principal object of the invention to provide a clamping heat sink for an electronic semiconductor device which can be applied easily to the semiconductor device by hand and which remains securely in position.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a clamping heat sink which can accommodate a wide range of sizes for an electronic semiconductor device of a particular type.
Still another object of the invention is the provision of a clamping heat sink which has a large radiating surface area within a relatively small amount of physical space for efficient and effective dissipation of heat from the heat sink,
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a clamping heat sink which is effective for being coupled with an electronic semiconductor device at a predetermined position on the device with a high degree of accuracy,
With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination of parts set forth in the specification and covered by the claims appended hereto.


A system is disclosed for assembling a deck structure. The system includes an elongate joist member having at least one inwardly facing slot. Each slot has an interior portion and an entrance that is narrower than the interior portion. A mounting bracket has a first leg that engages the joist member and a second leg that is attached to and extends at an angle from the first leg for engaging a section of the deck structure. The bracket is connected to the joist member by at least one primary connector element that is retained by and extends from a respective slot and engages a corresponding opening in the first leg of the bracket. There is at least one secondary connector. Each secondary connector element is engaged with a corresponding primary connector element to restrict the bracket from disengaging the corresponding primary connector element. A mounting bar for plank retaining clips may be mounted to a stringer, a joist member or some other part of the deck frame.

Outdoor decks, boat docks and similar systems traditionally are constructed of wood. Because such structures are exposed to the elements, they require considerable maintenance. Elements that make up conventional deck systems, including joists, stringers and planks, tend to deteriorate over time and must be repaired or replaced on a fairly regular basis. Pressure treating or applying preservatives to the lumber used in the deck can prolong the life of the structure. However, increasingly strict environmental regulations will likely limit the use of pressure treating and chemical preservatives in the future.
Welded decks are also known. However, these structures must be custom manufactured and typically do not utilize mass produced or standard sized parts. As a result, the time and expense required to manufacture such decks are considerable.
Recently, decking systems have been introduced that employ extruded plastic planks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,448 discloses a clip apparatus that is used to mount such planks to a wooden frame. Although such systems are easier to maintain than conventional all-wood decks, they still exhibit a number of disadvantages. Because wood continues to be used for the frame, regular maintenance of the frame is still required. Additionally, installing the mounting clips on the frame is labor intensive. Presently, each clip has to be individually screwed or otherwise secured to the underlying structural frame.


A vehicle seat belt retractor has a manual cinch mechanism. The retractor includes a spool on which belt webbing is wound. It also includes a metal pawl which is movable into a locking position in engagement with a spool locking ratchet wheel to block the spool against rotation in the belt withdrawal direction. A pawl actuator is movable between a first position and a second position to move the pawl into its locking position. A manually movable member such as a push button can move the pawl actuator into its second position and thereby move the metal pawl into its locking position. When the pawl actuator has been moved into its second position by the manually movable member, an overcenter spring acts to keep the pawl actuator in its second position, holding the metal pawl in its locking position. The overcenter spring can act on the pawl only through the pawl actuator. Thus, the overcenter spring can hold the pawl in its locking position only when the pawl actuator is intentionally moved into its second position by the manually movable member.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a seat belt retractor for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a seat belt retractor having a manual cinch mechanism for blocking seat belt withdrawal on demand by a vehicle occupant.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A vehicle seat belt retractor holds a vehicle occupant in a seat by blocking withdrawal of seat belt webbing from the retractor when the seat belt is buckled around the occupant. Some seat belt retractors are constructed to allow an occupant to buckle the seat belt and still be able to move around in the seat. These retractors include an emergency locking mechanism for blocking withdrawal of the seat belt in an emergency.
Notwithstanding the provision of an emergency locking mechanism in a retractor, some seat belt retractors include a manual "cinch" mechanism, by which a vehicle occupant can manually lock the retractor to block further belt withdrawal. U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,164 shows a seat belt retractor with a manual cinch mechanism actuated by a push button. When the push button is actuated, a locking pawl engages a spool locking ratchet wheel. An overcenter spring attached to the locking pawl holds the pawl in engagement with the spool locking ratchet wheel, blocking rotation of the spool in the belt withdrawal direction.
Retractors incorporating the cinch mechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,164 can unintentionally engage the cinch mechanism when the vehicle passes over rough surfaces. The locking pawl is metal in order to withstand locking loads. It also has enough inertia that under certain road conditions, it can unintentionally pivot against the bias of the overcenter spring into engagement with the spool locking ratchet wheel. The overcenter spring then holds the pawl in engagement with the spool locking ratchet wheel, blocking belt withdrawal and possibly causing occupant discomfort, at a time when the vehicle occupant did not intend to actuate the cinch mechanism. The cinch mechanism can only be disengaged by unbuckling the belt or by opening a vehicle door, both of which actions are unsafe when driving.


