A recording device includes a base body, an air current generator that is disposed in the base body, and a duct that has an opening and configures an air current flow path formed from the opening to the air current generator. The duct is attachable to and detachable from the base body.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a recording device.
2. Related Art
In the related art, a recording device has been used which includes an air current generator for moving foreign substances such as ink mist. For example, JP-A-2010-58441 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,141 disclose a recording device which includes a duct configuring a flow path for air current and a filter for capturing foreign substances such as ink mist.
However, in the recording device of the related art which has the air current generator, the duct, and the filter as disclosed in JP-A-2010-58441 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,141, in some cases, the foreign substances such as the ink mist are accumulated not only in the filter but also inside the duct, and the foreign substances accumulated inside the duct fall and adhere to a recording medium, thereby causing the recording medium to become dirty.


A down comforter includes a center region (22) and a border region (24) which extends around the comforter and defines the peripheral edge of the comforter. Typically, the center region (24) is approximately 53 to 62 percent of the total area of the comforter. The border region (24) is continuous and has the same width around the periphery of the comforter. A pillow includes upper and lower casing members (40, 42) between which are located upper and lower baffle members (44, 46). The baffle members 44, 46 are stitched together along two longitudinal lines of stitching (48, 50). The casing members (40, 42) and the baffle members (44, 46), all in registry, are stitched together along their respective longitudinal and end edges. The pillow is filled between the upper baffle member and the upper casing member and between the lower baffle member and the lower casing member, as well as between the two baffle members between the two lines of stitching.

Down comforters are well known in the United States and many other countries, including Europe, where the product originated. This lightweight, warm, natural bedding is desirable because of its fluffy, lofty appearance and significant durability.
Down comforters are manufactured with two basic sewing construction concepts, which each promote the comforter's aesthetic appeal and enhance its functionality in somewhat different ways. The two sewing constructions, referred to as controlled flow and random flow, control the distribution of the down and determine the loft of the down differently.
Controlled flow construction maintains an even distribution of down with a closed sewing pattern that restricts the movement of the down to relatively small areas within the body of the comforter. The most common configuration used is a consistent square box pattern. The size of the box usually varies between 6" and 20", with larger and smaller sizes possible. Many other closed sewing patterns have been used, such as tubes or channels, chevron scrolls, etc. In each case, the pattern defines an area where the down is uniformly distributed within the body of the comforter. Controlled flow construction produces an even distribution of down, but with only one, fixed, comfort level. It is not adjustable.
Random flow construction uses an open sewing pattern within the body of the comforter such that the down can flow to the edges, from top to bottom and side to side. This construction provides the maximum area for the down to loft to its thermal potential. It also provides the consumer the opportunity to adjust the down to his or her optimum comfort level. Different bedroom temperatures, consumer metabolism, and changing weather conditions are factors that determine varying comfort levels and the need to move or adjust the down within the body of the comforter. The available area within the comforter for the down to loft, furthermore, is maximized. Some examples of random flow sewing configurations are karo or line stitch (normally in a square pattern) ringstitch and diamond-shaped patterns. Many other variations and designs are possible which produce a variety in aesthetic appeal besides providing the important feature of adjustability that controlled flow constructions cannot provide.
Most sewing patterns in use today, whether controlled or random flow, use sewn-through stitches where the top and bottom fabric sections (forming the comforter envelope, which is known as the tick, are joined directly by the thread from the sewing machine. This sewing action within the body of the comforter creates what are known as "cold spots" because where the fabric is sewn together there is no down. The more sewing in the body of the comforter, the more cold spots. A piece of fabric known as a baffle (normally less than 1" in height) is sewn between the top and bottom fabrics. The down then lofts on either side of the baffle. Baffle sewing is an alternative to random flow construction because the baffles increase the available area for the down to loft and thereby maximize the comfort range, besides eliminating cold spots. The cost of labor for sewing baffle ticks, however, is quite high and additional down is required to fill the area created by the baffle. These additional costs effectively prohibit the use of baffles in controlled flow comforters.
Conventional random flow comforters are typically sized to hang down and cover the sides of the mattress as part of their aesthetic appeal. Through constant use and the force of gravity, however, the down will migrate from the center portion of the comforter and gather at the sides or the bottom. This migration of the down soon degrades the appearance and function of the comforter and compromises its intended adjustability. Thus, conventional random flow comforters require frequent re-fluffing to maintain effective distribution of the down. This task is time-consuming and can be difficult, particularly with luxury-sized comforters containing large amounts of down.
To some extent a similar problem exists for down (and feather) pillows, in which the down is pushed to one portion of the pillow, which typically occurs during actual use of the pillow, i.e. when the user is sleeping. This degrades the appearance and function of the pillow. Again, the typical remedy is redistribution of the down by fluffing, although this cannot be done, of course, when the user is sleeping. Discomfort in use results to a varying degree when the down is unevenly distributed in the pillow.

Random flow down comforter with a restricted border region


A network includes a database configured to store subscriber data associated with a wireless terminal, wherein the subscriber data indicates whether the wireless terminal requires allocation of an IP address during attachment of the wireless terminal to the network. The network module receives, from the wireless terminal, a request to attach to the network. In response to receiving the request, the network module retrieves the subscriber data stored in the database and selectively allocates an IP address to the wireless terminal based on whether the subscriber data stored in the database indicates that the wireless terminal requires allocation of an IP address during attachment of the wireless terminal to the network.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
In a wireless network (such as, for example, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) evolved wireless network, a wireless terminal may request to attach to the wireless network via an attach procedure. The wireless terminal may include user equipment (UE) in the 3GPP wireless network. For example, the wireless terminal may include a mobile phone, and the wireless network may be the cellular network of a mobile phone operator. Conversely, the wireless terminal may include a laptop computer or other mobile computing device, and the wireless network may be a local area network (LAN) or Internet service provider (ISP). The wireless network allocates an IP address to the wireless terminal during the attach procedure.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, exemplary wireless networks that may implement the attach procedure are shown. As shown in FIG. 1, a home network 102 receives packets from and sends packets to a distributed communications system 104 such as the Internet. A wireless terminal 106 wirelessly connects to the home network 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the home network 102 is connected to one or more visited networks 110. For example only, FIG. 2 depicts three visited networks 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3. In various implementations, the visited networks 110 may be the networks of other service providers, including service providers in other countries. A mobile wireless terminal 120 includes mobility features that allow the mobile wireless terminal 120 to communicate with the visited networks 110.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a functional block diagram depicts a wireless communications system that provides proxy mobility to the wireless terminal 106. A home network 150 communicates with visited networks 160-1, 160-2, and 160-3. The visited networks 160 provide transparent mobility to wireless terminals, such as the wireless terminal 106, that have not been updated to include mobility functionality.
As described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3, the wireless terminal may attempt to establish a link with one of the home network 102, a visited network 110, and/or a visited network with mobility 160 via an attach procedure. Attachment to visited networks and visited networks with mobility are described in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/009,725, filed Jan. 22, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a timeline of steps performed when the wireless terminal 106 connects to the network 102 (i.e. an attach procedure) is shown. The attach procedure 200 includes interaction between the wireless terminal 106 and one or more nodes of the network 102, including, but not limited to, a mobility management entity (MME) 202, a serving SAE (system architecture evolution) gateway 204, a packet data network (PDN) SAE gateway 206, a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) 208, and a home subscriber server (HSS) 210. For example only, the wireless terminal 106 may include a UE device and an enhanced or evolved node B (eNB) wireless base station.
The wireless terminal 106 performs authentication and identification with the network 102. This may include communicating with an Access, Authentication, and Accounting (AAA) server. During authentication and identification, the wireless terminal 106 transmits an attach request to the MME 202. The MME 202 requests an identity of the wireless terminal 106 and authenticates the identity with the HSS 210. Upon authentication, the PDN SAE gateway 206 allocates an Internet protocol (IP) address to the wireless terminal 106 and accepts the attach request. The wireless terminal 106 completes the attach. The attach procedure 200 may include other network-side steps unrelated to IP address allocation, such as clearing previous bearer context requests and updating locations.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

IP address allocation in evolved wireless networks


A multilayered printed circuit board with circuit trace windings having two or more top layers, two or more bottom layers and one or more intermediate layers therebetween, forming a hollow interior within the circuit board. The layers have wireless electrically conducting holes. Electrical circuit traces connect one hole to another hole, thereby forming two or more sets of wireless circuit trace windings (coils) around the hollow interior. Each set of windings has its own separate pair of a top layer and a bottom layer. When a metal core is positioned in the hollow interior a wireless transformer can be formed having a primary coil and one or more secondary coils. Because the coils are concentric sufficient windings can be achieved to produce adequate magnetic flux for power transfer.

