A ladder support for a parallel rail extension ladder to be used as a step ladder in situations where there is no vertical support available for the upper ends of the rails. The support comprises a base frame piece running perpendicular to the rails of the ladder. The base extends left and right and has terminal pieces that run perpendicular with a cross bar at each end. Running perpendicular and intersecting the central portion of the cross bar is a support member parallel with the bottom rail and running around the upper end and perpendicular to the base section. Connected intermediately is the top portion of the adjustable support including the vertical support piece which is hinged to the cross member at one end and the cross member of the parallel. At the top of the parallel rails is a support bar running perpendicular to the support piece and having lateral pieces at the end thereof which serve to prevent the ladder from shifting left or right. The support member is adjustable in length to be able to adjust the incline of the ladder from vertical towards horizontal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to ladders and more specifically to auxiliary stands for utilization with extension ladders in situations where it is not possible to rest the upper end of the ladder against a vertical support. It is utilized in situations where the employment of a stepladder is not suitable or in situations where it is more convenient, economic and efficient to use only an extension ladder and not to have to deal with and handle both an extension ladder and/or a stepladder which may or may not be of the appropriate height for the job being undertaken.
As is known, extension ladders are generally comprised of an upper and lower section at least, and possibly more. Each section is comprised of a pair generally parallel rails with the usual rungs for stepping on extending between the rails. The upper and lower ladder sections are slidably mounted with respect to each other. The upper ladder section is extendible with respect to the lower ladder section. The upper section can be extended to varying lengths to provide additional height when used, and then retracted and closed for storage when not in use.
The other type of common ladder is referred to as a stepladder which comprises ladder sections with generally parallel rails with a plurality of spaced rungs extending between them. An opposing frame which may be just a frame or a mirror image of the first ladder section has an upper end hingedly attached to the upper end of the first ladder section. In the erected condition it extends downwardly and outwardly therefrom. A pair of foldable braces or arms are usually hingedly connected at intermediate points of the ladder sections so as to hold the ladder sections in a predetermined angular relationship to each other so that, as is known, when the stepladder is erected it is generally in an A configuration. Most stepladders have no means of adjusting the height and are of limited utility, particularly in the case where they must be erected on an uneven substrate or when the height of the area to be reached is recessed away from the base of the object of which it is desired to access the upper portions thereof.
A particular operation undertaken for which neither a conventional stepladder nor extension ladder is very suitable is in gaining access for trimming large decorative shrubs, the tops of which can usually not be reached by conventional stepladders, and in which because of bulk or girth and lack of a solid support, an extension ladder often is not appropriate to be employed to reach the upper domains of such a tree or bush.
Thus one is often faced with the multiple choice dilemma of reaching from a conventional stepladder with the inherent safety risks which this involves, or laying an extension ladder against the bush and having the ladder fall into the bush or roll off the bush because of overflexible or non-stable support to stabilize the extension ladder.
Various attempts to remedy this dilemma have employed generally jerry-mandered contraptions which comprise, for example, taking a extension ladder and temporarily attaching brackets thereto or lateral supports to stepladders. Various approaches to this have usually resulted in Rube Goldberg arrangements including brackets attached to extension ladders and modifications of stepladders and extension ladders that made them unsuitable for employment in the usual manner because of the additions, either temporary or permanent, of attachments to them which resulted in something entirely different from the usual stepladder and made them awkward to use.
In accordance with the present invention an easily moved mobile base is provided for temporarily securing retaining a conventional extension ladder to allow the extension ladder to be utilized in its usual manner and to reach heights in which the upper end of the extension ladder is not resting against the conventional upright wall and yet there is no permanent attachment to the unmodified extension ladder which would make it unsuitable for its normal intended use and/or awkward to move about.
The ladder support of the present invention temporarily retains the base of the lower section of the usual extension ladder and provides intermediate support so that the ladder may be used in a tilted upright position without the necessity of resting against a wall or providing any attached braces, legs, or lateral supports. In this manner, one can utilize the conventional extension ladder as a stepladder. It is particularly useful for trimming bulky bushes such as large decorative evergreens.
2. Prior Art
The closest prior art references of which the Applicant is aware are as follows:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,446--Zelikovitz shows a ladder with a lateral support secured to the bottom of the lower section and foldable lateral supports angling out from the top portion of the lower section of the ladder. It has the spreader arm 30 similar to a conventional step-ladder. The lateral supports are indicated at 45 and the base attachment at 40 This is essentially a permanently constructed combination extension ladder/stepladder and does not provide a separate independent stand or support in which to place unmodified extension ladder for use in a particular situation as is possible with the development of this invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,262--Margolies discloses in effect a tripodal supported stepladder in order to increase lateral stability.
Others references which generally illustrate the state of the art in this area include stabilizer bars or foldable support features and lateral support features for extension ladders are as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 1,496,201--Baxter, U.S. Pat. No. 3,059,723--Shore, U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,703--Wilke, U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,477--Ralston, U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,629--Vanden Hoek et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,876--Severson.

Independent mobile work ladder support stand


A combustion engine (E) for a motorcycle includes a crankshaft (26) extending in a widthwise direction of the motorcycle and a supercharger (42) which pressurizes intake air (I). A clutch gear (72) to which a clutch is connected is provided at the right side of the crankshaft (26), and a supercharger gear (80) which drives the supercharger (42) is provided at the left side of the clutch gear (72). The supercharger gear (80) is formed on a crank web (75) disposed such that a journal (68) is located between the clutch gear (72) and the crank web (75).

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a combustion engine which is mounted on a motorcycle and includes a crankshaft which extends in a widthwise direction of the motorcycle and a supercharger which pressurizes intake air.
Description of Related Art
As a combustion engine mounted on a motorcycle, a combustion engine has been known, in which a crankshaft extends in a widthwise direction of the motorcycle and a supercharger is driven by power extracted from the crankshaft and pressurizes intake air (e.g., Patent Document 1).


A fiber optic lighting system with a light bar configuration includes a plurality of individual spot lights selectively spaced along the light bar housing. The light bar is hollow and houses a plurality of coiled fiber optic bundles. Individual spot lights are formed by a bundle of fibers collected in a casing fitted with a rotatable ball. A locking cage surrounds the rotating ball. To position a spot light, the locking cage is loosened and the light is rotated into position. Then, the locking cage is tightened so as to securely grip the rotating ball. The locking cage prevents unintended movement of the spot light from a preferred direction. In a preferred embodiment, the locking cage includes a cap which has a threaded fitting arrangement with a base affixed to the light bar housing, and the cap is freely translatable on the base simply by screwing and unscrewing. Wash lighting might be provided additional fibers which project through openings and are cut flush with the housing.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is generally related to a fiber optic illumination system, and more particularly to an elongated hollow housing which routes fiber optic bundles to selectively spaced holes where the light emitting ends are secured in a manner to promote a specific light pattern.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In recent years fiber optics have become increasingly popular in a variety of fields including communications, computers, and general illumination. Fiber optic cables or strands are capable of delivering a light signal from a remote location with very little attenuation of light energy. This capability allows fiber optics to be used in a variety of display and illumination applications. There are several advantages to using fiber optic strands and cables in illumination systems. For example, a single light source can be used to provide multiple, directed points of light, thus reducing the need for multiple light sources. In addition, the light source is remote from the subject matter being illuminated, thereby reducing the effects of heat on the subject matter which often results when the source of light is in close proximity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,977, Miller, discloses a tubular housing having a macro lens at one end and an axially slidable optical fiber at the other. Light emitted from the optical fiber may be focused by axially sliding the optical fiber toward or away from the lens.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,047, Viner et al., discloses a fiber optic light bar having a plurality of longitudinally spaced spotlights. Each spotlight is composed of a fiber optic bundle end, secured by a spherical casing and having a lens which is slidably movable toward or away from the fiber optic bundle end for the purpose of focusing the emitted light.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,535, Churchill, discloses a fiber optic light bar which includes, a plurality of fiber optic bundles secured in collars, and mounted through a plurality of holes at the surface of the bar, and a plurality of flexible sleeves extending outwardly from the light bar containing fiber optic bundles which emit light.

Fiber optic lighting system with lockable spot lights


Described herein are methods, devices, and systems that monitor heart rate and/or for arrhythmic episodes based on sensed intervals that can include true R-R intervals as well as over-sensed R-R intervals. True R-R intervals are initially identified from an ordered list of the sensed intervals by comparing individual sensed intervals to a sum of an immediately preceding two intervals, and/or an immediately following two intervals. True R-R intervals are also identified by comparing sensed intervals to a mean or median of durations of sensed intervals already identified as true R-R intervals. Individual intervals in a remaining ordered list of sensed intervals (from which true R-R intervals have been removed) are classified as either a short interval or a long interval, and over-sensed R-R intervals are identified based on the results thereof. Such embodiments can be used, e.g., to reduce the reporting of and/or inappropriate responses to false positive tachycardia detections.

