The present application discloses dextran crosslinked, antibody-phycobiliprotein conjugates containing up to twenty phycobiliprotein per dextran molecule which conjugates are able to achieve amplification of fluorescence intensity over direct antibody-phycobiliprotein labeled cells of two fold or greater.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a novel antibody-dextran-phycobiliprotein conjugate. In particular the present invention relates to a new antibody-aminodextranphycoerythrin conjugate, a method of making said conjugate, and a method for detecting biological substances in an assay using said conjugate.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There has always been a need to develop systems that can accurately and reliably detect and quantitate relatively low levels of biological substances in an assay. The demand for such systems has resulted in the development of a variety of detection methods in which the number of probe molecules per targeted site of interest is amplified, thus making it considerably easier to detect target sites.
For example, enhanced light absorption is used in enzyme immune assays in which substrate absorption is enhanced by large substrate turnovers and use of the high affinity avidin-biotin system See A. M. Shamsuddin and C. C. Harris, Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. 107, 514-517 (1983); Adler-Storthz, et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 18, 1329-1334 (1983); and J. A. Madri and K. W. Barwick, Lab. Invest. 48, 98-107 (1983). Enhanced light scatter is obtained in the side scatter from polystyrene beads coated with colloidal gold particles as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,086, issued Sep. 3, 1996 to Siiman et al. Enhanced light emission is used in indirect fluorescence staining of cell receptor sites with multiple layers of phycoerythrin-streptavidin attached to biotinylated antibody at cell receptor sites as described by J. H. M. Cohen et al., J. Immunol. Methods 99, 53-58 (1987) and H. Zola et al., J Immunol. Methods, 135, 247-255 (1990). Enhanced light-induced photochemistry is used in excitation of chlorin e.sub.6 coupled through dextran to anti-T-cell monoclonal antibody to enhance singlet oxygen production as described by A. R. Oseroff et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 83, 8744-8748 (1986). The single, common feature in the above methods is the increase in the number of probe molecules or particles per targeted site.
Increasing the number of probe molecules or particles per targeted site, however, does not always work. For example, H. M. Shapiro describes one attempt at amplification of fluorescence signals by Tomas Hirshfeld et al., at Block Engineering, wherein several hundred fluorescein molecules were attached to a synthetic polymer, polyethylenimine, which was then conjugated with antibody. The method did not work because fluorescence emission from fluorescein molecules was quenched due to the short nearest neighbor distances between fluorophores on the same polymer molecule. See PRACTICAL FLOW CYTOMETRY, 3rd edition, H. M. Shapiro, Wiley-Liss, New York, N.Y., 1995, p. 277.
Fluorescent dextrans have been used for fluorescence amplification, and numerous fluorescent dextrans are commercially available. See HANDBOOK OF FLUORESCENT PROBES AND RESEARCH CHEMICALS, 6th edition, R. P. Haugland, Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg. 97402, 1996. Fluorescent dextrans consist of soluble dextrans (that is, 10,000, 40,000, 70,000, 500,000, and 2,000,000 daltons) conjugated with various fluorescent dyes such as fluorescein, dansyl, rhodamine, and Texas Red. The degrees of substitution in these fluorescent dextrans are 1-2 dye molecules per dextran of 10,000 daltons, 2-4 dye molecules per dextran of 40,000 daltons, 3-6 dye molecules per dextran of 70,000 daltons, about 64 dye molecules per dextran of 500,000 daltons, and about 134 dye molecules per dextran of 2,000,000 daltons. Higher degrees of substitution than these usually lead to quenching and non-specific interactions. Conjugated dextrans are also available as so-called "lysine-fixable", that is, they have incorporated lysine residues which can be used for further reaction, such as covalent attachment of antibody molecules. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) derivatives of dextran and poly-L-lysine with degrees of substitution ranging from 0.003 to 0.020 molecules of FITC per molecule of glucose and from 0.003 to 0.01 molecule of FITC per molecule of lysyl residue, are commercially available from sources, such as Sigma Chemical Company. For the largest molecular weight dextran listed (2,000,000 daltons) up to 33 to 222 molecules of FITC per molecule of dextran are available; and for a 70,000 dalton poly-L-lysine molecule, up to 5.5 molecules of FITC are available.
Aminodextran of sufficiently large molecular weight can accommodate multiple antibody molecules. The linearity of the polymeric sugar chain of antibody-dextran complexes is an advantage in providing access to targeted antigenic sites on cells without incurring steric hindrance that might occur with a globular polymeric molecule as a carrier. U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,713 issued Jun. 18, 1996, to Bolton et. al., describes the conjugation of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody to aminodextran (1X-aminodextran, .about.1,000,000 daltons, 7% diamine substitution; 5X-aminodextran, .about.350,000 daltons, 20% diamine substitution) under saturating conditions of antibody on dextran to give a T3 antibody:aminodextran molar ratio in the conjugates of 37:1 for T3-1X-Amdex and 20:1 for T3-5X-Amdex, thus showing that aminodextran can be effectively loaded with many large protein molecules.
Another attempt at fluorescence amplification uses the fluorescent dye rhodamine. See Shechter et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 75, 2135-2139 (1978). Higher than usual fluorescence intensities were obtained for the peptide hormones insulin and epidermal growth factor, by covalent attachment of these peptides to alpha-lactalbumin molecules that were highly substituted with rhodamine molecules (i.e., 7:1). This was accomplished while still retaining some binding affinity of the hormone for its receptor (which is one of the basic requirements of any process of this kind).
Another currently available family of fluorescent dyes is the phycobiliproteins. The phycobiliproteins are a family of macromolecules found in red algae and blue-green algae. Each phycobiliprotein molecule contains a large number of chromophores. An antibody molecule directly labeled with fluorescein will have between 1 and 3 chromophores associated with it. An antibody molecule directly labeled by conjugation with a phycobiliprotein may have as many as 34 associated chromophores, each with an absorbance and quantum yield roughly comparable to those of fluorescein. Thus, phycoerythrin, (PE), a member of the phycobiliprotein family, is among the brightest fluorescent dyes currently available. Conjugated to an antibody, PE has been used to detect interleukin-4 in a fluorescent plate assay and found in M. C. Custer and M. T. Lotze, J. Immunol. Methods, 128, 109-117(1990), to be the only tested fluorophore that produced adequate signal.
In PE there is a monodisperse population of fluorescent groups that are already embedded in a protein. PE exhibits maximal absorbance and fluorescence without susceptibility to either internal or external fluorescence quenching so that attachment of two or more PE molecules to a polymeric carrier should not quench PE fluorescence. The net fluorescence intensity from a PE-polymer complex should be the sum of fluorescence intensities from individual PE molecules. Heretofore, it has not been possible to directly conjugate more than a single PE molecule (MW, 240,000 daltons) to an IgG antibody (MW, 160,000 daltons) without destroying or adversely affecting antibody activity. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,110, issued May 28, 1985 to Stryer et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,582, issued Aug. 22, 1989 to Stryer et al.
On a molar basis, one molecule of PE has a fluorescence yield that is equivalent to at least 30 fluorescein or 100 rhodamine molecules at comparable wavelengths. Thus, one would expect that the largest molecular weight FITC-dextran conjugate with the greatest degree of FITC substitution would have the potential to yield a fluorescence enhancement factor of 222/30=7.4 over a single PE molecule. However, with so many FITC units per dextran carrier and a broad distribution in the molecular weight of each dextran, it is difficult to synthetically mimic the monodisperse population of fluorescent groups that occurs naturally in molecules of PE. The spread in fluorescent intensities from one molecule of FITC-dextran complex to another offsets the large enhancement factor that may be numerically anticipated. With respect to rhodamine, the 7:1 rhodamine-to-carrier molar ratio falls far short of the 100:1 rhodamine to PE ratio needed for equivalent fluorescence intensity.
Therefore, no enhancement factor greater than one, relative to PE fluorescence, to date has been reported for the above FITC derivatives of dextran or poly-L-lysine. This is so, even though other fluorescent dyes are available and one might expect an enhancement factor of 7.4 over a single PE molecule. Thus, there is still a need for the amplification of fluorescence emission signals which uses a direct fluorescent marker to achieve emission intensities greater than those of about 1:1 antibody-PE conjugates.


A starchy food-based fat mimetic suitable for use in smooth-textured products, and methods of making the fat mimetic are disclosed. In one method, potato granules are comminuted to fine particles so that at least 90% by weight of the fine potato particles have a particle size of less than about 50 microns. The potato granules can be comminuted by dispersing the potato granules in an aqueous liquid to form a slurry and homogenizing the slurry. The homogenized slurry can be used as a fat mimetic, or it can be dried to form a potato powder which can be added to food products as a fat mimetic. Also, mimetics made by the same process from other starch foods such as fresh potatoes, potato flakes, corn, wheat, rice or beans.

