A memory cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a node operable to present an electrical level representing a first state or a second state. Further included is a first switching device having a first terminal connected to the node such that if the first switching device were to close, the electrical level at the node would be connected to a second terminal of the first switching device. Additionally, second and third switching devices are provided both having first and second terminals and both operable to switch as a function of the state at the node. Finally, a single control switching device is provided in association with the second and third switching devices wherein a control signal switches the control switching device such that the state at the node may be determined by connecting to the first terminals of the second and third switching devices.

In modern digital applications, various requirements and constraints are imposed on memory cell designers. Often, the more important considerations depend on the particular application in which the memory cells are being used. For example, in some instances it is highly desirable to minimize the number of devices implemented per memory cell, thereby consuming less surface area on an integrated circuit and, hence, increasing packing density. Another typical constraint is the speed of the memory cell and, thus, considerations of resistance and capacitance are heavily emphasized. Still another concern is memory cell load and power consumption. One increasingly important consideration for memory design is the need to provide multiple access or multiple ports to a single memory cell. These multiple ports permit simultaneous access through each port to the data stored in the cell. Thus, if two or more different devices may require access to a particular memory cell at a given point in time, it is consequently desirable to provide two or more ports to provide access to the data or state of the cell.
One previous effort to provide multi-port access to memory cells requires at least two switching transistors per port terminal in order to provide access to the memory cell. Thus, in addition to the various devices including transistors making up the cell, a pair of transistors for each port terminal are required. Thus, where a dual port cell is created having two terminals per port, a total of four terminals are needed and, hence, eight (i.e. four terminals each requiring two transistors) transistors are required in order to provide access to the cell. In addition, some attempts to provide multi-port access to a memory cell create a significant load on the cell itself. As a result, power consumption for the cell is increased as is the access and delay time associated with the cell. Consequently, an increased number of ports creates a significant trade-off in both power consumption and cell speed.
Therefore, a need has arisen for an improved multiport memory cell configuration which optimizes the various concerns discussed above when one or more of the constratints usually assumed and described above are traded off with each other.

Memory cell circuits, devices, systems and methods of operation


An electrode assembly including a tip electrode and a longitudinally extending axially aligned weld electrode egageably receiving a distal end of a coiled wire strand conductor at a proximal end. A connector member includes a fastener having an enlarged head and a threaded shank, the weld electrode includes an integral weld sleeve with an annular locking tab engageable with the enlarged head to prevent longitudinal movement while permitting rotational movement. The weld electrode has an internal bore for receiving an elongated stylet selectively engageable therewith for implanting and explanting the electrode assembly. The tip electrode includes an integral attachment sleeve having an outer peripheral surface extending in a direction away from the tip and having a longitudinally extending tapped bore for engagement with the threaded shank of the connector member. The weld sleeve and attachment sleeve are mutually stepped to prevent their relative rotation when in the locked position.

The present invention relates to the construction of an electrode assembly for an implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, which enables it to be implanted, then easily explanted when necessary in a manner not previously known.
While the present invention will be described in a specific manner as being applicable to a pacemaker, it will be understood that the invention is applicable to any other type of implantable medical device intended to stimulate body tissue. Modem pacemakers monitor the activity of a heart and provide a stimulation pulse in the absence of normal heart activity. Advantageously, such devices are relatively small, lightweight and implantable. In order to sense and stimulate the heart, however, such pacemakers must be used with a pacemaker lead, an electrical conductor that carries electrical signals between the heart and the pacemaker. The pacemaker lead can be inserted into the heart transvenously through a relatively simple and well-known surgical procedure.
Lead extraction is required when an infection occurs and at times when products are upgraded or replaced. When infected leads must be removed, physicians have shown a desire to remove uninfected leads to rid the venous system and right ventricle of unnecessary hardware Current lead extraction techniques have proven adequate but can be time-consuming. The technique of extraction runs a high risk of lead separation. The locking stylet method can run the risk of jamming midway in the lead and is sensitive to inner diameters of leads. Such an occurrence can result in ineffective lead removal or lead separation. The laser extraction method is expensive and not readily available.
For some extractions, removal of the lead body is necessary and extraction of the distal tip is exceedingly difficult because of fibrosis on the myocardium to the tines. Tines are used to fixate and stabilize passive fixation leads. If the distal tip (including tines) were detached, the lead extraction could continue at a low risk.
A number of patents are somewhat definitive of the prior art in this regard. Connector appliances are known for easily and rapidly connecting a lead to an electromedical device, which may be implanted in the body of a recipient and also for disconnecting the lead. Typical of such appliances are U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,280 to Nettekoven et al. for xe2x80x9cElectrosurgical Electrode Connectorxe2x80x9d, U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,144 to Sivard for xe2x80x9cDevice for Affixing a Lead Connector to an Implantable Stimulatorxe2x80x9d, U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,188 to Bradshaw et al. for xe2x80x9cCardiac Pacemaker with Collet-Type Lead Connectorxe2x80x9d, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,225 to Julian for xe2x80x9cElectrical Terminal with a Collet Grip for a Defibrillatorxe2x80x9d.
More closely akin the present invention are patents, which disclose apparatus for implanting and explanting a distal lead to and from a desired body site. Typical of this group of patents are U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,419 to Osypka for xe2x80x9cCardiac Pacemaker Leadxe2x80x9d and U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,683 to Goode et al. for xe2x80x9cApparatus for Removing an Elongated Structure Implanted in Biological Tissuexe2x80x9d.
It was with knowledge of the foregoing state of the technology that the present invention has been conceived and is now reduced to practice.
The present invention relates to an electrode assembly for a body implantable lead provided for the delivery of stimulation energy to a desired body site and includes a tip electrode having a face adapted for positioning at least adjacent the desired body site and a longitudinally extending axially aligned weld electrode engageably receiving a distal end of an electrical conductor at a proximal end. The electrical conductor is a coiled wire strand with an inner peripheral surface for fitting reception on an outer peripheral surface of the weld electrode. A connector member includes a fastener having an enlarged head and a threaded shank, the weld electrode includes an integral weld sleeve with an annular locking tab engageable with the enlarged head to prevent longitudinal movement while permitting rotational movement. The weld electrode has an internal bore for receiving an elongated stylet selectively engageable therewith for implanting the electrode assembly at a desired body site and for explanting the electrode assembly from that body site. The tip electrode includes an integral attachment sleeve having an outer peripheral surface extending in a direction away from the face thereof and having a longitudinally extending tapped bore for threaded engagement with the threaded shank of the connector member. The weld sleeve and the attachment sleeve are mutually stepped to prevent their relative rotation when in the locked position. An insulative sheath is fittingly received on the outer peripheral surface of the attachment sleeve and includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly projecting integral tines.
This invention, then, concerns a lead that has a removable distal electrode which gives the lead the ability to be removed without traumatic surgery. This translates into reduced money and time for the lead extraction procedure. The mechanism is designed for a passive fixation electrode but it can easily be incorporated into an active fixation lead.
The invention is activated by a stylet that has a driver mechanism. In this embodiment, the driver mechanism is a flat blade screwdriver. Standard ball-tip stylets can and are used for implanting the lead and do not affect or activate the driver mechanism.
When a physician has determined that a lead has to be extracted, the first procedure is to pull on the lead to determine whether it can be removed without further surgical procedures. If that is unsuccessful, the physician has the option to detach the distal tip and remove the lead, leaving the tip in the fibrotic growth. This results in shorter time in the operating room and increased safety for the patient. The doctor activates the mechanism by inserting the screwdriver stylet into the lead and advancing the stylet to the most distal position. When that position is reached, the physician then rotates the stylet counterclockwise as if removing a bolt. The stylet engages into the slot of the detachable tip mechanism and further rotation of the stylet results in the tip detaching. The physician then easily extracts the lead.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide the construction of an electrode assembly for an implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, which enables it to be implanted, then easily explanted when necessary.
It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a surgeon with the option, in one instance, of extracting both the lead and the tip electrode if possible without undue harm to the surrounding tissue and, in another instance, of extracting only the lead, leaving the tip electrode in the fibrotic growth which impedes its removal.
Still a further feature of the present invention is to provide such an electrode assembly with a highly removable tip electrode for safer and less costly lead explants.
Yet a further feature of the present invention is to provide such an electrode assembly with a construction which activates with a special driver stylet.
A still further feature of the present invention is to provide such an electrode assembly with a lead, which becomes isodiametric for easy removal.
Yet another further feature of the present invention is to provide such an electrode assembly with a construction which handles like a standard RV lead at implant.
Other and further features, advantages, and benefits of the invention will become apparent in the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory but are not to be restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate one of the embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention in general terms. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the disclosure.