Various types of implantable medical devices (IMDs) are used to monitor for cardiac arrhythmias. Some types of IMDs, such as implantable cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), are capable of providing appropriate therapy in response to detected cardiac arrhythmias. Other types of IMDs, such as insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs), are used for diagnostic purposes. ICMs have been increasingly used to diagnose cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF).
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a very common type of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) which leads to approximately one fifth of all strokes, and is the leading risk factor for ischemic stroke. However, AF is often asymptomatic and intermittent, which typically results in appropriate diagnosis and/or treatment not occurring in a timely manner. To overcome this, many cardiac devices, such as ICMs, now monitor for AF by obtaining an electrogram (EGM) signal and measuring R-R interval variability based on the EGM signal. For example, an ICM or other IMD can compare measures of R-R interval variability to a variability threshold, to automatically detect AF when the variability threshold is exceeded. Indeed, ICMs predominantly identify AF by quantifying the variability in R-R intervals (i.e., by quantifying the variability in the timing of ventricular contractions).
There are a few ICMs that are commercially available, including the Confirm Rx™ ICM, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, of Chicago, Ill., the Reveal LINQ™ ICM, manufactured by Medtronic, Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., and the BioMonitor™ 2 (AF and S versions), manufactured by Biotronik SE & Co. KG, of Berlin, Germany. When an ICM detects an episode of AF, information about the episode may be recorded and a corresponding EGM segment (and/or other information) can be transmitted from the ICM to a patient care network for clinician review. False positive AF detections are highly undesirable, as the burden of sorting through large numbers of clinically irrelevant episodes of AF can be time consuming and costly.
In various IMDs, such as ICMs, clinicians are provided with the capability of programming an R-wave sensing threshold, to which samples of an EGM are compared to detect R-waves in the EGM. Clinicians often use relatively low R-wave sensing thresholds in order to reduce the undersensing of low amplitude R-waves. However, R-wave amplitudes may vary in real-life settings due to various reasons including physical activity and posture changes. If the R-wave sensing threshold is programmed to be too low (i.e., too sensitive), then lower amplitude features of the EGM (e.g. P-waves, T-waves, and/or noise) may be incorrectly sensed as R-waves. Unfortunately, false positive AF detections caused by oversensing higher-amplitude P-waves or T-waves (rather than just R-waves) are common, resulting in low AF detection specificity. Moreover, presently available P-wave and T-wave detection discriminator techniques are often unable or inadequate to correctly distinguish P-waves and T-waves from R-waves. Accordingly, there is a still a need for improved techniques for distinguishing P-waves and T-waves from R-waves, and for distinguishing over-sensed R-R intervals from true R-R intervals.

Methods and systems for distinguishing over-sensed R-R intervals from true R-R intervals


An apparatus and method for zero knowledge proof security techniques within a computing platform. One embodiment includes a security module executed on a processing core to establish a domain of trust among a plurality of layers by sending a challenge from a verification layer to a first prover layer, the challenge comprising an indication of at least one selected option; in response to receiving the challenge, generating first verification information at the first prover layer based on the secret and the indication of the selected option; sending the first verification information to at least a second prover layer, the second prover layer generating second verification information based on the first verification information and the indication of the selected option; and performing a verification operation at the verification layer using the second verification information based on the selected option.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of computer processors. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for implementing zero-knowledge proof security techniques on a computing platform, such as a mobile platform.
2. Description of the Related Art
Security on mobile platforms is currently based on a "chain of trust" which is a process in which a component assumes trust of its predecessor (i−1) and measures the integrity of its successor (i+1) before relinquishing control. This methodology works for booting which is a one-time operation. However, this solution falls short if a "chain of trust" needs to be maintained during runtime. One reason for this is that at runtime, components can change due to updates or third party add-ons. Since the loading process is unidirectional (i.e., the successor knows nothing about its predecessor), the "trust chain" can not be trusted.

Apparatus and method for implementing zero-knowledge proof security techniques on a computing platform


The invention relates to a semiconductor component having a coreless first transformer (71, 72) which comprises a first (71) and a second (72) planar winding, is arranged on a semiconductor body 9 and is surrounded in the lateral direction by a protective ring (1, 2). The protective ring (1, 2) has metal portions (1a-1d), of which the top metal portion (1a) is further apart of the first planar winding (71) in the lateral direction than the protective ring (1b) which is second from top.

Such semiconductor components are used in "half-bridges" in drive technology, for example. A half-bridge of this type typically comprises two semiconductor switches with a respective load path and a respective control connection. In this case, the load paths of the two semiconductor switches are connected in series, and applying a control voltage to one of the control connections controls the current flowing via the load path of the associated semiconductor switch. The power switch connected to the lower potential of the supply voltage, preferably to ground, is usually referred to as a low-side switch in this case, and the other is accordingly referred to as a high-side switch.
Normally, the supply voltage which is present across such a half-bridge through the series connection of the load paths is several hundred volts.
The normally high supply voltages mean that the voltages which are required for actuation and which are present across the control connections of the semiconductor switches are also significantly different, typically by several hundred volts.
Usually, the control connections of the two semiconductor switches are actuated by means of actuation electronics which output ground-referenced signals which need to be converted to a high potential in order to actuate the high-side switch.
So that it is not necessary to design such control electronics to be resistant to high voltage, it is expedient to isolate the potentials of the control electronics and of at least one of the control connections.
One option for isolating potentials is indicated in the article by Kaschani, K. T. et al.: "Coreless transformer a new technology for half bridge driver IC's", PCIM 2003, Nuremburg. In this case, the potentials are isolated by means of a transformer which comprises two inductively coupled windings and which is arranged on a semiconductor body.
One option for implementing an arrangement of this type is shown in FIG. 1. In this case, a number of patterned metallization planes 10, 20, 30, 40 are arranged above a semiconductor body 9 and have insulating layers arranged between them.
A first winding 71 and a second winding 72 in a transformer 71, 72 are in the form of planar, spiraled windings 71, 72 and are arranged opposite one another in two different metallization planes 10 and 20. Preferably, both windings have the same center point and also the same external diameter, so as to ensure the best possible magnetic coupling. During operation, a large potential difference can develop between the two windings and can result in very high electrical fields which can adversely affect their environment, particularly surrounding circuit parts.
To avoid these unwanted effects, the transformer has a protective ring 1, 2 arranged around it which is normally electrically conductively connected to the semiconductor body 9.
The protective ring 1, 2 comprises an electrically conductive structure which is formed from metal portions 1a-1d and from vertical connecting elements 2a-2c, such as contact holes. The metal portions 1a-1d are respectively arranged in one of the metallization planes 10, 20, 30, 40 and are at the same lateral spacing from the first planar winding 71. Connecting elements 2a-2c which penetrate the insulating layers connect the metal portions 1a-1d to one another in electrically conductive fashion in the vertical direction of the semiconductor body 9. The protective ring arrangement is connected to the semiconductor body 9 by means of a connection contact 2d.
To protect the exterior of the component from chemical and mechanical influences, the top metallization plane 10 has a passivation layer 6 applied to it which may comprise a layer or a plurality of layer elements. The normally high potential difference between the first planar winding 71 and the protective ring 1, 2 means that the passivation layer 6 may be damaged.

Semiconductor component with coreless transformer


A communication unit (CU) (109, 111) network controller (113) and corresponding methods (603-609) are described that facilitate selectively routing calls. The CU includes a transceiver (403) suitable to support an air interface with a local area network (LAN) (101) and with a wide area network (WAN) (105) and a controller (405) that is coupled to and controlling the transceiver. These are each and collectively configured to determine when a bearer leg within the WLAN will not support a call attempt over the bearer leg and responsive to so determining, initiate the call over another bearer leg, e.g. within the LAN or the WAN. The determining includes, for example, receiving a message (703, 707, 713) that indicates or implies that the call can not be supported.

Local Area Networks (LANs) including wireless LANs are being contemplated or are known. Such LANs are typically supported by network controllers or LAN servers, which may alternatively be referred to as private branch exchanges (PBXs) or enterprise servers. The PBX normally provides a control and switching function for the LAN and communication units operating therein or users thereof. The LAN and wireless LAN can be an attractive and inexpensive alternative for typical voice services such as telephony or dispatch services and may provide additional amenities such as high-speed wireless Internet and Intranet access as well as other real-time applications that may be more specific to a given enterprise.
Wireless wide area networks (wireless WANs or WANs) such as conventional cellular telephone systems are also known. Such networks provide the advantage of wide area coverage but may not be economically attractive for routine access to wideband or high speed data capabilities, such as are required for certain Internet or Intranet applications.
A LAN including a wireless LAN will normally be able to support call loads. However, occasionally the LAN may experience problems and thus may not be able to properly support a call directed to or initiated by a communication unit operating in or on the LAN. Unfortunately in these circumstances the call may not be connected as intended or expected.


A process is provided for manufacturing a catalytic converter formed from at least one monolith being held in a catalytic converter housing, especially a motor vehicle catalytic converter. A mounting mat (14) is placed on the outer circumferential surface (38) of the monolith (12) in the process, and the monolith (12) is subsequently stuffed together with the mounting mat (14) into the catalytic converter housing. To apply the mounting mat (14) on the monolith (12), the monolith (12) is set into rotation, while the mounting mat (14) is being fed tangentially and is carried by the monolith (12). A plant for carrying out the process is also provided as well as an application device (10).

