First and second turbochargers for supercharging a first cylinder group which continues or stops an operation by a valve stopping mechanism for reduced cylinders, and a second cylinder group which stops or continues the operation by the valve stopping mechanism for reduced cylinders, respectively, and a third turbocharger in which air from the first and second turbochargers is supplied to the first and second cylinder groups via separate independent intake passages, to supercharge the first and second turbochargers. If a reduced-cylinder operation system provided with this valve stopping mechanism is provided in addition to the turbo-charging system, a drop in a supercharging amount during a reduced-cylinder operation is prevented, a sufficient air amount is supplied into operating cylinders, deterioration of combustion in the operating cylinders and deterioration of a state of an exhaust gas are prevented, and fuel efficiency is improved.

Currently, regulation of exhaust gas on an internal combustion engine (engine) for automobiles and industries using an internal combustion engine has become strict year by year. In addition, as one of measures against global warming, introduction of strict fuel economy regulation has been examined latterly. Each automaker has proceeded with research and development relating to various devices for improving engine performance such as exhaust gas performance, fuel economy and the like in order to respond to these regulations.
The internal combustion engines are roughly divided into a gasoline engine and a diesel engine depending on a difference in a fuel to be used. Since the gasoline engine has lower heat efficiency and poorer fuel efficiency as compared with the diesel engine, research and development for improvement of heat efficiency have been made in order to improve the problems, and development of various devices for reduction of engine friction by making intake/exhaust valve mechanisms and auxiliary machines variable and the like has rapidly progressed.
On the other hand, in the diesel engine, research and development on devices such as high-pressure injection, high pressure charging and the like have rapidly progressed latterly, but the research is delayed as compared with the gasoline engine in the area of fuel efficiency improvement. Moreover, a difference in fuel efficiency from the gasoline engine has been increasingly narrowing, and in view of a prospective introduction of fuel economy regulation in addition to the strict exhaust gas regulation, research and development for improving the fuel efficiency of the diesel engine is important.
Methods for improving the fuel efficiency of the diesel engine are roughly divided into two types. One of them is a method of reducing fuel use by improving heat efficiency through improvement of combustion in an engine cylinder. Regarding this method, since heat efficiency of the diesel engine has been already at an extremely high level as compared with that of the gasoline engine, even if the heat efficiency could be improved, much better fuel efficiency cannot be expected, and further improvement of the heat efficiency is extremely difficult.
Another method is to reduce friction of an engine main body and an engine auxiliary machine, which has been actively employed in the gasoline engine, and development of similar devices relating to this method has progressed also in the diesel engine. There are various types of friction, but almost a half thereof is caused by a pumping loss of an engine.
The pumping loss of the engine will be described. An illustrated work of an engine is expressed in general by a "P-V diagram" of a pressure in an engine cylinder with an engine cylinder capacity (cm3: lateral axis) and an engine cylinder pressure (MPa: vertical axis). The pumping loss of an engine is a region located on a lower side of this "P-V diagram", and an area of this region becomes a loss workload. That is, friction generated by an engine during an exhaust stroke in which a piston is raised after combustion of the engine, an exhaust valve is opened, and an exhaust gas in the cylinder is pushed out and during an intake stroke in which the piston is lowered, an intake valve is opened, and new air is introduced into the cylinder, is the pumping loss.
This pumping loss occurs similarly in the gasoline engine and the diesel engine, but in the case of the gasoline engine, a mixture ratio between a fuel and an air amount needs to be made constant, unlike the diesel engine. Thus, an intake throttle valve needs to be provided in an intake line in the gasoline engine, and the pumping loss becomes larger due to its influence than in the case of the diesel engine. However, in the recent gasoline engines, there is a tendency of removing this intake throttle by changing an operating amount of the intake valve to adjust a mixture ratio between the fuel and the air amount. As a result, the pumping loss of the gasoline engine is getting closer to that of the diesel engine in recent years.
Moreover, in a part of vehicles equipped with the gasoline engine, a reduced-cylinder operation system for improving fuel efficiency by reducing the pumping loss has been already employed. In this reduced-cylinder operation system, a part of intake/exhaust valves are stopped depending on an operation state of an engine so as to reduce the number of operating cylinders, and fuel efficiency is improved by reducing the pumping loss as the entire cylinder. In this reduced-cylinder operation system, by stopping the intake/exhaust valves, the line in the above "P-V diagram" becomes substantially one line, and an area of the pumping loss becomes substantially zero. Thus, drastic improvement of the fuel efficiency of the engine can be realized.
In this method of stopping the intake/exhaust valves, various proposals have been already made such as a use of an electromagnetic valve, a structure in which a rocker arm is divided into two parts, and a connecting pin is made to slide by a hydraulic pressure and the like to make a valve lose motion and the like, and they have been already employed in mass production in gasoline engines.
However, they have not employed in mass production in the diesel engines. The reason for that is a drop in supercharging amount. Unlike gasoline engines, if a large amount of air excess ratio is not ensured with respect to a theoretical air amount required by a fuel inputted into the engine, combustion of the engine deteriorates in the diesel engine. Thus, in the current diesel engine, it is a general practice to perform turbo-charging by compressing and turbo-charging air by a turbocharger operated by using exhaust energy of an exhaust gas. Thus, if the reduced-cylinder operation system is employed for the diesel engine, the pumping loss is drastically reduced, but to the contrary, a large decrease of a flow rate of the exhaust gas shifts an operating point of the turbocharger, which largely changes an operation region of this turbo, and as a result, the turbocharger cannot work sufficiently, and a supercharging amount of the engine drops. As a result, combustion of the engine deteriorates, fuel efficiency becomes poor, and comprehensive fuel efficiency performance deteriorates.
The large drop of the supercharging amount will be described in more detail. Regarding a stop cylinder in the reduced-cylinder operation system, due to an influence of an increase in vibration when a number of engine cylinders in activating are decreased, it is a general practice that two cylinders are stopped in the case of four cylinders and three cylinders are stopped in the case of six cylinders. For example, if a half of the cylinders are stopped in a light load when the turbocharger is not sufficiently operating, an exhaust gas flow rate of the engine also becomes approximately a half, and a large shift is made to the left on a turbo map. When this is considered on a turbo compressor map expressed by a gas flow rate (lateral axis) and a pressure ratio (vertical axis) between an intake and an outlet of the turbocharger, the condition enters into the lowest and the leftmost position in a region where it is not operating as the turbocharger. Therefore, even if a fuel is slightly increased and an engine load is raised from this state, sufficient supercharging cannot be obtained from the turbocharger, and thus, fuel efficiency improvement of the engine cannot be realized.
In relation with that, as described in Japanese patent application Kokai publication No. 2010-223040 (Patent Document 1), for example, in order to be able to continue exhaust gas recirculation without causing a trouble in a turbocharger even if the reduced-cylinder operation is performed in a turbo-charging engine, a method and a device for exhaust gas recirculation of a turbo-charging engine are proposed by providing a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation ("EGR") loop and a high-pressure EGR loop, recirculating the exhaust gas by selecting the low-pressure EGR loop during a reduced-cylinder operation so that the full amount of the exhaust gas passes through the turbocharger, while by recirculating the exhaust gas by selecting the high-pressure EGR loop or the both of the high-pressure EGR loop and the low-pressure EGR loop during a normal operation when the reduced-cylinder operation is not performed.
However, with this method and device, though a drop in the turbo-charging amount by the EGR can be prevented by holding the supercharging amount high by using the low-pressure EGR rather than the high-pressure EGR during the reduced-cylinder operation, it does not reach the supercharging amount during a normal time when operating on a full-cylinder basis, and also, since the supercharging amount lowers in a reduced-cylinder operation state even if the EGR is not used, the turbo operating point lowers and the engine fuel efficiency deteriorates, and thus, a problem is caused that a drop in the supercharging amount of turbo-charging by the reduced-cylinder operation cannot be prevented. Moreover, since the exhaust gas is made to pass through the turbocharger and an intercooler in the low-pressure EGR, a problem of corrosion such as oxidation occurs in components of those paths, which leads to a problem that completion as a system is extremely difficult.
Moreover, as described in Japanese patent application Kokai publication No. 2006-177191 (Patent Document 2), for example, in order to improve shortage of a supercharging amount of a cylinder operating by employment of the reduced cylinder system, an engine in which a plurality of turbochargers are attached by employing small-sized turbochargers with respect to a base turbocharger is proposed.
However, this engine has a problem that engine performance or particularly, fuel efficiency is deteriorated in a full-load operation region other than the reduced cylinder operation region. That is, a large-sized diesel engine has fuel efficiency better than that of a small-sized diesel engine in general due to a great influence by a difference in turbo efficiency, and this turbo efficiency is extremely higher in the large-sized turbochargers than in the small-sized turbochargers in general, and moreover, its region is also large. Therefore, in this engine, though the shortage in the supercharging amount generated in the reduced cylinder operation can be improved, the engine performance or particularly, fuel efficiency is deteriorated by attachment of small-sized turbochargers with respect to the engine performance based on the full-cylinder operation with a full load.
FIG. 7 illustrates a graph of "engine speed and engine output" and a graph of "compressor map (air flow rate and pressure ratio)" created on the basis of an image of a system of a single-stage supercharging type normal engine. Moreover, FIG. 8 illustrates a graph of "engine speed and engine output" and a graph of "compressor map (air flow rate and pressure ratio)" created on the basis of an image of a system of an engine and two units of small-sized turbochargers performing the reduced-cylinder operation of Patent Document 2.
In the case of this Patent Document 2, when a small-sized turbocharger for a reduced cylinder is used, compressor efficiency (illustrated by a contour ellipse indicated by reference numerals 60, 70 and the like) rises to some degree in a region where a load is low as indicated by an A-point, for example, and supercharging efficiency can be improved. However, in a region where a load is high as illustrated by a B-point exceeding a reduced-cylinder operation region, it falls lower than that of the normal engine in FIG. 7 to the contrary.
Of course, regarding a turbocharger, a region to be used can be changed depending on a selection of specification or on matching, but as described above, since a region with a good efficiency which is a merit of employment of a small-sized turbocharger is small, and since the efficiency of the small-sized turbocharger is lower than that of the large-sized turbocharger, the efficiency cannot be improved in a region where a load is high. Thus, its employment is difficult since fuel efficiency becomes poor in a region with a high load which is frequently used in commercial vehicles and the like.
In order to solve the above described problems, a system of "reduced cylinder+plurality of small-sized turbochargers +low-pressure stage large-sized turbocharger" can be considered. However, in order to realize this system, it is important to solve a problem which is a hindrance in obtaining improved engine performance, that is, one of the small-sized turbochargers which is operating during a reduced-cylinder operation cannot circulate and pressurize charged air to the other small-sized turbocharger which is stopped during the reduced-cylinder operation.
As improvement for this problem, as described in Japanese patent application Kokai publication No. 2011-231683 (Patent Document 3), for example, an internal combustion engine is proposed. The engine is provided with a two-stage supercharging system, in which a high-pressure stage turbocharger is arranged in each of a plurality of exhaust passages, and an exhaust gas flowing out of these high-pressure stage turbochargers is introduced into a low-pressure stage turbocharger, and a three-way valve is attached at a portion where intake passages from the both high-pressure stage turbochargers merge.
However, this internal combustion engine has two the problems of a structure of the three-way valve and deterioration of turbo durability caused by a mounting position.
Regarding the problem of the structure of the three-way valve, there is no detailed description on the three-way valve used in the above internal combustion engine, and it is presumed from FIG. 1 in Patent Document 3 that the three-way valve has a mechanism to be automatically opened/closed by a negative pressure, but an engine intake side (intercooler) of this three-way valve requires an opening area larger than a total area of the respective areas of the high-pressure stage turbochargers, and if the area is smaller than that, a pressure loss occurs during an engine full-load operation, and a problem of deterioration of engine performance is caused. If such large opening area is to be ensured, the size of the three-way valve increases, and the system becomes extremely large and impractical.
In FIG. 1 of Patent Document 3, the valve of the three-way valve is half-open, but the opening area of this valve portion is extremely small. In this three-way valve, by means of a pressure difference generated during a return from the reduced-cylinder operation to a base full-cylinder operation or during the respective engine combustions or turbo performances are varied, an action to close the valve of the three-way valve to one side works, and as a result, an engine pumping loss deteriorates due to a rise of an exhaust pressure in the engine cylinder of a group with a small pressure, and thus, the engine performance such as exhaust gas performance, fuel efficiency performance and the like deteriorate. Thus, the performance of the system cannot be improved.
Regarding the problem of deterioration of turbo durability caused by a mounting position, the mounting spot of the three-way valve being at an outlet of the high-pressure stage turbocharger is the problem. That is, assuming that, while each of the high-pressure stage turbochargers is operating close to the maximum rotation during an engine operation at a full load, the operation suddenly enters the reduced-cylinder operation region,-a fuel is stopped to one of the cylinder groups, and the intake/exhaust valves are also stopped at the same time, while the other cylinder group performs the reduced-cylinder operation, but since the exhaust gas energy obtained by the high-pressure stage turbocharger on this reduced-cylinder operation side decreases, a pressure of the compressed air decreases, whereby the three-way valve is rapidly closed.
However, since the high-pressure stage turbocharger is still rotating at a high speed at this time, a state in which a flow rate is not gained even though supercharging is performed occurs. By plotting this state on a compressor map illustrated in FIG. 9, the pressure ratio is extremely high, while the flow rate is close to zero. That is, in transition from a C-point to a D-point in FIG. 9, as illustrated in the compressor map of the turbocharger of a cylinder stopped during the reduced cylinder operation, the high-pressure stage turbocharger for a stopped cylinder has its outlet rapidly closed by the pressure difference, and the air flow rate falls to zero. However, since this high-pressure stage turbocharger is still rotating, the state exceeds a surge line without fail at the moment when the outlet is closed. Thus, the turbocharger would be broken unless a special measure is taken.
Therefore, the above system of "reduced cylinder+plurality of small-sized turbochargers +low-pressure stage large-sized turbocharger" provided with the three-way valve does not fundamentally or essentially improve the problems in obtaining-a fuel efficiency improvement effect, and mass production is difficult.
That is, as described above, when a supercharging system having one or a plurality of turbochargers in a diesel engine of an internal combustion engine is combined with a reduced-cylinder operation system having a valve stopping mechanism, a problem occurs that an engine exhaust gas of the engine performance deteriorates due to a lowered supercharging amount, and moreover, an effect of improvement of engine fuel efficiency which is a target cannot be sufficiently obtained. Specifically, a state becomes only a light-load operation state in which a region where fuel efficiency improvement can be extremely small. On the other hand, mass production has been already realized in the gasoline engine, and the effect of fuel efficiency improvement that can be obtained by lowered engine pumping realized by introduction of the reduced-cylinder operation system is obvious, but an influence of the above described problems is great in the diesel engine in which an air excess ratio is important.