Electrode assembly with a detachable distal tip


An eyepiece optical system for projecting a plane image on a two-dimensional display element onto an eyeball as an extended virtual image, comprises a first group of lenses G1 including a positive meniscus lens L1 having a concave face toward the eyeball, a both-face aspeherical lens L2 and a both-face aspherical lens L3 having both convex faces in the vicinity of center and positive paraxial refractive power; and a second group of lenses G2 including a both-face aspherical lens L4 having both concave faces in the vicinity of center and negative paraxial refractive power, the first and second groups of lenses being arranged in order from the side of the eyeball. An eyepiece image display device uses such an eyepiece optical system.

The present invention relates to an eyepiece optical system which can be applied to a head/face fitting visual display device, and an eyepiece image (video) display device equipped with it. The eyepiece optical system can be held at a user's head or face.
In recent years, for the purpose of "virtual reality" or personally enjoying a large-screen image, visual display devices of a helmet type or goggle type which are held at a user's head or face have become available. For example, one of them is to enlarge a image on a small display element such as a liquid display element, an EL display element, etc. and project it onto an eyeball through an eyepiece optical system such as a lens. The optical system for such an eyepiece visual display device is shown in FIG. 27. In FIG. 27, reference numeral 3 denotes a two-dimensional display element; 20 an eyepiece lens for enlarging and projecting it in the air; and 10 denotes eyeballs of an observer. In a conventional device, the enlarged virtual image of an original image formed on two-dimensional display devices 3 is formed and appreciated by an eyeball 10.
An example of the conventional technique for an eyepiece optical system is an eyepiece lens such as a microscope, binoculars, telescope, finder, etc. (the Examined Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. Sho 40-9090, the Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Sho 50-151163, the Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Sho 51-120231, the Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Sho 52-72242, and the Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei 3-87709).
In order to improve the fitting capability of a head/face fitting visual display device, it is important to reduce the entire size of the device and the weight thereof. Assuring a large view angle is required to enhance the presence of a screen. It is not too much to say that the presence is critically dependent on the view angle provided. It is desired that a display view angle of 100.degree. or more in an opposite angle is realized to give the presence such as an three-dimensional effect, intensity, immersing sense, etc. to an observer.
Further, a designed small pupil diameter at an eye point in a eyepiece system leads to a freedom of pupil so that slight deviation of the pupil from an optimum fitting state of the device results in a dark area on the periphery of the observed field of view, thus impairing the sense of reality. Therefore, it is required to reduce the F-number in an eyepiece optical system.
However, if the view angle in the eyepiece optical system is increased and the F-number is decreased, much aberration occurs because light passes the periphery of the optical system. This makes it difficult to correct the aberration in a compact configuration and lowers the resolution of a peripheral image under the influence of curvature of field. Particularly, it is difficult to correct the curvature of field since in the eyepiece lens having a smaller number of lenses, a positive lens is located at a high light-ray position and a negative lens is located at a low light-ray position to reduce the Petzval sum in distribution of positive and negative power.
The eyepiece optical system provided by the present invention satisfies the following conditions simultaneously:
(1) a large view angle of 110.degree. or more in an opposite angle PA1 (2) a small F number (large pupil diameter) PA1 (3) a suitable eye relief (distance from the eye of an observer to the first surface of the eyepiece lens) PA1 (4) good aberration correction
On the other hand, although the conventional eyepiece lens assures a relatively large view angle of 50.degree. to 70.degree., it cannot satisfy the above conditions indispensable to realize sufficient realism or presence and easiness in practical use in applications such as "virtual reality". Therefore, equipping an eyepiece image display device with the above conventional eyepiece lens cannot provide a large observation view angle, large freedom of pupil position and flat clear image to the periphery.

Eyepiece optical system and eyepiece image display device


A method and apparatus for forming an elastic memory foam into an expansion element with an outer diameter larger than a borehole, heating the expansion element to its transition temperature and compressing it to a smaller run-in diameter, cooling the compressed expansion element below its transition temperature and running it into the borehole, then raising the expansion element to its transition temperature to cause it to expand and seal against the borehole wall. Expansion can be enhanced by expanding a mandrel on which the expansion element is formed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is in the field of methods and apparatus for isolating one zone of an oil or gas well bore from another zone.
2. Background Art
It is common to drill an oil or gas well bore into and through several different zones, where the zones are layered vertically. In such cases, it is typical to isolate each zone from the zones above and below it by installing a packer in the well bore between zones, surrounding a tubular element, such as production piping, which is used to access the various zones. Known systems for achieving this isolation commonly use inflatable or mechanically expandable packers. The inflated packers can be filled with various fluids or even cement. These types of packers can be expensive, and setting them in place can be complicated, since electrical or mechanical systems are usually required for the setting operation. These packers are also less effective in open hole applications than in cased hole applications, because they sometimes do not truly conform to the irregular walls of the open hole, resulting in a limited pressure seal capacity.

Zonal isolation using elastic memory foam


A pedestal is provided that is matingly engagable with a like companion pedestal in vertically stacked relation to support corner portions of pavers, tiles, or like decking elements in edgewise juxtaposition above an underlying surface. The pedestal has a base, plate, or body, having a plurality of corner support portions and a topside and bottom side that define a predetermined thickness, or height, of the base, plate, or body. An abutment, such as an upstanding wall, flange, post, or the like, projects upwardly from the topside a predetermined distance, or height, that is greater than or equal to the predetermined thickness of the base, plate, or body. An aperture, such as a slot or the like, extends transversely through the base, plate, or body and is offset from the abutment. Accordingly, a like abutment of a companion pedestal can extend through the aperture of an upper stacked pedestal thereby permitting the pedestals to be stacked together in a stable manner.

The present invention relates generally to systems and pedestals for constructing a traffic-bearing surface elevated from an underlying surface, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a stackable pedestal, such as a fixed height pedestal, and deck system using same.
Decking systems can be used to construct terraces, pedestrian walkways, gardens, plaza decks, sun decks, balconies, patios or the like elevated from an underlying surface or structure. Such decking systems may be elevated for drainage or other purposes and can be constructed on horizontal as well as inclined underlying surfaces. For example, inclined roofs of many buildings are capable of supporting a traffic-bearing surface, or deck.
Examples of deck systems utilizing roof pavers, or ballast blocks, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,887,397; 5,377,468; 5,442,882; and 6,604,330 B2 issued to Repasky. Also see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,570,397 issued to Creske; and 5,588,264 and 6,332,292 B1 issued to Buzon.
So-called "fixed-height" pedestals are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,442,882 and 6,604,330 B2 issued to Repasky. For example, a fixed-height pedestal (reference numeral 30) is illustrated in the Repasky '882 patent, and a fixed-height pedestal (reference numeral 68) is illustrated in the Repasky '330 patent. The fixed height pedestals have upstanding walls that define quadrants on which the corner portions of pavers or the like are supported. The upstanding walls engage the edges of the pavers to hold the pavers in a desired position and create desired uniform lateral spacing between adjacent pavers so that drainage gaps are provided.
The above referenced fixed-height pedestals are stackable. For this to be possible, the upstanding walls on a lower pedestal are received within downwardly-opening recesses formed on an underside of an upper pedestal. Accordingly, if the upper and lower pedestals are identical and of identical thickness, the height of the upstanding walls is limited to a height slightly less then the thickness of the fixed height pedestal body.
Further, it is known to use relatively-thin, flat shims to refine the height of a pedestal assembly. Typically, the flat shims are of a thickness less than the thickness of the fixed height pedestal body and have openings permitting the shims to fit over the upstanding walls of the pedestal. As an example, if the height, or thickness, of a fixed-height pedestal is about 0.625 inch (1.6 cm), flat shims with a thickness of 0.125 inch (0.3 cm) or 0.0625 inch (0.16 cm) may be added onto the pedestal to make fine adjustments to the total height of the pedestal assembly. However, the addition of the shims effectively reduces the height to which the upstanding walls extend above the upper surface of the pedestal assembly. Reducing the height of the upstanding wall of the pedestal assembly causes problems in that the pavers can be easily jostled out of proper position and alignment.
While the deck systems disclosed in the above referenced patents may be satisfactory for their intended purposes, there is a need for a stable, stackable pedestal for use in such systems. The system should ensure that the pedestal assembly retains the pavers, tiles, or other like decking elements in a desired position within a deck and should permit the height of the pedestal to be adjusted by stacking like pedestals together and by the addition of shims to the top of the pedestal assembly. In addition, the pedestals should be capable of efficient manufacture and installation.