Current mass-produced transformers are generally made by winding insulated wire around a bobbin, with a hollow core. The bobbin is generally nonconductive and is a spool that allows the winding of different sized wire in the center of the bobbin/spool. This bobbin is similar to bobbins used on a sewing machine.
One wire size is wound around until the number of needed turns is made for the first wire generally called the primary. The ends are brought out so they can be mounted on a firm base later on. Next another winding, called a secondary is wound on top of the primary winding or sometimes on a second bobbin. When enough wire turns are wound the spool is complete and the wires for the secondary winding are mounted for easy attachment. The primary windings are for the incoming AC voltage and the secondary is for the output AC voltage. In general the ratio of the primary to the secondary windings determines the increase or decrease in AC voltage in the transformer.
When the windings on the bobbin are completed, it is desirable to have a continuous core that surrounds the windings and passes through the center hole in the bobbin. This is normally accomplished by forming pieces of flat metal cut so that layers of the core material can be laminated around the windings, making a jigsaw like pattern held together physically or with glue. The wire mountings are then labeled.
This is a general method for mass producing transformers, requiring multiple steps, some of which require hand assembly. The process must be closely controlled to insure desired results and there are many places where the windings can be broken, the number of windings can vary, and/or the placement of the wires will vary slightly. The wire insulation must not be damaged and other manufacturing techniques must be exact to achieve the desired results.
Power distribution systems usually require miles of cabling, transformers mounted on stationary or movable platforms, and various other electrical equipment systems. The power transformer is required to reduce voltage levels from high transmission levels to usable lower levels. For example, power distribution systems for coal and other horizontal mines are required to provide electricity for mining machines, lighting, ventilation, safety, transportation, and other needs.
Current transformers used in the mines are virtually identical in form and function to those used in commercial power grids. These transformers are of various types, but typically they consist of wire wound around a metal or magnetic susceptible core. A large number of windings on the primary input coil are used to induce a lower voltage using fewer windings in a secondary output coil. This reduction in voltage typically is accompanied by a power loss in the form of heat. The heat is normally dissipated by using a cooling fluid around the core/windings.
Heat is the ruin of transformers because of lost power, degradation of the wiring insulation, and reduction in the life and performance of the transformer. The fluid cooling systems on the transformer add significantly to its weight and size, making the transformer bulky, difficult to handle especially in underground applications. Further, the cooling fluids can overheat causing rupture of the cooling vessels. The loss of the cooling fluids quickly hastens failure of insulation, causing transformer failure and possible fire. Constant maintenance on the transformer systems is needed making the cost of operating the transformers expensive. What is needed are smaller transformers that have high efficiency cores and thick insulation that can tolerate higher temperatures and that can work over a much higher temperature range and with much fewer failures when overloaded, compared to existing transformers.
Printed circuit boards provide good insulation and have circuit traces in combination with vias. U.S. Patent Application No. 20060109071 discloses a three-layered printed circuit board having one top layer, one middle layer, and one bottom layer with circuit traces on the top and bottom layers. The top and bottom layers are laminated to the middle layer which contains an amorphous metal or other magnetically susceptible core therein. Traces on the top layer, traces on the bottom layer, and conductive vias through all the layers form a single coil around the core. A current through the coil creates a magnetic field in the core, which can be used to couple one or more signals together through magnetic flux. To increase the level of the signal, more windings would be required, since the magnetic field strength is proportional to the number of windings around the core. In the Motorola design, the coil is limited to a single layer, so a larger number of windings (turns) in a coil would have to be physically spread out over a large area rather than lying on top of each other as in a transformer. Spreading the coil over a large area would limit the magnetic flux that can be generated in the core. To add more windings the core would have to be extended, which reduces the magnetic field in any cross-section of the core for any specific signal, voltage or current.
In typical transformer designs, multiple windings are laid concentrically with sufficient turns so that the required magnetic flux is obtained in the core. Having only a single layer of windings greatly limits the amount of magnetic flux that can be induced in a core. The magnetic field generated by the primary windings surrounding the core transfer energy to the secondary windings with high efficiency. The ratio of the number of input windings to the output windings, called the turns ratio, determines the voltage change and current availability at the output. The product of the current and voltage at the input and output are identical for an ideal transformer. With proper selection of the turns ratio, voltage levels can be increased at the expense of current, or current levels can be increased at the expense of voltage. Total energy is always conserved between the input and output windings.
The design in U.S. Patent Application No. 20060109071 is severely limited in the number of turns that can be made around the core for any given distance of core. As a result this design cannot be used to generate a magnetic field for attracting, repelling, or inducing magnetic fields to perform work. This design, having only a single layer of windings on a core, cannot provide the power needed for such devices as transformers and the like. With regard to using a circuit board design for a transformer, what is needed is a design that will allow multiple windings laid concentrically with sufficient turns so that the required magnetic flux is obtained in the core to produce useful power transfer.

Multilayer printed circuit board having circuit trace windings


An image processing apparatus includes an index computing unit that computes motion functional indices of a particular organ from volume data of a subject including the particular organ, a polar map generating unit that generates a polar map by developing the indices on a polar coordinate system, an image generating unit that generates, from the volume data, an image related to a structure of one of the particular organ and a peripheral organ developed on the polar coordinate system, a fusing unit that fuses the image into the polar map, and a display unit that displays a polar map fused with the image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an X-ray computed tomographic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing method used to generate a polar map related to functional indices about organs, such as a heart.
2. Description of the Related Art
Speedups in helical scan and developments in volume scan using a 2-D detector have greatly changed the concept of an X-ray computed tomographic apparatus from a mere cross-section imaging apparatus to a volume imaging apparatus. In other words, an X-ray computed tomographic apparatus adopting these scan methods has enabled fast scan of a subject in volume at a short temporal resolution. Practical applications of an X-ray computed tomographic apparatus equipped with these functions have found a way into many diagnostic fields where the X-ray computed tomographic apparatus has not been used, and an effort to find a novel diagnostic method is being made.
One of the possible directions is adaptation to evaluation diagnosis on palmic motions of the heart. Together with the segment scan method, the volume scan substantially achieves successive scanning of the entire heart in short cycles. This makes it possible to generate, for example, a stereoscopic image of the heart limited in the end of diastole (ED) or the end of systole (ES). Further, it is possible to find cardiac functional indices, such as wall thickening from ED to ES, across the entire heart. The heart extends longitudinally from the apex to the base, and a polar map is used to enable observation of a distribution of the cardiac functional indices across the longitudinal heart at a glance. As is known, a polar map is an expression method of a plane by developing data on polar coordinates expressed as (r, θ). In the case of the heart, θ is given as an angle about the myocardial axis, and r is given as a distance to each slice in a direction from the apex to the base of the heart.
A polar map makes it easy to observe a portion causing deterioration in the cardiac function, for example, by a difference in display colors. When used in a diagnosis actually, a relation between the deteriorated portion and a dominant blood vessel is needed. Hence, as shown in FIG. 20, a polar map, when displayed, is often superimposed with anatomically divided, established typical dominant regional segments. A segment denoted by "LAD" represents a dominant region of the left anterior descending branch, a segment denoted by "LCX" represents a dominant region of the left circumflex branch, and a segment denoted by "RCA" represents a dominant region of the right coronary artery.
By displaying a polar map superimposed with the typical dominant regional segments as has been described, it is possible to understand in which of the left anterior descending branch, the left circumflex branch, and the right coronary artery a lesion is caused in a coronary artery, that is, in which dominant region of an artery a lesion is caused; however, place and location of a lesion in the coronary artery cannot be specified.

X-ray computed tomographic apparatus, image processing apparatus, and image processing method


The present invention discloses a screening method for a substance, which could be a therapeutic agent for diabetes with insulin resistance through regulating a function of a molecule involved in insulin signaling pathway. More specifically, the present invention discloses a screening method for a substance having hypoglycemic activity, which is characterized by contacting a sample to STAT-induced inhibitor of STAT function-1 in the presence of insulin, and by detecting inhibitory activity of STAT-induced inhibitor of STAT function-1 by a substance in the sample, as an index.