Utilizing subscriber address information to provide an alert of a service condition that provides guidance on which area of a service network might be the source of the service condition.

Various utilities and companies provide network services to customers. These services include, for example, power, gas, water, electricity, television, and communications. Each of these networks has a different services delivery infrastructure. Delivery of service can originate from one or more central locations, and span to a user's home through a network that includes various connection points, devices, and mediums. One example of a services delivery network is that which is provided by cable television network operators (also referred to as multiple service operators or MSOs) to facilitate transport of video, data, and voice over infrastructure that has been referred to as community antenna television (CATV) networks. Subscribers can access these services through user devices, which can include, for example, cable modems, embedded multimedia terminal adapters (EMTAs) (also known as cable telephony modems), set-top boxes, televisions, or gateway devices.
Conditions such as, for example, low performance, errors, faults, failures, and disruptions can impact a user's ability to obtain or maintain these services. For purposes of this description, such conditions can be referred to as service conditions. Service conditions can occur at various points in the network, or with any equipment, along the path from the origination point of the service all the way to the equipment at a user's premises. For example, the unavailability of a user device at the user's premises might be due to a failure of a particular device, or the unavailability can be indicative of the failure of a network component further upstream that impacts many downstream user premises devices.
Information about the type of service condition, and the location where such service conditions occur can be very useful to a service technician. Determining the proximity of the impacted devices with each other, such as whether the devices share the same street of a street address, can inform as to where a service condition in the network has occurred. Such diagnosis can lead to faster and more efficient restoration of service or elimination of error and inefficiencies associated with the devices.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Detecting sub-node plant service conditions using subscriber


Improved drive means is provided for imparting clockwise and counterclockwise reciprocal movements to the yarn guides of a circular warp knitting machine including a plurality of vertically reciprocated needles. The improved drive means includes an endless timing belt drivingly connected to the yarn guides and a crank arm drivingly connected at one end to the endless timing belt. A rotary drive wheel is connected to the opposite end of the crank arm for imparting continuous longitudinal reciprocation to the crank arm and to thereby impart reciprocating movement to the endless timing belt and the yarn guide drivingly connected thereto. The yarn guide may include a first yarn guide for directing a base or ground yarn to the needles and a second yarn guide for directing an inlay yarn to the needles. Endless timing belts are utilized in driving each of the base yarn guide and the inlay yarn guide and the timing belt drive permits the circular warp knitting machine to be operated at an increased operating speed.

It is generally known to knit a circular warp knit tubular fabric on a circular warp knitting machine by feeding yarns to vertically reciprocated needles through yarn guides supported for clockwise and counterclockwise reciprocal movement above the needles In most machines of this type, the reciprocal movement is imparted to the yarn guides by a rack and pinion type of drive. This type of rack and pinion drive is noisy, particularly when operated at high speeds, and the speed at which this type of drive can be operated is limited. This type of rack and pinion drive arrangement is subject to rapid wear since the teeth of the rack and pinion undergo severe stress when the rack and pinion reverse directions at each end of the shogging movements imparted to the yarn guides.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,939,671 discloses a circular warp knitting machine for knitting cord-like tubular fabric and the yarn is fed to vertically reciprocated needles by guide arms which are provided with yarn feed guides in one end with the opposite end being drivingly attached to rotating disks so that the yarn feed ends of the guide arms are moved in orbital paths of travel around and above the vertically reciprocated needles. The drive disks are continuously rotated by means of timing belts and timing belt pulleys. However, the orbital path of travel of the yarn feed ends of the guide arms require a great deal of space in the area above the vertically reciprocated needles so that it is not practical to feed a large number of body or ground yarns to the needles, or to also feed inlay yarns to the vertically reciprocated needles in this type of circular warp knitting machine. The movement of the yarn feed ends of the guide arms in an orbital path of travel also tends to limit the speed at which the machine may be operated.