Stackable pedestal for supporting decking elements


A manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging device, the device comprising: a semiconductor substrate; photodiodes each comprising a surface-side first conductivity type region formed adjacent to a surface of the semiconductor substrate and a second conductivity type region provided directly under the surface-side first conductivity type region; a second conductivity type vertical transfer region provided in the vicinity of the surface-side first conductivity type region; at least one first conductivity type inter-pixel isolation region provided under the vertical transfer region; and at least one first conductivity type overflow barrier region provided below the first conductivity type inter-pixel isolation region, the method comprising: a first step of forming the first conductivity type overflow barrier region in a semiconductor substrate; and a second step of ion-implanting first conductivity type impurity ions from a direction in which channeling tends to occur, to form at least one of the first conductivity type inter-pixel isolation region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging device. In particular, the invention relates to a manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging device having a vertical overflow drain structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
CCD solid-state imaging devices and MOS solid-state imaging devices are popular solid-state imaging devices for digital cameras, and solid-state imaging devices of either type employ photodiodes as photodetectors. The photodiodes generate charges in accordance with the quantities of incident light, and carriers of one type (usually electrons) produced by the photoelectric conversion are read out via vertical transfer passages which are CCDs or MOS circuits.
It is desirable to fully remove the storage charges of the photodiodes before a start of shooting. The vertical overflow drain structure capable of fully removing the storage charges of all pixels at the same time is known as a structure of a solid-state imaging device.
In the vertical overflow drain structure, an npn structure is formed in a semiconductor substrate in its depth direction and the storage charges of all pixels can be cleared at the same time by eliminating a potential barrier formed by the middle p-type layer by applying a substrate bias (charge-removal-into-substrate shuttering function).
Furthermore, the potential barrier height can be changed by changing the bias voltage applied to the substrate. And the saturation charge amount of the photodiodes can be changed by changing the potential barrier height.
When receiving strong light, photodiodes generate excess charges above the saturation charge amount. If the excess charges leak into adjacent photodiodes, vertical transfer passages, etc., the image quality of an image taken is deteriorated. An overflow drain that enables removal of only excess charges into the substrate is realized by employing the charge-removal-into-substrate shutter structure and applying a substrate bias so as to leave a potential barrier. The inter-pixel blooming (a phenomenon that excess charges of part of the pixels flow into other pixels, whereby the latter pixels are saturated electrically and the screen looks whitish) can be prevented by sweeping away excess charges above the saturation charge amount into the substrate.
A solid-state imaging device having a vertical overflow drain structure in which an overflow barrier is formed by two p-type layers having different concentrations is proposed to reduce a variation of the saturation charge amounts of the photodiodes (JP-A-2004-228140).
On the other hand, in recent years, a manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging device has come to be employed in which oblique ion implantation is performed to form, with high controllability, an impurity layer at a shallow position in a semiconductor substrate (e.g., JP-A-11-40794).
In recent years, the level of miniaturization of solid-state imaging devices has been increased further, which has produced a tendency that the size of the photodetecting portions (photodiodes) is decreasing (i.e., the area ratio of the photodetecting portions to the vertical transfer regions is decreasing). As a result, each pixel is saturated more easily when receiving strong light. The inter-pixel blooming is thus more prone to occur than before.
To prevent the inter-pixel blooming using the overflow drain, it is necessary to increase the ability to remove excess charges by increasing the sweep-into-substrate voltage. However, if the sweep-into-substrate voltage is increased in a situation that the amount of charge that can be stored in each pixel is decreased by pixel size reduction, it becomes more difficult to secure a necessary amount of charge each pixel can handle (i.e., a necessary saturation charge amount), which is contrary to the intention.
To prevent the inter-pixel blooming without increasing the sweep-into-substrate voltage, it is necessary to increase the impurity concentration of inter-pixel isolation regions (also function as channel stoppers for preventing channel leakage between pixels and vertical transfer gates) provided between pixels and to thereby increase the charge storage amount by indirectly making the potential of the photodetecting portions deeper and enhance the function of preventing formation of charge leakage paths. However, where the impurity concentration of the inter-pixel isolation regions is increased, if high-temperature treatment (for gate oxidation, for example) is performed in a later manufacturing step, the inter-pixel isolation regions spread horizontally, leading to a problem that the area of the photodetecting portions is decreased. Decrease in the area of the photodetecting portions reduces the saturation charge amount of each pixel and makes it difficult to secure a necessary dynamic range.
In the case of solid-state imaging devices for receiving long-wavelength light such as infrared light, carriers are generated in a deep place in the substrate. It is therefore necessary to form plural inter-pixel isolation regions in multiple layers at different positions in the substrate depth direction and to thereby allow the photodetecting portions to effectively take carriers generated in a deep place in the substrate and prevent charge leakage between pixels in the deep place in the substrate. Where plural inter-pixel isolation regions are thus formed in multiple layers at different positions in the substrate, each of the inter-pixel isolation regions spreads horizontally as a result of later heat treatment, leading to decrease in the area of the photodetecting portions as in the above-described case.

Manufacturing method of solid-state imaging device and solid-state imaging device


A mid-roof anchoring system includes a series of anchoring channels secured to the roof structure along a line midway between the eave and the ridge of the roof. Metal roof panels installed over the substructure are permitted to float laterally on the roof, except where they are attached to the anchoring channels. As a result, the roof panels expand or contract in both directions away from the midway line. This approach minimizes thermally induced movement the upper and lower edges of the roof, and minimizes reaction forces at the anchor.

This invention relates generally to building construction, and more particularly to a mid-roof anchoring system for large metal roofs.
When designing a metal roof, one has to allow for thermal expansion, since roof temperature can vary substantially, during the course of a year, from the coldest annual temperature for the locale to a temperature well above (because of radiant heating by the sun) the highest annual temperature. Linear growth of a particular roof span is proportional to span length, so expansion problems become more acute as roof size increases.
For a metal roof of modest size, the roof covering may be affixed to the substructure along one edge thereof, for example along the eave, and allowed to shrink or grow elsewhere. The roof may be secured to the substructure, other than at the fixed edge, by clips which permit sliding movement between the covering and the substructure. Butler Manufacturing's MR-24 clips, for example, permit two and one-half inches of movement, i.e., one and a quarter inches either way from a neutral position. The upper edges of the roof move with respect to the roof ridge line as the roof expands and contracts. The ridge is covered by a ridge cap, which may comprise a U-shaped element which can bend to accommodate roof expansion. Flexible weather seals may be provided at the interface.
For large roof spans (that is, continuous panel runs not interrupted by thermal expansion joints), on the order of 200 to 300 feet, depending on the geographic location, movement of the free edge of the roof may exceed the design limits of the attachment clips. One way to overcome this problem is to break the roof span into two separate spans having a step or lap joint, like very large shingles. The uppermost span is secured along the step, and expands toward the roof ridge line, and the lowermost span is affixed along the eave. Where the spans overlap, the lower span slides or "floats" beneath the other.
A problem with stepped roofs is that of weather sealing, particularly leak prevention, at the lap joints, While excellent weather seals exist, it would be simpler, cheaper and better to be able to provide a large roof with long continuous spans, so that steps were not required.
As shown in FIG. 1, a typical metal building includes an array of vertical members 10, interconnected by substantially horizontal beams 12, and supporting a roof substructure 14. The roof substructure includes a series of parallel main frames or trusses 16, or their functional equivalent, each running from the roof ridge 18 to an eave 20. The main frames, in turn, support parallel purlins 22, or their equivalent, each running parallel to the ridge line and eaves. The main frames and purlins may be continuous or segmented, probably the latter for the large roofs.
The purlins are covered by metal panels 24, which are seamed edge-to-edge, by rolling their edges 26 together. The panels are conventionally held to the roof by clips 30 (see FIG. 5) which permit some lengthwise movement of the panels as they expand and contract with respect to the substructure. The clips 30 may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,760, which is incorporated by reference. Each of these clips has a sliding element with sheet metal tabs 28 which are rolled into the roof seam as it is formed.
The edges of the panels are raised substantially, FIG. 4, so that the completed roof is in a sense corrugated. Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,753 for a more thorough description of the panels, and to U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,308 for a description of an apparatus for forming the seams in situ. Both patents are incorporated herein by reference.
Optionally, a layer of insulation 32 may be laid over the purlins, before the roof panels are installed.
If such a construction is used for very large buildings, roof expansion may produce movement exceeding the design limits of the attachment clips; a stepped or overlapped assembly of separate panel spans (see FIG. 2) is then ordinarily required, but such an expedient is objectionable from several standpoints, including the cost of additional parts, and problems with long term leak prevention, snow catching and vapor retarder integrity.


An apparatus, system, and method for aiming and reading a target object. The apparatus includes a barcode reader for reading the target object. The apparatus also includes an aiming sight coupled to the barcode reader. The aiming sight is used for aiming the target object and thereby directing the barcode reader to read the target object. The aiming sight can either be used independently or can be used along with an aiming pattern generator present in the barcode reader, in order to read the target object.