A process of the type mentioned in the introduction for manufacturing catalytic converters, especially for manufacturing motor vehicle catalytic converters, is generally known. A catalytic converter housing, which may have a great variety of cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the particular intended use, e.g., a round, oval or elliptical shape, is first manufactured according to the prior-art process by forming and welding. At least one monolith, which is manufactured from a porous ceramic material, is coated with catalyst material, and whose cross section is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the catalytic converter housing, is stuffed into the catalytic converter housing during the subsequent operation, the so-called canning. Depending on the particular application, two or more monoliths may also be stuffed into the catalytic converter housing, and, if necessary, they are arranged at spaced locations from one another in the catalytic converter housing. The catalytic converter housing is closed after the canning, e.g., by fastening corresponding connection flanges and covers.
Due to the ceramic material used, the monolith is relatively susceptible to shocks. Any movement of the monolith in relation to the catalytic converter housing must therefore be prevented from occurring to the extent possible in order to prevent the monolith from being damaged. The monolith should also not be set to vibrate due to vibrations of the catalytic converter housing, which are transmitted, e.g., from the motor vehicle to the catalytic converter housing, or by pulsating exhaust gas flows which flow through the monolith.
To guarantee this, a mounting mat made of glass fibers, rock wool or a similar heat resistant and shock-absorbing material is usually fastened around the outer circumferential surface of the monolith, i.e., the surface that extends rotationally symmetrically to the body axis of the monolith, along which the monolith is stuffed into the catalytic converter housing. The mounting mat assumes essentially two functions. On the one hand, the mounting mat shall keep the monolith under pretension in the catalytic converter housing in order to prevent a relative movement between the monolith and the catalytic converter housing. On the other hand, the mounting mat shall effectively absorb vibrations acting on the catalytic converter housing in relation to the monolith.
To fasten the mounting mat to the monolith, the monolith is usually wrapped up manually in the mounting mat and fixed by means of an adhesive to the monolith. However, the drawback of this procedure is that the quality of the positioning of the mounting mat at the monolith is greatly affected by the individual skill and the individual performance capacity of the worker who fastens the mounting mat to the monolith.
Thus, folds, which make it difficult or even impossible to stuff the monolith provided with the mounting mat into the catalytic converter housing, may be formed during the wrapping up of the monolith in the mounting mat, or a gap may be left at the two mutually abutting lateral edges of the mounting mat during the assembly of the mounting mat, and this gap will form a bypass with the monolith stuffed into the catalytic converter housing, along which exhaust gas can flow untreated through the catalytic converter housing in parallel to the monolith. Furthermore, permanent fastening of the mounting mat with a hot-melt adhesive is not always guaranteed, so that the mounting mat may separate, especially during the canning, and the manufacturing process is interrupted. Since experience has shown that the time necessary for the assembly varies greatly in such an assembly step—it depends on the skill of the particular worker—integration of the winding in an automatic manufacturing cycle is possible with a corresponding intermediate buffer only. Despite the intermediate buffer, canning may be interrupted in case of an excessively long assembly time by the preceding wrapping up of the monolith in the mounting mat, which is performed manually, i.e., the canning machines are briefly out of use. Due to the large lot sizes in which catalytic converters are usually manufactured, this leads to high additional costs.
Segmented folding tools, which are to automatically wrap up the monolith in the mounting mat, have therefore also been used for some time. The folding tool has for this purpose a plurality of arc-shaped folding segments, which are articulated to one another and are activated one after another and lay the mounting mat section by section around the monolith. The drawback of such folding tools is, on the one hand, that the individual folding segments of the folding tool are to be actuated individually, which requires a considerable effort for control, and the folding tool consequently has to be complicated. On the other hand, the mounting mat is often creased at the transition between two folding segments, which may lead to damage to the structure of the mounting mat, which may lead as a consequence to the formation of the above-mentioned bypasses.

Process for manufacturing a catalytic converter and plant therefor


A multifunction masonry tool includes a handle adapted to be held firmly in the grip of one hand. The handle is a polygonal solid, with for example four sides arrayed in generally rectangular or square cross-sectional arrangement. A narrow neck is disposed adjacent to a first end of the handle to enhance the grip of the thumb and forefinger. A loop extends from one end of the handle and a pick extends from the opposed end, both formed of a hardened, form-retaining rod material. The pick and loop may be formed from a single piece of the rod material that extends axially through the handle.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a masonry tool and, more particularly, to a masonry hand tool that provides distinct structural elements at opposed ends to achieve differing masonry functions.
Description of Related Art
A skilled mason requires an extensive tool kit to undertake all of the tasks that are encompassed in masonry, beyond the well known tasks of laying brick and stone to make functional structures. It is also necessary, e.g., to build hardscape, repair existing masonry structures, apply and repair stucco, and the like. Often these jobs involve switching frequently between various tasks and switch tools. Thus many tools must be available and close-at-hand, which can complicate a work site. Clearly any tool innovation that combines the function of more than one tool into a single implement is a welcome advance in the field.

Speed striker multi-function masonry tool


The present invention describes a fragrance delivery system which releases fragrant aldehydes or ketones and/or fragrant compounds containing an olefin function upon exposure to light. This system comprises xcex1-keto esters of formula