The invention relates to starchy food-based fine particles useful as a fat substitute in a variety of food products.
For many years, doctors have recommended low fat diets. Accordingly, the food industry has directed substantial effort at finding fat mimetics which demonstrate the taste and mouth feel characteristics of fats without their detrimental properties. For example, a microcrystalline starch composition is disclosed as a fat substitute in U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,390. The product is prepared by disintegration of microporous starch granules produced by partial hydrolysis of granular starch. The starch composition is chemically modified as by absorption of a surface modifying agent or by reaction of the starch with a starch reactive etherifying or esterifying agent followed by disintegration of the starch granules to form subgranular fragments of crystalline starch having an average particle size of about 0.1 to about 10 microns. This process requires a number of steps including the formation of the microporous starch granules from granular starch together with the subsequent chemical modification of such granules prior to disintegration. Thus, this product is expensive to produce.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,663 describes a cookie dough that contains potato flour as a fat substitute used in amounts between 8 to 62 percent. The patent teaches that while potato flour is suitable for use in cookie dough, the grainy texture of the potato flour particulates is an undesirable property in smooth-textured food products such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
Potato granules and flakes are commercially available sources of dehydrated potato product having known characteristics. However, they have not been used as a fat mimetic. There is a need for an inexpensive fat mimetic which does not have the detrimental effects of fat on the consumer.
In accordance with the present invention a method is provided for preparing a starchy food-based fat substitute (or mimetic). As used herein, the terms xe2x80x9cfat substitutexe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cfat mimeticxe2x80x9d refer to a food product suitable for use in place of fat. Preferably, the starchy food is potato (granules, flakes or fresh precooked), corn, rice, wheat or beans. The summary will refer to the conditions for treating potato granules as an example but such conditions also apply to the treatment of other starchy food starting materials. The granules are comminuted, preferably by dispersion in an aqueous liquid and homogenization. Preferably, the dispersed potato granules are held at an elevated temperature for sufficient time for swelling prior to homogenizing. The potato granules are homogenized at high pressure to comminute the potato granules to fine potato particles so that at least about 90% by weight of the fine potato particles have a diameter of less than about 50 microns. Homogenization preferably is performed at a pressure in excess of about 3,000 psig. The homogenized slurry can be used as is, or dried as a fine powder.
In another aspect, at least 90% by weight of the fine potato particles have a maximum particle size less than about 25 microns and more preferably less than 10 microns. In one embodiment, the fat substitute comprises an aqueous solution in which the particles are dispersed to form a slurry.
In a further aspect, the invention concerns a starchy food-based, fine particle fat substitute that, when prepared as a slurry, has viscosity properties that closely match that of liquid oils. Preferably, the viscosity of a 5% solution of the fat substitute decreases at least about 10% when the temperature is increased from 30xc2x0 C. to 70xc2x0 C. Preferably, a 5% solution of the fat substitute has a viscosity of about 20 cp or greater when prepared at 30xc2x0 C. In one embodiment, when the fat substitute is formed by drying the comminuted fine particles to a powder, the dried fine particles include many aggregates. Preferably, at least about 50% by weight of the particles have a size between about 5 to 60 microns. (Each aggregate is counted as a single particle in this size range.)
In accordance with the present invention, the fat substitute is made by comminuting the starchy food starting material to fine particles. As used herein, the term xe2x80x9cstarchy foodxe2x80x9d refers to a food with a major starch component but one that is not substantially all starch (e.g. the invention does not encompass the microcrystalline starch of U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,390). Prior to homogenization it can be used as the starting material for the slurry in the fresh precooked form prior to drying or may be dried prior to comminution to a fine powder. Suitable starchy foods include potatoes, corn, rice, wheat, and beans. Preferred predried potato products are potato granules and potato flakes.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9cpotato granulesxe2x80x9d is broadly defined to encompass any products termed by that name in the potato industry. Potato granules are made from any potato tuber, including the Russet variety. A general description of potato granules and their method herein of formation is found in Potato Processing, 4th Ed., Talburt W. F. and Smith, O., (xe2x80x9cPotato Processingxe2x80x9d) published by Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York, N.Y., pp 535-555. Typically, potato granules are dehydrated single cells or aggregates of the potato tuber dried to about 6 to 7% moisture. Any of the granules made by the processes described in Talburt and Smith are encompassed by the term xe2x80x9cpotato granules.xe2x80x9d
Typically, potato granules are formed by washing, peeling and slicing potatoes to a uniform thickness, and cooking. At this point, under a process known as the addback process, intermediate sized potato granules from the finishing end of the process are added back to the cooked product. The cooked potatoes and granule addback are mixed and mashed. They are then typically air-cooled, allowed to condition (equilibrate in temperature and moisture) and again mixed, and air-dried. The product is screened to a fine powder (the source of addback) with a final air-drying process. Most, and essentially all, of the original potato matrix normally is recovered excluding the skin.
In a typical potato granule process, at least about 90% of the granules have a particle size (in diameter) between about 50 and 150 microns. As used herein, all percentages refer to percentage by weight, unless specified otherwise. Potato granules typically include carbohydrates, protein, minerals, fat and fiber, in approximately the following proportions 80%, 8%, 3.6%, 0.6%, 1.4%. Granules are characterized by their ability to form mashed potatoes rapidly by mixing with hot or boiling water. They have well-known functional properties of water displacement, bonding activity in thermally processed foods, mashed potato characteristics, extruding/sheeting functionalities for snack foods and of applications in the baked food industry. Methods for making potato granules and their characteristics as set forth in the above chapter in Talburt and Smith are incorporated herein by reference.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9cpotato flakesxe2x80x9d is broadly defined to encompass any products termed by that name in the potato industry. Potato flakes are made from any potato tuber, including the Russet variety. A general description of potato flakes and their method of formation is found in Potato Processing. Unlike potato granules, a number of the cells are ruptured during processing. Any of the flakes made by the processes described in Potato Processing are encompassed by the term potato flakes.
Typically, potato flakes are formed by the following process. Fresh potatoes are washed, peeled, and sliced to a uniform thickness, and precooked to gelatinize starch within the potato cells. These blanched pieces are then cooled to retrograde gelatinized starch prior to dehydration. The cooled potato pieces are then subjected to a cook step to break intercellular bonds. After cooking, the potatoes are mashed while still hot. The resultant mash is applied to either single or double-drum dryer rolls and dried to form thin sheets of potato solids dried to about 6 to 7% moisture. The sheets are ground in a conventional hammermill to reduce the particles to a suitable size for packaging and use. Methods for making potato flakes and their characteristics as set forth in the above chapter of Potato Processing, incorporated herein by reference.
The process is also applicable to mashed cooked fresh potatoes. Preferably the mashed potatoes are diluted with water to form a slurry which can be pumped to the homogenizer. A suitable degree of cooking for the most effective product can be selected based on the following general description of process parameters. Potatoes may be peeled by any commercially feasible process. They are then typically sliced to from slices of about xc2xdxe2x80x3 to 1xe2x80x3 thickness to promote uniformity of cooking. These slices may be cooked in atmospheric steam or by immersion in hot water. Cooking time depends on the raw material and, for steam cooking, on the altitude. Cooking helps break down the intercellular bonds making it easier to create a more uniform mash prior to homogenization. It is preferable to minimize the presence of free soluble starch in the cooked potatoes. Although potatoes can be cooked in a single-pass operation for this process a precook/cool/cook process is preferred. Preferably, potatoes are precooked at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time long enough to gelatinize substantially all of the starch within the cells. During the cool step the cooked slices are immersed and held in cold water. Free starch is rinsed away by the water and starches in the cells undergo retrogradation. The final cook step weakens intercellular bonds separating the cells with a minimum of cell rupture. Overcooking damages cells and reduces viscosity of the homogenate. Undercooking leaves firm pieces that are not completely ruptured during homogenization. This precook/cook/cool process is described in Potato Processing, pp. 569-575.
Potatoes are preferably mashed immediately following cooking to avoid cell rupture. Mashing can be accomplished by any of the processes common to potato granule and flake processing. The mash can be diluted with hot water to form a slurry that can be pumped to the homogenizer. The slurry preferably is maintained at an elevated temperature prior to homogenization.
It is has been found unexpectedly that comminuting the starting starchy food to a fine particle size results in an excellent fat mimetic (or substitute). The specification will refer first to comminution of potato granules as an example of the starch food. However, the description also applies to the other starchy food starting materials. One method for comminuting potato granules is by mechanical size reduction, preferably by homogenization. In one homogenization technique, the granules first are mixed with an excess of aqueous liquid, preferably water to form a slurry which is held for a sufficient time to allow the granules to absorb the water and to swell. It is preferable that, after the holding period, there is no excess water so that the slurry resembles a very thin mashed potato product. Preferably the swelling of the potato granules during the holding step results in the formation of a substantially continuous flowable mass prior to homogenization. If desired, some excess water could remain or the mashed potato product could be more viscous. To achieve the preferred viscosity of the dispersion of swollen granules at this stage, it is preferable that the weight ratio of aqueous liquid to potato granules be from about 3:1 to 10:1 and more preferably from about 5:1 to about 9:1. However, higher ratios such as 12:1, 15:1 or 25:1 may be used. During the holding period, the temperature is preferably elevated in excess of about 110xc2x0 F., preferably in the range of about 110xc2x0 F. to about 200xc2x0 F. or higher under some circumstances, and more preferably in the range of about 165xc2x0 F. to about 190xc2x0 F.
The holding time of the dispersion at such elevated temperatures is inversely related to the temperature. Thus, for example, as little time as about 10 minutes could be employed at higher temperatures while a time of up to 30 minutes to an hour or more may be used for complete hydration at lower temperatures. Typically, 30 to 60 minute holding time at 160xc2x0 to 190xc2x0 F. assures efficient size reduction in the next step. It has been found that holding times longer than 60 minutes do not adversely affect size reduction. Substantial to complete hydration or swelling prior to homogenizing has the benefit of more rapid and complete disintegration of granules upon homogenization.
The slurry formed in the holding step is then preferably homogenized under an elevated pressure and temperature. The size of the particles of the homogenized slurry depends on the homogenizing operating conditions. As the pressure is increased, the percentage of particles in the desired range is increased. Pressures as low as about 1,000-3,000 psig can create particles less than 50 microns depending on the condition of the swollen granules in the slurry and the type of homogenizer. Preferably, the pressure is excess of about 3,000 psig to achieve a homogenized slurry having the desired particle size. More preferably, the pressure is in excess of about 5,000 psig. When reference is made to xe2x80x9cparticle sizexe2x80x9d, the diameter of the potato particle at its widest point is intended. Preferably, at least about 90% of the potato particles have a particle size of less than about 50 microns. More preferably, at least about 90% of the potato particles of the homogenized slurry have a particle size less than 25 microns. Still more preferably, at least about 90% of the potato particles of the homogenized slurry have a particle size less than about 25 microns, yet more preferably less than 10 microns, to as low as a range of 0.10 to 10.0 microns, to as low as 1 micron.