Various electro-optical systems have been developed for reading optical indicia, such as barcodes. A barcode is a coded pattern of graphical indicia comprised of a matrix or series of bars and spaces of varying widths, the bars and spaces having differing light reflecting characteristics.
Systems that read barcodes called barcode readers electro-optically transform the graphic indicia into electrical signals and then decode the electric signals into alphanumerical characters that are intended to be descriptive of the article or some characteristic thereof. There are different types of barcode readers or scanners each including different set of components and employing different methods, to read a barcode. The types include such as, but not limited to, pen type readers, laser scanners, CCD readers, and 2D imaging scanners.
Pen type readers consist of a light source and a photodiode that are placed next to each other in the tip of a pen or wand. In order to read a barcode present on a label on a target object, the tip of the pen is moved or swiped across the label in a steady motion. The photodiode measures the intensity of the light reflected back from the light source and generates a waveform that is used to measure the widths of the bars and spaces in the barcode.
Laser scanners work the same way as pen type readers except that they use a laser beam as the light source and typically employ either a reciprocating mirror or a rotating prism to scan the laser beam back and forth across the target object.
CCD readers (also referred to as LED scanner) use an array of hundreds of tiny light sensors lined up in a row in the head of the reader. Each sensor measures the intensity of the light immediately in front of it. The important difference between a CCD reader and a pen or laser scanner is that the CCD reader is measuring emitted ambient light from the barcode whereas pen or laser scanners are measuring reflected light of a specific frequency originating from the scanner itself.
2D imaging scanners use a small video camera to capture an image of the barcode. The reader then uses sophisticated digital image processing techniques to decode the barcode.
In all the above cases, the ability of a scanner to successfully read and decode a target object is directly dependent upon the ability to move the scanner to a suitable position whereby a satisfactorily clear image of the target object is obtained. In order to obtain a clear image of the target object, the scanner has to be properly directed or aimed towards the target object. In general all the present day scanners have an aiming pattern generator for generating a visible aiming pattern. The visible aiming pattern can include such as, but not limited to, a laser dot or a laser line that enables an operator to aim the scanner at the target object and thereby read the target object.
However, at long distances or in high ambient light the aiming pattern generator might fail to accurately aim the particular target object. In cases of high ambient light such as sunlight, the laser aiming dot is not visible. On the other hand, in low light conditions such as scanning in a warehouse, the laser aiming dot may not be easily visible at large distances. Also, aiming at large distances could also be difficult in cases where there is no reflective background to see the current position of the laser dot to help guide the operator towards the barcode. In such conditions, one way of improving the visibility of the laser aiming dot can be achieved by increasing the laser power. However, this method is limited due to laser safety regulations. Another way to improve visibility is by making the operator wear colored glasses such as red glasses for a red laser to filter out ambient light, but this has the inconvenience of having to manage a supply of glasses.
Accordingly, there is a need for an alternate method to aim the barcode scanner at the desired target object.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.


A network plug terminating a cable and configured for mating with a socket, and comprising a plurality of terminal contacts disposed along a forward face thereof, each of the terminal contacts terminating a respective one of a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors and such that when the plug is inserted into the socket each of the terminal contacts comes into contact with a respective tine in the socket. The plug further comprises a flexible tab comprising a tab release member and a slider connected to the tab release member. The slider is configured for movement along a length of the plug against a biasing force between a first position, wherein the flexible tab is in an unflexed state and engageable by a tab engaging feature in the socket and a second position wherein the flexible tab is in a flexed state and not engageable by the tab engaging feature.

The prior art reveals network plugs terminating cables and configured for insertion into sockets disposed in patch panels or the like. Such plugs typically comprise a tab which must be depressed in order to release a plug from a socket into which. Although insertion of a plug into a socket in most configurations is straightforward, on high density versions of such panels the inventors have noted that removal of plugs previously inserted into sockets can be difficult, as the tabs cannot be easily accessed due to the obstruction posed by other plugs and their respective cables.
The prior art also discloses tools which can be inserted to aid in accessing tabs such that the plugs can be removed from their respective sockets. Such tools, however, are cumbersome and easily lost.


A subscriber terminal apparatus for a television in an in-band subscription television system is provided. The subscriber terminal includes a receiver for receiving a television signal including video, audio, ana data information. A selector selects a channel of the television signal. A memory stores a plurality of barker screens providing messages regarding one or more channels of the television signal. An on-screen display control circuit controls the display of the barker screens on the television. A processor retrieving a barker screen from the memory supplies the retrieved screen to the on-screen display control circuit if the barker screen provides a message regarding a selected channel. Barker screen information may also be obtained from a dedicated data channel or a six megahertz video barker channel.

One important feature of a cable television system is the capability of a system operator to effectively provide information to subscribers. Video barker channels are one example of such information. For example, when a subscriber selects a channel which he or she is not able to view, a six megahertz video barker channel may be tuned which provides a message such as shown in FIG. 1 on the subscriber's television to indicate that the selected channel is not available for viewing. A subscriber may not be able to view a selected channel for a number of reasons. For example, the selected channel may have a pay-per-view event which the subscriber has not purchased. Alternatively, the channel may be a premium channel for which the subscriber is not authorized. The channel may also be under parental control or may simply not be available in the cable system. Each of these reasons may prevent a subscriber from viewing a selected channel.
In prior art systems, the same video barker channel is typically tuned for each of the above situations. Accordingly, a generic message such as that shown in FIG. 1 is provided. Thus, although a subscriber is provided an indication that he or she cannot view a selected channel, no specific reason is provided. Of course, an operator could provide separate barker channels for each of these situations and others. However, the use of separate six megahertz video barker channels to provide such information reduces the number of channels available for other programming.

Method and apparatus for providing message information to subscribers in a cable television system


A method to identify phase is presented. The method includes obtaining electrical parameters at a node and a substation of an electrical grid, processing the electrical parameters of the node and the substation into processed electrical parameters comprising at least one of a voltage harmonic amplitude, a current harmonic amplitude, a geometric harmonic modulated signal, and a noise pattern. The method further includes comparing the processed electrical parameters from the node and the substation and identifying phase information of the node with respect to the substation.

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to phase identification and in particular to characterization of a power distribution network via phase identification.
Typically, power distribution networks carry voltages in three phases that consist of 50 Hz or 60 Hz sine waves that are each out of phase by approximately 120°. The three-phase power is generated in a power plant or other power source and distributed across a wide area to provide power to multiple loads such as residences and businesses. A three-phase power transmission line generally has three transmission conductors, one for each phase, and sometimes a neutral conductor as a fourth conductor.
Utility companies experience difficulties in identifying the phase of a transmission line in the distribution network. The inability to identify the phase information of a given conductor causes operational problems such as difficulty in shifting the customer loads from one phase to another under emergency conditions, or when planning future load expansion. Further, load balancing among the three phases along the distribution network uses phase identification to operate the network effectively. Reliable phase identification would allow increased effectiveness of distribution network management and reliability.
Typically, identifying an unknown phase includes comparing data from a circuit having an unknown phase to data from a circuit having a known phase. Voltage signals from the circuits are digitized and transmitted over a phone system. A series of data conversions and transmissions required in such embodiments causes inductive and/or capacitive delays, often resulting in significant phase differences.
One method to reduce phase delays includes performing a calibration at each location to compensate for the phase lags introduced at various remote locations. However, this approach relies heavily on telephone companies that operate by route switching and signals on telephone lines that are sometimes rerouted over circuits, which may vary by hundreds of miles. The additional phase shift introduced by the time delay associated with such rerouting may affect the calibration.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved method and apparatus for the identification of line phase of a power line in a three-phase power distribution network.