The present invention describes a fragrance delivery system which releases fragrant aldehydes or ketones and/or fragrant compounds containing an olefin function upon exposure to light. This system comprises xcex1-keto esters of formula
in which Rxe2x80x2* and Rxe2x80x3* have the meaning as defined in the application and which are generally, in case of Rxe2x80x2*, an alkyl group carrying an abstractable hydrogen in xcex3-position relative to the xcex1-keto function and carrying a moiety from which is derived a fragrant compound containing an olefin function, and, in case of Rxe2x80x3*, the organic part of a primary or secondary alcohol from Rxe2x80x3*OH which is derived a fragrant aldehyde or ketone.
The present invention relates to the field of perfumery. It relates, more particularly, to xcex1-keto esters, as defined below, of alcohols which are precursors of fragrant aldehydes and ketones and which are capable of releasing said fragrant ketone or aldehyde upon exposure to light, more particularly daylight. Said xcex1-keto esters may furthermore contain, in xcex1-position to the keto group, an alkyl group which may contain various substituents and which alkyl group is derived from a fragrant molecule possessing an olefinic unsaturation. The unsaturated molecule and/or the aldehyde or ketone are released upon exposure to light, in particular daylight, of the xcex1-keto ester.
There exists, in perfumery, a particular interest in compounds which are capable of xe2x80x9cfixingxe2x80x9d fragrant molecules, for example by chemical bonding or intramolecular forces like absorption, and releasing said fragrant molecules over a prolonged period of time, for example by the action of heat, enzymes, or even sunlight. Fragrant molecules have to be volatile in order to be perceived. Although many fragrant compounds are known which show a good substantivity, i.e. they will remain on a surface to which they have been applied for several days and can hence be perceived over such a period of time, a great number of fragrant compounds are very volatile, and their characteristic smell can no longer be perceived several hours after their application.
It is thus desirable to dispose of fragrance delivery systems which are capable of releasing the fragrant compound or compounds in a controlled manner, maintaining a desired smell over a prolonged period of time.
We have now developed a fragrance delivery system which is capable of releasing fragrant aldehydes or ketones and/or fragrant compounds containing an olefin function upon exposure to light, and in particular daylight.
The object of the present invention is a fragrance delivery system comprising xcex1-keto esters of formula
in which
Rxe2x80x2* is hydrogen or a linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group or alkylene group from C1 to C35, an unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl group from C3 to C8, an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl group, wherein said alkyl, alkylene, cycloalkyl and phenyl groups may comprise one or several hetero atoms not directly linked to the xcex1-keto group and selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur, or
Rxe2x80x2* is a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl group carrying an abstractable hydrogen in xcex3-position relative to the xcex1-keto function and comprising a moiety from which is derived a fragrant compound containing an olefin function, such that said fragrant compound containing an olefin function is eliminated after abstraction of said xcex3-hydrogen atom;
Rxe2x80x3* is hydrogen or a methyl, ethyl or tert-butyl group or is the organic part of a primary or secondary alcohol from which is derived a fragrant aldehyde or ketone, and at least one of the groups Rxe2x80x2* and Rxe2x80x3* being a group which is derived from a fragrant compound.
Many of the xcex1-keto ester compounds of the above formula are new. Certain compounds are not, however, such as those of the above formula when Rxe2x80x2* is a methyl group, or when Rxe2x80x3* is a menthyl or a benzyl group. Specifically, (xe2x88x92)-(1S,1R)-1,7,7- trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl (4-methylphenyl)oxoacetate and hexyl(cyclohexyl)oxoacetate are excluded.
In the above definition, when reference is made to a fragrant compound, aldehyde or ketone, it is always meant a compound which not only has an odor, but which is also known to a person skilled in the art as being useful as a perfuming ingredient for the formulation of perfumes or perfumed articles. The criteria a useful perfuming ingredient has to fulfil are known to a person skilled in the art and include, amongst others, a certain originality of the odoriferous note, stability and a certain price/performance ratio. Non-limiting examples for fragrant compounds which can be used with the xcex1-keto esters of the invention will be mentioned below.
The xcex1-keto esters of the above formula (I) release fragrant compounds upon exposure to light, in particular daylight. The xcex1-keto esters of formula (I), however, are also capable of releasing a fragrant compound containing an olefin function from the group Rxe2x80x2* in 1-position relative to the keto function, or a fragrant aldehyde or ketone which is derived from the alcohol Rxe2x80x3*OH from which the organic part Rxe2x80x3* is present in the ester function of the keto esters of the present invention, or even both.
From the above, it is clear that when reference is made to the organic part Rxe2x80x3* of a fragrant alcohol Rxe2x80x3*OH, Rxe2x80x3* is the hydrocarbyl rest of said alcohol, e.g. a menthyl radical in case Rxe2x80x3*OH is menthol.
The release of the fragrant compound from the keto esters occurs in an elimination reaction after an intramolecular transfer of an abstractable hydrogen radical, in xcex3-position to the xcex1-keto function, to said keto function. The respective part of the molecule from which the hydrogen radical has been abstracted is subsequently released from the reduced keto ester, with concomitant formation of a double bond. The above is illustrated in the scheme below in which possible substituents in the respective parts of the molecules have been omitted for reasons of clarity. The double bonds which will be formed after elimination are indicated by dotted lines.
It is to be understood that the xcex1-keto esters of the present invention can release only one or both molecules of fragrant compound per molecule of xcex1-keto ester. When the hydrogen transfer to the xcex1-keto function is able to occur from the one or the other side of said function, as illustrated above, a certain part of the molecules will release a ketone or aldehyde and a certain part will release the olefin compound. The proportions of the two products released depend on the relative rate of each hydrogen transfer reaction. According to the effect desired, the xcex1-keto esters of the invention can be tailored to release exclusively a fragrant ketone or aldehyde, or exclusively a fragrant compound containing an olefin group, or both. When only one of the two classes of fragrant compounds is to be released from the xcex1-keto esters of the invention, the part of the molecule from which no release shall occur does not contain an abstractable hydrogen atom in xcex3-position to the keto function, i.e. either no hydrogen atom at all is present in the said position, or it is one which is not abstracted.
It is also clear that the xcex1-keto esters according to the invention can, in a first step, release the olefin compound under formation of a molecule which does not any longer contain an abstractable hydrogen atom in xcex3-position to the keto function (left side of the molecule as designed above) ; in a second step, this molecule can then release the ketone or aldehyde from the ester function.
A fragrance delivery system which contains the xcex1-keto esters of the above formula (I) has the advantages that the release of the fragrant compound occurs in a more or less constant amount. No initial burst of very intensive odor which becomes imperceptible after a relatively short period of time occurs, as is often observed with volatile aldehydes or ketones or fragrant compounds containing an olefin group. With the xcex1-keto esters of the present invention, such disadvantages are obviated because the esters will remain on a surface to which they have been applied or in the solution into which they have been incorporated. Upon exposure to light, the fragrant compound or compounds are released, and this reaction can provide perceptible amounts of the compound over days or weeks, depending, amongst others, on the amount or the concentration of the xcex1-keto esters, the time of exposure to light and its intensity.
A further advantage of the a-keto esters according to formula (I) is the protection of the reactive, unstable aldehyde or keto function in the molecules to be released against degradation which may occur during storage.
Additionally, the xcex1-keto esters of the present invention allow for the generation of mixtures of two different fragrant compounds, and in different proportions, if desired.
In principle, any fragrant aldehyde or ketone which is known in the art can be released from the xcex1-keto esters of the invention in which they are chemically bound in the form of the ester of their corresponding secondary or primary alcohol.
Non-limiting examples for fragrant aldehydes which can be released from the xcex1-keto esters include saturated and unsaturated linear and branched aldehydes from C6 to C13, citral, citronellal, campholenic aldehyde, cinnamic aldehyde, hexylcinnamic aldehyde, formyl pinane, hydroxycitronellal, cuminic aldehyde, vanillin, ethylvanillin, Lilial(copyright)[3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal; origin: Givaudan-Roure SA, Vernier, Switzerland], Lyral(copyright) [4- and 3-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde; origin: International Flavors and Fragrances, USA], Bourgeonal(copyright) [3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal; origin: Quest International, Naarden, Netherlands], heliopropanal [3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland], Zestover (2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland), Trifernal(copyright) (3-phenylbutanal ; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland), xcex1-sinensal, (4-methylphenoxy)acetaldehyde, 1,3-benzodioxol-5-carboxaldehyde (heliotropine), Scentenal(copyright) [8(9)-methoxy-tricyclo[126.96.36.199.(2,6)]decane-3-(4)-carbaldehyde; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland], Liminal(copyright) [(4R)-1-p-menthene-9-carbaldehyde; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland], Cyclosal [3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland], ortho- and para-anisaldehyde, 3-methyl-5-phenylpentanal, Acropal(copyright) [4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde; origin: Givaudan-Roure SA., Vernier, Switzerland], Intreleven(copyright) aldehyde (mixture of 10-undecenal and 9-undecenal; origin: International Flavors and Fragrances, USA), muguet aldehyde [(3,7-dimethyl-6-octenyl)acetaldehyde; origin: International Flavors and Fragrances, USA], 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptanal, Precyclemone(copyright) B [1-methyl-4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexen-1-carbaldehyde; origin: International Flavors and Fragrances, USA] and Isocyclocitral(copyright) (2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde; origin: International Flavors and Fragrances, USA).
Non-limiting examples for ketones which can be released from the xcex1-keto esters include camphor, carvone, menthone, ionones, irones, damascenones and damacones, benzyl acetone (4-phenyl-2-butanone), 1-carvone, 4-(4-hydroxy-1-phenyl)-2-butanone (raspberry ketone), Hedione(copyright) (methyl dihydrojasmonate; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland), Neobutenone [1-(5,5-dimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-4-penten-1-one; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland], Calone(copyright) (7-methyl-2H,4H-1,5-benzodioxepin-3-one; origin: C.A.L. SA, Grasse, France), Sulfox [(1R,4R)-8-mercapto-3-p-menthanone; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland], Orivone(copyright) [4-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-1-cyclohexanone; origin: International Flavors and Fragrances, USA], Delphone (2-pentyl-1-cyclopentanone; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland), 2-naphthalenyl-1-ethanone, Veloutone (2,2,5-trimethyl-5-pentyl-1-cyclopentanone; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland), 4-isopropyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, Iso E Super(copyright) [isomer mixture of 1-(octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetrame-2-naphthalenyl)-1-ethanone; origin: International Flavors and Fragrances, USA], Plicatone [5-methyl-exo-tricyclo[126.96.36.199(2,7)]undecan-4-one; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland] ; and macrocyclic ketones such as, for example Exaltone(copyright) (cyclopentadecanone), Delta Muscenone (mixture of 3-methyl-4-cyclopentadecen-1-one and 3-methyl-5-cyclopentadecen-1-one) and Muscone (3-methyl-1-cyclopentadecanone), all from Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland.
With respect to the fragrant compounds carrying an olefin group, in principle any compound containing such olefin group and, in addition, any osmophoric group known in perfumery can be used. As non-limiting examples for osmophoric groups, one can cite alcohol, ether, ester, aldehyde and keto groups, the thio analogues of the said groups, nitrile, nitro and olefin groups.
As non-limiting examples for fragrant compounds which carry an olefin group, there can be cited linalool, 1,3,5-undecatrienes, myrcene, myrcenol, dihydromyrcenol, nerolidol, sinensals, limonene, carvone, farnesenes, isopentyrate (1,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl isobutyrate; origin: Firmenich SA, Geneva, Switzerland), allyl 3-methylbutoxyacetate, eugenol, Rosalva (9-decen-1-ol; origin: International Flavors and Fragrances, USA), and allyl heptanoate.
It is quite obvious, however, that the invention is perfectly general and can relate to many other aldehydes, ketones and olefins which are useful as fragrant compounds. The person skilled in the art is quite able to choose these compounds from the general knowledge in the art and from the olfactive effect it is desired to achieve. The above list is therefore more illustrative for the compounds which are known to a person skilled in the art, and whose delivery can be improved. It is clearly quite impossible to cite in an exhaustive manner all aldehydes, ketones and olefins which have a pleasant odor and which can be used in the form of derivatives in the xcex1-keto esters of formula (I) from which they are released upon exposure to light.