One suitable type of homogenizer includes a positive displacement reciprocating pump with a multiplex single-action plunger and a three-piece homogenizing valve assembly. An example of a homogenizer of this type is the Niro Soavi (Model #NS 2006L) sold by Niro, Inc. of Hudson, Wisconsin. To make the desired product, this type of homogenizer is typically operated at pressures in excess of about 4,000 to 5,000 psig and preferably in the range of about 7,000 to 10,000 psig or more. The pressure is applied by forcing the liquid slurry through small passages under pressure at velocities of 600-1000 ft/sec. The elevated pressure serves to comminute the particles by a combination of factors including shearing (tear against a fixed surface), impingement (high velocity impact against a fixed surface), distention (compression and tension against a fixed surface), and cavitation (bursting due to high/low pressure variation). This type of homogenizer tends to operate at elevated temperatures (about 140xc2x0 F. to 200xc2x0 F., or higher, and preferably about 160xc2x0 F. to 190xc2x0 F.) due to the frictional forces created during homogenization.
Another suitable type of homogenizer uses sonic forces that enable the use of lower pressure. One such sonic homogenizer is sold under the trade name xe2x80x9cXSxe2x80x9d Sonolator by Sonic Corporation, Stratford, Conn. It is an in-line homogenizer design that converts the kinetic energy of high-velocity liquid streams into high-intensity mixing energy. The conversion of energy within the liquid stream is accomplished by using a physical phenomenon used known as a xe2x80x9cjet-edge tone.xe2x80x9d Typically, a jet-edge of process liquid under pressure (usually supplied by a positive displacement pump) is forced to an elliptical orifice at a velocity of 300 fps or more, and is directed at the edge of a blade-like obstacle in its path. Between the orifice and blade-like obstacle, the velocity of liquid sheds vortices perpendicular to the original flow vector. The shedding pattern is stable and alternates so that a steady oscillation common in the sonic range occurs in the liquid. The stresses set up with the liquid by sonic oscillations cause the liquid to cavitate in the ultrasonic frequency zone. The high level of cavitation, combined with shear and turbulence in the mixing chamber, shatters the particles.
For convenient storage, distribution and handling, the homogenized slurry can be dried to form a powder. As used herein the term xe2x80x9cpotato powderxe2x80x9d refers to dried fine potato particles suitable for use as a fat mimetic Preferably, the potato powder has a moisture content of less than about 12%, more preferably, less than about 10%, and most preferably, about 8% or less. Upon rehydration, the potato particles retain the properties that render them ideal for use as a fat mimetic. Any suitable drying technique can be used to form the potato powder. Because of its convenience and ease of use, particularly with large batches, a preferred drying method is conventional spray drying. The term xe2x80x9cfine starchy food powderxe2x80x9d refers to a fine starchy food powder having the moisture content in the range of said potato powder.
The term xe2x80x9cpowder particlesxe2x80x9d refers to the individual fine particles and aggregates of such fine particles. Each aggregate is considered to have the particle size of the total aggregate in contrast to the term xe2x80x9cfine particlesxe2x80x9d which refers to the individual fine particles whether aggregated or not.
Upon spray drying, the potato particles are appreciably larger than the particles of the homogenized slurry, presumably due to the formation of aggregates of fine potato particles. The majority of the powder particles in the potato powder formed by spray drying range in size from about 5 microns to about 60 microns, and more typically from about 15 microns to about 60 microns, and even more typically, about 15 to about 45 microns, with the average particle size being about 30 microns. The size of the particles of the potato powder may vary depending upon the drying methods used.
When the potato powder is rehydrated, and observed under a microscope, smaller particles, ranging in size from about 0.1 to about 10.0 microns (i.e. the size of the majority of particles from the homogenated slurry), can be seen breaking away somewhat from the aggregate, forming a more loosely connected, less compacted aggregate. When the potato powder is dissolved in excess water and heated to about 60xc2x0 C., the potato particles typically swell, so that the majority of particles range in size from about 10 microns to about 100 microns, and more typically from about 20 microns to about 70 microns. The rehydrated potato powder is the functional equivalent of the homogenized slurry. For example, despite the increased particle size, it does not impart a grainy texture, and thus serves as an excellent fat mimetic, even in smooth-textured food products.
When the potato powder is dissolved in water to prepare a solution comprising about 2.5% potato particles or less, the solution behaves as a Newtonian fluid. As the solution approaches 5%, the viscosity mimics that of liquid oils in that the viscosity of the solution decreases with increasing temperature. It is believed that this property helps impart a fatty mouthfeel. When a 5% solution of the potato powder is increased from 30xc2x0 C. to 70xc2x0 C., the viscosity decreases at least about 10%, more preferably at least about 16%, and most preferably, at least about 22% or more. Preferably, the viscosity of a 5% solution of the potato powder at 30xc2x0 C. is above about 20 cp, more preferably above about 22 cp, and more preferably, about 25 cp or more. As shear is applied to the potato particle-containing solution, it becomes non-Newtonian, and is more aptly described as shear-thinning and pseudo-plastic. However, when the temperature of the solution increases above about 60xc2x0 C., or when it is subjected to high shear, fluid behavior returns to resemble that of Newtonian fluids.
The potato powder of the present invention is highly hydrophilic, and while it disperses well in oil, it is not oil soluble. The hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) value, which is widely used for classifying surfactants, is an indication of a substance""s solubility in the aqueous and oil phases. The potato powder of the present invention preferably has an HLB value of about 12 or greater, preferably about 14 or greater, more preferably about 16 or greater, and most preferably about 18 or greater.
The comminuted potato particles of the homogenized slurry and dried potato powder made by the above methods are excellent fat substitutes. They may be mixed into a variety of edible food products such as batter breading, beverages, bakery products, sauces, cultured dairy products, yogurt, chocolate confections, puddings, ice cream, butter, margarine, salad dressing and mayonnaise, among others. In one embodiment, the comminuted potato particles of the present invention can be added to these products in the aqueous dispersion in which they exit a homogenizer. Alternatively, the products can be concentrated depending on the desired end use.
In one embodiment of the corn, rice, wheat and bean embodiments, conventional flours of these starchy foods may be used as a starting material. The flours, typically not precooked, may be mixed with water to form slurries at the same concentrations as for the potato granules. The slurries may be held at the same concentration and at the same suitable temperatures and times as the potato granules for swelling with the concomitant benefits on disintegration during homogenization. This holding at elevated temperature is one form of xe2x80x9cprecookingxe2x80x9d for purposes of the present invention. The same size ranges for the comminuted corn, rice and wheat flours may be used. In another alternative, dry corn, rice, wheat and beans which typically have not been precooked, and are ground, are formed into a slurry and held at an elevated temperature as described for the granules. Preferably, the size of the particles formed during grinding is selected to form a flowable slurry to be fed to the homogenizer.
Alternatively fresh corn, rice, wheat or beans can be cooked and sized to form a flowable slurry for homogenization in a similar way to the method of fresh potatoes described above.
In general, the principles described for the potato products apply to the other predried starchy foods products such as potato flakes, corn, rice, wheat and beans. Somewhat different conditions may be used for the different starting materials (e.g., a shorter holding time for flakes than granules to swell the particles in a slurry prior to homogenization). The differences in the properties of these dry starchy foods are well known in the art and do not alter the effectiveness of these starchy food materials in fine particle form as fat substitutes.
Some end products in which the fat substitutes of the present invention can be used as a fat substitute are as follows.
1. Beverages, such as cream liqueurs, cordials, mixers; beverage syrups and mixes, i.e., cocoa mixes; flavored waters and stills; fruit juices/punches; and carbonated seltzers, sodas or waters.
2. Confectionery, such as jelly-type candies (gum drops and licorice), hard candies and gums, sweet spreads, sugarless candies, nougats/fondants, fruit chews/caramels/taffy/fudge, marshmallows, meringues and foam-style confectionery.
3. Cheese products, such as processed cheese, cheese spreads, cheese foods, cheese sauces, cheese dips, cream cheese, cottage cheese dressings, hard cheeses, semi-soft cheeses, imitation cheeses and related products.
4. Frozen confections, ices, and ice cream products, such as fruit sherbets and sorbets, frozen yogurts, frozen ice pops (fruit juice, cream or other flavors), ice milk, low-fat ice creams, conventional ice creams and gourmet ice creams and ice cream toppings and sauces.
5. Fruit preparations, such as ice cream toppings, fruit bakery fillings for baked products and pastries, fruit preparations for yogurt and other dairy products; and, finally, jams, jellies, marmalades and preserves.
6. Fluid milks, spreads, and creams, such as concentrated milk, flavored milks (chocolate, strawberry, egg nog, etc.), imitation milks and syrups, milk shakes, margarine, margarine-butter blends, reduced fat spreads, cream and imitation cream products, including coffee whitener and whipped topping.
7. Mixes for water gels and dairy products, such as gelatin dessert mixes (cold or hot preparation, refrigerated, frozen or shelf-stable), dry mix and liquid instant breakfast mix, bakery filling creams/custards, whipped toppings and sauces, ice cream mixes/ready to freeze mixers, mousses, puddings, cheese cakes and flans/custards.
8. Pastries and baked products, such as syrups for glazing, pies, pie fillings, cheese cakes, cookie mixes and finished shelf-stable cookies, icings and frostings, including no-fat, low-fat, etc.; bakery fillings (dairy and fruit based), topping, glazes; and baked food products, including cakes, biscuits, muffins, breads and donuts.
9. Processed dairy products, such as yogurt beverages, yogurts, liegeois-type pudding, milk gels, dessert creams, buttermilk, buttermilk beverages, fresh cheese products, dips (both imitation and dairy based), sour cream (imitation, cultured and direct set), cultured and direct set half-and-half or butter products.
10. Snack food products, such as extruded or sheeted snack foods, intermediate snack food pellets/shapes, crackers, chips (potato, corn, rice and wheat based), cereals (ready-to-eat, etc.), granola snacks and other novelties.
11. Soups, sauces, salad dressings, and dips, such as bottled, canned, dry or frozen soups/mixes; specialty dry mixes, salad dressing mixes, savory and seasoned mixes, dips, sauces, salsas, and gravies (ethnic styles inclusive); reduced calorie/no-fat/low-fat sauces/gravies/salsas; mayonnaise and salad dressings/spreads, including oil and vinegar; dairy based, tomato based and other vegetable or fruit puree dressings and spreads.
12. Structured foods and meat products, such as prepared foods and entrees, i.e., lasagna, raviolis, au gratin, flavored hashbrowns, etc.; macaroni and cheese, pasta products and sauces. Meat products that may be derived from poultry, beef, pork, lamb, etc., including frankfurters, sausages, low-fat meat patties, marinades and seasoning pumped into hams or poultry.
13. Battered/breaded food products including meats, vegetables and fruits.
The comminuted potato particles can be incorporated in food products as an aqueous dispersion or as a dry powder. The proportion of potato particles to other ingredients varies over a wide range, depending on the end use. Referring to dry weight of the comminuted potato particles, fat mimetic properties can be realized using amounts as low as 0.1% of the total dry weight of ingredients. However, for some food products, about 30% or even more of the comminuted potato particles may be desired. The comminuted potato particles can be added as a fat substitute to fluid milks and flavored milks at levels from about 0.1%-3.0% to increase viscosity, enhance opacity and impart a mouthfeel similar to fill fat products. Similarly, about 0.1% to 5% of the comminuted potato particles can be added to yogurt and sour cream preparations for the same reasons. Up to about 10% of the comminuted potato particles can be added to margarine or butter to produce fat reduced spreads or sticks. Reduced fat pasteurized process cheese and cheese food/spreads can be prepared with inclusion of up to about 10% or more of the comminuted potato particles. When added at levels of up to about 5% the comminuted potato particles function as a fat substitute, stabilizer and opacity enhancer for no and low-fat ice creams. Reduced fat salad dressing are produced with addition of up to about 10% of the comminuted potato particles.