An apparatus and method of retaining a cylindrical shaped product or container within a shadow carton so that the front label on the product or container does not rotate out of view. The shadow carton comprises an opening to enable the lower portion of the carton to be closed with an adhesive that is then attached to the bottom end of the cylindrical product or container so that the product or container essentially is glued to the bottom of the carton and will not rotate out of position. The bottom of the carton comprises a lower portion with an opening and two side flaps that are cut and scored so that the opening still remains exposed until the bottom of the carton is folded. Adhesive is applied to the bottom of the carton in order to then seal the bottom. However, prior to the sealing, the product or container itself is inserted into the carton so that when the adhesive is applied and the bottom closed, the adhesive will go through the opening in the carton and adhere to the bottom of the product or container so that the product or container will remain stable and does not rotate within the shadow carton. The carton is glued shut at the top. Then the product or container is inserted into the shadow box so that the label appears through the opening in the shadow box. Then the bottom is closed and then glued with the adhesive not only sealing the bottom of the carton but going through the opening so that it can be affixed to the bottom of the product or container to make sure the product or container is oriented in the proper direction and remains in the proper orientation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of packaging of consumer products. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of retaining a cylindrical shaped container within a standard shadow carton which has a front opening for displaying the label on the product.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A shadow carton is a carton having sidewalls, top and bottom walls, a rear wall, and a front wall panel structure which provide a close fitting frame for a product and in particular, a container, to be displayed and viewed from the front opening of the carton. The problem that has been experienced with ordinary shadow carton packaging is that the cylindrical shaped container can be rotated within the shadow carton packaging resulting in the front label being rotated out of view, and therefore it is often necessary for store clerks to rotate it back into view.
The following ten (10) prior art patents are found to be pertinent to the field of the present invention:
1. U.S. Pat. No. 3,592,338 issued to Hanson et al. on Jul. 13, 1971 for "Display Carton" (hereafter the "Hanson Patent");
2. U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,870 issued to Cote on Aug. 7, 1973 for "Shadow Box Carton" (hereafter the "Cote Patent");
3. U.S. Pat. No. 3,819,035 issued to Jaeschke on Jun. 25, 1974 for "Frame Carton" (hereafter the "Jaeschke Patent");
4. U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,382 issued to Roccaforte on Aug. 26, 1975 for "Tube Display Carton" (hereafter the "'382 Roccaforte Patent");
5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,717 issued to Roccaforte on Jul. 26, 1977 for "Display Carton" (hereafter the "'717 Roccaforte Patent");
6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,289 issued to Austin on Mar. 4, 1980 for "Hourglass Carton" (hereafter the "Austin Patent");
7. U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,981 issued to Hamilton on Apr. 15, 1980 for "Self-Locking, Reclosable Carton" (hereafter the "Hamilton Patent");
8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,794 issued to Johnston on Nov. 30, 1993 for "Tamper Evident Folding Carton" (hereafter the "Johnston Patent");
9. U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,850 issued to Allsop on Sep. 26, 1995 for "Reclosable Dispensing Carton" (hereafter the "Allsop Patent"); and
10. U.S. Design Pat. No. 372,423 issued to Cook on Aug. 6, 1996 for "Display Container" (hereafter the "Cook Patent").
The Hanson Patent discloses a display carton which is made of one piece of sheet material having a plurality of serially connected panels that form an outer rectangular box unit and an inner shadow panel unit. The shadow panel unit includes a pair of shadow panels which are arranged to present oblique faces to the window opening in the carton.
The Cote Patent discloses a shadow box carton in which an article supporting strap extends completely across the front of the carton. The strap includes foldable articulated gusset members formed from the leading edges of the opposite sidewalls of the carton and integral contiguous portions formed from the front wall of the carton immediately above the uppermost portions of each of the shadow panels. The central portions of the strap bridge the upper edges of the two shadow panels. These central portions are articulated along a vertical score which is collinear with the cut dividing the lower portions of the front panel into the shadow panels.
The Jaeschke Patent discloses a shadow box type package which supports a tube having a crimped end. The carton includes a closure which has a first flap connected to one wall and inclined inwardly toward the opposite wall. The first flap is apertured to receive the tube end, and includes an extension extending to the juncture between the opposite wall and a second flap. The second flap extends across the carton end and includes a tuck flap engageable through the aperture in the first flap.
The '382 Roccaforte Patent discloses a tube display carton for storing and displaying squeeze tubes. It comprises a foldable paperboard having a transverse cut across the upper end of the front panel with the lower section formed into two shadow panels with an opening in the middle to receive a squeeze tube. At the lower end of the opening are secondary shadow panels at a second angle and flaps at the bottom of the opening which are hinged to fold inwardly and frictionally engage and retain the cap in position and to prevent rotation of the cap.
The '717 Roccaforte Patent discloses a display carton. It comprises a top portion and a bottom portion of a front panel in position to frame the article to be displayed and die cut folded sections at the top and bottom of the carton to support and restrain the article away from the end panels of the carton.
The Austin Patent discloses an hourglass carton. It comprises end walls adapted to engage the ends of the article for inhibiting longitudinal movement.
The Hamilton Patent discloses a self-locking, reclosable carton. It comprises a floor panel and sidewall panels. Each sidewall panel has two inner edge panels which are folded inwardly at the ends of the floor panel. The floor panel has outer end panels which are locked in slightly spaced relationship to the inner end panels by tab members which are forced through narrow openings at the edges of the inner end panels.
The Johnston Patent discloses a tamper evident folding carton. It comprises tamper indicating seals at opposite ends, wherein each end comprises four infolded flaps sealed to one another through registered slots in the intermediate flaps. The seals will be triggered by an attempted violation of the carton integrity through the carton side seam.
The Allsop Patent discloses a shaker type reclosable dispensing carton which comprises an intermediate top closure flap. The closure flap has poring holes located in a despressible portion of the flap which can be depressed into the plane of an underlying flap, when the carton is reclosed, to allow a hinged outer closure flap pull-up portion to be depressed into the plane of the intermediate flap to effect a friction type locking closure between the intermediate and outer closure flaps.
The Cook Patent discloses a display container which comprises several display openings.
It is desirable to have a very efficient and also very effective design and construction of an apparatus and method of retaining a cylindrical shaped product within a shadow carton which has means to prevent the front label from rotating out of view, thereby eliminating the need for store clerks to rotate it back into view.

Apparatus and method for retaining a cylindrical shaped product or container within a shadow carton so that the front label on the product or container does not rotate out of view


A self-forming mattress cover including a mattress gusset with a drawstring is provided. The gusset includes a sleeve attached to the gusset along a fold location. A drawstring is disposed within the sleeve. Ends of the drawstring are pulled into tension, thereby reducing the perimeter of the gusset at the fold location and drawing the gusset inward toward the center of the mattress. The gusset is formed to corner positions of the mattress by stretching and/or bunching of gusset material as tension is applied. The ends of the drawstring are secured to retain the tension state. A cushioned quilt top is attached to a free edge of the gusset. The self-forming mattress cover conforms to corner positions of a mattress without the need for mitering, ruffling, pleating, or sewing seams at the corner positions. The self-forming mattress cover also ensures proper alignment of the cushioned quilt with the mattress body.

In the bedding industry, mattresses commonly have a cushioned quilt, such as a pillow-top, Euro-top, or box-top attached to a top portion of the mattress. The cushioned quilt provides additional padding and comfort to a user over that provided by the internal layers and core system of the mattress. Typically the cushioned quilt and mattress are assembled to provide the appearance that the cushioned quilt is a separate component lying on top of the mattress body.
Attachment of the cushioned quilt to the mattress body is commonly completed through the use of a section of folded material called a gusset that connects along the perimeter of the mattress border and along the perimeter of the cushioned quilt. To negotiate the four corner positions of the mattress the gusset has historically required one or more processes of mitering, pleating, ruffling, and adding seams to the material. Such processes add to the complexity, time, and expense of manufacturing operations.

Methods for manufacturing a self-forming mattress cover


It is intended to provide an image forming apparatus capable of securing rotation transmission accuracy among input/output axes without giving stress to a holding portion despite shaft misalignment and without using material of high strength. A color printer 1 comprises a main body 2 and an image forming unit 30 removable from the main body 2. The main body 2 includes a gear 43 for receiving rotary driving force to the image forming unit 30 and a joint 45 and the image forming unit 30 has a coupling 36 for receiving rotary driving force from the main body 2. Furthermore, a joint holder section 43a for the gear 43 and the coupling 36 has a contact hole 47, and contact hole 36a, respectively and both ends of the joint 45 are inserted in those holes. The contact holes 47 and 36a are in not-twisted triangle pole shape and the joint 45 is in twisted triangle pole shape.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and the like. More particularly, it relates to an image forming apparatus of which process unit including a photosensitive body or an intermediate transfer image belt, or the like is removable.
2. Description of Related Art
There have conventionally been devised image forming apparatuses of which wear-out portion such as photosensitive drum or the like is made in a removable unit so that an end user can replace it with a new one. For example, a tandem type image forming apparatus provided with four image forming sections for respective colors, namely, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, has four image forming units for the respective colors. In case such an image forming unit is attached to a main body of an image forming apparatus, it is at least required that a photo sensitive drum be driven with rotation. Therefore, the photosensitive drum is connected to a driving power source installed in the main body so that force should be transmitted.
There have conventionally been suggested various structure of a connector section (see JP Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2000-214646and U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,029, for example) JP Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2000-214646 discloses an image forming apparatus which has a coupling axis separated from both a drive gear and a photosensitive drum. Each connector section of the apparatus has a twisted polygon column shaped hole and a twisted polygon column shaped projection. A hole and a projection are coupled and rotation is given to drive, whereby screwing force works on each other and positioning is aligned. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,029 discloses coupling structure such that plural projections are arranged on an end portion of a universal joint built in a gear, and portions to be connected are coupled with the projections.
However, in the apparatus of above JP Laid-open Patent Publication, a hole and a projection attract each other to meet center of input/output axis like a screw when driving force is transmitted. As a result, stress is given to members for holding input/output axis and a cover box of an image forming apparatus, which causes a fear of distortion. To resolve this problem, accuracy is required to make shaft misalignment of the input/output axis small, or structure to provide tolerance for distortion at its holding section or the like. Structure tolerable to distortion makes an apparatus itself larger and causes cost-up, whereas higher accurate design makes it difficult to attach/remove an image forming unit. As to the coupling structure of above USP, since rotation driving force is applied to projections arranged on an end portion of a universal joint; the universal joint itself must be made of material of which strength is high.