STAT (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription) is a molecule that is activated by stimulation with cytokine(s). STAT-induced inhibitor of STAT function-1 is a protein that is induced by STAT and inhibits cytokine signaling through suppressing activation of Janus Kinase (JAK). STAT-induced inhibitor of STAT function-1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "SSI-1", though the abbreviation "SSI-1", "SOCS-1" or "SIIS-1" have been used) was first isolated from mouse by the inventors of the present invention (PCT Publication No. WO98/30688 and Naka, T. et al, Nature, 387, 924-929 (1997)). So far, eight members of the SSI family molecule, including SSI-2 and SSI-3 (Minamoto, S. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 237, 79-83 (1997)),have been identified as an inhibitor. The inventors of the present invention have also already isolated human SSI-1 (Minamoto, S. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 237, 79-83 (1997)).
The functional domain of SSI-1 was determined by an experiment using mutant genes of SSI-1 (Narazaki, M. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 95, 13130-13134 (1998)). More specifically, it is known that 24 amino acid residues existing in N-terminus of SH2 domain (pre-SH2) as well as SH2 domain are essential for the suppression of phosphorylation of JAK, and that SSI-1 associates to JAK through its SH2 and pre-SH2 domains. Moreover, part of the biological function of SSI-1 in vivo has been identified by the inventors of the present invention using SSI-1-deficient mice. In SSI-1-deficient mice, apoptosis was detected in several organs such as lymphocytes, heart and liver, in which SSI-1 was expressed as the ages passed, indicating that SSI-1 closely relates to survival of a cell, especially to an inflammation (Naka, T. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 95, 15575-15582 (1998)).
There are many signaling pathways in a cell, including ones induced by hormones and the like as well as cytokines. For example, insulin is a hormone relating to cell proliferation, the uptake and metabolism of glucose, the synthesis and storage of neutral fat, and protein synthesis. Insulin mediates its biological effects through its specific receptor, insulin receptor (IR). It is known that IR has an intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and participates in the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) (Paz, K. et al., J. Biol. Chem., 272,29911-29918(1997)). Phosphorylated IRS-1 mediates various biological activities (White, M. F., Diabetologia, 40(Suppl.), S2-S17 (1997) and Myers, M. G. et al., Trens Biochem. Sci. 19 (7), 289-293 (1994)). It is also reported that JAK as well as IR was activated by insulin stimulation, suggesting an involvement of JAK in insulin signaling pathway (Giorgetti-Peraldi, S. et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 234 (2), 656-660 (1995) and Gual, P. et al., Endocrinology, 139 (3), 884-893 (1998)).
However, insulin signaling pathway has not yet been specified, and all molecules involved in the pathway have not yet been identified. It is considered that most of insulin resistant diabetes (which is characterized by normal insulin secretion but hyperinsulinemea and hyperglycemia due to low efficiency of blood sugar incorporation in peripheral tissues because of the low reactivity to insulin) is caused by the functional deficiency of IR. The cause of the disease, however, have not yet been specified and there are no established therapeutics or agents so far.
As mentioned above, the identification of molecules involved in insulin signaling pathway and agents for insulin resistant diabetes through regulating the function of those molecules has been desired. A subject of the present invention is to provide a method for screening a SSI-1 inhibitor that is a molecule capable of inhibiting intracellular insulin signaling.

Screening method for a substance having hypoglycemic activity by using STAT-induced inhibitor of STAT function-1


The disclosure of the present invention contemplates that provision is made for the guitar case to be supported from its bottom end by a foldable stand so that the case can be inclined upwardly at an angle relative to the horizontal, such as a floor surface. A guitar, when removed from the guitar case can then be suspended or hung from a hanger provided on the guitar case. The guitar is thereby oriented to be suspended substantially vertically, relative to the ground, and the bottom of the guitar is spaced from the ground or floor surface.

The present disclosure relates to a musical instrument case and more particularly to one for a guitar, such as an acoustical, electrical, or standard guitar. The musical instrument case permits an instrument, to be removed therefrom and suspended from the case, which is inclined at an angle relative to the ground or a floor surface.
Guitar cases are well-known for use in holding and protecting a guitar, and include a bottom portion and an upper portion, or lid, which may be releasably secured to the bottom portion to maintain a guitar therewithin. The disclosure of the present invention contemplates that provision is made for the guitar case to be supported from its bottom end by a foldable stand so that the case can be inclined upwardly at an angle relative to the horizontal, such as a floor surface. A guitar, when removed from the guitar case can then be suspended or hung from a hanger provided on the guitar case. The guitar is thereby oriented to be suspended substantially vertically, relative to the ground, and the bottom of the guitar is spaced from the ground or floor surface.

Musical instrument case with stand and instrument hanger


A wiring board includes a core structure including a core substrate, and a buildup structure formed on the core structure and including an interlayer insulating layer and a conductive layer. The interlayer insulating layer does not contain inorganic fiber and includes a resin and an inorganic filler, and the conductive layer is formed on the interlayer insulating layer such that the inorganic filler in the interlayer insulating layer is not in contact with the conductive layer.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wiring board and a method for manufacturing the same.
Description of Background Art
JP 2004-277728 A describes a wiring board with an interlayer insulating layer that does not contain an inorganic fiber base material. The entire contents of this publication are incorporated herein by reference.

Wiring board and method for manufacturing the same


A corrosion protection device, system, and method are provided. The device may operate while being coupled to the object being protected and to a power source using a total of only two terminals. This may be accomplished by de-referencing the return path node of the circuit using a choke device that blocks a temporal AC component of an anti-corrosion signal. The choke device therefore diverts the anti-corrosion signal to a single negative/ground path to the object and then returns through a positive lead of the circuit. A two terminal corrosion protection device may thereby simplify the installation process, for example on a vehicle, by not requiring that another connection be made to the object at a spaced apart location from a first connection to the object.

In an oxidizing environment, there are substances that under suitable conditions, take up electrons and become reduced. These electrons typically come from the atoms of metal objects exposed to the oxidizing environment. An oxidizing environment is characterized by the presence of at least one chemical, the atoms of which, in that environment, are capable of being reduced by acquiring at least one electron from the atoms of the metal. In "donating" an electron, the metal becomes oxidized. As the process of oxidation continues, a metal object becomes degraded to the point that it can no longer be used for its intended purpose. In other circumstances, the degradation may be aesthetically unpleasant, for example rust developing on an object.
Some attempted solutions for preventing oxidation include cathodic protection systems. In these systems, the metal object to be protected is made the cathode of an electrical circuit. The metal object to be protected and an anode are connected to a source of electrical energy, the electrical circuit being completed from the anode to the cathode through an aqueous solution. The flow of electrons provides the necessary source of electrons to the substances in the aqueous solution that normally cause oxidation, thereby reducing the "donation" of electrons coming from the atoms of the protected metal (cathode). However, such cathodic protection systems are of limited use in protecting metal objects that are not at least partially submerged in a conductive medium, such as sea water or conductive soil. As a result, many metal objects cannot be effectively protected by these cathodic systems.
Another type of approach has been to use an electrical device to generate and apply an electrical signal to the metal object. An effect of the signal on the metal object can be to reduce a rate of corrosion of the metal objection. These devices have typically required three terminals, or wires, for coupling the circuit to both the metal object and a power source. These devices can be difficult to install, for example on vehicles.
Accordingly, improvements in corrosion protection devices and methods are desired.

Two terminal corrosion protection device, system, and method


This invention is directed toward a portable and easy to set up retractable cord system with means to allow athletes to move along specified routes and to form space indicators that show zone areas.

Field of the invention: This invention relates to the general field of athletic practice equipment, and more specifically, to a system that is capable of allowing athletes to visually see their offensive and defensive routes. The portable system allows coaches to instruct athletes without relying solely on auditory instruction and playbooks. The invention also acts as a space indicator, providing athletes with zone areas to move through.
Tactical understanding is often a misunderstood aspect of team sports. For inexperienced players especially, it is often difficult to understand coaches' auditory instruction. Not fully understanding a coach's words, especially during game time situations, can be the difference between winning and losing. In the game of football, for instance, a defensive player who is unaware of his position does not understand the coach's vocal play call, and subsequently moves in the wrong direction during a play can give up significant yardage or even a touchdown. An offensive player who does not understand a coach's vocal play call and ultimately runs the wrong route risks not gaining as many yards as expected.
It is also difficult for inexperienced players to understand the contents of a playbook. Defensive and offensive football players who don't grasp their playbooks put themselves in precarious positions. All the preparation and practice up to game time go to waste when the players do not understand the playbook.
Recognizing the offensive and defensive strategies of an opposing team can be difficult for youth players. Because sports like football move so quickly, it is important to know the other team's schemes thoroughly to improve the chances of winning the game. Inexperienced players, in addition to having difficulty knowing their own team's plays, often struggle to identify in real time the opposing team's plays, which can lead to easy scores and missed assignments.
Not only are the outcomes of plays influenced by players' knowledge, but players' health also hangs in the balance. An offensive or defensive player who is unable to understand a coach's vocal play call is also more likely to injure himself, since he often finds himself out of position in relation to the other players.
It is safe to say that auditory instruction and the conferment of a playbook to a player are not enough to teach mastery of the plays, both the player's plays and those of the opponent. There is too much risk for poor performance and/or injury. It is imperative to develop a system that helps players see where they are supposed to be.
The retractable cord system provides just such a solution by making it evident on the field where a player is supposed to be by having markers on the field, improving a player's tactical awareness and technical proficiency. The markers are easily visible and movable, allowing a player to visually see and move along different routes. The markers are low profile in nature; players do not risk tripping on them. In addition, the retractable cord system acts as a gridding system or space indicator, making players visually aware of the various zones on the playing field. For instance, in American football, in addition to the end zone, there are other zones that players must know in order to optimally perform, such as the swing, delay, flat, out, curl, hook, deep ⅓, deep ½, deep ¼, and shallow. The retractable cord system can be used to identify these zones on the playing field. In other words, the retractable cord system can create an on field or court diagram of offensive and defensive plays and concepts. Players being able to recognize these zones improves player safety, improves communication between coach and player, and ultimately leads to better player performance. While the retractable cord system works well for American football, it can be used for any sport or activity that requires space indicators, and moving within boundaries and along paths.
The retractable cord system is a perfect complement to auditory instruction and playbooks, since it further crystallizes where the player is supposed to be on the field. The retractable cord system essentially takes the contents of a playbook, once limited to paper or whiteboards, and places them on the playing field, making it easier for inexperienced players to learn the plays they need to know to be successful in the sport.
There is prior art that describes placing pieces on a regulation field to assist in setting up offensive and defensive sets. The prior art is merely for player placement, though, not player movement. Prior art exists that trains players on how to step correctly, but this prior art only covers the first step, not the entire running of a route.