Starchy food-based fine particle fat substitute


An improved method for generating a toric surface on a molding tool for forming contact lens molds comprises:. (a) providing a tool which comprises an elongated body and a molding portion at one end of the tool, wherein the molding portion comprises a surface which is substantially spherical; PA1 (b) applying a force to the elongated body so as to distort the spherical surface of the molding portion; PA1 (c) machining a substantially spherical curve in the distorted surface while maintaining the applied force; and PA1 (d) releasing the applied force, wherein the spherically cut surface assumes a toric shape upon release of the applied force.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of generating a toric surface on a molding tool for molding contact lens molds. Additionally, the invention relates to a collet assembly which may be employed in the method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Contact lenses having a toric optical zone (commonly referred to as "toric contact lenses") can be used to correct refractive abnormalities of the eye associated with astigmatism, wherein the toric optical zone provides cylindrical correction for the astigmatism. Since astigmatism is often associated with another refractive abnormality, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hypermetropia (farsightedness), toric contact lenses are commonly prescribed with a negative or positive spherical correction to correct myopic astigmatism or hypermetropic astigmatism. The optical requirements of a toric contact lens are well known in the art, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,998 (Council, Jr.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and various methods are known for producing toric contact lenses.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,079,737 (Kratt et al.) relates to a toric lens tool for holding a lens blank on which a toric surface is machined. A toric surface is generated on the lens blank by a method comprising: warping (or "crimping") the lens blank by imparting diametrically opposed forces to peripheral portions of the lens blank; lathe cutting a spherical base curve in the convex posterior surface of the warped lens blank and polishing the base curve while the blank remains oblately distorted; and releasing the lens blank from the tool, whereby the blank returns to its original shape and the base curve assumes a toric shape.
This crimping method requires individually crimping and lathe cutting each lens blank to generate the desired toric surface, which is time consuming and labor intensive especially for the production of large quantities of lenses. Further, the reproducibility and consistency of the toric surface is entirely dependent on the individual crimping operation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,278 (Tait et al.) relates to a method of injection molding a toric lens casting mold which includes a hollow, cup-like top portion having a toric surface. Lens buttons having a precision toric base curve and a generally flat front surface are molded in the cup-like top portion of the mold arbor. The toric surface of the cup-like top portion is formed upon injection molding from a toric core pin which has a concave toric end surface. Subsequent to molding the button with the toric lens surface, the other lens surface is lathe cut from the generally flat front surface. The patent discloses that the toric surface on the toric core pin may be produced by known manufacturing procedures, including lathe machining followed by polishing, electroforming, or electro discharge machining followed by polishing.

Method of generating a toric surface on a molding tool


An improved switching apparatus and method are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the apparatus includes first and second ports, a first switching device such as a contactor coupled between the ports, and a second switching device coupled in parallel with the contactor between the ports, where the second switching device can be or include a solid-state semiconductor device. The second switching device is operated to become conductive at a first time prior to a second time when the contactor switches between a conductive state and a non-conductive state, and remains conductive up to a third time subsequent to the second time. In at least some further embodiments, the apparatus also includes one or both of a voltage sensing capability and a current sensing capability and switches the second switching device to become conductive based upon voltage and/or current information.

Electrical switches such as electromechanical contactors are employed in a variety of circumstances and in relation to a variety of different types of electrical systems including, for example, single-phase and multi-phase (e.g., 3-phase) systems. In many circumstances, the contactors govern whether high levels of power are provided to loads that demand such high levels of power, for example, electrical motors. Also, in many circumstances, the closing/opening of the contactors determines in particular whether high levels of current are allowed to flow through the contactors to the loads.
Operation in such circumstances can expose the contactors to various undesirable stresses. For example, as the contactors are closed and opened, the contactors can experience arcing and related stresses resulting from changes in the current flow that, over time, can result in the contactors becoming welded or otherwise worn out. Further, operation in such circumstances can also place additional stress upon the loads with respect to which the delivery of power is being controlled by the contractors. For example, excessively rapid transitions in the levels of current being provided to the loads can be detrimental to long-term operation of the load devices.
For at least these reasons, therefore, it would be advantageous if an improved switching apparatus and/or related method could be developed for governing the delivery of power. In at least some embodiments, it would be advantageous if such an improved switching apparatus/method was capable of operating in a manner that reduced at least some stresses upon the switching apparatus itself. In at least some further embodiments, it would be advantageous if such an improved switching apparatus/method was capable of operating in a manner that reduced at least some stresses upon a load or other device in conjunction with which the apparatus was operating.


A built-in antenna module for a portable wireless terminal is provided. In the built-in antenna module, a mainboard, which is an RF board, has a feeding unit and a grounding unit. A radiator is disposed on one side of the mainboard and has a feed pin and a ground pin that are electrically connected to the feeding unit and the grounding unit, respectively. A conductive ground plate is disposed on the other side of the mainboard to have a predetermined height. An end of the conductive ground plate is grounded to the grounding unit of the mainboard. The distance between the radiator and the ground plate is maximized to improve antenna performance.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna module built in a portable wireless terminal, and more particularly, to a built-in antenna module for improving performance of a variety of antennas, such as improving a radiation characteristic of a Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA) and reducing a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).
2. Background of the Prior Art
Recently, mobile wireless terminals, such as PCS, DCS, GPS, PDA, cellular phones and wireless notebooks, are growing in popularity; and terminals with various functions and designs are being introduced. Further, small-sized, slim and lightweight terminals are being introduced, and users expect such terminals to also support such various functions. Therefore, the design of the terminal is focused on reducing terminal size while maintaining or improving the functions, for customer satisfaction.
Specifically, a rod antenna (or whip antenna) or a helical antenna that is protruded outward from the terminal is easy to break when the terminal is dropped, and such antennas reduce the portability of the terminal. Therefore, a plate type antenna installed within the terminal is widely used in recent days (also called a built-in antenna, internal antenna, or intenna) and various efforts are made to improve the performance and productivity of the built-in antenna.
Generally, the above-described built-in antenna is electrically connected to a mainboard (RF board) of a terminal body. At this time, the built-in antenna has two feeding lines. One line is electrically connected to a feeding unit of the mainboard, and the other line is grounded to a conductive ground layer of a multi-layered mainboard for operation. At this time, the ground layer is positioned at an uppermost layer of the mainboard, and the plate type built-in antenna (radiator) is grounded with only a grounding unit. The feeding unit is lead-out downwardly to a distance of a predetermined height from the mainboard by use of a fixing bracket. Generally, a Planar Inverted F Antenna (PIFA, a plate type built-in antenna) has improved performance when the size of a radiator, the area of a ground surface and the height between the radiator and the ground surface are increased.
However, a conventional feeding structure of the built-in antenna has a drawback in that a larger distance between the PIFA and the ground surface of the mainboard goes against consumer's desire for slimness of the portable terminal and simplification. Accordingly, recent slide type terminals being put on a market, have deteriorated antenna performance.