A light-concentrating panel is disclosed. The light-concentrating panel comprises a planar light collecting element and a linear light collecting element. The planar light collecting element receives and collects the planar light, and then emits out as linear light. The linear light collecting element receives the linear light. The linear light from the planar collecting element enters the linear light collecting element by passing a planar-linear imaginary plane, which is located between the planar light collecting element and the linear light collecting element. The linear light from the planar collecting element are collected and turned into the spot light by the linear light collecting element.

Since many buildings today are poorly illuminated, there is a need to switch on light in daytime, and this results in a waste of electricity. To address this problem, adequate indoor lighting or daylighting is gradually being taken seriously.
Referring to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram showing a conventional solar lighting device 10. The solar lighting device 10 comprises a collecting plate 102, a reflecting plate 104, and a guiding tube 106. For the above mentioned, sun's rays are collected by the collecting plate 102, reflected by the reflecting plate 104, and then gathered at an opening of the guiding tube 106. Finally, the guiding tube 106 transmits sun's rays into a room E. Referring to FIG. 2, which is a schematic diagram showing a conventional energy saving lighting device 20. The energy saving lighting device 20 has a light reflection device 202 for collecting sun's rays. The collected light are then transmitted into a room via a vertical tunnel reflector 204, a horizontal tunnel reflector 206, and an opening 210.
However, the installation of the solar lighting device 10 or the light reflection device 202 of the energy saving lighting device 20 are limited to the construction of the building because they are too bulky to be installed easily and may impair the outer appearance. Moreover, their reflecting surfaces are usually silver plated, and this results in high cost. In addition, the installation of the solar lighting device 10 or the light reflection device 202 of the energy saving lighting device 20 requires a plurality of components, e.g. brackets, fixing seats, and so on. Stronger wind may bring about a serious concern for safety.
Therefore, it is necessary to develop a light-concentrating panel to improve the above-mentioned disadvantages.

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology


The adapter element for anchoring devices of the dowel type for wall covering slabs having slotted seats includes a flattened parallelepipedal body which is insertable edgeways in the slotted seat of a slab and a laminar wing which extends laterally from the base of the body. A hole for the insertion of the dowel of the anchoring device is arranged in a median region in the body.

The present invention relates to an adapter element for anchoring devices for wall covering slabs.
It is currently common to cover walls with slabs, generally made of marble, which are associated with said walls by means of various types of brackets which are fixed by means of screw anchors.
One type of anchoring comprises a pivot which is associated with a wall fixing bracket, is arranged horizontally and has a flattened end to be arranged parallel to the floor.
Said flattened end is crossed by a hole in which a dowel is inserted; said dowel is arranged vertically, and its ends are suitable for being inserted in respective seats provided in the edge of the slabs.
Said seats can be constituted by both holes and slots.
Whereas in the case of holes the dowels adapt without trouble to the seats and coupling is stable, in the case of slots the slabs, after anchoring, still have a certain degree of freedom and the coupling is not particularly stable.

Adapter element for anchoring devices for wall covering slabs

Fischer Italia Sas di Paolo Morassutti & C.