The xcex1-keto esters of the present invention are in particular appropriate for delivering fragrant aldehydes, ketones and fragrant compounds containing an olefin group which are very volatile or which have a low perception threshold. Preferred aldehydes and ketones include citronellal, citral, hydroxycitronellal, Hedione(copyright), Lilial(copyright), raspberry ketone, anisaldehyde, menthone, Delphone, Orivone(copyright), 2-naphthalenyl-1-ethanone, and aldehydes from C6 to C13, saturated or unsaturated linear or branched. Preferred fragrant compounds containing an olefin group include linalool, myrcene, myrcenol and Rosalva(copyright).
In case the xcex1-keto esters of the present invention are used to release exclusively aldehydes or ketones, the group Rxe2x80x2* is hydrogen, phenyl, cyclohexyl or cyclopentyl, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl, i.e. groups which do not provide an abstractable hydrogen atom in xcex3-position to the xcex1-keto function or which do not form a stable radical when a hydrogen radical is abstracted from them. In the latter case, small amounts of olefin may be formed which however do not interfere with the aldehyde or ketone released.
Likewise, when the xcex1-keto esters of the present invention are used to release a fragrant compound containing an olefin group only, then the group Rxe2x80x3* will be hydrogen or a methyl, ethyl or tert-butyl group, thus a group which does not provide an abstractable proton in xcex3-position to the xcex1-keto function or which do not form a stable radical when a hydrogen radical is abstracted from them.
It is preferred when the fragrance delivery system of the present invention contains xcex1-keto esters of formula (I) in which Rxe2x80x3* is the organic part of a primary or secondary alcohol from which is derived a fragrant aldehyde or ketone and in which Rxe2x80x2* is a phenyl, cyclohexyl or cyclopentyl group or a linear or branched alkyl group from C1 to C4, with the exception of an n-butyl group.
A fragrance delivery system containing the xcex1-keto esters of formula (I) may comprise a solvent the choice of which is not supposed to be critical. Suitable classes of solvents include alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, amines and aminoalcohols.
Depending on the general application conditions or on the product into which the xcex1-keto esters according to the present invention are incorporated, one can sometimes also observe the release of alcohols Rxe2x80x3*OH, due to saponification of the ester function, or due to reduction of the aldehyde or ketone formed by irradiation.
The xcex1-keto esters of formula (I) can be prepared, on the one hand, by esteriication of the respective xcex1-ketoacids with the primary or secondary alcohols which are the precursors of the fragrant aldehydes and ketones to be releasead. Another way for the preparation of the xcex1-keto esters of the present invention is the reaction of the bis(oxalyl) ester of the primary or secondary precursor alcohol Rxe2x80x3*OH with the Grignard compound of the appropriate group Rxe2x80x2* as defined in formula (I). The reaction is illustrated in the scheme I below.
The bis(oxalyl) ester is prepared from oxalyl chloride and the desired alcohol, see Synth. Commun. 1981, (11), 943-946 and Org. Synth. Coll. Vol. II 1943, 425-427.
Another synthetic route leading to the desired xcex1-keto esters of formula (I) is the Grignard reaction of the readily available bis(oxalyl)esters of lower aliphatic alcohols such as, for example, methanol, ethanol or propanol, with the Grignard compound of the respective group Rxe2x80x2*, resulting in the intermediate ester (II). This said ester (II) is then submitted to a transesterification reaction with the respective precursor alcohol Rxe2x80x3*OH, to give the desired xcex1-keto ester. This reaction is outlined in the following scheme II in which Rxe2x80x2* and Rxe2x80x3* have the meaning defined in formula (I). Hal is Cl, Br or I and R is a lower alkyl group such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.
Various xcex1-keto esters of formula (I) in which Rxe2x80x2* is hydrogen or a phenyl or methyl group and Rxe2x80x3* is derived from the alcohol precursor of a fragrant aldehyde are described in the literature.
Also known is hexyl (cyclohexyl)oxoacetate (see DE-OS 29 09 951 to Bayer AG, describing the use of the said compound as starting product for the synthesis of catalysts for the polymerisation of olefins), which would release n-hexanal upon irradiation.
In Biochem. Z. 1935, (277), p 426-436, there is described the synthesis of the (xe2x88x92)-bornyl ester of (4-methylphenyl)oxoacetic acid, i.e. (xe2x88x92) (1S,2R), 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl (4-methylphenyl)oxoacetate. The compound is characterized by its physical data.
There are furthermore known, from the chemical literature, various compounds according to the above formula (I) wherein ORxe2x80x3* is a menthyl or a benzyl group, with the groups Rxe2x80x2* being various alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or phenyl groups as defined above.
There is nowhere found, however, any description or hint concerning the value of the compounds according to formula (I) in perfumery as a photosensitive molecule which will release a fragrant compound upon irradiation.
In the book of S. Arctander, Perfume and Flavors Chemicals, 1969, Montclair, N.J., USA, there are mentioned decyl 2-oxopropanoate, (Z)-3-hexenyl 2-oxopropanoate and 2-ethyl-3-methylbutyl 2-oxopropanoate, with a short description of their odor and their synthesis. It is not mentioned that the said molecules release fragrant compounds upon irradiation.
The release of the above-mentioned fragrant compounds from the delivery system occurs upon the exposure to light, e.g. the normal daylight which can penetrate through ordinary windows in houses and which is not particularly rich in UV-radiation. It goes without saying that upon exposure to bright sunlight, in particular outdoors, the release of the fragrant alcohol, aldehyde, ketone or alkene will occur faster and to a greater extent than upon exposure to the light in a room inside a building. Of course, the reaction which releases the fragrant compound from the delivery system can also be initiated by an appropriate artificial lamp.
The invention is also directed to a method of improving, enhancing or modifying odoriferous properties of a perfuming composition or a perfumed article comprising adding to the composition or article an effective amount of an xcex1-keto ester as described above, provided that decyl 2-oxopropanoate, (Z)-3-hexynyl 2-oxopropanoate and 2-ethyl-3-methylbutyl 2-oxopropanoate are excluded.
The fragrance delivery systems of the present invention can be used in any application in which a prolonged, defined release of the above-mentioned fragrant compounds is desired. They therefore mostly find use in functional perfumery, in articles which are exposed to daylight when in use or which are applied to other articles which thereafter are exposed to daylight. Suitable examples include air-fresheners in liquid and solid form which, with the delivery system of the present invention, still can release a fragrance when conventional air-fresheners, i.e. those not containing the system of the present invention, are exhausted. Other examples are various cleaners for the cleaning of surfaces of all kinds, e.g. window and household cleaners, all purpose-cleaners and furniture polish. The surfaces which have been cleaned with such cleaners will diffuse the smell of the perfume much longer than when cleaned with conventional cleaners. Other representative examples include detergents for fabric wash, fabric conditioners and fabric softeners which can also contain the delivery system of the present invention and which products can be in the form of powders, liquids or tablets. The fabrics and clothes washed or treated with such detergents or softeners will diffuse the fragrant compound even after having been stored for weeks or even months, in a dark place, like a wardrobe.
The release of the fragrant compound occurs in all the above-mentioned application examples. All possible types of window, household, all-purpose cleaners, air-fresheners, detergent, fabric wash and fabric softeners can be used with the fragrance delivery system of the present invention, which has revealed itself to be useful in all types of these above-mentioned application examples.
In the field of body care, the delivery systems according to the present invention have shown themselves to be particularly appropriate for an application in the hair care area, and specific examples include shampoos, hair conditioners, in particular leave-in conditioners, hairspray and other hair care products.
It can be said that generally all products which can be applied to a surface which is exposable to light may contain the system of the present invention. Examples include surfaces which belong to the human body, like skin or hair, surfaces in buildings and apartments, like floors, windows, tiles or furniture, or surfaces of fabrics, e.g. clothes. It is clear that the system of the invention can also be used to release fragrances from liquids, like in liquid air-fresheners. The possible applications of this type, however, appear to be less general than the application on the various surfaces mentioned wherein the ester of the invention will be deposed as a film on the respective surface.
Of course, the above examples are only illustrative and non-limiting as referring to preferred embodiments. All other current articles in functional and fine perfumery may contain the system of the present invention, and these articles include soaps, bath or shower gels, cosmetic preparations, body deodorants, and even perfumes or colognes.
In the above-cited applications, the device of the present invention can be used alone or with other perfuming ingredients, solvents and adjuvants of current use in the art. The nature and variety of these co-ingredients does not require a detailed description which, moreover could not be exhaustive, and a person skilled in the art will be able to choose said coingredients by his general knowledge and in function of the nature of the product to be perfumed and the olfactive effect sought. These perfuming ingredients belong to such varied chemical classes as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, acetates, nitrites, terpene hydrocarbons, nitrogen- or sulfur- containing heterocyclic compounds, as well as essential oils of natural or synthetic origin. By way of example, embodiments of compounds can be found in standard reference works, such as the book of S. Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, 1969, Montclair, N,J., USA, or more recent versions thereof, or in other works of similar nature.
The proportions in which the system of the present invention can be incorporated in the various above-mentioned products vary within a wide range of values. These values depend on the nature of the fragrant compound to be released, the nature of the article or product which is to be perfumed and the desired olfactive effect, as well as on the nature of the co-ingredients in a given composition when the system of the present invention is used in admixture with perfuming co-ingredients, solvents or adjuvants of current use in the art.
By way of example, one can cite typical concentrations of the order of 0.01 to 5%, or even 10% by weight relative to the weight of the consumer products cited above into which it is incorporated. Higher concentrations than those mentioned above can be used when the system is applied in perfuming compositions, perfumes or colognes.
The invention will now be described in greater detail in the following examples in which the temperatures are indicated in degrees centigrade and the abbreviations have the usual meaning in the art.
General
The following chemicals were obtained from commercial sources: geraniol, magnesium turnings, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dibromoethane, 2-norbornyl bromide, bromocyclopentane, citronellol, decanol, 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol, Lilial(copyright), (xe2x88x92)-menthol, 2-pentylcyclopentanol, 4-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)- 1-cyclohexanol, 1-(2-naphthalenyl)ethanol, oxalyl chloride, diethyl oxalate, 3-methyl-2-oxo-pentanoic acid, 2-oxopropionic acid, 2-oxobutanoic acid, bromocyclohexane, bromobenzene, 2-oxopentanoic acid, 4-bromo acetophenone, ethylene glycol, 2-bromo-tetradecane, 1-bromotetradecane.
Execution of photorelease assays and analysis for xcex1-keto esters
Photorelease Assays
Photorelease assays were conducted on solutions or on films of the respective ester and will be described below in each of the examples referring to the respective mode of irradiation.
All samples were irradiated using a xenon lamp (Heraeus Suntest CPS at 460W/m2), a UV lamp (UVP Model UVL-28, 8W at 360 nm) or exposed to outdoor sunlight, as will be indicated for each sample in the respective examples.
Analysis
The mode of analysis for each sample which had been irradiated will be indicated in each respective example.
Analytical HPLC was carried out on a Spectra Physics instrument composed from a SP 8800 ternary pump, a SP 5750 injection valve, a SP 8780 autosampler, a Waters 490E UV detector and a Spectra Physics ChromJet integratorMacherey-Nagel Nucleosil 5 C18 reversed phase column (125 xc3x974 mm i.d.) eluted with a gradient from acetonitrile/water 1:1 to pure acetonitrile during 20 min. The injection volume was 50 xcexcl and the UV detector wavelength fixed at 220 nm.
Analytical GC for analysis of all-purpose/window cleaner applications: the on-column injections were carried out on a Carlo Erba MFC 500 using a precolumn (30 cm) and a Suppelco SPB-1 capillary column (30 m) at 115xc2x0 C. for 8 min, then to 280xc2x0 C., helium pressure 75 kPa, injection volume 2 xcexcl. All other GC analyses were carried out on the same instrument equiped with a Fisons AS 800 autosampler using a JandW Scientific DB1 capillary column (15 m) at 70 or 80xc2x0 C. for 10 min, then to 260xc2x0 C., helium pressure 50 kPa, injection volume 0.5 xcexcl.
Analytical GC for dynamic headspace analysis: Tenax cartridges were thermally desorbed in a PE ATD400 or a TDAS 5000 desorber. The volatiles were then analysed either with a Carlo Erba HRGC 5300 gas chromatograph coupled to Finnigan ITD-800 mass spectrometers using a Supelco SPB-1 capillary column (60 m, 0.75 mm i.d., film 1 micron) at 60xc2x0 C. for 5 min then to 120xc2x0 C. (3xc2x0 C./min) and 280xc2x0 C. (5xc2x0 C./min) for the citronellal analysis, and at 100xc2x0 C. then to 250xc2x0 C. (5xc2x0 C./min) for the menthone quantification or, alternatively, with a Carlo Erba Vega 6000 gas chromatograph using a Supelco SPB-1 capillary column (30 m, 0.53 mm i.d., film 1.5 micron) from 110xc2x0 C. to 200xc2x0 C. (6xc2x0 C./min) using He as carrier gas in both cases.