Image forming apparatus with a removable process unit capable of securing rotation transmission accuracy without stressing a holding portion despite shaft misalignment

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


The present invention includes a device and associated analytical method to use for the sensitive detection and accurate, rapid determination of acrylamide in food substances. The present invention also relates to the use of a kit device and associated analytical method in which a user can quickly and easily ascertain the amount of acrylamide in food substances with ease and in any location, including a non-laboratory environment. Such detection device and method may be comprised of a sample collection area on which a sample of food, after being mixed in a solution, is placed for example on the substrate of a biochip that includes an enzyme that along with a co-enzyme or form of energy or catalyst, facilitates the conversion of either acrylamide to acrylonitrile or the conversion of acrylamide to ammonia. If acrylamide is detected in the sample food substance, the resultant concentration, as determined on the calorimetric scale, provides the consumer of the food substance an opportunity to reject or discard the substance prior to digestion, thus promoting good health and avoiding potential ingestion of relatively high concentrations of carcinogenic potent acrylamides. Another variation of the detection device above may utilize pH balance meter and system similar to the calorimetric system utilized above, but which allows a numeric or digital reading of the concentration of acrylamides present in the sample of food. Another variation of the detection device may utilize infrared (IR) detection using an IR sensor to measure a sample and quantify the concentration of acrylonitrile within the sample by an absorption peak of the carbon-nitrogen (C≡N) triple bond in acrylonitrile in an IR spectra at 2250 cm−1 wavelength.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the present invention relates to a device and associated analytical method that can be used for the sensitive detection and accurate, rapid determination of acrylamide in food substances. More specifically, the present invention also relates to the use of a kit device and associated analytical method in which a user can quickly and easily ascertain the amount of acrylamide in food substances and in any location, including a non-laboratory environment. Additionally, the invention also relates to the use of lower temperatures, removal of glucose or other related reducing sugars and/or potential food additives that would block or prevent the formation of acrylamides during food processing including baking, frying, etc.
Such a detection device and method may be comprised of a sample collection area on which a sample of food, after being mixed in a solution, is placed for example on the substrate of a biochip that includes an enzyme, such as nitrilase, that, along with a co-enzyme or form of energy or catalyst, facilitates the conversion of either acrylamide to acrylonitrile or the conversion of acrylamide to ammonia or other easily detectable chemical fragment of the acrylamide. A kit-like device could utilize an ammonia-sensitive or acrylonitrile-sensitive film strip, a display showing the amount of ammonia or acrylonitrile detected in the sample, preferably a colorimetric display utilizing a chromophore such as bromophenol blue, bromocresol green, or chlorophenol red which shows detection by color change, and a calorimetric scale to provide the kit user with the concentration of acrylonitrile or ammonia present, which can be scaled to be representative of the quantity of acrylamide in the food substance. If acrylamide is detected in the sample food substance, the resultant concentration, as determined on the calorimetric scale, provides the consumer of the food substance an opportunity to reject or discard the substance prior to digestion, thus promoting good health and avoiding potential ingestion of relatively high concentrations of the recently discovered carcinogenic potency of acrylamides.
Another variation of the detection device above may to utilize a mechanical or electrical pH balance meter and system similar to the calorimetric system utilized above, but which allows a numeric or digital reading of the concentration of acrylamides present in the sample of food. The use of digital pH balances is well known in the art and is an embodiment in the present invention to determine acrylamide concentrations accurately and precisely.
Another variation of the detection device above may utilize infrared (IR) spectrometry to measure a liquid sample and determine the amount of acrylonitrile or ammonia within the sample. For example, with acrylonitrile, the detection device may utilize an IR chemical sensor that identifies the very sharp absorption peak of the carbon-nitrogen C≡N triple bond in acrylonitrile. Because the C≡N triple bond is absorbed strongly in the IR spectra at 2250 cm−1 wavelength, a hand-held or laboratory-based infrared sensor can be used to measure the IR adsorption. This provides a method to measure acrylonitrile precisely and accurately. The IR measurement component may be part of the test kit device or alternatively may be part of a test kit that is sent in to a laboratory for further analysis at that laboratory site.
Another variation of the detection device above may utilize a LUMI-CELL™ Assay that applies the knowledge of the toxic mechanisms of polychlorinated diaromatic hydrocarbons (PCDH). PCDH include dioxins and other toxic compounds that have been known to accumulate in animals and cause species and tissue-specific toxic effects. Birth defects, immune system disorders, tumor production, etc., have all been observed as a result of high level exposure to PCDH. It is anticipated that digestion of foods that contain high levels of acrylamides will cause similar toxic effects.
The mechanism of action for these compounds depends on their ability to bind to an intracellular receptor known as the aromatic hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). The PCDH-Ah Receptor complex travels to the nucleus of the cell and binds to specific sequences in DNA known as dioxin responsive elements (DRE). Binding of the PCDH-Ah receptor complex to a DRE causes expression of the associated gene to be altered. It is this alteration in gene expression that causes observed toxic effects. Using recombinant technology, the gene for the firefly luciferase has been replaced under control of the Ah Receptor and inserted into a mouse cell line. Using this cell line, the presence of PCDH in a sample can be identified because PCDH will bind to the Ah Receptor, which will then bind to the DRE in the nucleus and cause expression of the firefly luciferase or green fluorescence protein or red fluorescence protein using a fluorometer to indicate activity which is proportional to concentration. The amount of PCDH in the sample is related to how much light is produced by the activated cells. It is anticipated that a similar mechanism will occur with acrylamides being substituted for PCDH and that binding to specific DNA sequences similar to DRE's will occur therefore allowing the use of the same technique and technology to measure acrylamide concentrations to less than the parts per trillion level. This technique has pioneered and championed by Drs. George C. Clark and Michael S. Denison and is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,010 herein incorporated by reference.
Another possibility that exists in preparing a test method that could be used outside of the laboratory (as well as within a laboratory—as is the case for the other methods listed above), is that a reactive species within the acrylamide is made available to react with an amino acid in a protein. If this occurs within an animal (such as a mouse) that carries the protein, the body that carries the protein will "see" these reactive products as "foreign proteins" and production of monoclonal antibodies will occur. This decouples the test methodology from the cellular level as described in previous methods above. It is possible to then couple the antibodies with a color dye to indicate the concentration of antibodies that bind to the protein, while rinsing away those that do not bind. This method would also produce a highly sensitive test method and one that could be combined with a biochip for other than laboratory use (home or office use).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines acrylamide as an organic solid of white, odorless, flake-like crystals. It is primarily used in the treatment of drinking water and to produce plastics. Asparagine, a nonessential amino acid, and a known precursor to the formation of acrylamide in food, is present in starchy or fried foods—essentially most foods that contain carbohydrates and some that are primarily proteins, i.e. coffee beans. When asparagine is heated by high-temperature frying or baking (at a temperature that exceeds 120 degrees Celsius or 248 degrees Fahrenheit), and a sugar is present such as glucose or 2-deoxyglucose during the heating, the potential carcinogen acrylamide, as a monomer in foods, is formed. Conversely, acrylamide has not been detected in the same foods when left unheated, or heated at a temperature less than 120 degrees Celsius.
British and Swiss teams have both confirmed the original Swedish findings of acrylamide formation in food by invoking the Maillard reaction, or non-enzymatic browning. This reaction involves reactions between proteins and carbohydrates in food that cause browning when cooking. For example, this reaction is what gives freshly-baked bread its golden-brown crust. Thus, products of the Maillard reaction are used for the addition of both flavor and taste. When heated, the asparagine, reducing sugars, and other amino acids react via the Maillard reaction, forming acrylamide. However, when asparagine alone is heated, no acrylamide is formed. Asparagine must be heated with a reducing sugar present. Proctor and Gamble in the US and the Canadian government have both confirmed this method of asparagine/acrylamide analysis and confirmed acrylamide formation via the Maillard reaction. FIG. 1 shows the chemical structures and reactions necessary for the formation of acrylamide from asparagine via the Maillard reaction.
Others involved in this area of science have also indicated that acrylamide may be formed from another plausible reaction pathway. It is indicated that acrylamide is formed by the loss of carbon dioxide through a natural metabolic process which is known as enzymatic decarboxylation. In this reaction the asparagine is the actual source of the acrylamide. Although this reaction would not occur under normal biological conditions, the reaction can occur at temperatures such as those above 100 degrees Celsius where fried foods are cooked.