A billing system and method is disclosed for a telephone system comprising at least one central office switching system, wherein a peripheral subsystem is connected to the central office switching systems via a call connection channel, the peripheral subsystem comprising means for providing at least one auxiliary call processing capability via the call connection channel. The a billing system comprises: a billing generation means running on said peripheral subsystem for generating billing data related to said auxiliary call processing capability; a collecting means for collecting said billing data; formatting said billing data to a specified formatted output and outputting said formatted output to said central office communication network.

Over the past few years, the number of new services and features offered over enhanced telephone networks has grown. These enhanced telephone networks are known as "Advanced Intelligent Networks" (AINs). Telephony control networks conforming to AIN architecture contain intelligent subsystems for controlling switched traffic and user services such as call waiting, call forwarding, voice announcements, voice response, keyboard response, etc.. These intelligent subsystems, called "intelligent peripherals" (IP), are configured for specific regional calling services.
Multi-processor systems used as an AIN system are disclosed in the patent application Ser. No. 08/792,018 by Deborah L. Acker and Thomas E. Creamer and assigned to International Business Machines (IBM) and is incorporated herein by reference.
The customer billing for these enhanced AIN services has typically been implemented on Service Control Points (SCP) connected to a Signal Switching Point (SSP). The billing was not performed on a basis of usage of the services provided but on a flat, typically monthly, rate. Flat billing methods lacked the details required by telephone customers. Details requested by customers during a billing period include the frequency of a specific service used and the period of time a particular service was employed. With the increase use of intelligent peripherals in AIN a need exists for a flexible usage-based customer billing and account system with detailed call and detail services. Moreover, a need exists to eliminate the requirement of an SCP for telephony billing services on an IP.

Flexible customer billing solution for telephone systems utilizing intelligent peripherals in advanced intelligent network

International Business Machines Corporation


A charger and battery combination for recharging batteries has a pair of snap arms for retaining a battery within the pocket of the charger. When the battery is inserted into the charger pocket, the snap arms provide a downward force against the battery, thereby ensuring a sound electrical connection between the battery and electrical contacts disposed within the pocket. In one embodiment, the charger pocket includes a pair of channel apertures in which the snap arms are placed. Upon battery insertion, a flex member of the snap arm deflects, thereby allowing a mating feature of the battery to pass. When the battery is fully inserted, a coupling member of the snap arm exerts a force against the battery, thereby pushing the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a charger for charging a rechargeable battery. More particularly, this invention relates to a battery charger having a pocket with a battery retention mechanism for securing a battery therein.
2. Background Art
Portable electronic devices are becoming more and more prevalent. Cellular phones, portable radios, pagers, personal organizers, and the like have become mainstays in everyday life. These and other similar devices rely on batteries for their portability. The cost of replacing "single use" batteries, like alkaline batteries for example, can be expensive. In an effort to save consumers money, electronics manufacturers are designing products which incorporate rechargeable batteries instead of single use cells. As rechargeable batteries can be charged and discharged hundreds of times before replacement is needed, the overall cost of operating a rechargeable device becomes much cheaper than using single use cells.
Two-way radios, like those used by police and fire departments, rely heavily upon rechargeable batteries. As lives may be at stake when the policeman or fireman is on the job, it is imperative that their radios have reliable batteries that are consistently ready to perform. For this reason, the battery for each radio is generally charged daily so as to be ready for the next shift.
Prior art chargers 100 for these radios, like that shown in FIG. 1, have included pockets 101 into which either the radio and battery, or the battery alone, may be inserted. Electrical contacts are included in the pocket 101 to charge the battery. The batteries must make a solid electrical connection with the contacts to charge efficiently. If the connection is not sound electrically, a good amount of the charging energy will be lost as heat, thereby unnecessarily extending the charging process. In the worst case, the batteries will not charge at all.
Traditional rechargeable batteries for radios have used nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride cells, primarily due to their favorable cold weather performance and high discharge capability. Nickel based cells tend to be rather heavy. As such, when a nickel battery is inserted into the pocket of the charger, the sheer weight of the battery is generally sufficient to ensure a reliable electrical connection between the battery and the contacts in the pocket.
New advances in lithium based technologies, however, have made lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries suitable for radio applications. Lithium batteries are quite a bit lighter than are their nickel counterparts. Consequently, when a lithium battery is inserted into a charger pocket, it may not be heavy enough to ensure a proper electrical connection with the contacts. As a result, the charging process may be inefficient and unnecessarily extended.
There is thus a need for a new charger capable of ensuring a proper electrical connection between a lightweight battery and the electrical contacts.

Charger and battery combination with retention arms and mating members


A technique is provided for detecting episodes of cardiac ischemia based on an examination of the total energy of T-waves. Since cardiac ischemia is often a precursor to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or ventricular fibrillation (VF), the technique thereby provides a method for predicting the possible onset of AMI or VF. Briefly, the technique integrates internal electrical cardiac signals occurring during T-waves and then compares the result against a running average. If the result exceeds the average by some predetermined amount, ischemia is thereby detected and a warning signal is provided to the patient. The maximum slope of the T-wave is also exploited. Techniques are also set forth herein for reliably detecting T-waves, which help prevent P-waves from being misinterpreted as T-waves on unipolar sensing channels. The T-wave detection technique may be used in conjunction with ischemia detection or for other purposes.