Built-in antenna module for portable wireless terminal


This invention concerns a fundus camera which can take photographs other than by fluorescence or by fluorescence. An optical device is withdrawn from the optical path of a photographic system at the same time as a barrier filter for taking photographs by fluorescence is inserted and is inserted in the optical path of the photographic system for observation purposes at the same time as the barrier filter is removed. The optical device has the same optical path length as the barrier filter, and thus a focused fundus image attained during observation is not upset when fluorescent photographs are taken.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns the improvement of a fundus camera which can take photographs other than by fluorescence, by fluorescence under visible light, and by fluorescence under infra-red light.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, a fundus camera is known which can take photographs other than by fluorescence, by fluorescence under visible light, and by fluorescence under infra-red light. In this fundus camera, when taking photographs by fluorescence after completing observations to determine the part to be photographed, a photographic switch is operated. Due to the operation of this switch, an exciter filter for fluorescent photography is inserted in the optical path of an illuminating optical system before a flash tube operates. When the flash tube operates, the fundus of the subject's eye is irradiated by illuminating light of specific wavelengths. The subject has previously been given an injection of a fluorescent agent. After a certain time has elapsed, blood containing this fluorescent agent flows into the blood vessels of the subject's eye, and emits fluorescence under the illuminating light of specific wavelengths. A barrier filter for fluorescent photography is also inserted in the photographic optical system in synchronism with the exciter filter. Fluorescence from the fundus is then guided through this barrier filter to a photographic means, and a satisfactory image of the fundus is thus obtained.
However, the concentration of fluorescent agent in the blood is low immediately before it flows into the blood vessels of the fundus. Subsequently it rises, and then falls as blood flows through the small vessels. As a result, the brightness of the fluorescence increases in a first stage, remains constant in a middle stage, and decreases in a later stage. While the barrier filter for fluorescent photography is inserted in the photographic optical system when making fluorescent observations in the later stage, the image of the subject's eye is dark, and it is impossible to carry out proper alignment and focusing of the system. When making observations in the fluorescent photographic mode, therefore, the barrier filter is removed from the photographic optical system if the image of the eye is dark in order to carry out proper focusing and alignment. The photographic switch is then operated, the barrier filter for fluorescent photography is inserted in the photographic optical system in synchronism with, for example, the action of a shutter, the flash tube is operated, and a photograph by fluorescence is taken.
In this fundus camera, however, no provision is made for the change in the length of the optical path when the barrier filter is inserted or removed from the photographic optical system. Even if, a properly focused image of the fundus is obtained when making observations, therefore, it is impossible to obtain a properly focused photographic image.


A communications receiver is provided that includes a first and second compensators a pilot tracker and a demodulator. The first compensator is operable to adjust an input signal based on both a coarse frequency offset and a fine frequency offset to produce an adjusted input signal. The pilot tracker determines an estimated residual frequency offset based on at least a portion of the adjusted input signal. The demodulator determines at least a first symbol sequence and a second symbol sequence based on the adjusted input signal. The second compensator is operable to adjust the first symbol sequence and the second symbol sequence based on the estimate residual frequency offset.

Wireless communications may be conducted in a challenging environment exhibiting electromagnetic interference and competing wireless signals. Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are becoming more popular as a means of providing a networked office infrastructure. Communication protocols define standardized communication procedures to enable equipment from different vendors to intercommunicate. Communication standards generally evolve constantly as new needs and more powerful electronic technology emerges. Communications circuits may be combined in one or more integrated circuits to achieve desirable price points for consumer electronics. Specialized chips and/or chip sets may be developed by semiconductor manufacturers to support specific communication protocols. As new communication standards or variations of standards are released, new chips and/or chips sets are designed and released for sale.

Phase advance compensation for MIMO time-switch preamble modes


LCD panel 12 is mounted on surface light source device 11 outputting an oblique preferential emission under emission promotion by scattering pattern formed on emission face 13C. Back face 13B provides a light control face correcting directivity toward a frontal direction in a plane parallel to incidence end face 13A. Directivity is further corrected toward a frontal direction in a plane perpendicular to face 13A by a prism sheet 21 which is coupled with panel 12 to provide a composite optical element unified with a polarization film 16. Output light from liquid crystal 18 impinges onto a polarization film 20. Light component corresponding to a transmission polarization plane of polarization film 20 is outputted out of the device after being transmitting film 20. Prism sheet 21 may be coupled with another member like polarization separating sheet member. Prism projection rows avoid from being damaged or deformed.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal display device and a composite optical element, in particular, to an improved liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display device equipped with the improved liquid crystal display panel as well as to a composite optical element relating to the improvement.
2. Related Art
According to an prior art, a liquid crystal display incorporated in a liquid crystal display (LCD) is illuminated by a surface light source device of side light type. In general, the surface light source device of side light type comprises a guide plate and a primary light source such as rod-like light source which is disposed along an incidence end face of the guide plate. Such arrangement has an advantage such that application to LCD brings only a little increase in thickness.
Primary light emitted from the primary light source is introduced into the guide plate through the incidence end face. According to well known processes including-reflection and scattering, the guide plate deflects the introduced light to produce emission from an emission face provided by a major face. Thus emitted light is supplied to a liquid crystal display panel thorough an additional element such as prism sheet.
Two types of guide plates are known. One type is featured by overall uniform thickness while type is featured by tendency to be decreasing in thickness according to distance from an incidence end face. In general, the latter is capable of emitting illumination light more effectively as compared with the former.
A surface light source device of side light type employing a guide plate of the latter type is shown in FIG. 4 providing an exploded perspective view and in FIG. 5 providing a cross section view along line depicted in FIG. 4. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a surface light source device of side light type 1 comprises a guide plate 2, a primary light source 3, a reflection sheet 4 and a prism sheet 6 as a light control member. The reflection sheet 4, the guide plate 2 and the prism sheet 6 are laminatedly arranged in order. The primary light source 3 is disposed beside an incidence end face 2A of the guide plate 2.
The primary light source 3 consists of, for example, a cold cathode lamp (fluorescent lamp) 8 backed by a reflector 9. Illumination light (primary light) emitted from the fluorescent lamp 8 is supplied to the incidence end face 2A of the guide plate 2 through an opening of the reflector 9. The reflector is a sheet-like member with regular or irregular reflectivity.
The reflection sheet 4 is, for example, a sheet-like member with regular reflectivity to which silver is evaporation-deposited, reflecting light leaked out of the guide plate 2 to return the leaked light into the guide plate 2. This prevents loss of light energy.
The guide plate 2 is a transparent plate-like member made of acrylic resin (PMMA resin) having a wedge-shaped cross section. Such a guide plate 2 is produced, for example, by means of injection molding. Illumination light L introduce into the guide plate 2 through the incidence end face 2A propagates to approach an opposite end face while repeated reflection between a back face 2B and an emission face 2C is effected. Reflection by the back face 2B and that by the emission face 2C involve some emission out of the guide plate 2.
Light emitted from the back face 2B returns to the guide plate 2 directly or via the reflection sheet 4. Light emitted from the emission face 2C is lead to a LCD panel (not shown) via a prism sheet 6.
Light diffusion pattern is applied to the emission face 2C, as required, so that brightness distribution is adjusted by promoting emission from the emission face. This light diffusion pattern consists of, for instance, a great number of rough regions which are distributed according to a certain arrangement rule.
It is well known that the emission face 2C of such a guide plate 2 provides a preferential output which is inclined forward (that is, toward an distal end of wedge-shape). Such property is called "emission directivity ".
The prism sheet 6 as a light control member is disposed along the emission face 2C of the guide plate 2 to modify such emission directivity. The prism sheet 6 is an optical member an inner face of which provides a prismatic surface, being made of light permeable material such as polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate.
The prismatic surface is provided with a great number of projection rows with triangular cross section. Each projection row includes a pair of slopes and runs approximately parallel to the incidence end face 2A.
As well known, emitted light is subject to refraction and inner reflection exerted by slope pairs of the prism sheet 6 arranged as above, with the result that inclined preferential propagation direction (principal propagation direction) is corrected to a frontal direction with respect to the emission face 2C.
Such prior art involves a problem. That is, as the prism sheet 6 is disposed on the emission face 2C of the guide plate 2, static electricity tends to cause the prism sheet 6 to sticK to the emission face 2C.
As a result, prism sheet 6 scrapes against the emission face 2C, thereby causing projection ]rows to be damaged or deformed. In particular, if light scattering pattern is applied to the emission face 2C, this problem will be serious.
Damage or deform of projection rows affects particularly and strikingly top-shapes of projection rows so that tops are eroded off. Such breakage brings white turbidity which is observed from the side of the LCD panel. If the surface light source device 1 is applied to the LCD without elimination such turbidity, display quality of the LCD is reduced without fail.
According an prior art, the prism sheet 6 is made of a soft material in order to overcome this problem. However, such a prism sheet 6 made of a soft material tends to be affected by deformation of cross section after long time operations, thereby deteriorating emission characteristics of illumination light. Beside this, the prism sheet 6 sticks partially to the emission face 2C, with the result that undesirable pattern tends to appear on the emission face 2C.