It is another object of this invention to provide a means by which the Maillard reaction or the other pathways that lead to the formation of acrylamide can be completely blocked or prevented such as by removing reducing sugars, adding specific food additives, or simply changing the processing conditions for various carbohydrate containing foods that include asparagine as an amino acid or protein. Examples would include simply lowering process temperatures to below 120 degrees Celsius, adding acidic or basic components that would shift or alter the equilibrium reaction allowing for acrylamide formation, or removal of essential reducing sugars such as glucose by using sugar substitutes found to inhibit acrylamide formation.
In all cases, it may not be possible to completely eliminate acrylamide formation; however it is possible to reduce the absolute concentration in each food that is processed where acrylamide formation would otherwise occur in an unchecked manner, as is the current condition within the food processing industry.
Recent studies conclude that acrylamide has been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Such studies indicate the need for a quick, reliable, non-laboratory test kit that can be used to easily detect and measure acrylamide concentrations in food substances. These situations, in which acrylamides are present in food substances, should be easily detectable in order to provide ample opportunity to the test kit user to reject or discard the food substance in order to preserve personal health.
There are several known situations in which acrylamide formation is present in food. Acrylamide has been detected in foods cooked at high temperatures, such as those deep-fried or baked. Specific food substances, for example, that have been identified as containing acrylamide concentrations are: "French" fries from potatoes, potato chips, coffee, cereal products, and baked starchy foods such as bread. A device kit and analytical method for acrylamide testing will provide the user with a determination of acrylamide content found within such samples of food when measured.
There are currently at least two laboratory-based methods for detecting and quantifying acrylamide content in food substances: 1) liquid chromatography tandem (or two-stage) mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and 2) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Either of these two tests requires an extensive lab environment and lab professional to conduct the test. These tests are both time intensive and expensive and the need exists to replace these tests with a quick and reliable alternative. Neither of these methods, although proven by several international studies to be reliable and to work sufficiently, would be easy or practical for an individual to use in a home or non-laboratory environment. This present invention, however, provides a device and method that is quick, reliable, practical and easy to use. Additionally, this invention does not require a laboratory to conduct the acrylamide detection and determination test; however a biochip could be also be used and sent to a laboratory for testing if no other alternative is available. The kit device is designed for home use or non-laboratory use so that a lay person not engaged in the business of chemistry or food science technology can easily use the device.
2. Description of Related Art
There are currently at least two verified, laboratory-based methods for detecting and measuring acrylamide content in food substances: 1) liquid chromatography tandem (or two-stage) mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and 2) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). No prior art exists describing a quick, reliable, non-laboratory test kit that can be used to easily detect and measure acrylamide concentrations in food substances.
The following patents and patent applications discuss detection of foreign substances (chemical, biological, and otherwise) in food, many of which use the device and method as a kit; however, no prior art exists that references specifically the detection and determination of acrylamide in food substances using a quick and reliable detection means for the average consumer.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,164 describes a method and device for the detection of foreign material in food substances. The invention relies on X-ray technology to detect foreign substances in food. This invention is used in a commercial setting.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,729 describes a bioluminescent biosensor device. It is a kit that is used for detection of bacteria based on recognition and infection of one or more selected strains of bacteria with bacteriophage genetically modified to cause production of an inducer molecule in the bacterium following phage infection. The inducer molecule is released from the infected bacterium and is detected by genetically modified bacterial bioreporter cells designed to emit bioluminescence upon stimulation by the inducer. Autoamplification of the bioluminescent signal permits detection of low levels of bacteria without sample enrichment. Also disclosed are methods of detection for select bacteria and kits for detection of select bacteria based on the described technology.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,747 describes salmonella identification by the polymerase chain reaction. The invention provides nucleic acid molecules for the detection and identification of Salmonella species, methods for detecting one or more Salmonella serotypes using the nucleic acid molecules of the invention as probes or primers in DNA-based detection systems and kits for carrying out the invention.
WO03032291A2 describes a method and device for performing automated, industrial analysis and/or classification of food substance. The food substances are conveyed by at least one conveying device to a measuring section in which the food substances, after at least partially eliminating gases and/or liquids that are foreign to the food substances, are measured with regard to physical, biological and/or chemical properties. This enables a highly precise and rapid detection of, for example, contaminated food substances and a subsequent sorting out thereof. Likewise, it is possible to precisely sort food substances according to their constituents.
WO02084302A3 describes an interactive system for analyzing biological samples and processing related information and the use thereof. The patent is for an interactive system for chemical and biological testing with the instant data processing and information analysis capability. The system utilizes a specially designed bio-disc and an optical reader attached to a computer to deliver a wide range of tests, such as clinical laboratory diagnostic tests, biological warfare agent detection, forensic DNA tests, and food and water contamination tests, to a remote location.
WO0171316A3 describes one-dimensional arrays on optical fibers using linear arrays of chemosensors or chemical compounds that are supported by an optical fiber that allows one to rapidly assay the entire array using changes in optical properties such as fluorescence. The location of the agent along the fiber determines the identity of the agent in these linear arrays. Combinatorial libraries may be constructed on the fiber as well as assayed on the optical fiber. A system and method of analyzing the entire array of agents on an optical fiber using a light source, an optical fiber, and a detector are also described. The time delay between the excitation and detection determines the location being assayed along the fiber and therefore the identity of the agent being assayed. The invention may find uses in the medical, pharmaceutical, environmental, defense, and food industries.
The following patent application discusses a method for the detection and measurement of ammonia.
U.S. Patent No. 2003/0003589 describes a device and method for detecting and measuring volatile acidic or basic components including ammonia, ammonium, or volatile amines (compound) in a gas or liquid state fluid. The invention provides a PTFE-carrier solid phase indicator film having an ammonia-sensitive indicator dye embedded therein, such that the dye moiety changes color or spectral properties upon exposure to the compound to be detected.
The following patent discusses the use of nitrilase as an enzyme and conversion mechanism and is incorporated herein by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,180 describes the following; nitrilase enzymes are provided which have Km at pH 7.0 for acrylonitrile of 500 μM or below. The enzymes also have Ki at pH 7.0 for ammonium acrylate of at least 100 mM. In particular, the nitrilases have a value of the ratio of the said Ki to the said Km of at least 200. Particularly preferred nitrilases are obtainable from the microorganisms Rhodococcus rhodochrous NCIMB 40757 or NCIMB 40833. These nitrilases can be used in processes of converting acrylonitrile to ammonium acrylate in aqueous or vapor form and for detecting low levels of nitrile in aqueous or vapor form. In the present invention, the reverse reaction is of use where NH3OH−Na+ and nitrilase in solution with the acrylamide would form acrylonitrile, which is then easily detectable. The key measurement parameter is the consumption of ammonium salt which is measured as ammonia by the ion selective electrode(s).
The following science journal articles describe methods using enzymes to breakdown substances, such as degrading amides, or in the case of this invention, degrading acrylamide, via an enzymatic conversion.
An article of significance is Metabolism of acetonitrile and propionitrile by Nocardia rhodochrous LL 100-21, by M J, Antoine A D, Appl Environ Microbiol. 1976 June; 31 (6):900-6. Six nitrile compounds and two amide derivatives were degraded by Nocardia rhodochrous LL100-21. Acetonitrile, hydroacrylonitrile, and propionitrile were the best sources of carbon and nitrogen for growth, whereas butenenitrile, succinonitrile, and acetamide supported less growth. Acrylonitrile and acrylamide supported growth but only as a source of nitrogen. Gas chromatography of the culture medium revealed a decrease in acetonitrile with the sequential formation of acetamide and acetic acid. Ammonia was also detected by colorimetric procedures. The enzyme system responsible for the hydrolysis of acetonitrile was shown to be intracellular and inducible. The breakdown of acetonitrile by a crude bacterial extract was a two-step enzymatic hydrolysis with acetamide as the intermediate product and acetic acid and ammonia as the final products. Product formation was stoichiometric with substrate disappearance. When propionitrile was the growth substrate, there was complete conversion of the nitrile to propionic acid and ammonia as the major products. The enzymatic breakdown of the propionitrile, although slower than acetonitrile, yielded the corresponding carboxylic acid and ammonia. Propionamide was produced in very small amounts as an intermediate product.