Cardiac ischemia is a condition whereby heart tissue does not receive adequate amounts of oxygen and is usually caused by a blockage of an artery leading to heart tissue. If sufficiently severe, cardiac ischemia results in an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), also referred to as a heart attack. With AMI, a substantial portion of heart muscle ceases to function because it no longer receives oxygen, usually due to significant blockage of the coronary artery. Generally, AMI occurs when plaque (such as fat, cholesterol, and calcium) builds up and then ruptures in the coronary artery, allowing a blood clot or thrombus to form. Eventually, the blood clot completely blocks the coronary artery and so heart tissue beyond the blockage no longer receives oxygen and the tissue dies. In many cases, an AMI proves fatal because too much tissue is damaged to allow continued functioning of the heart muscle. Indeed, AMI is a leading cause of death here in the United States and worldwide. In other cases, although the AMI itself may not be fatal, it strikes while the victim is engaged in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving vehicles or flying airplanes, and the severe pain and possible loss of consciousness associated with AMI results in fatal accidents. Even if the victim survives the AMI, quality of life may thereafter be severely restricted.
Often AMI is preceded by episodes of cardiac ischemia that are not sufficiently serious to cause actual permanent injury to the heart tissue. Nevertheless, these episodes are often precursors to AMI. Episodes of cardiac ischemia may also trigger certain types of arrhythmias that may prove fatal, particularly ventricular fibrillation (VF) wherein the ventricles of the heart beat chaotically resulting in little or no net flow of blood from the heart to the brain and other organs. Indeed, serious episodes of cardiac ischemia (referred to herein as acute myocardial ischemia) typically result in either a subsequent AMI or VF, often within one to twenty-four four hours, sometimes within only a half an hour or less.
Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provided a technique for reliably detecting acute myocardial ischemia so that the victim may be warned and medical attention sought. If properly warned, surgical procedures may be implemented to locate and remove the growing arterial blockage or anti-thrombolytic medications may be administered. At the very least, advanced warning would allow the victim to cease activities that might result in a fatal accident. Moreover, in many cases, AMI or VF is triggered by strenuous physical activities and so advanced warning would allow the victim to cease such activities, possibly preventing AMI or VF from occurring.
Many patients at risk of cardiac ischemia have pacemakers, ICDs or other medical devices implanted therein. Accordingly, techniques have been proposed for detecting cardiac ischemia using implanted medical devices. In particular, techniques have been developed for analyzing internal electrocardiogram (IEGM) signals in an effort to detect cardiac ischemia. See, as examples, the following U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,869 to Nappholz; U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,004 to Adams et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,428 to Obel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,326 to Collins; U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,953 to Yomtov et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,983 to Natarajan, et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,016,443, 6,233,486, 6,256,538, and 6,264,606 to Ekwall; U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,350 to Mathson; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,112,116 and 6,272,379 to Fischell et al; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,128,526, 6,115,628 and 6,381,493 to Stadler et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,577 to Benser. Most ischemia detection techniques seek to detect ischemia by identifying changes in the ST segment of the IEGM that are manifest during cardiac ischemia. The ST segment represents the portion of the cardiac signal between ventricular depolarization (also referred to as an R-wave to QRS complex) and ventricular repolarization (also referred to as a T-wave). The ST segment usually follows an atrial depolarization (also referred to as a P-wave.) Strictly speaking, P-waves, R-waves and T-waves are features of a surface electrocardiogram (EKG). For convenience, herein, the terms R-wave, T-wave and P-wave are used to refer to the corresponding internal signal component as well.
Problems, however, arise when attempting to detect cardiac ischemia using ST segments. Most pacemakers and ICDs initially route electrical cardiac signals through highpass filters to eliminate direct current (DC) components so that the signals can be more easily and reliably analyzed to detect relatively high frequency components such as P-waves and R-waves. However, ST segments primarily consist of very low-frequency signals. So, to permit ST segments to be analyzed for ischemia detection purposes, the highpass filter must be configured to have a sufficiently low cutoff frequency (typically about 0.1 Hz) to allow the low frequency components of the ST segments to pass through the filter. Unfortunately, highpass filters requiring low cutoff frequencies are not well suited for use within implantable medical devices. In particular, such filters require very large capacitors, which add significantly to the size and weight of the implantable device. In addition, because the ST segment primarily consists of low-frequency signals, techniques based upon an analysis of those segments may not be particularly reliable. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide techniques for detecting cardiac ischemia that do not exploit the ST segment.
One such technique is set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/603,429, of Wang et al., entitled "System And Method For Detecting Cardiac Ischemia Using An Implantable Medical Device", filed contemporaneously herewith, which assigned to the assignee of rights to the present application and is incorporated by reference herein. Rather than examine the ST segment, the technique of Wang et al. instead examines post-T-wave segments, i.e. that portion of the cardiac signal immediately following the T-wave. Although the technique of Wang et al. is very effective in detecting cardiac ischemia while avoiding problems associated with ST segments, it would also be desirable to provide additional or alternative techniques that do not exploit the ST segment.
An alternative to examining the post T-wave segment is to instead examine the T-wave itself. According to some of the patents cited above, various T-wave-based techniques have been developed that exploit: T-wave inversion; changes in the duration or amplitude of T-waves; changes in the rate of rise/fall of the T-wave; or changes in T-wave uniformity. However, it does not appear that any reliable cardiac ischemia detection techniques have been developed that examine the total energy of the T-wave. In contrast, techniques that merely examine the amplitude of a T-wave do not gain a true measure of T-wave energy. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a cardiac ischemia detection technique that is based on the total energy of T-waves and it is to that end that aspects of the invention are primarily directed. Nor does it appear that any cardiac ischemia detection techniques have been developed that examine maximum T-wave slope in combination with total T-wave energy and other aspects of the invention are directed to that end as well.
One concern with T-wave-based ischemia detection techniques is that it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish true T-waves from P-waves appearing within channels used to sense ventricular signals. This problem can occur, for example, when using a unipolar lead mounted in the ventricles to sense ventricular signals and a bipolar lead mounted in the atria to sense atrial signals. The problem can also arise when using a bipolar lead mounted in the atria to sense both ventricular signals and atrial signals, i.e. ventricular signals are sensed by using the bipolar lead in a unipolar mode (i.e. ring to case sensing or tip to case sensing) whereas the atrial signals are sensed by using the same bipolar lead in bipolar mode (i.e. tip to ring sensing). Accordingly, it would also be desirable to provide for improved T-wave detection techniques, either for use with cardiac ischemia detection or for other purposes, and it is to that end that still other aspects of the invention are directed.

System and method for detecting cardiac ischemia based on T-waves using an implantable medical device


A light source drive device includes a supply unit that supplies a high-frequency first drive signal and a second drive signal whose frequency is lower than a frequency of the first drive signal to a discharge lamp which has a pair of electrodes, and a control unit that controls the supply unit so that the first drive signal and the second drive signal of fixed durations are alternately supplied and that controls the supply unit so that the first drive signal is supplied in a case where a voltage between the pair of electrodes is below a threshold.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a technique for driving a discharge lamp.
2. Related Art
Display apparatuses, such as projectors, using a discharge lamp such as a high-pressure mercury lamp as a light source are known. In such display apparatuses, a stable operation of the light source is one of factors to determine the quality of displayed images. JP-A-2007-115534 discloses a technique for supplying electromagnetic waves into an electric discharge container via an antenna and preventing the electric discharge container from melting. JP-A-2010-114064 discloses a technique for suppressing the electrode from melting by performing a control for changing a ratio between the electric energy of a period in which one of two electrodes in the discharge lamp is operated as a positive electrode and the electric energy of a period in which the electrode is operated as a negative electrode at a specific timing.

Light source drive device, display apparatus, and light source drive method


A DC inductor comprising a core structure (11) comprising one or more magnetic gaps (12), a coil (14) inserted on the core structure (11), at least one permanent magnet (15) positioned in the core structure, the magnetization of the permanent magnet (15) opposing the magnetization producible by the coil (14). The core structure is adapted to form a main flux path and an auxiliary flux path, where the main flux path is adapted to carry the main magnetic flux producible by the coil, wherein the auxiliary flux path comprises a magnetic gap and is adapted to lead magnetic flux past the at least one permanent magnet (15).

A major application of a DC inductor as a passive component is in a DC link of AC electrical drives. Inductors are used to reduce harmonics in the line currents in the input side rectifier system of an AC drive.
The use of permanent magnets in the DC inductors allows minimizing the cross-sectional area of the inductor core. The permanent magnets are arranged to the core structure in such a way that the magnetic flux or magnetization produced by the permanent magnets is opposite to that obtainable from the coil wound on the core structure. The opposing magnetization of coil and permanent magnets makes the resulting flux density smaller and enables thus smaller cross-sectional dimensions in the core to be used.
As is well known, permanent magnets have an ability to become demagnetized if an external magnetic field is applied to them. This external magnetic field has to be strong enough and applied opposite to the magnetization of the permanent magnet for permanent demagnetization. In the case of a DC inductor having a permanent magnet, demagnetization could occur if a considerably high current is led through the coil and/or if the structure of the core is not designed properly. The current that may cause demagnetization may be a result of a malfunction in the apparatus to which the DC inductor is connected.
Document EP 0 744 757 B1 discloses a DC reactor in which a permanent magnet is used and the above considerations are taken into account. The DC reactor in EP 0 744 757 B1 comprises a core structure to which the permanent magnets are attached. However, if very large currents flow through the coil winding during a fault, for example, the opposing magnetic field strength may be so large that permanent magnet is demagnetized permanently. Demagnetization of a permanent magnet in a DC inductor leads to a situation where the demagnetized piece has to be magnetized again. This means in practice that the DC inductor has to be removed from the apparatus and replaced with a new one.
One of the problems associated with the prior art structures relates thus to a permanent demagnetization of a permanent magnet in a DC inductor when excessive currents are flowing in the coil of the DC inductor.

Protection of permanent magnets in a DC-inductor


A capping apparatus (40) stops fluid from leaking from a tank valve (14a, 14b) on a tank (11) containing, for example, chlorine. The capping apparatus (40) has a cylindrical outer housing (42) containing a cylindrical inner capping enclosure (58) which is selectively movable within the outer housing (42). The outer housing (42) is secured to the tank (11) via a flange (46) adapted to be secured to retaining straps (21a-21d) on the end wall (12) of the tank (11). The inner capping enclosure (58) has an opening (62) with a perimeter (63) capable of surrounding the leaking tank valve (14a, 14b) and engaging the end wall (12) of the tank (11) in a sealing relationship to thereby seal any leaking fluid within the inner capping enclosure (58). A sealing gasket (64) may be disposed at the perimeter (63) for promoting the sealing relationship. An adjustment means (68) having a threaded rod (72) is utilized for moving the inner capping enclosure (58) within the outer housing (42). Further, a rail configuration comprising rails (86a, 86b, 88) is used for providing guided linear movement of the inner capping enclosure (58) within the outer housing (42). Finally, a valve (92) is disposed on the inner capping enclosure (58) for providing selective release of fluid trapped within the inner capping enclosure (58).