Slow release of fragrant compounds in perfumery using xcex1-keto esters


A tire vulcanizing machine includes a bladder; an upper clamping ring for holding the upper end of the bladder; an upper clamping ring for holding the upper end of the bladder; a first lifting mechanism for vertically moving the lower clamping ring; a second lifting mechanism for vertically moving the upper clamping ring; a loader for holding a green tire so as to surround the bladder extended between the upper and lower clamping rings with the horizontal center plane of the green tire in coincidence with the middle point between the upper and lower ends of the bladder; a third lifting mechanism for vertically moving the loader; and a controller for controlling the operation of the first, second and third lifting mechanisms. When shaping the green tire, the strokes of the first and second lifting mechanisms and the vertical position of the loader are detected respectively by first, second and third position detectors, and the controller controls the operation of the first and second lifting mechanisms according to detection signals provided by the first and second position detectors so that the upper and lower clamping rings are moved synchronously toward each other respectively at equal moving speeds and the horizontal center plane of the green tire is kept in coincidence with the middle point between the upper and lower ends of the bladder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tire vulcanizing machine and, more specifically, to a tire vulcanizing machine capable of vulcanizing a tire in a high quality at a relatively low cost by symmetrically expanding a bladder inserted with green tire symmetrically with respect to its horizontal center plane for shaping.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Referring to FIG. 5 showing a conventional tire vulcanizing machine of a bottom shaping type for shaping a green tire, a bottom mold 53 is held on a bottom mold holder 52 supported on a base frame 51, and a vertically movable loader 55 having a chuck 54 sets a green tire 56 in the bottom mold 53 for shaping. A central mechanism 58 is extended axially through a guide sleeve 59 attached to the central portion of the bottom mold holder 52. The central mechanism 58 comprises a lifting cylinder 60 axially movably inserted in the guide sleeve 59, a cylinder actuator 69 provided with a piston rod 61 extending through the lifting cylinder 60, an upper clamping ring 63 attached to the upper end of the piston rod 61, a lower clamping ring 65 disposed coaxially under the upper clamping ring 63 and fixed to the upper end of the lifting cylinder 60, a bladder 67, an upper bead ring 64 fastening the upper end of the bladder 67 to the upper clamping ring 63, a lower bead ring 66 fastening the lower end of the bladder 67 to the lower clamping ring 65, and a swing arm 68 for vertically moving the lifting cylinder 60 together with the piston rod 61. The piston rod 61 is moved vertically to move the upper clamping ring 63 vertically and the lifting cylinder 60 is moved vertically to move the lower clamping ring 65 vertically.
In shaping a green tire by the tire vulcanizing machine thus constructed, the lifting cylinder 60 is set at its lowermost position to place the lower clamping ring 65 at its lowermost position, and the piston rod 61 is fully extended to place the upper clamping ring 63 at its uppermost position to extend the bladder 67 taut on the bottom mold 53 coaxially with the bottom mold 53 as indicated by alternate long and two short dashes lines in FIG. 5. The loader 55 holding a green tire 56 with the chuck 54 is lowered to seat the green tire 56 on the bottom mold 53. After the green tire 56 has been seated on the lower mold 53, a pressurized fluid, such as steam or a hot gas is supplied into the bladder 67 to expand the bladder 67 and the piston rod 61 is lowered as the bladder 67 is expanded to lower the upper clamping ring 63. The bladder 67 expands gradually, conforming to the shape of the inner surface of the green tire 56. Finally the bladder 67 conforms closely to the inner surface of the green tire 56 for shaping. After the green tire 56 has perfectly been shaped, a top mold, not shown, is joined to the bottom mold 53, and then the green tire 56 is subjected to vulcanization.
Such a mode of shaping the green tire on the prior art tire vulcanizing machine is called generally a bottom shaping mode. Since the bladder 67 is expanded by supplying a pressurized fluid into the bladder 67 and the upper clamping ring 63 is lowered as the bladder 67 is expanded so that the bladder 67 is inserted in the green tire 56 in the bottom shaping mode, the bladder 67 is expanded somewhat asymmetrically with respect to the horizontal center plane thereof as the same is inserted in the green tire 56. Consequently, the green tire 56 is shaped asymmetrically with respect to its horizontal center plane and it is impossible to obtain a tire of a high quality. An invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open (Kokai) No. Sho 56-148539 employs a tire vulcanizing machine of a center shaping type. In the operation of the tire vulcanizing machine of a center shaping type, upper and lower clamping rings are located near the horizontal center plane of a bladder, and then the upper and lower clamping rings are moved away from each other, supplying a pressurized fluid into the bladder having opposite ends attached respectively to the upper and lower clamping rings. Since the bladder is expanded symmetrically with respect to the horizontal center plane thereof as the bladder is inserted in the green tire, the vulcanized tire is symmetrical with respect to the horizontal center plane thereof. Thus a tire of a high quality can be obtained.
The tire vulcanizing machine of a center shaping type that operates in the center shaping mode, however, needs a bottom mold holder provided with a cylindrical well formed in its central portion to accommodate the bladder having opposite ends attached respectively to the upper and lower clamping rings, and a lower bead ring capable of being vertically moved relative to the lower clamping ring. Thus, the tire vulcanizing machine needs a central mechanism of a complicated construction, which increases the cost of the tire vulcanizing machine.


A suction device of the present invention includes a suction roller and a vacuum chamber. The suction roller holds an adhesive sheet to its peripheral surface by suction while maintaining contact with the film surface of the adhesive sheet, and conveying the adhesive sheet by rotation. The vacuum chamber is constructed to hold the adhesive sheet on a concave support surface by suction. The vacuum chamber is disposed in the vicinity of the suction roller at an upstream position in the conveying route so as to form an S-shape in the conveying route with the outer peripheral surface of the suction roller.

In general, when manufacturing a laminated sheet with an adhesive layer between a base film and a cover film, an adhesive sheet in which an adhesive layer is formed on a base film is exposed in an intermediate process.
In this intermediate process, the adhesive sheet cannot be interposed between a pair of conveying rollers. Therefore, such an adhesive sheet 2 is conveyed by using a suction roller 3 as shown in FIG. 3, so that the suction roller 3 is only in contact with the surface of the base film layer and not in contact with the surface of the adhesive layer.
The suction roller 3 in this case has a plurality of suction holes formed on the outer peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical roller, for example. The adhesive sheet 2 is held by suction on the outer peripheral surface by vacuum suction inside the shaft through the suction holes. The suction roller 3 holds and conveys the adhesive sheet 2 with rotation of the roller. See "Product Information Ni Net Suction Roll", URL:http:www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/˜hikoyama/sakushon.htm (last verified Jan. 26, 2004). The suction roller 3 has the function of releasing the tension occurring in the adhesive sheet 2 by applying suction to and holding the adhesive sheet 2.