A physical exercise video system includes a physical exercise machine (22), a video system (24) and an interface module (26). The video system (24) has a computer (28) and a removable cartridge (34). The interface module (26) is interposed between the computer (28) and cartridge (34), and provides interactive communications between the computer (28) and exercise machine (22). A communication protocol governs this communication, and includes specifications for status and command data packets. The video system (24) and exercise machine (22) can be selectively operated as either stand-alone units, or in an interactive exercise mode, wherein the exercise data by the exercise machine (22) affects the output of the video system (24), and may also be stored in memory within the interface module (26). The video system (24) controls the operation of the exercise machine (22) generally, and specifically, controls the load resistance imposed in opposition to the movement of pedals (66). The control of load resistance by video system (24) is a function of the operating characteristics of the exercise machine (22).

For years, people have recognized the health benefits of aerobic exercise. As a result, many stationary exercise devices have been introduced, including bicycles, treadmills, rowing machines and stair climbers, to name but a few. These devices typically engage users in repetitive exercise motions, such as pedaling, stepping, pulling or running. This exercise movement is resisted (often variably) to induce physical exertion, leading to aerobic exercise.
Despite the many benefits of exercise, some users find it tedious or boring, and this has discouraged many from regular exercise. Coincidentally, while some people shunned exercise, a large number (particularly teenagers) became television and video game enthusiasts. This development did not go unnoticed by the exercise equipment industry, which over the years has attempted to make exercise more interesting by associating it with some form of visual entertainment, particularly television or video games. And although there have been many attempts to meld exercise and video, none of these efforts have yielded completely satisfactory results.
By way of background, many commercially available video systems, such as those sold under the trademarks Nintendo, sega and Atari, are computer-based interactive video game systems which display game output on a conventional television. Game control peripherals (often referred to as "joysticks") are interfaced to the game system through plug-in ports or jacks to provide user interaction with the action depicted on the screen. Typically, removable memory cartridges containing various programs allow the game system to execute different games or other interactive programs. While these cartridge-type game systems are of great interest, interactive video programs, including games, can be played on other types of video systems, such as, for example, personal computers. Moreover, video systems encompass an array of technologies including interactive video games, educational programs, broadcast and cable television and prerecorded video systems such as VCRs.
There have been attempts to interface exercise machines with interactive video systems by treating the exercise machine as simply another type of game control peripheral or joystick. Some examples of these efforts include U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,950 (player moves figure of surfer on video screen by moving simulated surfboard with player's feet); U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,477 (movement of pedals, handles and swivel seat by player control aim of video-displayed gun); U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,771 (movement of swingable member and swivel seat controls position of marker on a screen); U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,567 (movement of handlebars and pedal rpm enable stationary bicycle to control video game); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,261 (adjustable pressure sensors placed on floor generate video game input when pressed by a user).
Other, more sophisticated, efforts have used a video game or like apparatus to control the load resistance experienced by the user. Some examples of these efforts include U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,632 (speed or skill level of opponent in video game increases when heart rate falls outside of predetermined range); U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,917 (computer adjusts load resistance of bicycle in accordance with type of terrain depicted in video display of road); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,846 (load resistance varied in accordance with simulated hill profile depicted on spinning reel).
None of these attempts have resulted in a practicable and widely accepted combination of exercise equipment and video systems. One reason is that these past efforts tended to focus narrowly on specific game control hardware (such as swivel seats or simulated surfboards). In other cases, these approaches address only the specific manner in which a video game system might respond to exercise conditions (for example, scenery passes by more quickly with increased pedal rpm, or opponents become more powerful when heart rate is too low). These limitations are unacceptable to both users and game developers. On the one hand, users demand hardware that will execute a wide variety of games and programs. On the other hand, developers can only afford to invest in programs that will execute on a large number of systems.


A hand held apparatus for stamping ink images on paper, comprising a handle, which is substantially transparent, a printing die, which is able to bold ink on a printing surface thereof, and an attachment means by which said printing die is able to be detachably attached to the handle. The printing surface comprises a resilient, opaque substance, such as natural rubber.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for ink stamps, and more particularly to hand held ink stamps.
2. Background Art
Traditional hand held ink stamps typically comprise a varnished wood handle to which is fixedly attached a printing die, which traditionally is made of natural rubber. The person using the ink stamp makes the image simply by inking the printing die and pressing the printing die against a sheet of paper. The handle obstructs the user's view of the image that is being stamped, because the handle covers up the image.
In the ink stamping art, there are several needs.
First, there is a need for the person using the ink stamp to be able to see through a handle or a die mounting device, so that the user is able to view simultaneously both the page and the image that is about to be printed on the page. In the field of art stamping, i.e., where the quality of the stamping is important (as in stamping pictures and other artwork), the see-through capability raises the quality of the finished product by improving the accuracy with which images are Positioned on the page.
Second, there is a need for the printing dies to be readily attachable to, and detachable from the mounting device, so as to provide cost savings.
Third, there is a need to combine both the see-through capability and the detachability of the printing dies, with an ability to use the traditional natural rubber dies. The natural rubber dies have advantages over other types of dies such as plastic and photo-polymer dies including the fact that the natural rubber dies are typically more durable. Desirably the above described combination of features should be provided in an apparatus that is practical, versatile, and convenient to use.

Apparatus and method for a see through ink stamp with detachable dies


A solid state light emitter package (200), a light emitting device, a flexible LED strip and a luminaire are provided. The solid state light emitter package comprising: i) at least three solid state light emitter dies (132, 142, 152) which emit violet/blue light, red light and further light, respectively, ii) a luminescent converter (120) with luminescent material, iii) an optical element (102, 105) for mixing at least portion of the light of the different colors of light and iv) a light exit window (114). The luminescent material at least partially converts the further light towards greenish light having a peak wavelength in the green or cyan spectral range and has a color emission distribution that is wide enough such that the solid state light emitter package is capable of emitting light with a high enough Color Rendering Index. The Color Rendering Index relates to light that has a color point close to the black body line.

With respect to the integration of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) die in an lighting application several levels of packaging/integration may be distinguished. Level 0 is the LED die itself. A LED die is, for example, not suitable for being soldered directly to a printed circuit board and must be integrated into a package and must be equipped with, for example, wire bonds. A level 1 integration is a first level of packaging of the LED die such that the LED die cannot be touched anymore by a person and such that the LED die can be connected to other circuitries. In the level 1 package the LED die is, often, connected with wire bonds to external contacts of the level 1 package. A subsequent level of integration level is providing the Level 1 LED package to, for example, a printed circuit board.
Today several lighting application comprise Level 1 LED packages in which several LED dies are integrated in a single packets. These LED packages may comprise, for example, a blue emitting LED die, a green emitting LED die and a red emitting LED die such that by providing a specific driving signal to each one of these LED dies, a multitude of emitted colors of light may be emitted by the Level 1 LED package. A gamut of such LED packages is relatively large. The LED packages with several LED dies that each emit another color may be used on, for example, flexible LED strips (in which a flexible strip acts as a printed circuit board) which are used for decorative lighting that may emit a controllable color of light.
By using blue emitting LED die, a green emitting LED die and a red emitting LED die one may generate colors of light within a relatively large portion of, for example, the CIE XYZ color space. However, the fact that about all colors of light may be generated by combining light emissions of blue emitting, a green emitting and a red emitting LED dies does not guarantee that the color rending of the emitted light is good. The blue emitting LED die, a green emitting LED die and a red emitting LED die emit light in a relatively narrow light emission spectrum which have, for example, a Full Width Half maximum value of 30 nanometers. When such narrow light emissions are combined, the light emission may have a color point close to the black body line in the CIE XYZ color space (and, thus appear white to the human naked eye), but the Color Rendering Index (CRI) of the emitted light will be relatively low. Thus, the Level 1 LED packages comprising blue emitting, a green emitting and a red emitting LED dies are not suitable for use as the main functional lighting, but are only suitable for decorative lighting purposes.
Published patent application US2009/0114932 discloses a light emitting diode light engine includes a substrate for supporting the LED light engine. The light emitting diode light engine comprises LEDs which include red LEDs, green LEDs and blue LEDs. Each of the blue LEDs is at least partially covered with a yellow phosphor coating compound. The concentration of the yellow phosphor coating compound is controlled to allow the emission of blue and yellow spectrum light energy from each blue LED. Emissions of light energy from the red LEDs, green LEDs and blue LEDs are combined to achieve a target correlated color temperature and a target color rendering index for the LED light engine.
The light emitting diode engine according to the above cited patent application is design to emit a color of light which is close to the black body line. This is done by using blue LEDs which are covered with a yellow phosphor such that relatively white light is generated. The green LEDs and red LEDs are used to control the color of the emitted light even better and, more in particular, to obtain a light emission that has a relatively high color rending index. The light emitting diode engine of the cited patent has the purpose to emit white light and does not have the purpose to emit a controllable color of light. At least is the gamut of the light emitting diode engine of the cited patent relatively small.
Document WO2008/026851A1 discloses a light emitting device comprising a first light emitting diode for emitting light in an ultraviolet wavelength region. At least one phosphor arranged around the first light emitting diode and excited by the light emitted from the first light emitting diode to emit light having a peak wavelength longer than the wavelength of the light emitted from the first light emitting diode. At least one second light emitting diode for emitting light having a wavelength different from the peak wavelength of the light emitted from the phosphor. According to this document, there is provided a white light emitting device, wherein using a light emitting diode for emitting light different in wavelength from light that is ex-cititively emitted from the phosphor, an excitation light source, i.e., light in the ultraviolet region for exciting the phosphor is effectively used, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency and improving reliability.
Document DE202011000007U1 discloses an arrangement for the generation of white light, comprising a support element, a first on the support element arranged LED for producing red light, a second on the support element arranged LED to produce blue and/or ultraviolet light, and a light-influencing element which is constructed and arranged such that at least part of the light of the second LED is converted into green light especially into a mint-green and/or greenish white light.
Document US2004/0217364A1 discloses a white light emitting lamp comprising a solid state ultra violet (UV) emitter that emits light in the UV wavelength spectrum. A conversion material is arranged to absorb at least some of the light emitting from the UV emitter and re-emit light at one or more different wavelengths of light. One or more complimentary solid state emitters are included that emit at different wavelengths of light than the UV emitter and the conversion material. The lamp emits a white light combination of light emitted from the complimentary emitters and from the conversion material. According to the disclosure, the white light having high efficacy and good color rendering. Other embodiments of white light emitting lamp according to the present invention comprises a solid state laser instead of a UV emitter. A high flux white emitting lamp embodiment comprises a large area light emitting diode that emits light at a first wavelength spectrum and includes a conversion material. A plurality of complimentary solid state emitters surround the large area LED, with each emitter emitting light in a spectrum different from the large area LED and conversion material such that the lamp emits a balanced white light. Scattering particles can be included in each of the embodiments to scatter the light from the emitters, conversion material and complimentary emitters to provide a more uniform emission.
Document US2011/0291114A1 discloses a light-emitting diode (LED) package structure that includes a substrate, a first LED, a second LED, and a resin material. At least one enclosure made of a transparent material is formed on a surface of the substrate, and encloses and forms at least one area on the substrate. The first LED and the second LED are disposed in the area and adjacent to each other, and the resin material is disposed in the area, and covers the first LED and the second LED. The LED package structure obtains desired illuminating lights by mixing lights respectively emitted by the first LED and the second LED.