Chlorine (Cl.sub.2) is a widely used chemical. It is used in laundry bleach, swimming pool chemicals, plastics (e.g., polyvinylchloride), insecticides, refrigerants, lubricant additives, chlorinated solvents, and many other products. Although a valuable and popular chemical, chlorine is a very hazardous toxic substance. Chlorine can burn eyes, sinuses, throat, and lungs, and prolonged exposure at high concentration can cause death.
While chlorine is a hazardous chemical, its hazards are well known, and reliable procedures and apparatuses have been developed over the years to handle and work with chlorine safely. Chlorine is usually sold by manufacturers in bulk quantities to various distributors who package and ship the chlorine, often in ton capacity tanks. The ton tanks are usually made of steel and are lifted by jib cranes or hoists.
A ton tank holds one ton of liquid chlorine. The chlorine does not completely fill the tank, as space must be allowed for expansion of the liquid, and a considerable volume of the tank contains chlorine gas above the liquid level The tank is about 30 inches in diameter and 811/2 inches long. Its weight when empty is approximately 1,550 pounds. Generally, the ton container is equipped with two valves, an upper valve for discharging gaseous chlorine and a lower valve for discharging liquid chlorine.
A leak in a valve can be a serious hazard. Liquid chlorine evaporates extremely rapidly and expands to about 460 times its original volume. One pound of liquid chlorine will expand to 5 cubic feet of gas. Thus, even a very small leak is potentially dangerous. Furthermore, chlorine is a highly reactive chemical that reacts with most materials to form other chemical compounds, and these reactions can be violent. For example, chlorine will react with water (moisture in the air) to form hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids which are very corrosive. Further, in the presence of oils, greases, or other hydrocarbons, chlorine can cause ignition, produce toxic smoke, and form residues that can clog systems.
The valves of the tank are usually protected during transport and storage with a valve protection hood. The valve protection hood is a hemispherical structure having a surrounding flange at its opening, and the surrounding flange has flange openings. The flange openings are designed to receive retaining straps located on the tank. For installation of the valve protection hood, the protection hood is rotated after the flange openings receive the retaining straps on the tank, so that the hood is secured to the tank via the straps holding to the flange. The reverse procedure is used for removing the hood. Further, finger holes are usually provided on the hood for facilitating rotation of the hood.
When a leak occurs in a chlorine tank, a full-faced self-contained breathing apparatus, airline respirator, or the like must be worn by those persons attempting to repair the leak. A leaking chlorine ton tank is positioned so that the leak is in the uppermost part of the tank. This positioning allows the chlorine to escape as a gas rather than as a liquid, which makes a big difference in the amount of chlorine released to the atmosphere. A leak around the valve stem of the leaking valve can often be stopped by closing the valve or tightening the packing gland nut. For a leak at the valve discharge outlet, the leak can often be stopped by replacing the gasket in the adaptor connection. Moreover, pinhole leaks in the end wall of the tank can sometimes be stopped by driving a hardwood peg or metal drift pin into the leak hole. However, if a leak occurs at the threads near the base of a valve, the leak must be stopped by using an emergency capping kit. Several emergency capping kits are known in the industry and are commercially available. They are all similar to an extent.
For purposes of discussion, an example of such a conventional emergency capping apparatus is shown in FIG. 1. The emergency capping apparatus 9 of FIG. 1 is manufactured by Indian Springs, Inc., New York, U.S.A., and is known as the Ton Container Emergency Capping Kit B. The capping apparatus 9 is a very complex device and requires training for learning how to properly install it on a ton tank 11. The capping kit 9 essentially comprises a hood 23 for placing about a leaking tank valve 14a, as an example, an elongated C-shaped brace member 24 which is placed across the rim 13 of the tank 11 over the leaking tank valve 14a via jack screws 15a, 15b and adjusting screws 17a-17d, an adjustable cap screw 26a passing through a threaded aperture 27a in the brace member 24 to exert force against the hood 23, and a gasket 29 at the base of the hood 23 for helping to seal the leaking tank valve 14a within the hood 23.
Although adequate for stopping chlorine leaks, the prior art capping apparatuses, as exemplified by the capping apparatus 9 of FIG. 1, suffer from various problems and disadvantages. Most have many assembly pieces and are complex, as is very apparent by examination of FIG. 1. Most require more than one person to install as a result of the many pieces. Further, most can only cap one leaking valve, not two leaking valves. Specifically, referring to FIG. 1, two of the hoods 23 cannot be placed side by side to prevent leaking from both of tank valves 14a, 14b because the gaskets 29 would interfere with and obstruct each other. In addition, the capping apparatuses must be installed while wearing a gas-tight, Level-A, fully encapsulated suit which makes the task even much more difficult. Oftentimes, it can take a half an hour to install a prior art capping apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 1.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry for a capping apparatus for stopping a chlorine leak in a valve of a tank which is simpler in design, which takes only a single person to install, which reduces the amount of time necessary for installation, and which is capable of sealing more than one leaking valve.


A camera includes a flash mechanism, an exposure-preparatory operation mechanism, a motor, a clutch mechanism arranged to transmit an output of the motor to the flash mechanism during the time of operation of the motor in a first direction and to transmit the output of the motor to the exposure-preparatory operation mechanism during the time of operation of the motor in a second direction, a first detecting device for detecting an operational state of the flash mechanism, a second detecting device for detecting an operational state of the exposure-preparatory operation mechanism, and a controller for controlling driving of the motor in response to outputs from the first and second detecting devices.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a camera having a flash mechanism driven by a motor.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional apparatus for electrically driving a built-in flash unit of a single-reflex camera is proposed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Sho 63-195637. This proposal discloses a mechanism for moving the flash unit up and down by utilizing the forward and reverse operation of a motor.
However, the conventional example employs an exclusive motor for driving the flash unit, with the result that the motor is not utilized in combination with another mechanism and effective motor utilization has not yet been achieved.
A system for driving a flash unit by the operation of a motor in one direction and for effecting film transport by the operation of the motor in the other direction, is proposed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 375,952 filed on Jul. 6, 1989 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,269, issued Apr. 30, 1991).
The proposed system is desirable in that a single motor is effectively utilized.

Camera with motor for driving flash mechanism and exposure-preparatory mechanism


A system and method delivers marketing messages based on location specific check-ins. This permits highly targeted communications directed at first entities such as persons, organizations, or businesses who are patrons of second entity locations which are typically businesses. Selection of first entities is based on detection of past or potential patronage of second entities through social media or other public digital content check-ins. Check-ins are analyzed to identify any second entity referred to and associating such reference to the author of the content. Second entities, such as a merchant or brand, may be explicitly determined from meta-data of source content, or implicitly through processing such as natural language analysis or association through a third entity. Second entities use such connections to deliver targeted marketing messages through a public social media profile of the first entity. Analytics may be used to track of check-in patterns and effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

1. Technological Field
This disclosure is related to social media marketing based on location detection, and more specifically integrates all means of location extraction from accessible social media online content, associations between separated online social media services to better determine location, and provides that location's administrator information in selectable fashion to use in location-specific patron identification and direct communication.
2. Background
The present invention is closely tied to social media and mobile devices. Social media, mobile devices and their interrelation are thus described in the following order.
Social Media and Mobile Devices
The term social media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies for social communications. In concrete terms, social media is user-generated digital content about people, businesses or any topic produced as an artifact of social interaction using ubiquitously accessible and scalable communication techniques, most notably Internet connected personal computers (desktops or portables) and mobile devise, in particular smartphones. By its very nature, social media digital content is public to varying degrees. At minimum, it is public to an audience selected by the content author, at widest it is open to the general public. Social media has been widely adopted by the general public since web-based applications and services started to appear in the early 2000s. Mobile devices, smartphones in particular, have also gained wide pubic adoption. Social media and smartphones have co-evolved and are closely related. Social media relies on the communications aspect of smart phones and one of the most common applications of smartphones is social media.
Forms of Social Media
Social media can take on many different forms. Although there is considerable overlap, these forms can be generally categorized into the following groups; social networking; geolocation; media sharing such as photos, videos and presentations; social bookmarking; blogs; wikis; file sharing; and event planning.
Networking Form of Social Media
Social networking services allow users to add friends, send messages and share content. Popular services for social networking include Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. The last may also be considered to be a "micro" blog and is popular with mobile device users. These services may be for general use or optimized for a narrower scope such as business and career related networking. People on social networking services group in communities of like-minded interest. Social networking may be considered the basis of all other types of social media; the other types also allow for networking though they are typically specialized in sharing certain content types such as one's geographical location. Smartphones, carried by a person at any given time, facilitate timely remote social networking.
Geolocation Form of Social Media
Geolocation services such as Gowalla, Foursquare and Yelp feature "check-in" capabilities. A check-in is a process where users can, if they choose, share their location—usually at the immediate present—and comments about it with their social connections. Examples of location types to which check-ins commonly occur are public destinations such as restaurants, bars, retail shops, clubs, parks, stadiums, museums, tourist attractions and various types of entertainment venues. Where supported, capabilities such as geocoding and geotagging are used to enrich social dynamics and networking. User-submitted location data or geolocation techniques allow social networks to connect and coordinate users with others for events matching their interests. Geolocation on web-based social network services is often IP-based. Gelocation services are closely allied with mobile devices and Global Positioning System (GPS) commonly imbedded in mobile devices, smartphones in particular, make location-based services easier to use by applying user coordinates at the time of check-in while at a location of interest. Smartphones are appealing in that they allow more timely and convenient check-ins.
Media Sharing Form of Social Media
Media sharing includes subcategories of photo, video and audio sharing. Photo sharing sites, in particular, are where people can upload photos to share either privately with select users. Examples of popular services include Flickr, Photobucket and Instagram. These services allow users to describe their photographs with keyword tags or describe them in detail. Longitude and latitude coordinates imbedded into meta-data of photographs taken using devices equipped with GPS, such as most modern smartphones may allow easier identification of locations where photo was taken. The coordinates can be linked to such services such as Google Maps.