Suction device and method of conveying laminated sheet

Sony Chemical & Information Device Corporation


A method for modeling borehole effects of a transverse array induction tool includes selecting a formation-borehole model having a set of parameters, wherein the set of parameters comprises a direction of tool eccentering; determining initial values for the set of parameters; computing expected responses for a selected set of arrays from the plurality of arrays of the induction tool, wherein the computing is based on the formation-borehole model; comparing the expected responses with actual responses for the selected set of arrays; adjusting values of the set of parameters, if a difference between the expected responses and the actual responses is no less than a predetermined criterion; repeating the computing, the comparing, and the adjusting, until the difference between the expected responses and the actual responses is less than the predetermined criterion; determining the borehole effects from final values of the set of parameters.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to techniques for formation resistivity logging using induction tools. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and systems for correcting borehole effects in resistivity measurements obtained with induction tools that include transverse or triaxial arrays.
2. Background Art
Induction tools are used in the oil and gas industry to determine the resistivity of earth formations surrounding a borehole. Induction tools work by using a transmitting coil (transmitter) to set up an alternating magnetic field in the earth formations. This alternating magnetic field induces eddy currents in the formations. One or more receiving coils (receivers), disposed at a distance from the transmitter, are used to detect the current flowing in the earth formation. The magnitudes of the received signals are proportional to the formation conductivity. Therefore, formation conductivities may be derived from the received signals.
However, heterogeneities in the formation complicate the derivation of formation conductivity from the received signals. The most prevalent complication that affects the derivation of formation conductivity from the received signals arises from the presence of conductive fluids in the borehole surrounding the induction instrument. This is referred to generally as the borehole effects. Often, the fluids in the borehole (drilling mud) are made very saline, thus conductive, as part of the drilling practice. The conductive drilling muds can contribute a significant proportion of the received signals and, therefore, should be carefully removed.
Recently, transverse induction instruments have been developed for investigating the resistivities of formations with anisotropy, dipping planes, faults, or fractures. These transverse induction instruments have transmitting and receiving coils arranged such that the magnetic moments of the transmitter and/or receiver coils are perpendicular to the axis of the borehole. It is well known that the borehole effects of transverse coil arrangements are very large when the instrument is moved eccentrically in the borehole in the direction perpendicular to the coil magnetic moments. See e.g., Moran and Gianzero, "Effects of Formation Anisotropy on Resistivity Logging Measurements," Geophysics, 44, 1266-1286 (1979).
The cause of the eccentricity effect of transverse coils is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,722, issued to Rosthal et al. This patent teaches a method for mitigating the eccentric borehole effects of an induction tool. Specifically, this patent discloses tool designs in which an induction tool includes a conductive member in its insulating sleeve or the induction tool includes a conductive tool body. These conductive parts greatly reduce the borehole effects of such an instrument, but does not remove all of the effects. Further correction would be necessary to completely remove the borehole effects of a transverse induction instrument.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,975, issued to Minerbo et al. discloses a method for correcting borehole effects of array induction instruments. This method uses the data from the 4 shortest arrays of an array induction tool, along with approximate measurements of the hole size and the borehole fluid conductivity, to solve for 2 parameters in a 4-parameter borehole-formation model. The model consists of a borehole having a radius r drilled in a homogeneous formation of conductivity □f. The borehole fluid has a conductivity □m, and the induction tool is located at a distance (standoff) s from the borehole wall. A fast forward model consists of a large table built from a number of cases over appropriate ranges of the 4 parameters. An inversion process minimizes the penalty function E, which is the sum of the squares of a weighted difference between the measured response and predicted response, as shown in Equation (1):
                              E                                (                                          σ                _                            f                        )                          =                              ∑                          j              =              1                        4                                                                                                                                            σ                      meas                      j                                        -                                                                  σ                        model                        j                                                                                (                                                                              σ                            m                                                    ,                                                                                σ                              f                                                        _                                                    ,                          r                          ,                          s                                                )                                                                                                              2                                            ɛ                j                                      .                                              (        1        )
In this equation Equationσmeasj is the modeled conductivity from the j-th array with the given parameters □m, □f, r, and s. When E is minimized, the associated parameters □m, □f, r, and s are used to compute the borehole correction for all the arrays.
While effective methods are available for correcting borehole effects for axial arrays, transverse array instruments present special problems. The sensitivity of induction arrays with moments perpendicular to the axis of the borehole to eccentricity is very different depending on whether the eccentricity is in the direction of the magnetic moment or perpendicular to the magnetic moment. U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,015 issued to Omeragic et al. describes methods of reducing the effect of the borehole on induction measurements with transverse coils through mechanical or electromagnetic rotation of the tool about its axis. However, there still exists a need for better methods for borehole effect corrections that can be used with transverse array instruments.

Method of correcting triaxial induction arrays for borehole effect


An image processing method and apparatus are described for rendering two dimensional pixel images composed of triangular image primitives. Prior to their projection into the image plane, each triangle is parameterised with a respective two-dimensional coordinate system with the coordinate axes (s,t) concurrent with respective edges of the triangle and the origin (0,0) coincident with the vertex (V.0) between those edges. A generalised interpolation function, applied in terms of the parameterising (s,t) coordinate system, determines parameter values at positions (P) within the triangle in terms of the two-dimensional coordinate system. These parameter values determine contributions from stored values for one or more attributes, such as surface normal or texturing, stored for each vertex, to give attribute values at each pixel. In a final stage, the per pixel attribute values from all triangles are used to jointly determine an output color for each pixel.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for handling texture and other attributes in rendering of graphic images composed of a plurality of triangular image primitives and particularly, but not exclusively, to the rendering of such images in a tile-based renderer, where those images are generated as a series of regular pixel blocks (tiles) assembled to form the full image.
A common operation in three-dimensional (3D) graphics is calculation of attribute values at various positions within a triangular image primitive based upon values at the triangle vertices. An example of a graphics system using the technique, for full-screen (rather than tile-based) rendering, is given in International patent application WO 96/36011 of The 3DO Company. In the system described, an application program creates a model in model space from triangular image primitives, with each triangle vertex having three spatial coordinates, four color values (R,G,B, and a blending factor A) and two coordinates (u,v) into a two-dimensional texture map. The application program loads a desired texture map into a texture buffer and transforms the model as desired.
Projecting the model into the image plane yields a homogeneity divisor w (related to depth value), by which all spatial vertex coordinates are divided to give homogenised spatial coordinates (u/w, v/w) into a hypothetical depth-adjusted texture space. The application program then passes vertex instruction lists to a triangle engine using per-vertex representations of x/w, y/w, u/w, v/w, and 1/w. The set-up procedure optimises the range of values for w that can be applied to the values of 1/w at the three vertices of a triangle, and block fixes not only the three 1/w values but also the values of u/w and v/w.
Whereas such conventional rendering processes each triangle sequentially, tile-based rendering assembles all triangles impacting a given region of the screen (a tile) and renders these, processing tiles sequentially. Tile-based rendering systems must therefore maintain the attributes for all triangles currently being processed (rather than just those for one triangle). Additionally, with incremental interpolation of attributes, such systems must be able to save and restore intermediate results for each triangle so that they can be used as start values for the next tile. This saving and restoration of attributes leads to an increase in memory bandwidth between off-chip attribute memory and on-chip attribute processing; using an on-chip cache helps, but the cache must be able to hold attributes for a reasonable fraction of the triangles currently being processed.
In order to determine which screen pixels are inside each triangle additional control values are calculated and incrementally interpolated along with the triangle attributes. A control value is maintained for each edge and is typically a multiple of the shortest distance from a point to the edge. Systems which perform anti-aliasing will explicitly set the multiple to unity to suit their internal anti-aliasing algorithm, but the inside-outside test requires only the sign of the control values to determine if a pixel is inside the triangle. Such control values are in effect additional attributes to be calculated, saved, restored and interpolated.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to reduce the number of attributes to be calculated, particularly but not exclusively in a tile-based renderer.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided an image processing method for rendering a two dimensional pixel image from a plurality of triangular image primitives to be projected onto an image plane, in which per-pixel attribute values, derived by interpolation from values held for the triangle vertices, are mapped onto respective pixels within the projected triangular primitives, characterised in that, for each triangle:
prior to projection, the triangle is parameterised with a respective two-dimensional coordinate system with the coordinate axes (s,t) concurrent with respective edges of the triangle and the origin coincident with the vertex between said edges; during projection, a generalised interpolation function is applied in terms of the parameterising coordinate system, determining parameter values at positions within the triangle in terms of the two-dimensional coordinate system; and, following projection, the determined parameter values at positions within the triangle determine contributions from the stored values for one or more attributes at each vertex, to give attribute values at each pixel; wherein corresponding per pixel attribute values from all triangles jointly determine an output color for each pixel.
As will become apparent from reading of the following exemplary embodiments, the per-primitive parameterisation in s and t provides noticeable benefits in terms of perspective correctness. By determination of the parameter values at positions within the triangles, the application of the various attributes stored for triangle vertices is considerably simplified.
Suitably, as part of the above method, a pixel may be tested to determine whether the center of the pixel lies inside or outside a triangle using perspective correct interpolants s/z, t/z and 1/z, where z is a depth value for the pixel. The value z suitably specifies the depth in terms of view space, although other depth relations (similar to the homogeneity divisor w of WO 96/36011) may be used. The particular benefit here is that all of the required variables are already available, resulting from the parameterisation operation.
For improved accuracy, and to anti-alias edges, the above test to determine location inside or outside a triangle may suitably be further performed at each of a plurality of sample points within a predetermined distance of the pixel center. Also, to avoid problems at intersecting primitives (described hereinafter), the line defined by the intersection of two triangles is preferably anti-aliased at each pixel using the inverse depth 1/z at said plurality of sample points: as before, this has benefit in that the required variables are already available.
Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided an image processing apparatus configured to render a two dimensional pixel image from data defining a plurality of triangular image primitives to be projected onto an image plane, the apparatus including interpolation means arranged to derive per-pixel attribute values from values held for the triangle vertices, and data handling means arranged to map said per-pixel attribute values onto respective pixels within the projected triangular primitives, characterised in that the apparatus further comprises: calculation means coupled to receive the data defining said triangular primitives, prior to projection, and arranged to parameterise each triangle with a respective two-dimensional coordinate system with the coordinate axes (s,t) concurrent with respective edges of the triangle and the origin coincident with the vertex between said edges; projection means operable to apply a generalised interpolation function to each triangle and in terms of the parameterising coordinate system, such as to derive parameter values at positions within a triangle in terms of said two-dimensional coordinate system; and pixel shading means configured to derive, from said determined parameter values at positions within the triangle, contributions from said stored values for one or more attributes at each vertex, such as to give attribute values at each pixel, and to combine per pixel attribute values from all triangles and output a per pixel color value.
Such apparatus may further comprise a storage means holding a plurality of data stacks, with each stack being associated with a respective pixel and holding entries identifying parameters of one or more triangles impacting the pixel: suitably, means may be provided to exclude from a stack any triangle parameters that would have no noticeable impact on the pixel appearance. Optionally, up to a predetermined number of said stack entries may be stored in an order determined by their respective depth values, and in order to avoid overflow problems as entries are discarded or candidates rejected, means may be provided for selectively transferring data from discarded or rejected candidate stack entries to extant stack entries.