Liquid crystal display panel, liquid crystal display device and composite optical element


A CCD structure includes a substrate in which a plurality of buried channels have been formed and a heat conductor disposed transversely to the buried channels and defining a longitudinal direction. A first channel defines a channel direction. The heat conductor includes a first segment and a second segment separated by a gap from the first segment. The heat conductor further includes a tab connected to the first segment. In the structure the tab is characterized by an extent along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction that is equal to an extent of the gap along the longitudinal direction, an extent along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that is equal to a width of the heat conductor, and a shape that is a parallelogram, preferrably a rectangle. In the structure the gap is characterized by a gap predetermined shape, size and orientation, and the tab is characterized by a tab predetermined shape, size and orientation. The tab predetermined shape, size and orientation is equal to the gap predetermined shape, size and orientation, respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to time delay and integrate (TDI) charge coupled device (CCD) sensors. In particular, the invention relates to discontinuous diagonal heat conducting straps on TDI CCD sensors to remove heat, a tab being included at each discontinuity to compensate for the extra illumination through the gap of the discontinuity.
2. Description of Related Art
Charge coupled devices (hereinafter CCDs) are widely used in video imaging and inspection applications. For example, a CCD sensor may be applied to industrial inspection or vision equipment. Inspection cameras used to inspect moving objects (e.g., on a continuous conveyor belt or rolled goods such as rolls of cloth) employ a line scan CCD sensor where a linear CCD sensor is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the object being imaged. Advanced linear CCD sensors often employ a time delay and integrate technology and are referred to as TDI CCD sensors.
In FIG. 8, known time delay and integrate (TDI) linear array sensor 2 includes imaging section 4 coupled to horizontal CCD readout shift register 6. Imaging section 4 includes a plurality of columns, each column including a plurality of photo-sites. In operation, a camera lens focuses the image on the TDI CCD sensor. The image, that is the optical input to the TDI CCD sensor, is moving (e.g., on a conveyor belt). An image conjugate focused on the sensor appears to be moving. A portion of the image first appears on one pixel of the TDI CCD sensor, and then appears on another pixel of the sensor. The camera and sensor are arranged so that a portion of the moving image moves in a direction from the top of column 8 of photo-sites to the bottom of column 8 (adjacent to horizontal readout shift register 6). The TDI CCD sensor is clocked to transfer charge down the columns of photo-sites at a rate equal to the rate that the portion of the image moves down the column. Charge generated at a first photo-site is transferred to the next photo-site at the same time that the image portion that generated the charge at the first photo-site moves to the next photo-site. In this way photo-charge is accumulated at the photo-site under the image portion as the image portion moves down the column. Thus the name, time delay and integrate (TDI).
In a TDI CCD sensor, the last pixel in each integrating column (e.g., column 8) of photo-sites (i.e., the last horizontal line) is transferred into a horizontal CCD readout shift register. The line of data is then transferred serially through an output node structure at the end of the register and then through a buffer amplifier.
Imaging section 4 includes a plurality of such integrating columns. Disposed over, and insulated from, the columns is a plurality of sets of clock driving lines, one clock driving line in each set is for a corresponding phase of the clock system. To transfer signal charges vertically in each column, clocking signals are applied to corresponding clock driving lines in each set of clock driving lines. The clock driving lines are typically formed of doped poly-crystalline silicon and are characterized by a high resistance "per square" when compared to metal. Thus, metal strapping is sometimes employed over the poly-crystalline silicon lines to provide a low resistance shunt for the clock signals to provide a more even distribution of clock signals over the entire area of imaging section 4.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,652 to White describes a time delay and integrate scanner with opaque metal conductors extending diagonally across the light receiving surface of the array to apply control signals.
However, in high density, large format CCD sensors, significant heat can build up in the center of the array unless a means is provided to remove the heat. Known heat removal means rely on conduction through the substrate of the CCD sensor. Heat that is not removed causes dark signal noise to be inserted in "hot" pixels. In fact, warmer pixels will experience more dark signal noise than will cooler pixels. To produce a quality image, it is necessary to provide uniform thermal as well as electrical and optical performance across the entire imaging area of the sensor.

CCD sensor with diagonal heat conducting straps


Unit-forming bus bars including input terminal bus bars and output terminal bus bars are secured through an insulation layer to a rear surface of a heat radiation member that is exposed outside an electric connection box case, and switching devices are mounted on the bus bars. Relay switches that are different from the switching devices are mounted on a relay board. The relay board and a control circuit board for controlling driving of the switching devices are disposed on a surface facing away from the rear surface of the heat radiation member, and are parallel to each other.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an electric power distribution unit constituting an electric power distribution circuit extending from a vehicle-mounted electric power source in a vehicle such as an automobile or the like, and to an electric connection box having the unit.
2. Description of Related Art
Heretofore, an electric connection box, in which an electric power distribution circuit is formed by stacking a plurality of bus bar boards, and in which fuses and relay switches are incorporated for distributing electric power from a common vehicle-mounted electric power source to various electronic unit, has been generally known.
Further, in order to reduce a size of such electric connection box and to implement switching control, an electric connection box has been developed recently in which semiconductor switching devices, such as field effect transistors (FETs) or the like are interposed between input and output terminals in lieu of the relay switches.
However, since these semiconductor switching devices have a relatively great calorific power, it is necessary to efficiently remove heat from the devices.
An electric connection box is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-319708 as one way of solving the problem. The electric connection box includes an electric power distribution section having an input terminal to be connected to an electric power source, output terminals, semiconductor switching devices interposed between the input and output terminals, and a bus bar circuit section, having a metallic bus for forming a circuit and an insulation plate stacked on the bus bar, for connecting the respective output terminals of the electric power distribution section to vehicle-mounted loads. The electric power distribution section and bus bar circuit section are assembled in a common case with a part of bus bars in the bus bar circuit section being connected to the respective output terminals of the electric power distribution section.
In more detail, in the above-described electric connection box, the input terminal bus bar and the plurality of output terminal bus bars are disposed at a rear side of the heat radiation member, semiconductor switching devices are interposed between the input and output terminal bus bars for switching an ON-OFF energization of the input and output terminal bus bars, and heat generated from the semiconductor switching devices is radiated through the heat radiation member to the outside.
According to such an electric connection box, since the electric power distribution section including the semiconductor switching devices and heat radiation member is provided independently of the bus bar board as an electric power distribution unit, it is possible to efficiently cool the respective semiconductor switching devices at a single position concentrically.
Although switching means for switching an ON-OFF energization of the input and output terminals consist of only the semiconductor switching devices in the above-mentioned disclosure, there are occasions where the semiconductor switching devices alone cannot carry out the ON-OFF energization in a special specification. In this case, it is necessary to use conventional relay switches and semiconductor switching devices together.

Electric power distribution unit for electric connection box and electric connection box


A system for displaying images. The system comprises a transflective liquid crystal display (LCD) panel comprising lower and upper substrates opposing each other and a liquid crystal layer disposed therebetween. The lower substrate comprises reflective and transmissive regions. A stack of a protective layer, a transparent electrode and a reflective electrode is disposed on the lower substrate of the reflective and transmissive regions. The reflective electrode comprises an opening corresponding to the transmissive region to substantially expose the underlying transparent electrode. A transparent dielectric layer is disposed on the surface of the upper substrate facing and corresponding to the lower substrate of the reflective region.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, and in particular to a pixel structure for a transflective LCD device to improve pixel reliability, and a method for fabricating an LCD device with the improved pixel structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
Liquid crystal display (LCD) devices are widely used in electronic devices such as portable computers, PDAs and cell phones. Typically, LCD devices are classified into transmissive and reflective types. The former utilizes a backlight as the light source and the latter utilizes ambient light. The transmissive LCD device exhibits a high contrast ratio and good color saturation. However, it is difficult to decrease power consumption due to power requirements of the backlight. Reflective LCD devices have the advantage of power-saving under bright ambient light. However, their contrast ratio is lower and color saturation inferior to transmission types. Moreover, the reflective LCD device is limited showing images under dark ambient conditions.
In order to improve the drawbacks of these two types of LCD device, a transflective LCD device has been developed, displaying in transmissive and reflective modes. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional transflective LCD device. The device includes a lower substrate 100 (referred to as an array substrate), an upper substrate 114 and a liquid crystal layer 108 disposed therebetween. The lower substrate 100 comprises a pixel region (consisting of a reflective region R and a transmissive region T) defined by a pair of scan lines (not shown) and a pair of data lines (not shown). A thin film transistor (not shown) is disposed on the lower substrate 100 of the reflective region R and electrically connected to the scan line and the data line. A protective layer 102 and a pixel electrode are successively disposed on the lower substrate 100. The pixel electrode includes a transparent electrode 104 and an overlying reflective electrode 106. The reflective electrode 106 is disposed in the reflective region R to partially overlap the transparent electrode 104. A color filter (CF) 112 and a transparent dielectric layer 110 are successively disposed on the upper substrate 114. The transparent dielectric layer 110 formed on the color filter 112 (also referred to as step on CF (SOC) structure) corresponds to the reflective region R to form a transflective LCD device with dual cell gap.
In the transflective LCD device with dual cell gap, however, peeling of the transparent electrode 104 near the edge of the transmissive region T may occur during defining the overlying reflective layer for formation of reflective electrode 106, as shown in FIG. 2, reducing the pixel reliability. The transparent electrode 104 has worse adhesion strength at the edges of the pixel region due to the step height produced by the underlying scan line and data line, resulting in stress concentration. In particular, after lithography on the reflective layer for formation of the reflective electrode, the photoresist, the reflective layer and the transparent electrode in the transmissive region may peel off the protective layer.
Thus, there exists a need in the art for development of an improved pixel structure which can prevent the transparent electrode from peeling to improve pixel reliability.