Solid state light emitter package, a light emission device, a flexible LED strip and a luminaire


The present invention provides, inter alia, a compound of formula I: wherein the substituent designations are indicated in the Specification. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I, and methods of treatment or prevention of diabetes or hyperglycemia in a patient, and of normalizing blood glucose levels in a subject, by administering an effective amount of a compound of formula I.

D-Glucose, often in combination with certain amino acids, is the major physiological stimuli for insulin secretion. Net insulin production and glucose homeostasis, however, is regulated by a number of other substances, including several neurotransmitters that act directly on β-cells and indirectly through other target tissues. Many of these substances function as amplifying agents that have little or no effect by themselves, but enhance the signals triggered by the β-cell glucose sensing apparatus.
For example, during the cephalic phase of digestion, acetylcholine (ACh) is released via parasympathetic nerve terminals ending in islets. β-cells express the M3 muscarinic receptor and respond to exogenous ACh with increased inositol phosphate production, which in turn facilitates Na+ ion exit and calcium ion entry. This results in augmented insulin vesicle exocytosis. The amino acid glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, can be found in both α- and β-cells of the endocrine pancreas. It is stored in glucagon- or insulin-containing granules, and appears to enhance insulin secretion when it is released. The presence of metabotropic glutamate receptors on α- and β-cells themselves suggests the presence of both autocrine and paracrine circuits within islet tissue involved in the regulation of insulin secretion.
Other neurotransmitters, such as the monoamines epinephrine and norepinephrine, released in circulation, may act to suppress glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by direct interaction with adrenoreceptors expressed (mainly the α-2 receptor) on pancreatic β-cells. β-cells of the endocrine pancreas also express dopamine receptors (D2) and respond to exogenous dopamine with inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Purified islet tissue itself is a rich source of monoamines, and has been shown to contain 5-hydroxytryptamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.
β-cells also have the biosynthetic apparatus to create, dispose of, and store specific neurotransmitters. For example, islet tissue has been shown to include (a) tyrosine hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of L-tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), a precursor of dopamine, (b) L-DOPA decarboxylase, responsible for converting L-DOPA to dopamine, and (c) dopamine β-hydroxylase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine.
In addition, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is rapidly converted to dopamine in islet β-cells. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is a catabolic enzyme responsible for the oxidative de-amination of monoamines, such as dopamine and catecholamines, and maintains the homeostasis of monoamine-containing synaptic vesicles. The possible role of MAO in islet function has been studied, and MAO has been detected in the large majority of pancreatic islet cells, including β-cells. Interestingly, some MAO inhibitors have been shown to antagonize glucose-induced insulin secretion. The secretory granules of pancreatic β-cells have been documented to have the ability to store substantial amounts of calcium, dopamine, and serotonin therein.
In the central nervous system, the storage of monoamine neurotransmitters in secretory organelles is mediated by vesicular amine transporters. These molecules are expressed as integral membrane proteins of the lipid bilayer of secretory vesicles in neuronal and endocrine cells. By way of an electrochemical gradient, the vesicular amine transporters exchange one cytosolic monoamine, such as dopamine, for two intravesicular protons functioning to package neurotransmitters for later discharge into the synaptic space. Accordingly, vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT) are members of the vesicular transporter family responsible for the uptake and secretion of monoamine neurotransmitters in neurons and endocrine cells. Zheng G, et al., AAPS J. 2006, 8(4), 689.
Two isoforms of VMAT (type 1 and 2) have been cloned, and both immunohistochemistry and gene expression studies have shown that the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas only express the VMAT2 isoform. Anlauf M., et al., J Histochem Cytochem. 2003, 51, 1027. The feasibility of noninvasive measurement of beta cell mass has been demonstrated both in humans and rodents by positron emission tomography (PET) using VMAT2 as the biomarker and its specific antagonist dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) as the tracer. Souza F., et al., J Clin Invest. 2006, 116(6), 1506; Murthy R, et al., Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2008, 35(4), 790-797. Studies have shown that VMAT2 plays an important functional role in the regulation of insulin secretion in beta cells. Raffo A., et al., J of Endocrinol 2008, 198, 141-49. VMAT2 antagonist tetrabenazine (TBZ) and its active metabolite DTBZ are potent hypoglycemic agents that stimulate insulin secretion in vitro and improve glucose tolerance in normal and diabetic rats. Raffo A., et al., J of Endocrinol 2008, 198, 141-49.
Diabetes mellitus is a growing epidemic affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Despite the existence of new classes of hypoglycemic agents, the medical need remains largely unmet and innovative therapeutics are still needed. VMAT2 antagonists have potential in the management of diabetes and hyperglycemia.

The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York


Embodiments include an apparatus, system, and method related to a body driven field effect transistor (FET). In embodiments, a body terminal of the FET may be electrically coupled with a source terminal of a second FET, and a drain terminal of the FET may be electrically coupled with a drain terminal of the second FET. Other embodiments may be described.

A power amplifier (PA) such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based PA may offer cost benefits, and lend itself well for monolithic integration of analog and digital circuits. Specifically, competing heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) technologies may cost more to implement per given area than a CMOS-based PA, and may not be well suited for digital and complex analog control circuits. Specifically, in HBT and GaAs PA technologies, CMOS die are often used only for digital and analog control. However, the introduction of the CMOS die to the HBT or GaAs PA may end up increasing the cost of the PA that includes the CMOS die due to extra assembly steps required to make the PA. Additionally, this mixed technology may provide practical limits on input and outputs (I/Os) and may limit the complexity of control functions. Additionally, the overall linearity and power-added efficiency (PAE) of CMOS PAs may not match that of GaAs HBT PAs.

Body driven power amplifier linearization


Disclosed is a system which includes a method and apparatus for the removal of carton bundles from where they are stacked, such as on pallets, re-positions the carton bundles relative to a carton holding structure such as a hopper, removes the restraining strap(s) from each bundle and feeds the bundle or cartons onto a hopper.

There has been a long-felt but unsatisfied need in the packaging machinery industry for a system which effectively and reliably removes bundles of carton blanks or other sheet-like products from a pallet, and feeds the bundles into a hopper leading to associated machinery.
Prior to this invention, human machine operators had to lift such products from pallets and manually load them into a hopper. Requiring these functions to be performed manually: decreases production line efficiency; increases chances of injuries to operators; and results in a higher product cost.
The forenamed recognized needs have not heretofore been sufficiently fulfilled by existing packaging machinery.
It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide an automated system for the removal of carton bundles from a where they are stacked, such as on a pallet, removal of the restraining straps encircling the bundles, and feeding of the carton blanks to a hopper.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system which removes and disposes of the straps encircling the bundles.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide such a system which can remove the bundles from any pallet or stack configuration or pattern, such as pinwheel stack patterns, column stacks, etc.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide such a system which can be used in combination with any one of a number of carton handling machines downstream, one example of which is a carton erector.
This invention achieves the foregoing objectives as set forth more fully herein.