System and method of direct marketing based on explicit or implied association with location derived from social media content


The present invention describes a method for the treatment of a neurological condition in a subject which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effect amount of a compound of the formula

All references, including any patents or patent applications, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.
The life span is thought to be biologically fixed for each species, and the length of the human life span is uncertain, but may be up to 120 years. Since life expectancy has risen significantly in this century, the elderly are an increasing segment of our population, and their health care needs will continue to grow for decades.
Although normal aging is characterized by modest reductions in the mass and volume of the human brain, which may be due to the atrophy and/or death of brain cells, these changes are far more profound in the brains of patients who succumb to a neurodegenerative condition. Most of these conditions are sporadic and of unknown cause, but hundreds of different mutations in many genes have been shown to cause familial (inherited) variants of several neurodegenerative conditions. Many of the dozen or more genes that harbour these mutations were discovered in the quest to determine the genetic basis of neurodegenerative conditions just in the last ten years. Neurodegenerative conditions evolve gradually after a long period of normal brain function, due to progressive degeneration (i.e., nerve cell dysfunction and death) of specific brain regions. Since symptomatic expression of disease occurs when nerve cell loss exceeds a "threshold" for the continuing function (e.g., memory, movement) performed by the affected brain region, the actual onset of brain degeneration may precede clinical expression by many years.
Intellectual and higher integrative cognitive faculties become progressively impaired and interfere with activities of daily living in neurological conditions resulting in dementia. The precise prevalence of dementia in the elderly population is unknown, but may be 15% of people over 65 years old with 5% severely and 10% mildly to moderately demented. The prevalence of severe dementia increases from 1% at 65 years to 45% at 85 years. There are many causes of dementia, but Alzheimer's Disease (AD) accounts for 50% of demented patients over 65 years of age.
AD is a primary degenerative disease of the brain. It is characterized by progressive decline of cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, comprehension, calculation, language, learning capacity and judgement. Dementia is diagnosed when the declines are sufficient to impair personal activities of daily living. AD shows an insidious onset with slow deterioration. This disease needs to be clearly differentiated from age-related normal decline of cognitive functions. The normal decline is much less, much more gradual and leads to milder disabilities. The onset of AD is usually after 65 years of age, although earlier onset is not uncommon. As age advances, the incidence increases rapidly (it roughly doubles every 5 years). This has obvious implications for the total number of individuals living with this disorder as life expectancy increases in the population.
The aetiology of AD is unclear. There is considerable evidence of a heritable predisposition for some forms of AD (reviewed in St George-Hyslop, 2000), and the expression of certain isoforms of ApoE has also been linked to a higher risk of AD (Corder et al, 1993; Czech et al 1994). The toxic accumulation of aluminium has been suggested as a causative agent in AD, although this hypothesis has now been superseded. The brains of AD patients display abnormal deposits which include β-amyloid protein (Aβ).
Aβ is known to be present in the brains of individuals with certain neurodegenerative diseases, but it is not known whether it is symptomatic of an underlying disease process, or is actually involved in the aetiology of the disease. For example, some authors believe that the Aβ deposits may be indicative of a normal brain defence mechanism, wherein the brain attempts to sequester the Aβ; such deposits can be present in the brains of normal individuals. There is a mutation of tau protein wherein neurofibrillary tangles, but no amyloid plaques are present in the brain; this condition is known as tauopathy.
One proposed approach to AD therapy is to inhibit production of Aβ in the brain. Proteolytic cleavage of APP by BACE1 and γ-secretase generates the full-length Aβ, which is then released from cells (Nunan and Small, 2000). Alternatively, a number of studies have shown that cholesterol can influence Aβ release (Simons et al., 1998; Hartmann, 2001; Fassbender et al., 2001; Frears et al., 1999; Friedhoff et al., 2001). However, there is some disagreement in the art as to the value of lowering cholesterol levels, and some workers consider that cholesterol is actually beneficial. For example, Ji et al, (2002) have suggested that the binding of Aβ to cholesterol might prevent Aβ toxicity by inhibiting its oligomerization.
In an alternative approach, it has been proposed that by unravelling the proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which generates the Aβ amyloid monomer, a number of possible therapeutic targets may be possible (Shearman et al., 2000; Sinha et al., 1999);], and this approach is in an early stage of clinical development. Attempts to promote the clearance of Aβ from the brain through immunization with Aβ, while efficacious in a transgenic mouse model for AD (Schenk et al 1999), have been found to have significant adverse effects (Brower, 2002).
It has also been suggested that deposition of amyloid-like fibrils may also be important in other neurodegenerative diseases. These include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy body formation, multiple system atrophy, Hallerboden-Spatz disease, and diffuse Lewy body disease.
One of the competing theories of the aetiology of AD is that the causative step(s) lies within the pathway of the intracerebral biogenesis and accumulation of the Aβ amyloid protein (see recent reviews by Selkoe, 2001; Beyreuther et al., 2001; Bush, 2001). However, to date no drugs or agents which target this pathway have been demonstrated to have a lasting effect on modifying the clinical expression of the disease or in preventing or ameliorating the decline in cognitive function associated with neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
A further hypothesis is that AD is caused by the toxic accumulation of Aβ amyloid, due in part to excess binding of copper and zinc, metal ions which are abundant in the regions most affected. Moreover, it has been suggested that when Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions interact with Aβ, aggregation of Aβ into fibrils and plaques occurs (Atwood et al., 1998; confirmed by recent data from animals deficient in synaptic Zn2+ (Lee et al., 2002). It has also been suggested that redox-active Cu2+-Aβ interactions can generate H2O2 from O2 (Huang et al., 1999). Both Cu2+ and Zn2+ have been shown to affect Aβ-lipid membrane interactions (Curtain et al., 2001). The brain is an organ that concentrates metal ions and recent evidence suggests that a breakdown in metal homeostasis plays a critical role in a variety of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Common features of these diseases include the deposition of misfolded protein (each disease has its own specific amyloid protein) and substantial cellular damage as a result of oxidative stress. Indeed data is now rapidly accumulating that metallochemical reactions could emerge as the common denominator underlying amyloidogenic neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, amylotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), prion diseases—including Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), transmissible spongioform encephalopathies (TSE), cataracts, mitochondrial disorders, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. In these instances, the pathological aggregation of a specific protein is promoted by abnormal redox activity in a physiological environment typefied by the presence of transition metals and available reducing agents. [Bush, 2000 (Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2000 April; 4(2):184-91)].
Accordingly the present invention provides a means of treating neurological conditions, including those characterised by the abnormal interaction between proteins and metals.
A method of treatment of AD using iodochlorohydroxyquinoline an antibiotic [also known as clioquinol (CQ)], is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,994,323 and 6,001,852 by P. N. Geromylatos S. A. and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/972,913 by Bush et al. CQ was withdrawn as an antibiotic in 1970, because of its association with an uncommon neurological syndrome, subacute myelo-optic neuropathy (SMON), which was observed only in Japan in the 1960s, in patients thought to have received the drug over long periods and probably at doses higher than those recommended at the time (Shiraki, 1975). However, recent evidence suggests that SMON was caused by an overuse-related vitamin B12 deficiency in an exceptionally vulnerable population, and therefore could be rehabilitated for study in a clinical setting (Yassin et al., 2000; Bush and Masters, 2001).
However, no in vivo results in animal models or in humans are provided in the Geromylatos and Bush patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,323 discloses a composition comprising CQ and Vitamin B12, and its use for the treatment of "diseases or disorders responsive to CQ administration while inhibiting detrimental side effects" of CQ. These diseases include AD. U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,852 discloses a method of treatment of AD using CQ, preferably together with Vitamin B12. Both U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,994,323 and 6,001,852 suggest a dosage of 10-750 mg per day; U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,323 recommends that if treatment is over a long period, CQ should be given intermittently, for up to 3 weeks at a time followed by a "wash-out" period of 1-4 weeks.
In U.S. application Ser. No. 09/972,913, CQ is exclusively referred to in terms of its ability to disaggregate Aβ deposits. No other mechanism of neurotoxicity is discussed. PCT/US99/05291 assigned to General Hospital Corporation discloses the use of CQ in combination with specific copper and zinc chelators to promote dissolution of amyloid plaques and inhibition of amyloid plaque formation and/or the production of ROS by Aβ.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,852 also suggests that a composition comprising CQ and Vitamin B12 could be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease; however, in this context it is suggested that CQ acts primarily via clearing iron from the substantia nigra.
The efficacy of CQ in the treatment of AD rests upon its ability to enter the CNS and then sequester the transition metals Cu, Zn and Fe from various Aβ entities, thereby reducing Aβ toxicity and liberating it for clearance. The effectiveness of CQ is restricted by its poor aqueous solubility, which limits its oral bioavailability. CQ is also known to undergo considerable conjugative metabolism and has a history of toxicity, as discussed above. The fact that CQ is a bidentate metal ligand makes necessary the commitment of at least two molecules for every metal ion captured.
We have now developed 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives which are more efficacious than CQ through the collective optimization of one or more of the following properties:
(a) metal chelation (as herein defined);
(b) aqueous solubility;
(c) reduced cell toxicity;
(d) amyloid dispersion properties;
(e) membrane permeability appropriate for CNS penetration; and
(f) metabolic stability.
These derivatives include examples of therapeutics which are concentrated in the CNS through active transport, contain antioxidant activity in addition to their metal chelation properties which in some cases leads to enhanced metal chelation properties and demonstrate a prodrug strategy which masks the 8-hydroxy moiety to favour CNS penetration and make use of the known esterase activity which resides on the inner surface of the blood brain barrier (BBB).