Transflective TFT LCD having stacked layers including a protective layer, a transparent electrode and a ring-shaped reflective electrode surrounding and defining an opening exposing the underlying transparent electrode layer


Disclosed is a protective layer transfer sheet for forming an image by the method which comprising the steps of overlaying a thermal transfer image receiving sheet and a thermal transfer recording ink sheet, forming an image on the thermal diffusible dye receiving layer by heating, and forming a protective layer on the image by transferring the thermal transferable protective layer unit by heating, in which the thermal transferable protective layer unit is constituted by plural transferable resin layers and at least one of the resin layers contains a metal ion-containing compound and a layer other than the resin layer containing the metal ion-containing compound contains a UV absorbent, and a barrier layer is arranged between the metal ion-containing layer and the UV absorbent containing layer.

Hitherto, a method has been known as the color or monochromatic image forming techniques, in which an ink sheet containing a thermal diffusible dye capable of diffusing and transferring by heating is faced to an image receiving layer of a image receiving sheet and the image diffusible dye is imagewise transferred to-the image receiving layer using a heat printing means such as a thermal head or a laser to form an image, so called as a dye thermal transfer method. Such the thermal transfer method is known as a method by which the image formation employing digital data is made possible and a high quality image being a much for that of silver salt photographic image can be obtained without the use of any developer.
However, the image obtained by such the method has a drawback such as that the image is inferior in the storage ability and the durability of the image to that of the silver salt photographic image.
A thermal transfer material and an image forming method using it, hereinafter referred to as a post-chelating method, employing a thermal diffusible dye capable of forming a chelate, hereinafter referred to as a post-chelate dye, have been proposed to improve the stability of the image, particularly, the fixing ability and the light fastness of it, as is shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Document Open to Public Inspection, hereinafter referred as Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication, Nos. 59-78893, 59-109349 and 60-2398.
Moreover,. Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 4-89292 proposes a method in which the dye is further subjected to heat after the transfer for improve the storage ability of the image obtained by the post-chelating method.
As the method for improving the mechanical durability (resistivity against wearing and skin oil contamination) of the image formed by the thermal dye transfer method, a method has been known in which a transparent protective layer is formed on the image by thermal transfer process, and a method for forming a transparent protective layer by the thermal transfer process on the image formed by the post-chelating method are disclosed.
Moreover, a method for improving the storage ability of the image obtained by the post-chelating method by addition of a metal ion-containing compound into the transparent protective layer for accelerating the chelating reaction of the unreacted dye remaining just after the printing is disclosed, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2.
As one of the methods for forming the transparent protective layer on the image formed by the thermal dye transfer method, a constitution in which an UV absorbent is contained in the transparent protective layer is disclosed, for example, in Patent Documents 3 through 5. The method of employing the UV absorbent regarding to the thermal dye transfer method employing the post-chelating technique is also described-in the foregoing Patent Documents 1 and 2. However, when the transparent protective layer contains both of the metal ion compound and the known UV absorbent in the thermal dye transfer method utilizing the post-chelating method, a problem is raised-that the whiteness of the background of the whole image is degraded by coloring caused by the reaction of the metal ion compound and the UV absorbent by heating on the occasion of the transferring of the transparent protective layer after the image formation. Furthermore, it is a drawback that the transparent protective layer before the transference itself is colored during the storage for long period.                Patent Document 1; Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 5-42774        Patent-Document 2; Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 2000-168244        Patent Document 3; Japanese Patent Examined Publication No. 2925699        Patent Document 4; Japanese Patent Examined Publication No. 3395090        Patent Document 5; Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication No. 7-276831

Protective layer transfer sheet and an image forming method employing it


A frame of a picture is first divided into a plurality of blocks, each of which is subject to orthogonal transform to provide picture pels in the form of matrixes, which have a coefficient of DC component, and coefficients of AC components. AC components in said matrix are subject to a pre-quantization for each frame evaluate total code length (L') in the encoding. A number (N') of significant coefficients which are not zero in each block or each macro block is counted. A step size in quantization is determined according to said values L' and N' and coefficient position. The quantized block is subject to effective baseband selection for further reduction of information amount so that a zero coefficient after EOB in the block along the selected scanning line defined by the selected effective baseband is eliminated. If the information amount after the eliminating of zero coefficients still exceeds a preferable bit rate, a high order coefficient in the matrix is further eliminated, so that a picture frame is encoded into a predetermined fixed bit rate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an adaptive encoding system of a moving picture signal and, in particular, relates to a system which uses an orthogonal transform for each small blocks in a picture frame.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a prior art system which encodes a picture signal through orthogonal transform, a picture frame is divided into a plurality of small blocks, each of which is subject to orthogonal transform to provide transformed signal matrix. The coefficients in the matrix are quantized, and encoded into a variable length code. In this case, in order to reduce bit rate of encoded picture signal so that a quantized picture frame is transmitted through a transmission circuit of a predetermined fixed bit rate, a step size of a quantizer is selected through feedback system which has a buffer memory for storing matrixes. The step size is systematically determined so that the memory does not overflow. In other words, when the memory is not near capacity, a small step size is selected to provide a fine picture, and when the memory is near capacity, a large step size is selected to provide a coarse picture.
However, the prior art system has the disadvantage in fast processing that the selection of a step size is subject to time delay because of feedback loop in a memory circuit operation, and the memory is subject to overflow. When the memory overflows, the step size must be considerably large, so that picture quality is much deteriorated.
Another disadvantage of the prior art system is that the information reduction in encoding is insufficient.
Still another disadvantage of the prior art system is that the step size does not depend upon the picture pattern.

Adaptive encoding system of moving picture frame


A power supply device capable of reducing noise intruding into connecting terminals for signal input or output will be provided. A cradle device 3 has a case 18; a positive supply terminal 21P and a negative power supply terminal 21N exposed from the case 18; a charger 52 provided inside the case and setting the positive power supply terminal 21P and the negative power supply terminal 21 at constant potentials being different from each other; an input terminal 21S exposed from the case 18 and arranged between the positive power supply terminal 21P and the negative power supply terminal 21N adjacent to the positive power supply terminal P and the negative power supply terminal 21N; and an amplifier 51 provided inside the case 18 and operating based on a signal input into the input terminal 21S.

Known in the art is the technology providing a speaker, an amplifier, etc. in a charging stand (power supply device) for charging a battery of a mobile phone, converting an audio signal generated in the mobile phone to sound by the speaker of the charging stand, and outputting the sound (Patent Document 1). The charging stand of Patent Document 1 is provided with, in addition to terminals for supplying electric power to the mobile phone, an input terminal receiving as input an audio signal. If the mobile phone is placed on the charging stand for charging, an output terminal provided at the mobile phone and the input terminal of the charging stand will abut against each other. The audio signal generated at the mobile phone is output via the output terminal and the input terminal to the charging stand.
Note that the technology of forming terminals of a charging stand by wire members made of a metal, forming helical portions in the middle of the wire members, and making the terminals of the charging stand and the terminals of the mobile phone abut against each other by a biasing force of the helical portion is known as well (Patent Document 2).    Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication (A) No. 2003-79061    Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication (A) No. 2000-195561

Power supply device and portable electronic device


‘HEGHE02’ is a distinctive variety of Hemigraphis alternata which is characterized by yellow and green leaf variegation, large leaf size, and a dense growth habit.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct perennial variety of Hemigraphis alternata, which has been given the variety denomination of 'HEGHE02'. Its market class is that of an herbaceous perennial groundcover. The primary intended use of Hemigraphis alternata is as a decorative foliage plant in ornamental containers, but it may also be used as a spreading groundcover in warm, tropical climates. The species is known for its attractive foliage color which can be described as an iridescent, metallic purple upper leaf surface and a solid purple lower leaf surface.
Parentage: In February 2012, a spontaneous mutation of Hemigraphis alternata 'Exotica' (unpatented), possessing yellow and green foliage variegation, was discovered at a commercial greenhouse facility in Apopka, Fla. in a production crop of 2,545 nursery pots of Hemigraphis alternata 'Exotica'. All other progeny in the crop maintained the foliage color that is typical of the parent. Each pot within the crop contained multiple vegetative cutting progeny and, upon closer examination, it was determined that the variegated mutation, or "sport", resulted from a mutation on a lateral branch of one such vegetative cutting. Said sport was removed from the mother plant as a vegetative cutting in March 2012 and rooted in a separate area so its growth could be monitored. Subsequent vegetative cuttings were taken and rooted. It was found that the sport remained true to type. The new plant was finally selected in December 2012 and given the name 'HEGHE02'.
Asexual Reproduction: 'HEGHE02' was first propagated asexually by stem cuttings at a commercial greenhouse in Apopka, Fla. and has since been asexually propagated through numerous successive generations with a total of 9,770 resulting progeny. The distinctive characteristics of the inventive 'HEGHE02' variety are stable from generation to generation; clones of the variety produced by asexual reproduction maintain the distinguishing characteristics of the original plant.