A shift lever mechanism for an engine starter for translating axial movement of the plunger of a starter solenoid into axial movement of a starter drive pinion. The shift lever mechanism has a retainer that has two axially extending spaced arms. Each arm has an opening that is defined by a circular portion and a radially extending slot. A shut lever is pivotally supported by the retainer. The shift lever has opposed bosses that are respectively located in the openings in the arms. The bosses have radially extending ribs that are located in the slots. The slots and ribs allow the shift lever to be assembled to the retainer in only one proper orientation of the shift lever relative to the retainer.

This invention relates to a shift lever mechanism for translating axial movement of the plunger of a starter or cranking motor solenoid into shiftable movement of a pinion that is adapted to be meshed with the ring gear of an engine to be cranked.
The United States patent to Colvin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,010, discloses a shift lever mechanism that has a support or retainer that is adapted to be secured to housing parts of an engine starter. The retainer has a pair of axially extending spaced arms each of which has a circular hole. The retainer pivotally supports a shift lever which has two circular bosses that are respectively located in the circular holes formed in the arms of the retainer.
A problem associated with the shift lever mechanism of the type disclosed in the above-referenced Colvin et al. patent is that it is possible to assemble the shift lever to the retainer such that the shift lever ends up in an orientation or position that is reversed or backwards from the position that it should be in. To further explain this, let it be assumed that for proper orientation of the shift lever relative to the retainer, that a first boss on the shift lever should fit into a first hole in one arm of the retainer and that a second boas on the shift lever should fit into a second hole in the other arm of the retainer. Since the bosses on the shift lever are the same size and the holes in the arms of the retainer are the same size, it can be appreciated that the shift lever can be assembled such that the first boss is inserted into the second hole and the second boss is inserted into the first hole with the result that the shift lever would be assembled backwards or reversed from the position it should be in. Such a backward or reversed assembly of the shift lever to the retainer results in producing a shift lever assembly that cannot be use.

Shift lever mechanism for engine starting apparatus


The present invention relates to new sulphoxybenzamides of general formula I, processes for preparing them as well as their use as medicaments.

The present invention relates to new sulphoxybenzamides of formula I,
wherein the groups R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, Z0, Z1, Z2, m and n have the meanings given in the claims and specification, processes for preparing them as well as their use as medicaments, particularly as leukotriene B4 (LTB4) antagonists.
Benzamidine derivatives are known from the prior art as active substances with valuable pharmaceutical properties. Thus, for example, International Patent Applications WO 97/21670 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,423) and WO 98/11062 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,824 B1) disclose inter alia benzamidines which have free hydroxy groups. They contain no references of any kind to benzamidines containing sulphate groups.
The aim of the present invention is to prepare new LTB4 antagonists which, by virtue of their LTB4 antagonistic properties, have many possible uses in the therapeutic field.
Surprisingly, it has been found that benzamidine derivatives containing sulphate groups, of general formula (I)
wherein the groups R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, Z0, Z1, Z2, m and n have the meanings given in the claims and specification, have an LTB4 antagonistic activity and may be used according to the invention for the prevention and treatment of diseases in which LTB4 antagonists may provide a therapeutic benefit.
The invention thus relates to sulphoxybenzamides of general formula I
wherein
Z0 denotes a group selected from the formulae xe2x80x94X1xe2x80x94(CH2)rxe2x80x94X2xe2x80x94 and xe2x80x94CR4R5xe2x80x94,
A1 and A2 independently of one another each denote a 1,4-phenylene- or 1,3-phenylene group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, C1-C8-alkyl groups, C2-C8-alkenyl groups, C1-C8-haloalkyl groups or C1-C8-alkoxy groups,
Z1 and Z2 independently of one another each denote a group of formula xe2x80x94X3xe2x80x94(CH2)sxe2x80x94X4xe2x80x94 or a single bond,
R1 denotes hydrogen, hydroxy, xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94C1-C8-alkyl or xe2x80x94COOxe2x80x94C1-C4-alkyl-phenyl, whilst in the abovementioned group the phenyl ring in each case may be substituted by C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-alkoxy,
R2 and R3 independently of one another each denote a hydrogen or halogen atom, or a C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-haloalkyl, C1-C8-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy or aralkyl group,
R4 and R5 independently of one another each denote hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl,
X1 and X2 independently of one another each denote xe2x80x94O, xe2x80x94S, xe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94 or a single bond,
X3 and X4 independently of one another each denote xe2x80x94O, xe2x80x94S, xe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94 or a single bond,
m and n independently of one another each denote 0 or 1, and
r and s independently of one another denote an integer from 1 to 8,
optionally in the form of the tautomers, racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers and mixtures thereof, as well as optionally the pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof.
Preferred compounds are those of formula I wherein
Z0 denotes a group selected from the formulae xe2x80x94X1xe2x80x94(CH2)rxe2x80x94X2xe2x80x94 and xe2x80x94CR4R5xe2x80x94,
A1 and A2 independently of one another each denote a 1,4-phenylene or 1,3-phenylene group optionally substituted by a C1-C4-alkyl group or C2-C4-alkenyl group,
Z1 and Z2 independently of one another each denote a group of formula xe2x80x94X3xe2x80x94(CH2)sxe2x80x94X4xe2x80x94 or a single bond,
R1 denotes hydrogen,
R2 and R3 each denote a hydrogen atom,
R4 and R5 independently of one another each denote C1-C4-alkyl,
X1 and X2 independently of one another each denote xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 a single bond,
X3 and X4 independently of one another each denote xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 or a single bond,
m and n independently of one another each denote 0 or 1, and
r and s independently of one another each denote an integer from 1 to 3.
Another preferred embodiment comprises the compounds of formula I, wherein
Z0 denotes a group of formula xe2x80x94CR4R5xe2x80x94,
A1 and A2 independently of one another each denote a 1,4-phenylene or 1,3-phenylene group optionally substituted by a C1-C4-alkyl group or C2-C4-alkenyl group, and preferably A1 denotes 1,4-phenylene and A2 denotes 1,3-phenylene,
Z1 and Z2 independently of one another each denote a group of formula xe2x80x94X3xe2x80x94(CH2)sxe2x80x94X4xe2x80x94, and preferably Z1 denotes xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94 and Z2 denotes xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94
R1 denotes hydrogen,
R2 and R3 each denote a hydrogen atom,
R4 and R5 each denote methyl,
X3 and X4 independently of one another each denote xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 or a single bond,
m and n each denote 1, and
s denotes 1.
Also preferred are compounds of formula I wherein
Z0 denotes a group of formula xe2x80x94X1xe2x80x94(CH2)rxe2x80x94X2xe2x80x94,
A2 denotes a 1,4-phenylene group substituted by a C1-C4-alkyl group or C2-C4-alkenyl group, preferably a 1,4-phenylene group substituted by an n-propyl or allyl group,
Z2 denotes a single bond,
R1 denotes hydrogen,
R2and R3 each denote a hydrogen atom,
X1 and X2 independently of one another each denote xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94,
m denotes 0,
n denotes 1, and
r denotes 2.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, the general definitions are used in the following sense: C1-C8-alkyl and C1-C4-alkyl generally denote a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 4 or 8 carbon atom(s), which may optionally be substituted by one or more halogen atom(s), preferably flu orine, which may be identical to or different from one another. The following hydrocarbon groups are mentioned as examples:
methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, 1-methylethyl (isopropyl), n-butyl, 1-methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl, n-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl. Unless otherwise stated, lower alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms are preferred, such as methyl; ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 1-methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl or 1,1-dimethylethyl.
C2-C8-alkenyl and C2-C4-alkenyl generally denote a branched or unbranched unsaturated hydrocarbon group with 2 to 4 or 8 carbon atom(s), which may optionally be substituted by one or more halogen atom(s), preferably fluorine, which may be identical to or different from one another. The following hydrocarbon groups are mentioned as examples:
Vinyl, allyl, prop-1-enyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl and octenyl. Unless otherwise stated, lower alkenyl groups with 2 to 4 carbon atoms, such as vinyl or allyl, are preferred.
The group xe2x80x94(CH2)rxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94(CH2)sxe2x80x94 denotes a branched or unbranched double-bonded hydrocarbon bridge with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, which may optionally be substituted by one or more halogen atom(s), preferably fluorine, which may be identical to or different from one another.
Aryl generally denotes an aromatic group with 6 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably phenyl, while the aromatic group may be substituted by one or more lower alkyl group(s), lower alkenyl group(s), trifluoromethyl group(s), cyano group(s), alkoxy group(s), nitro group(s), amino group(s) and/or one or. more halogen atom(s), which may be identical or different; the preferred aryl group is an optionally substituted phenyl group, the preferred substituents being halogenxe2x80x94such as fluorine, chlorine or brominexe2x80x94as well as hydroxyl.
Alkoxy generally denotes a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group with 1 to 8 carbon atom(s) bound via an oxygen atom. A lower alkoxy group with 1 to 3 carbon atom(s) is preferred. The methoxy group is particularly preferred.
Aryloxy generally denotes an aromatic group with 6 to 10 carbon atoms bound via an oxygen, preferably phenoxy, whilst the aromatic group may be substituted by one or more lower alkyl group(s), lower alkenyl group(s), trifluoromethyl group(s), cyano group(s), alkoxy group(s), nitro group(s), amino group(s) and/or one or more halogen atom(s), which may be identical or different; the preferred aryl group is an optionally substituted phenyl group, the preferred substituents being halogenxe2x80x94such as fluorine, chlorine or brominexe2x80x94as well as hydroxyl.
Aralkyl generally denotes a aromatic group with 6 to 10 carbon atoms bound via an alkylene group, preferably phenylalkyl, whilst the aromatic group may be substituted by one or more lower alkyl group(s), lower alkenyl group(s), trifluoromethyl group(s), cyano group(s), alkoxy group(s), nitro group(s), amino group(s) and/or one or more halogen atom(s), which may be identical or different; the preferred aryl group is an optionally substituted phenyl group, the preferred substituents being halogenxe2x80x94such as fluorine, chlorine or brominexe2x80x94as well as hydroxyl. The alkylene group is generally a double-bonded hydrocarbon bridge with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by one or more halogen atom(s)xe2x80x94preferably fluorinexe2x80x94which may be identical to or different from one another.
Most particularly preferred compounds are those of formulae IA and IB,
The compounds IA and IB may be formed in vivo as metabolites of a corresponding LTB4-antagonistic compound with a free hydroxy group and exhibit the following Ki values in the receptor binding test:
As has been found, the compounds of formula I are characterised by their versatility of use in the therapeutic field. Particular emphasis should be laid on those applications for which the LTB4-receptor-antagonistic properties play a part.
The following should be mentioned in particular: arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, gastro- or enteropathy induced by nonsteroidal antiphlogistics, cystic or pulmonary fibrosis, Alzheimer""s disease, shock, reperfusion damage/ischaemia such as stroke or cardiac infarct, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases, malignant neoplasia, alveolitis.
The new compounds may also be used to treat illnesses or conditions in which the passage of cells from the blood through the vascular endothelium into the tissues is of importance (such as metastasis) or illnesses and conditions in which the combination of LTB4 or another active substance (such as 12-HETE) with the LTB4 receptor has an influence on cell proliferation (e.g. chronic myeloid leukaemia).
The new compound may also be used in conjunction with other active substances, e.g. those which are used for the same indications, or e.g. with antiallergic agents, secretolytics, xcex22-adrenergics, steroids taken by inhalation, antihistamines, PDE4 inhibitors, peptido-leukotriene antagonists and/or PAF antagonists. They may be administered topically, orally, transdermally, nasally, parenterally or by inhalation.
The activity can be investigated pharmacologically and biochemically using tests as disclosed for example in WO 93/16036, pp. 15 to 17; reference is hereby made to the contents of this publication.
The therapeutic or prophylactic dose dependsxe2x80x94apart from the potency of the individual compounds and the patient""s body weightxe2x80x94on the nature and gravity of the condition. For oral administration the dosage is between 10 and 500 mg, preferably between 20 and 250 mg. By inhalation the amount of active substance delivered to the patient is between about 0.5 and 25, preferably between about 2 and 20 mg.
Solutions for inhalation generally contain between about 0.5 and 5% of active substance. The new compounds may be administered in conventional preparations, e.g. as plain or coated tablets, capsules, lozenges, powders, granules, solutions, emulsions, syrups, aerosols for inhalation, ointments and suppositories.