A stand-up type personal watercraft comprises a body including a deck and a hull; a standing deck provided at the deck and located rearward relative to an engine room; a pair of deck fins located on right and left sides of the standing deck, respectively, and protruding upward; a muffler through which an exhaust gas from the engine flows; a first exhaust pipe which guides the exhaust gas from the engine to the muffler; and a second exhaust pipe which guides the exhaust gas outside from the muffler. The muffler is placed below the deck fin located on one side, and accommodated in the hull. The first exhaust pipe extends rearward on the one side from the engine and is connected to the muffler. A portion of the second exhaust pipe extends in a forward and rearward direction inside the deck fin located on the other side.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stand-up type personal watercraft including an engine.
Description of Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,093 B2 teaches an exhaust system which may be incorporated into both of a straddle-type personal watercraft and a stand-up type personal watercraft. An exhaust pipe extends forward from an engine and is coupled to a water muffler placed at a bow, at the left part of a body of the watercraft. The exhaust pipe extends rearward from the water muffler at the right part of the body and is opened at a stern. An exhaust gas is released to water in the lower right portion of the stern.
The engine is accommodated in an engine room formed rearward relative to the bow. Although the downstream end of the exhaust pipe is placed at the stern, the exhaust pipe is laid out in a roundabout manner to extend forward from the engine and then to the stern. To realize such a long path length of the pipe, it is necessary to connect a number of pipe members. For this reason, an operation for connecting the pipe members or an operation for mounting the exhaust system in the body is complicated. If the water muffler is accommodated in a deck fin, it becomes necessary to increase the width of the deck fin so that the width of the deck fin becomes greater than the diameter of the water muffler. This reduces the width of a standing deck on which a rider stands. As a result, the rider cannot steer the personal watercraft easily.


A sheet conveying device includes a conveyor, a first cover and a second cover movable in conjunction with the first cover. The second cover includes a restricted portion configured to be moved together with the second cover. The first cover includes a restricting portion configured to contact the restricted portion to prevent the second cover from being moved from a first position toward a second position when the first cover is located at a closed position. The restricting portion and the restricted portion are contacted to each other at a contact position at which a force, which is applied from the restricted portion toward the restricting portion when the second cover receives an external force, does not include a component force acting in a direction of moving the first cover from the closed position toward an opened position.

Regarding an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as 'ADF') provided for an image reading apparatus, an apparatus of which an apparatus upper surface covering is configured by two moveable members arranged at adjacent positions has been known.
The related-art apparatus has a cover member and a discharge tray, each of which is configured to be rotatable. When the apparatus is not used, the cover member and the discharge tray form an outer covering of the apparatus. At the state where the apparatus is not used, one end of the discharge tray adjacent to the cover member is put on an upper side of one end of the cover member adjacent to the discharge tray. That is, the one end of the cover member and the one end of the discharge tray have parts overlapping with each other in an upper and lower direction. At this state, the cover member restricts the discharge tray from being rotated in a direction along which the one end of the discharge tray is moved downwards.
On the other hand, when using the apparatus, the cover member is rotated in an opening direction. At this time, the cover member is rotated in a direction along which the one end of the cover member is moved downwards. At this time, as described above, the restriction of the discharge tray by the cover member is released, so that it is rotated in the direction along which the one end of the discharge tray is moved downwards.
However, when the above-described structure is adopted, if the discharge tray is pressed from above at the state where the cover member and the discharge tray form the outer covering of the apparatus, the force is applied from the discharge tray, so that the one end of the cover member is moved in a downward direction and the cover member may be thus opened.
For this reason, the cover member is abruptly opened against an intention of a user who does not know that the cover member is opened when the discharge tray is pressed from above.

Sheet conveying device and image reading apparatus


A precursor supply cabinet for accommodating one or more precursor containers having cabinet walls defining an inner cabinet space. The precursor supply cabinet includes a ventilation discharge connection arranged to discharge ventilation gas from the inner cabinet space, one or more ventilation inlet connections, two or more separate gas tight precursor supply chambers for accommodating precursor containers. The gas tight precursor supply chambers are arranged inside the inner cabinet space of the precursor supply cabinet such that the inner cabinet space of the precursor supply cabinet surrounding the separate gas tight precursor supply chambers is ventilated.

Precursor gases are supplied from precursor containers or precursor vessels to a reaction chamber of an atomic layer deposition apparatus. A substrate to be processed is further placed into the reaction chamber such that it may be processed with the precursor gases according to principles of atomic layer deposition. The precursor containers are conventionally arranged into a ventilated space and precursor conduits extend from the precursor containers in the ventilated space towards the reaction chamber. The precursors are further supplied to the reaction chamber in heated state. Therefore, the precursor containers and the precursor conduits are heated with heating elements for maintaining the precursors at the elevated temperature in the ventilated space and for preventing decrease of precursor temperature and condensation.
One of the disadvantages associated with the prior art is that all precursor containers and precursor conduits have to be separately insulated and heated in the ventilated space. Further, the control of the temperatures of the precursors is difficult as the ventilation gas cools and affect the temperature of the precursor containers and precursor conduits. This makes controlling the temperatures difficult and complicated. Different precursor materials require different temperatures and therefore each precursor container and precursor conduit must be separately insulated and heated. However, the heated precursor containers and precursor conduits affect each other making the control of temperatures difficult.


The invention relates to a powder composition based on a calcium/magnésium compound having formula (I), xCaA.(1−x)[yMgA+(1−y)MgO], in which A is a group ═(OH)2 or ═CO3 and x and y are mole fractions where 0<x=1 and 0=y=1, containing an amount of mineral solid flow agent that is less than 5 wt.-% of the composition, said agent being selected from the group containing vermiculite, perlite, diatomaceous earth and silica, in the form of particles having a size greater than 90 μm.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composition based on a calcic compound, sometimes referred to herein as a powdery calco-magnesian compound.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Powdery calco-magnesian compound means a collection of solid particles, either in hydroxide form or in the form of a carbonate, complying with the following formula I:xCaA.(1−x)[yMgA+(1−y)MgO],  (I)in whichA is a ═(OH)2 or ═CO3 group, andx and y are molar fractions where 0<x≦1 and 0≦y≦1.
This calco-magnesian material obviously contains impurities, such as silica, alumina, etc, to the extent of a few percent. In general terms, the size of the particles of this powdery materials is entirely less than 1 mm and often less than 250 μm.
A particular case of a powdery calco-magnesian compound is slaked lime, also referred to as hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide—Ca(OH)2), which can also comprise impurities, such as silica, alumina, magnesium oxide or calcium carbonate, to the extent of a few percent, and contain free water, namely water not chemically bound to the compound, up to approximately 5%.
Such a compound is renowned for its lacks of flowability in flowing during storage, handling and transport, in particular pneumatic transport in dilute phase, often used in the case of slaked lime. These problems of flowing, in particular related to the fineness of the particles of the hydrated lime, exhibit themselves mainly in the form of an agglomeration of particles together or an accumulation of these on the walls. Such behaviour is detrimental to the use of said compound:                in reducing the flow rate during pneumatic transport by progressive deposition of the compound on the walls, which may go as far as the blockage of the installations,        by interfering with regulation when the compound is used as a neutraliser of acidic compounds,        requiring specific and regular maintenance operations at places which are sometimes not very accessible.
It is known how to promote the flow of powders by means of organic liquid additives, in particular surfactants [JP 08-109016, JP 09-165 216]. However, the incorporation of such organic liquids, which are sometimes toxic, to a mineral compound such as slaked lime, is often contrary to its application, in particular in the case of use for the purification of flue gas (the problem of volatile organic compounds, following on from the release of organic additives).

Powdery composition based on a calco-magnesian compound


Systems and methods for providing access to wireline communication equipment are disclosed. Exemplary methods include positioning the wireline communication equipment at least partly below ground level, positioning an electric-powered lifting device near the wireline communication equipment and at least partly below the ground level, connecting the electric-powered lifting device to the wireline communication equipment, and configuring the lifting device to lift the wireline communication equipment above the ground level when access to the wireline communication equipment is desired.

Telecommunication utility boxes such as, for example, telephone company pedestal boxes are often located throughout various neighborhoods. Such utility boxes may include equipment such as routers, repeaters, digital subscriber line (DSL) cards, and telephone switches. People living or working near such utility boxes often find the appearance of the boxes to be undesirable. Another problem with telecommunication utility boxes is that they are susceptible to damage caused by various factors including weather, vandalism, and accidents. There are also concerns that unauthorized access to a utility box may enable illegal activity such as wiretapping.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.