An amorphous high-k thin film for a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The amorphous high-k thin film includes Bi, Ti, Al, and O. Since a BTAO based amorphous dielectric thin film is used as a dielectric material of a DRAM capacitor, a dielectric constant is more than 25, and an increase of a leakage current caused in reducing a physical thickness of the dielectric thin film can be prevented. Accordingly, it is very useful for the integration of the semiconductor device.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to an amorphous high-k thin film for a capacitor of a highly integrated memory device and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly, to an amorphous high-k thin film using Bi—Ti—Al—O (BTAO) based materials with an amorphous microstructure as a capacitor of a memory device, and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
According to Moore's law, the integration of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) increases about 4 times every 3 years and the design rule continuously decreases. Accordingly, a plane space occupied by a unit cell continuously decreases. In the case of a DRAM cell consisting of one transistor and one capacitor, a plane space for a capacitor inevitably decreases and thus a plane size of the capacitor decreases. Therefore, a capacitance (C) of the capacitor decreases as given by
  C  =      ɛ              A      t
where, ε is a dielectric constant,
A is an effective area, and
t is a thickness of a dielectric thin film.
Even though the feature size of a device continuously reduces, a capacitance (>25 fF/cell) for the operation of the DRAM must be maintained. Therefore, many attempts have been made to reduce a thickness of a dielectric thin film and increase the area. Recently, many studies for replacing a traditional dielectric thin film (i.e., SiO2) with a high-k oxide film have been made.
In the semiconductor industries, a high-k thin film is used in a gate oxide film and a dielectric film of a DRAM capacitor. The recent research for the gate oxide film focus on Hf— or Zr-based oxide films and oxide films formed of group-III metals such as lanthanide. The high-k gate oxide film has a large leakage current because of its narrow band gap, and the thermal stability deteriorates at a high temperature when the gate oxide film contacts with a silicon surface. Recently, many research efforts have been directed to attempting to solve these problems of the dielectric thin film by adding SiO2 or Al2O3, which has good thermal stability and a large band gap (refer to Journal of Applied Physics, 87, 484 (2000); Appl. Phys. Lett. 80, 3385 (2002); Appl. Phys. Lett.81, 1071 (2002)).
However, the thin film formed by mixing the high-k material and SiO2 or Al2O3 has an amorphous microstructure and its dielectric constant becomes remarkably small. For this reason, the use of the amorphous mixed phase as the dielectric material of the capacitor has not attracted attention. For example, in the crystalline thin film with the Perovskite structure, when (Ba,Sr)TiO3 thin film (BST) having a dielectric constant of 250 or more becomes amorphous, its dielectric constant is reduced to about 25.
The capacitor dielectric of a Gbit DRAM must have a physical thickness of below about 15 nm and a thickness of an oxide equivalent film must be below about 1 nm. Therefore, it is impossible to use the amorphous dielectric thin film. Accordingly, crystalline high-k thin films have been investigated. However, if the crystalline high-k thin film becomes thin up to about 15 nm, a leakage current increases through the grain boundary.
Meanwhile, when high-k material formed of multi components such as BST is applied to a capacitor, it is very difficult to deposit a thin film having a uniform composition in three-dimensional patterns in the capacitor with the three-dimensional structure. Since the charge-to-radius ratio of group-II metals, such as Ba or Sr is small, the precursor structure is unstable and vapor pressure is insufficient.

Amorphous high-k thin film and manufacturing method thereof


An electric control device for a bicycle that includes a clamp member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar, a bracket member adjustably mounted to the clamp member, and a first electric user interface member operatively coupled to the bracket member.

There are known bicycle control devices for controlling various aspects of the bicycle, such as shifting or braking. For example, many shifting devices are electric powered and configured such that they can be controlled electrically so as to change among a plurality of gear positions (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,180 to Tetsuka, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference). These types of devices include electric switches and can be mounted to a handlebar. However, due to the differences in size of riders' hands, it is desirable to provide adjustability of the positioning of the user interface devices or switches.
In view of the above, there exists a need for an improved bicycle electric control device. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent from this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Adjustable bicycle electric control device


A garter comprising a band comprising an elastic fabric band and a fastener is described. The fabric has a width of from about 0.75 inch to about 1.5 inch. The fastener has a first part coupled to a top surface of a first end the band and a second part coupled to a bottom surface of a second end of the band. The garter may further comprise a sleeve that is slideable along the length of band such that the sleeve covers the portion of the garter where the fastener is coupled when the fastener is fastened.

Elastic compression garments help promote venous and lymphatic return by gently compressing the limb with gradient pressure thereby limiting the amount of swelling and maintaining the reduction in swelling achieved following other treatments.
External compression reduces ultrafiltration from the vasculature, enhances the musculoskeletal pump, increases the re-absorption of fluid into the venous and lymphatic system, reduces the local volume in the veins, and helps maintain the limb shape.
Compression garments may be in the form of a stocking and cover an ankle, the lower leg, a knee, a thigh or an entire leg to the waist. Compression garments are also sleeves and or gloves, used for elbows, hands, the lower arm, an entire arm and the like.
Medical compression garments typically are grouped by compression classes measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). These are standardized as:
Class I: 20–30 mmHg
Class II: 3040 mmHg
Class III: 40–50 mmHg
Class IV: 50–60 mmHg
In a stocking, these numbers are the compression at the ankle with a gradually decreasing compression gradient to the top of the garment. Many ready-made stockings have a higher stretch fabric over the upper thigh called a mantissa. Garments with the same fabric throughout will give lower compression over a larger diameter body part. Arm sleeves are generally Class I or II, and gloves are typically Class I. Lower extremity garments are generally Class II or III. Additional compression for the leg can be gained by using a higher compression class of garment or by layering a knee-high stocking under or over a longer stocking.
Compression stockings and sleeves are typically made of elastic fabrics. The fibers used are generally latex rubber, synthetic rubbers, nylon, polyester, cotton, or a blend. A stocking or sleeve may be lined with cotton or silk, making the garment more comfortable. Fabrics can be thick or thin, depending on the fibers used and the amount of compression provided. In general, heavier fabrics are used for higher compressions.
There are several styles of garment construction: circular knit, flat knit, and cut and sew. Circular knit fabrics are seamless, but have a tendency to roll down at the top, especially if the area it covers is very fleshy. This creates a tourniquet effect, obstructing flow of fluid from the limb. In a flat knit garment, a flat piece of fabric is knitted to the patient's measurements, and seamed up the back. A cut and sew garment is made of several pieces seamed together. Each of these garments roll less at the top, but rolling is still a problem.
To be effective and comfortable, the garment has to stay in place. A garment that rolls creates a tourniquet-like effect that can cause blood clots. Rolling typically causes pressure that creates an indent in the skin that is painful.
Attempts have been made to create a garment that stays up. Silicone bands or body adhesive used inside the top edge of the garment and are known in the art, but are not adequate. In the case of a stocking, a garter belt, suspenders, or an extension of the garment to the waist are available. Extensions over the shoulder that attach to a bra strap or a diagonal strap across the chest are available for sleeves. Various tapes and even rubber bands have been tried.
None of these devices is acceptable for most patients who are required to wear such garments because they are uncomfortable and ineffective in keeping the top of the garment in place. Adhesives may work initially, but are typically do not last. Tape typically does not adhere to the garment and is difficult to remove from skin, especially skin covered with hair. Existing garters and suspenders may show under clothing, are difficult to put on and are generally uncomfortable. All of these devices may adhere to other clothing.
The condition of the patient's skin is also a consideration. A patient may have wounds or fragile or sensitive skin. The addition of bands or body adhesive is not a universally acceptable means of correcting the problem in that latex and synthetic rubbers may induce an allergic reaction, causing itching, which may result in torn skin from scratching.
A need exists for an independent device for use with an elastic compression garment that is adjustable and can be used with a variety of types of compress bandages and garments, such as all types of stockings and sleeves. A device that is easily adjusted in response to swelling is desired. A need exists for a device that maintains the top of the garment effectively and comfortably without adhering to other clothing.


One or more posts of a railing system are held securely in place by a hidden tensioning cable that extends through a cavity of the post along a longitudinal axis and is tensioned to securely fasten the post securely to a surface of a structure. Placement of the tensioning cable through the cavity allows cable receivers to be placed at desired spacing in one or more receiver channels of the post, the cable receivers operable to receive cable rails of the railing system. The receiver channels are oriented transverse the longitudinal axis of the post and are each configured to receive a receiver in to which a cable assembly may be placed.

In the railing industry, cable railing systems typically require the use of many components and are labor intensive, requiring a fabricator to install. They additionally are not always aesthetically pleasing as fittings and connections of the railing system, including connections of cable fittings to posts, are often in plain view. Moreover, multiple posts must be currently used at a location where the direction or orientation of the railing is to be changed. Thus, at a corner location on a deck, for example, a section of railing coming from one direction must terminate in a first post at the corner location and another section of railing leaving the corner in another direction must originate from a second post also in the corner location. This is commonly called the two-post corner system in the railing industry.

Railing system and tensioned posts used therein