Tooth whitening device for whitening teeth using sonochemistry includes a body, and an ultrasonic transducer provided in the body. The ultrasonic transducer is configured for producing ultrasonic waves in the range of 20-100 kHz, and good results have been achieved with ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 40 kHz. There is an ultrasonic horn provided on the body, and the ultrasonic horn is operatively connected with the ultrasonic transducer. A liquid retaining element is provided on the ultrasonic horn, and the liquid retaining element is configured for retaining a liquid tooth whitening composition against a user's teeth. The liquid retaining element may be a sponge or a replaceable pad, such as a foam pad.

There are known systems for whitening teeth using toothpaste with abrasives for removing extrinsic stains.
There are likewise known systems for whitening teeth using hydrogen peroxide.
There is a known attempt to whiten teeth using ultrasound by means of mechanical removal of extrinsic stains.
As further background, the following discussion regarding tooth structure and known whitening methods is provided.
Tooth enamel is predominately formed from an inorganic substance, hydroxyapatite crystals, along with approximately 5% organic materials, predominantly collagen. The dentin is composed of about 20% protein including collagen; the balance of inorganic materials including hydroxyapatite crystals. The acquired pellicle is a proteinaceous layer on the surface of tooth enamel, and that may be removed after an intensive tooth cleaning.
Tooth stains are generally classified as either extrinsic or intrinsic, depending on whether the stain is on the surface of the tooth within the acquired pellicle or within the tooth structure itself within the enamel or dentin. For example, extrinsic staining of the acquired pellicle can occur from foods or compounds, which contain tannins and other polyphenolic compounds which become trapped in the lightly bound proteinaceous layer on the surfaces of the teeth. Extrinsic tooth staining is removed by mechanical methods, such as by using abrasives applied by a toothbrush by a user on his or her teeth, or by a dental professional blasting a patient's teeth with an abrasive. A problem with these methods is that the consumer experiences minimal initial and longterm tooth whitening (e.g., 6 months).
Intrinsic staining, on the other hand, occurs when chromogens and pre-chromogens penetrate the enamel and dentin and become tightly bound to the tooth structure. Intrinsic staining can occur when blood or amalgam products leach into the enamel and dentin. Intrinsic staining likewise can occur systemically from excess fluoride intake during enamel development leading to a mottled yellow or brown stain of fluoresce staining. Intrinsic staining is not removable by mechanical methods of tooth cleaning and generally requires the use of chemicals, for example strong oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide which can penetrate into the tooth structure to effect a change in the light absorbtivity of the stain chromogen and/or the solubility of the chromogens.
The desire for whiter, lighter teeth is considered to be cosmetic and desirable in today's cosmetically-orientated society. Tooth bleaching is generally accomplished by gels, pastes, or liquids which contain an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that attack (i.e., chemically react with) the chromogen molecules, making them colorless and/or water soluble, making the tooth appear lighter and brighter, thus resulting in lighter brighter teeth.
The most commonly used oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), such as from carbamide peroxide (CH6N2O3), which is mixed with an anhydrous viscous carrier containing glycerin, known as glycerol (C3H8O3) and/or propylene glycol and/or polyethylene glycol (C3H8O2). Sodium chlorite, chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid or ethaneperoxoic acid (C2H4O3) may likewise be used as an oxidizing agent.
When in contact with water, carbamide peroxide dissociates into urea, also known as carbamide (CH4N2O) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water then dissociates into water and oxygen anions. It is these oxygen anions which react with the stain making them more water soluble, transparent, or both.
There are several known delivery systems to deliver carbamide peroxide, for example, to the surfaces of the teeth.
A common approach is to have a dental professional construct a custom-made tray from an impression of the patient's teeth. An oxidizing gel is dispensed into the tray by the patient and the tray is worn over the teeth intermittently for a period of days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the staining. This approach has been known to cause tooth sensitivity in over 60% of the users, and it can be uncomfortable for the users to wear the tooth bleaching trays. Tooth sensitivity is believed to result from the movement of fluid through the dentinal tubules, which is sensed by nerve endings within the tooth. The carriers, glycerin propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, draw fluids toward them and therefore contribute to the tooth sensitivity often experienced by wearing a bleaching tray.
Another known approach is to incorporate an oxidizing agent in a strip and have the patient wear the strip intermittently over a period of two weeks. This approach also has had the disadvantage of being awkward for users to wear, and many users also experience tooth sensitivity. Further, the known strips have an inherent problem of contacting the teeth only on the facial surfaces and fail to remove the staining which occurs in between the teeth in the interproximal areas.
Other known methods of intrinsic whitening include applying the whitening compound directly on the user's teeth which is easy for the user to apply but still takes several days to achieve desired results.
It can thus be seen that there is a need for a more effective and even faster tooth whitening device and method that provide enhanced tooth whitening results.
There are known tooth whitening devices, methods, and compositions that use heat and light to accelerate the tooth whitening chemical reactions. Another known method of intrinsic whitening is using non-heat light energy to activate a photo initiator in the whitening solution therefore accelerating the whitening result.
As used herein, sonochemistry relates to the effect of ultrasonic waves on chemical reactions. Chemical effects of ultrasound arise from changes, such as acoustically induced cavitation and induced temperature rises in a composition, rather than from a direct interaction with a molecule in question. It is that enhancement of a chemical reaction which is used to synergistically enhance the chemical effect on the whitening of teeth in the present invention. See, e.g., Practical Sonochemistry Power Ultrasound Uses and Applications Mason, Timothy J. et al., Hoorwood, 2nd Ed., 2003, ISBN: 978-1-898563-83-9.

Method and device for whitening teeth using sonochemistry


A wheelchair seat back having width adjustable wings, a mechanism to permit forward and backward angular adjustment of the wheelchair seat back, a clamping assembly for mounting the wheelchair seat back to wheelchair uprights, and a width adjustable cushion for a width adjustable wheelchair seat back.

A. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of wheelchair backs and covers and adjustment mechanisms and cushions for the same. More particularly, the inventors have invented a wheelchair back with width adjustable wings, a wheelchair back with forward and backward angular adjustment, a latch mechanism useful for attaching a wheelchair back to a wheelchair and useful in other environments as well, and a width adjustable wheelchair back cover and padding assembly. Additionally, various of the invented structures have useful application in products other than wheelchairs and the inventors have recognized this and intend to secure protection in fields other than wheelchairs.
B. The Background Art
In the background art, there had been some work done in the area of adjustable and foldable disassemblable wheelchairs. The reader is directed to the following U.S. Patent Nos. for representative examples: U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,242 issued in the name of Jeffrey P. Minnebraker; U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,888 issued in the name of Paul Frederich; U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,543 issued in the names of Larry A. Sims, Robert W. Reynolds, Raymond P. Lewandowski, and Robert T. McWethy; U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,890 issued in the names of Walter G. Lockard, Herbert J. Hockstra, Allen J. Boris and Douglas M. Nickles; U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,102 issued in the names of Gilbert E. Haury, Nathalal G. Patel, Walter G. Lockard and Thomas R. Wiatrak; U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,955 issued in the name of W. Duane Hamilton; U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,076 issued in the name of Robert C. Simpson; U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,068 issued in the name of Edward M. Greer; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,824,597 issued in the name of Monroe Arnold Lerman, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The '242 patent discloses a wheelchair that accommodates patients of different sizes. The '888 patent discloses a wheelchair designed for quick disassembly which provides some adjustment. The '543 patent discloses a composite frame wheelchair that offers some adjustment to the user. The '890 patent discloses a wheelchair that provides both length and width adjustment. The '102 patent discloses a wheelchair that has various adjustment features. The '955 patent discloses a wheelchair with an adjustable center of gravity. The '076 patent discloses a wheelchair that has adjustable arm resets and a self-standing feature. The '068 patent discloses a wheelchair that has an angular adjustable backrest. The '597 patent discloses a width adjustable wheelchair.
Tilting and angle adjustable seat backs are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 2,491,154, issued in the name of Lawrence E. Blazey; U.S. Pat. No. 2,565,867, issued in the name of Carl Ernst Edvard Lundquist; U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,968, issued in the name of Edward M. Greer; U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,786, issued in the name of David Mashuda; U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,102, issued in the names of Gilbert E. Haury, Nathalal G. Patel, Walter G. Lockard and Thomas R. Wiatrak; U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,570, issued in the name of Joe-Massoud Nassiri; U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,929, issued in the name of Ronald H. Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,467, issued in the names of Peter Axelson, Michael Heinrich, Ann Lasko-Harvill and Michael W. Silverman; U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,677, issued in the names of Eric C. Jay and Michael H. Nordquist; U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,709, issued in the names of Stanley Rubinstein and Terry D. Robuck; U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,446, issued in the names of Eric C. Jay and Michael H. Nordquist; U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,162, issued in the names of Christopher Bar and Calvin L. Guthrie; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,168, issued in the names of John C. Dinsmoor, III, Barry Van Everen, Michael W. Johnson and Grant C. Denton.
The '154 patent discloses a seat back for a stenographer's chair which tilts freely to adjust to the user's back. The '867 patent discloses a mechanism for locking the back of a chair into different angular positions relative to the chair seat. The mechanism of the '867 patent includes an elongate guide or slot connected to the seat back, which is clamped between supporting arms with a bolt and a wing nut. The supporting arms, which are connected to the chair seat, each have a non-circular curved slot formed therethrough. The elongate guide or slot provides height adjustability, while the curved slots in the supporting arms impart angular adjustability to the seat back.
The '968 patent discloses a wheelchair having a seat back with angle adjustability. The angle adjustment mechanism of the '968 patent includes upright tubular members which are pivotally connected to the wheelchair frame and a hydraulic actuator. One end of the hydraulic actuator is pivotally connected to the upright tubular member. The other end of the hydraulic actuator is pivotally connected to the wheelchair frame.
The wheelchair seat back of the '786 patent is pivotally mounted to the seat bottom by pins or rivets. Angular motion of the seat back around the mount is governed by a hydraulic actuator. The stationary end of the hydraulic actuator is pivotally connected to the frame of the seat bottom. The piston end of the hydraulic actuator is pivotally connected to a curved bracket that is fixedly attached to the seat back.
In the seat back angular adjustment mechanism of the '102 patent, a hinge connects the lower portion of the seat back to the wheelchair frame. A first attachment mechanism pivotally connects the seat back to the hinge. A second attachment mechanism includes an arcuate slot through which a fastener passes to secure the seat back to the hinge in the desired angular position.
Similarly, the '570 includes a mechanism for adjusting the angle of the seat back relative to the wheelchair frame. That mechanism includes an L-shaped bracket, the horizontal arm of which is fixedly attached to a horizontal member of the wheelchair. The bottom of the seat back pivotally attaches at the corner of the L-shaped bracket with a first fastener. The vertical arm of the bracket includes an arcuate slot, through which a second fastener passes, and which facilitates angular adjustment of the seat back.
The angle adjustment mechanism disclosed in the '929 patent includes a planetary gear arrangement operably interconnected with a knob, such as that used to adjust the seat backs of some automobiles. The adjustment mechanism is located at the base of the seat back frame, and connects the seat back to the side frame.
The '467 patent discloses a seating system wherein the seat back is pivotally attached to the seat bottom. The angle of the seat back disclosed in the '677 patent changes depending upon the position of the seat back along arcuate uprights.
The '709 patent discloses a quick release attachment bracket for a wheelchair seat back. Two J-shaped members that are attached to each side of the seat back engage each of the wheelchair uprights. The quick release brackets are fixedly mounted to the uprights such that they are aligned with the J-shaped members. The quick release brackets force the J-shaped members against the uprights, forcing the J-shaped members against the uprights. The horizontal position of each bracket may be adjusted relative to the seat back to provide angular adjustment of the seat back relative to the upright.
The '446 patent discloses angular adjustment of a seat back which is governed by the placement of the seat back along arcuate uprights. The '162 patent discloses a backrest assembly for a wheelchair wherein two U-shaped outriggers are pivotally attached to both of a wheelchair's uprights. The outriggers are positioned across the wheelchair near the upper and lower portions of the seat back such that the back rests upon the transverse portion of the outriggers. Clamps on the seat back engage the outriggers in several positions. The angle of the seat back relative to the uprights is adjusted by rotation of the outriggers within the clamp.
In the '168 patent, a wheelchair seat back is disclosed that is fastened to spaced apart support posts by use of hook and mounting units. The hook and mounting units of the '168 patent are located at upper and lower positions on each side of the seat back. The hooks engage a wheelchair upright. Slots formed through the hooks permit adjustment of the positions of both the upper and lower hooks relative to the seat back, facilitating angular adjustment of the seat back relative to the wheelchair. However, the angular adjustment mechanism of the '168 patent does not allow for pivotal adjustment of the seat back, and thus requires some movement of at least one of the upper or lower brackets relative to the upright.
In a PCT patent application which was assigned International Publication Number WO 92/14387 in the name of inventors Eric C. Jay, John A. Dyer and John C. Dinsmoor, which is hereby incorporated by reference, a wheelchair back which is adjustably affixed to a rod is disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,734,179, issued in the name of P. W. Olson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,379,450 issued in the name of E. Jones et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,704,910 issued in the name of Walter F. Wilcott, U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,295 issued in the name of Frank Volin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,385 issued in the name of Marvin A. Morford, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,168 issued in the name of Roberto Bacesco, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference, disclose various wheelchair and seating-related apparatus, including adjustability thereof.
In a catalog entitled "OTTO BOCK Orthopedic Industry Wheelchair Seating Accessories and Hardware Catalogue 1992", which is hereby incorporated by reference, various back cushions, backshells and attachment mechanisms for them are disclosed, as well as other wheelchair-related products.
For more general background related to wheelchair back and seat mechanisms, the reader is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,202 issued in the name of Kenneth B. Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,841 issued in the name of Robert E. Holley and U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,319 issued in the name of Robert K. Fogg, Jr. and Christopher P. Staehli, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The '202 patent discloses a structure for raising a patient seated in the wheelchair to a standing position. The '841 patent discloses a mechanism for assisting patient into and from a seated position. The '319 patent discloses a wheelchair that can accommodate a patient in a seated position, in a standing position, or in a variety of positions between sitting and standing.
For information related to adjustability devices and supports, including those related to wheelchairs and wheelchair seating, the reader is directed to the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 3,790,115 issued in the name of Abraham J. Schulman; U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,195 issued in the name of Douglas Lester Uhler; U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,165 issued in the name of Robert S. Blackburn; U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,173 issued in the name of Eric C. Jay; U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,023 issued in the names of Eric C. Jay and John C. Dinsmoor, III; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,162 issued in the names of Christopher Bar and Calvin Guthrie, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The '115 patent discloses an expandable support with a telescoping feature. The '195 patent discloses an adjustable mounting assembly. The '165 patent discloses an adapter plate assembly for adjustable mounting of objects. The '173 patent discloses wheelchair seat backs. The '023 patent discloses wheelchair seat and back assemblies.
For information related to frame structures from which wheelchair components might be made, the reader is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,240 issued in the names of Alexander J. Robinson and Christopher O. Paragas, U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,172 issued in the names of August T. Bellanca and August T. Bellanca, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,727 issued in the name of Peter Resele, U.S. Pat. No. 4,548,422 issued in the names of Diaz Michel and Loeillet Christian, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,533,643 issued in the name of Ryoichi Yamada, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The reader is also directed to Italian patent no. 448,310 (Jul. 11, 1949), French patent no. 895,046 (Jan. 12, 1945) and Great Britain patent no. 19,193 (Nov. 16, 1895), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The '240 patent discloses a two piece hollow shell frame made from fiber-reinforced plastic which uses tangs and devises and protrusions and receptacles for added strength. The '172 patent discloses various lightweight frame structures. The '927 patent discloses a two-part shell frame for two-wheeled vehicles. The '422 patent discloses a bicycle frame made from two joined shell halves. The '643 patent discloses a bicycle frame assembly. The Italian patent discloses cross sections of various frames or tubing. The French patent discloses a bicycle frame including its cross-sectional view. The British patent discloses three different cross sections of a bicycle frame.
Applicants are aware of various pieces of art in the area of cushioning. For general information regarding cushioning devices in the background art, the reader is directed to Great Britain Patent No. 1,261,475 (Jan. 2, 1972) and the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 1,228,783, issued in the name of G. E. Kerivan; U.S. Pat. No. 2,491,557 issued in the name of G. L. Goolsbee; U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,369 issued in the name of L. C. Musilli; U.S. Pat. No. 2,672,183 issued in the name of A. E. Forsyth; U.S. Pat. No. 2,814,053 issued in the name of J. G. Sevcik; U.S. Pat. No. 3,459,179 issued in the name of I. Olesen; U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,145 issued in the name of R. H. Graebe; U.S. Pat. No. 3,801,420 issued in the name of Ann Anderson; U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,198 issued in the name of E. Allan Blair; U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,530 issued in the name of Reginald Dyson; U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,297 issued in the name of Otto W. Neumark; U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,963 issued in the name of Lakshmi Reddi; U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,169 issued in the name of Natalie C. Sandiford; U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,029 issued in the name of Patrick R. D. Paul; U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,505 issued in the name of Patrick R. D. Paul; U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,205 issued in the name of Kazuhiko Hino; U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,174 issued in the names of Kaeriel Elleader and Mille Stand; U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,229 issued in the name of Eric C. Jay; U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,557 issued in the name of Michael E. Murphy; U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,238 issued in the name of Eric C. Jay; U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,864 issued in the name of Robert H. Graebe; U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,854 issued in the name of Robert H. Graebe; U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,624 issued in the name of Eric C. Jay; U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,551 issued in the name of Eric C. Jay; U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,998 issued in the name of Arthur K. Johnson, Sr.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,330 issued in the name of Eric C. Jay; U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,790 issued in the name of Eric C. Jay; U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,068 issued in the name of Robert H. Graebe; U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,544 issued in the name of Robert H. Graebe; U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,023 issued in the name of Robert H. Graebe; U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,196 issued in the names of Robert H. Graebe and Winfield R. Matsler; U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,780 issued in the names of John C. Dinsmoor, III, Grant C. Seaon, Eric C. Jay and Richard R. Runkles; U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,286 issued in the name of Michael MacLeish; U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,653 issued in the name of Robert E. Ackley; U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,828 issued in the name of Robert H. Graebe; U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,874 issued in the name of Tony M. Pearce; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,852 issued in the name of Raymond Quinn, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The British patent discloses a mattress with air or water inflatable members. The '783 patent discloses a pneumatic mattress. The '557 patent discloses a mattress having multiple air cells. The '369 patent discloses a shock absorbing device that includes adjacent, cooperating deformable chambers containing a fluid medium. The '183 patent discloses a seat cushion that has a plurality of inflatable cylindrical elements. The '053 patent discloses an inflatable mattress. The '179 patent discloses a supporting pad filled with expanded polystyrene beads. The '145 patent discloses a body support having numerous pliant, outwardly extending air cells. The '420 patent discloses a quilted bedspread. The '198 patent discloses a foam mattress. The '530 patent discloses a pad containing a mixture of a viscous gel fluid and silica and re-expanded polystyrene beads. The '297 patent discloses a mattress that has multiple pillows partially filled with polystyrene beads. The '963 patent discloses a two-sheet liquid support device. The '169 patent discloses a stitched bed covering. The '029 patent discloses a fluidized supporting apparatus containing granular material. The '505 patent discloses an inflatable mattress with resilient support cells. The '205 patent discloses a medical bed containing fluidized particle media. The '174 patent discloses a low friction bed pad. The '229 patent discloses a seat cushion with a fluid filling material. The '557 patent discloses a mattress with removable inserts. The '238 patent discloses a hemorrhoid seat cushion partially filled with a fluid. The '864 patent discloses a cellular cushion having flexible hollow cells. The '854 patent discloses a cushion formed from strips of resilient foam. The '624 patent discloses a seat cushion containing a fluid filling material. The '551 patent discloses flowable pressure compensating fitting materials. The '998 patent discloses a waterbed mattress with free-standing cells arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The '330 patent discloses a seat cushion that has a foam base and a fluid portion. The '790 patent discloses a seat cushion which can be customized by the user. The '068 patent discloses a seat cushion with inflatable, upwardly projecting cells. The '544 patent discloses cover for a cushion. The '023 patent discloses a cushion having flexible cells formed from an elastomeric material and containing a gas. The '196 patent discloses an inflatable cushion with zoned cells. The '780 patent discloses a multilayer mattress pad which includes a fluid bladder. The '286 patent discloses a cushion which has fluid floatation characteristics. The '653 patent discloses a foam pad. The '828 patent discloses a cushion having pyramidal air cells. The '874 patent discloses a cushioning material that includes lightly lubricated microspheres. The '852 patent discloses a chair pad that includes foam among its various layers.
Each of the above references is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
What is needed is a width-adjustable rigid seat back for a wheelchair. In addition, a light weight seat back is desired. A mechanism is needed which provides improved angular adjustment of a wheelchair seat back or other device in the fore and aft directions. Adjustability to several discrete angular positions is also needed. A seat back attachment mechanism is needed which is easy to use and which facilitates the ready removability of a seat back from, and ready and secure replacement of a seat back upon a wheelchair. Further, a cushion and cover for a width-adjustable seat back is needed.