In this case, detection of the nitrogen caused by degrading the acrylamide using Nocardia rhodochrous LL100-21 can be detected calorimetrically in the form of ammonia or as the nitrogen itself in gaseous form. Ammonia specific membranes in the form of electrodes are commercially available to make these same measurements. Again, in the present invention, the reverse reaction is of use where NH3OH−Na+ and nitrilase in solution with the acrylamide would form acrylonitrile, which is then easily detectable. The key measurement parameter is the consumption of ammonium salt which is measured as ammonia by the ion selective electrode(s).
Another article of significance is Differential regulation of amidase-and formamidase-mediated ammonia production by the Helicobacter pylori fur repressor by van Vliet A H, Stoof J, Poppelaars S W, Bereswill S, Homuth G, Kist M, Kuipers E J, Kusters J G., Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus M C University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands. firstname.lastname@example.com, J Biol. Chem. 2003 Mar. 14; 278(11):9052-7. Epub 2002 Dec. 23, The production of high levels of ammonia allows the human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori to survive the acidic conditions in the human stomach. H. pylori produces ammonia through urease-mediated degradation of urea, but it is also able to convert a range of amide substrates into ammonia via its AmiE amidase and AmiF formamidase enzymes. Here data are provided that demonstrate that the iron-responsive regulatory protein Fur directly and indirectly regulates the activity of the two H. pylori amidases. In contrast to other amidase-positive bacteria, amidase and formamidase enzyme activities were not induced by medium supplementation with their respective substrates, acrylamide and formamide. AmiE protein expression and amidase enzyme activity were iron-repressed in H. pylori 26695 but constitutive in the isogenic fur mutant. This regulation was mediated at the transcriptional level via the binding of Fur to the amiE promoter region. In contrast, formamidase enzyme activity was not iron-repressed but was significantly higher in the fur mutant. This effect was not mediated at the transcriptional level, and Fur did not bind to the amiF promoter region. These roles of Fur in regulation of the H. pylori amidases suggest that the H. pylori Fur regulator may have acquired extra functions to compensate for the absence of other regulatory systems.
Another article of significance is The AmiE aliphatic amidase and AmiF formamidase of Helicobacter pylori: natural evolution of two enzyme paralogues by S, Labigne A, De Reuse H., Mol Microbiol. 2001 May; 40(3):596-609, Unite de Pathogenie Bacterienne des Muqueuses, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, email@example.com. Aliphatic amidases (EC 18.104.22.168) are enzymes catalyzing the hydrolysis of short-chain amides to produce ammonia and the corresponding organic acid. Such an amidase, AmiE, has been detected previously in Helicobacter pylori. Analysis of the complete H. pylori genome sequence revealed the existence of a duplicated amidase gene that we named amiF. The corresponding AmiF protein is 34% identical to its AmiE paralogue. Because gene duplication is widely considered to be a fundamental process in the acquisition of novel enzymatic functions, we decided to study and compare the functions of the paralogous amidases of H. pylori. AmiE and AmiF proteins were overproduced in Escherichia coli and purified by a two-step chromatographic procedure. The two H. pylori amidases could be distinguished by different biochemical characteristics such as optimum pH or temperature. AmiE hydrolysed propionamide, acetamide and acrylamide and had no activity with formamide. AmiF presented an unexpected substrate specificity: it only hydrolyzed formamide. AmiF is thus the first formamidase (EC 220.127.116.11) related to aliphatic amidases to be described. Cys-165 in AmiE and Cys-166 in AmiF were identified as residues essential for catalysis of the corresponding enzymes. H. pylori strains carrying single and double mutations of amiE and amiF were constructed. The substrate specificities of these enzymes were confirmed in H. pylori. Production of AmiE and AmiF proteins is dependent on the activity of other enzymes involved in the nitrogen metabolism of H. pylori (urease and arginase respectively). Our results strongly suggest that (i) the H. pylori paralogous amidases have evolved to achieve enzymatic specialization after ancestral gene duplication; and (ii) the production of these enzymes is regulated to maintain intracellular nitrogen balance in H. pylori.
In this instance, one would use AmiE to hydrolyze acrylamide and detect the hydrolyzed version of the concentration of acrylamide in solution by a change in pH, temperature, or colorimetrically and perhaps by IR once the chemical functionality of the hydrolyzed version of the acrylamide is fully characterized.
Another article of significance is Nitrilase of Rhodococcus rhodochrous J1: Conversion into the active form by subunit association, by Toru Nagasawa, Marco Wieser, Tetsuji Nakamura, Hitomi Iwahara, Toyokazu Yoshida and Kunihiko Gekko European Journal of Biochemistry, 267, 138-144 (2000). Nitrilase-containing resting cells of Rhodococcus rhodochrous J1 converted acrylonitrile and benzonitrile to the corresponding acids, but the purified nitrilase hydrolyzed only benzonitrile, and not acrylonitrile. The activity of the purified enzyme towards acrylonitrile was recovered by preincubation with 10 mM benzonitrile, but not by preincubation with aliphatic nitriles such as acrylonitrile. It was shown by light-scattering experiments, that preincubation with benzonitrile led to the assembly of the inactive, purified and homodimeric 80-kDa enzyme to its active 410-kDa aggregate, which was proposed to be a decamer. Furthermore, the association concomitant with the activation was reached after dialysis of the enzyme against various salts and organic solvents, with the highest recovery reached at 10% saturated ammonium sulfate and 50% (v/v) glycerol, and by preincubation at increased temperatures or enzyme concentrations.
The following articles discuss known prior art used for analytical detection and measurement of acrylamide concentrations in food substances. They focus on the two main laboratory-based methods of acrylamide detection: 1) liquid chromatography tandem (or two-stage) mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and 2) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
A recent article of significance includes, "Analysis of acrylamide in cooked foods by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry," Johan Rosen and Karl-Erik Hellenäs. Analyst. 2002 July; 127(7):880-2, where a method using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with electrospray for the analysis of acrylamide in foods is reported. The method comprises the addition of deuterium-labeled acrylamide-d3, extraction with water, mixed mode solid phase extraction, ultrafiltration and a graphitized carbon column for chromatography. The transitions m/z 72>55, 72>54, 72>44, 72>27, 72>72 and 75>58 were recorded in multiple reaction monitoring mode for identification and determination. In-house validation data for products from potatoes and cereals (30 to 10 000 μg kg−1) are presented (accuracy 91 to 102%, relative standard deviation 3 to 21%). Interlaboratory validation data (comparison with gas chromatography mass spectrometry, 25 to 2000 μg kg−1) showed excellent results (r2=0.998).
An additional article of significance includes, "Analysis of acrylamide by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS in processed Japanese foods," H Ono, Y Chuda, M Ohnishi-Kameyama, H Yada, M Ishizaka, H Kobayashi, M Yoshida, Food Additives & Contaminants, Volume 20, Number 3/2003, 215-220 that indicates that acrylamide concentrations in processed foods (63 samples covering 31 product types) from Japan were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS methods. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of acrylamide were 0.2 ng ml−1 (6 fmol) and 0.8 ng ml−1 (22 fmol), respectively, by LC-MS/MS, and those of 2,3-dibromopropionamide derived from acrylamide were 12 ng ml−1 (52 fmol) and 40 ng ml−1 (170 fmol), respectively, by GC-MS. Repeatability given as RSD was <5 and <15% for the LC-MS/MS and GC-MS methods, respectively. High correlation (r2 m 0.946) was observed between values obtained by the two methods. Most potato crisps and whole potato-based fried snacks showed acrylamide concentrations >1000 μmg kg−1. The concentrations in non-whole potato-based snacks, rice crackers processed by grilling or frying, and candied sweet potatoes were lower compared with those in the potato crisps and the whole potato-based fried snacks. One of the whole potato-based fried snacks, however, showed low acrylamide concentration (<50 μg kg−1) suggesting the formation of acrylamide is strongly influenced by processing conditions. Acrylamide concentrations in instant precooked noodles and won-tons were <100 μg kg−1 with only one exception. Roasted barley grains for 'Mugi-cha' tea contained 200-600 μg kg−1 acrylamide.
An additional article of significance includes, "Verification of the findings of acrylamide in heated foods," J S Ahn, L Castle, D B Clarke, A S Lloyd, M R Philo, D R Speck, Food Additives & Contaminants, Volume 19, Number 12, Dec. 1, 2002. Reported here is the first confirmation of the recent Swedish findings of acrylamide in heated foods. The verification exercise used an LC-MS/MS method developed for the purpose as well as an established GCMS method for acrylamide analysis. LC-MS/MS was suitable for the direct determination of acrylamide in aqueous extracts of foods by isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) using triply deuterated acrylamide. Some food matrices were not suited to the new method and mixed-mode solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used to clean these extracts. The foods tested included UK versions of some of the key food groups analyzed in Sweden. Also tested were some foods heated under home-cooking conditions. There was good agreement between the LC-MS/MS results and the GC-MS results and the concentrations of acrylamide found here were similar to those reported for the corresponding foods analyzed in the Swedish study. The analyses confirmed that acrylamide is absent from the raw or boiled foods but present at significant concentrations in fried, grilled, baked and toasted foods. The highest result was 12000 μg kg−1 acrylamide in overcooked oil-fried chips.

Devices and methods for the rapid, reliable detection and determination of acrylamide concentration in food substances and prevention of acrylamide formation in the same