Abstract: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof.


Fertile, stably transformed Zea mays plants can be produced by introducing agronomic trait-encoding DNA, via microprojectile bombardment, into maize embryonic callus or suspension culture that has been broken into clumps having a maximum diameter of about 650 microns, where the bombardment is effected within six days of the formation of the clumps.

Much research in plant molecular biology is now directed to the improvement of plant varieties via use of recombinant DNA techniques. Historically, plant breeders used classical genetic techniques to identify, preserve and crossbreed varietal lines having desirable traits. More recently, new plant varieties were induced by chemicals or by radiation treatment to mutate plant cells which were then regenerated using tissue culture techniques. These random and unpredictable approaches have obvious drawbacks. By the use of recombinant DNA technology, specific genes producing specific proteins, such as those imparting insect resistance, may be introduced into a plant to produce a desired variety with a particular trait. It is thus desirable to provide a method for regeneration of plant cells which have been transformed with recombinant DNA.


A method for treating chemo therapy or radiation therapy side effects in a mammal undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, the method comprising a step of administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a RAR antagonist or RAR inverse agonist which binds to receptors of the RARα, RARβ and RARγ subtypes is disclosed. Such side effects include chemoradiotherapy-induced alopecia, chemoradiotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, chemoradiotherapy-induced leucopenia and chemoradiotherapy-induced neutropenia.

1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to methods for treating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in mammals.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, normal cells in a mammal grow and divide in an orderly and controlled manner. Cancer is a disease where cells become abnormal (cancerous cells) and begin to multiply without control to develop into an extra mass of tissue called a tumor. These cancerous cells can invade nearby tissue and spread through the blood stream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
Presently, the four primary types of cancer treatments are immunotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These cancer treatments may be applied alone or in conjunction with one another. Accordingly, a cancer patient may undergo one or more treatments at a time. A single treatment could span a period of time with therapies delivered at various time intervals. Immunotherapy attempts to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight the disease. It may also be used to lessen immune-system-related side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Surgery seeks to directly remove the tumor from the body.
Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, uses high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors by damaging the cells' genetic material. While cancerous cells are damaged permanently and eventually die, normal cells that are damaged in radiation therapy are able to repair themselves. Side effects that can occur during radiation therapy include skin irritation and hair loss in the area being treated, as well as damage to the bone marrow.
Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs, alone or in combination, to destroy cancer cells. As in radiation therapy, cancer cells can be damaged and eventually die, but healthy cells affected in the process can repair themselves after chemotherapy. Cytotoxic drugs work by interfering with the ability of a growing cell to divide and reproduce itself. Thus, in addition to cancerous cells, other normal fast-dividing, growing cells can also be affected. For example, there can be an effect on blood cells formed in the bone marrow, causing bone marrow suppression. There can also be an effect on cells in, for example, the digestive tract, in the lining of the mouth, and in the reproductive system, causing diarrhea and mouth soreness; there can also be an effect on hair follicles, causing hair loss.
Bone marrow suppression is one of the many side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It results in reduced blood cell production, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Consequently, a patient can experience fatigue from anemia, become more susceptible to infections, from leukopenia, and bruise easily and bleed more when getting a cut, from thrombocytopenia. Drugs are typically used to counter the bone marrow suppression side effect. For example, Epogen® (epoietin α) has been used to counter the side effect of anemia in cancer chemotherapy, and WinRho® SDF (Rho (D) immune globulin) has been used to counter the side effects of thrombocytopenia.
Prevention of, or protection from, the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy would be a great benefit to cancer patients. The many previous efforts to reduce these side effects have been largely unsuccessful. For life-threatening side effects, efforts have concentrated on altering the dose and schedules of the chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic agents to reduce the side effects. Other options are becoming available, such as the use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), interleukin 11 (il-11), erythropoietin, thrombopoietin, megakaryocyte development and growth factor, pixykines, stem cell factor, FLT-ligand, as well as interleukins 1, 3, 6, and 7, to increase the number of normal cells in various tissues before the start of chemoradiotherapy. The mechanisms of protection by these factors, while not fully understood, are most likely associated with an increase in the number of normal critical target cells before treatment with cytotoxic agents or radiation therapy, and not associated with increased survival of cells following chemoradiotherapy.
Generally, neutrophils, also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes, are the most numerous of the blood cells known as granulocytes. Neutrophils are the largest cell population involved in acute inflammatory response. They are thus an important component of natural immunity, responding quickly to chemotactic stimuli. Neutrophils destroy foreign particles such as bacteria by enveloping and digesting them, a process called phagocytosis. Neutrophils may increase in response to bacterial infection. When many neutrophils are needed, they are released from the bone marrow as immature cells, called bands or stab cells. Neutropenia is a hematological disorder characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophil granulocytes. Therefore, patients with neutropenia are more susceptible to bacterial infections, and these conditions may become life-threatening.
Neutropenia may occur secondary to another condition such as cancer or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Neutropenia may also occur secondary to an event such as a drug therapy. Thus, neutropenia may result from physiological disorders that directly affect the immune system. For example, diminished neutrophil production will result when leukemia, myeloma, lymphoma or a metastatic solid tumor such as, for example, breast or prostate cancer, infiltrate and replace bone marrow. Transient neutropenia is often associated with viral infections. Chronic neutropenia is often associated with immunodeficiency resulting from a viral infection, for example, AIDS resulting from infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Autoimmune neutropenia may be associated with circulating anti-neutrophil antibodies.
A much more common cause of neutropenia is as a side effect of drug therapy, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer and bone marrow transplantation associated with cancer therapy. Neutropenia secondary to drug therapy can thus be subdivided into two groups. The first involves immune-mediated neutropenia that may arise from drugs that act as haptens to stimulate antibody formation. Acute hypersensitivity reactions such as those caused by diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital may last a few days. However, chronic hypersensitivity reactions may last for months or years.
The second area of drug-induced neutropenia involves the severe neutropenia that predictably occurs after large doses of cytoreductive cancer drugs or ionizing radiation therapy. These cytotoxic therapies induce neutropenia because of the proliferative nature of neutrophil precursor cells and the normal rapid turnover rate of circulating neutrophils. The risk of neutropenia secondary to cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy depends on such factors as the type and stage of the cancer and the type, the dosage and the schedule of cancer treatment.
Therapy that presently exists for raising neutrophil levels consists primarily of filgrastim (Neupogen®) and more recently, pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®), a longer acting derivative of filgrastim. Filgrastim is a recombinant version of a human protein, G-CSF, that selectively stimulates the production of white blood cells. G-CSF is currently the drug of choice for neutropenia. Since both of these drugs are recombinant proteins they are not active orally and must be administered by injection. In addition, protein-based drugs are often subject to rapid metabolism.
Despite advances in the fields of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, prior art drugs and methods have proven to be of limited utility in minimizing side effects resulting from chemotherapy and radiation therapy such as chemotherapy-induced alopecia, radiation therapy-induced alopecia, chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, radiation therapy-induced thrombocytopenia, chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, radiation therapy-induced leucopenia, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and radiation therapy-induced neutropenia. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved method for treating such side effects of chemoradiotherapy in a mammal.

Use of a RAR antagonist or inverse agonist for the treatment of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy side effects