Adjustable wheelchair back, related devices and adjustable wheelchair seat back cushion


A non-coherent demodulator 1 multiplies a modulated intermediate frequency (IF) signal with a signal from a local oscillator 2 to produce a first pseudo baseband signal having frequency error. The first pseudo baseband signal is supplied to a wide band PLL type demodulator 15. A low-pass filter 26 removes noise component from a first control signal from a loop filter 19 in the wide band PLL type demodulator 15 to produce a second control signal. Multipliers 24 and 25 multiply the first pseudo baseband signal with an output of a voltage-controlled oscillator 27 controlled by the second control signal to produce a second pseudo baseband signal having smaller frequency error. The second pseudo baseband signal is supplied to a narrow band demodulator 14 and converted into a baseband signal.

The present invention relates to a demodulating device and, particularly, to a demodulating device for demodulating a signal whose carrier frequency variation is considerable.
In order to demodulate an input signal such as an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or any other modulated signal to produce a baseband signal, a demodulating device composed of a non-coherent demodulator, a coherent demodulator and a phase-locked loop (PLL) type carrier reproduction circuit has been known. In such conventional demodulating device, the non-coherent demodulator multiplies a modulated IF signal with a local oscillation frequency signal whose frequency is close to that of the modulated IF signal to produce a complex baseband signal containing frequency error. Then, the complex baseband signal is multiplied with a reproduced carrier signal in the coherent demodulator to produce a baseband signal. The carrier is reproduced by using PLL type carrier reproduction circuit. The carrier reproduction circuit serves to synchronize an oscillation frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator with the frequency error components of the baseband signal. An example of such PLL type carrier reproduction circuit is described in pages 222-225 of a book entitled "Phase-lock Techniques" by Floyd M. Gardner, Ph.D and published John Wiley & sons, Inc., reprinted 1979.
When such demodulating device is used to demodulate a modulated signal such as used in mobile communication system in which carrier frequency may vary considerably, the frequency variation may go out of a pull-in range of the PLL carrier reproduction circuit, so that a reproduced carrier may frequently slip out, making it impossible to receive the modulated signal. On the other hand, when, in order to make the pull-in range wider to solve this problem, a loop noise bandwidth of a loop filter provided inherently within the PLL type carrier reproduction circuit is expanded, noise becomes considerable, causing insensitivity of the demodulating device to noise to be degraded.

Coherent demodulator preceded by non-coherent demodulator and automatic frequency control circuit