A function setup method of providing a user interface for setting various setup items related to a predetermined function, the method including: generating a setup screen in which display item groups corresponding respectively to the various setup items and each including display items are displayed in a list form; detecting an operation input instructing selection of one display item belonging to a certain one of the display item groups; changing a display state of the one display item to a setup effective state; accessing a data storage unit storing confliction information defining a conflicting relationship of setup values not allowed to be set simultaneously between the setup items, and finding a conflicting display item having the conflicting relationship with the one display item from the display item groups based on the confliction information; and changing the display state of the found conflicting display item to a setup disabled state.

1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure relates to a user interface technique for setting various setup items.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, electronic devices such as printers and facsimile machines have various functions and the number of items to be set for the functions by a user tends to increase. However, the user tends to avoid a complex and cumbersome setup method for many setup items. Accordingly, there is a strong desire for a user interface which allows the user to efficiently and easily set many setup items.
For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-140786 (paragraphs 0027 to 0034, FIGS. 2 and 3, and the like) discloses a digital camera which displays, on a setup screen, information indicating conflicting relationships among setup items of a certain image capturing condition. Since a photographer using this digital camera can easily grasp the conflicting relationships through the setup screen, the photographer can efficiently perform a setup operation of the image capturing condition.

Information processing apparatus, function setup method, and computer program


The present invention provides a PS plate for use in making a lithographic printing plate, comprising an aluminum substrate provided thereon with a light-sensitive layer comprising a polyurethane resin binder, an addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated bond-containing compound and a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the polyurethane resin binder is one synthesized from at least the following compounds (i) to (iv): (i) at least one di-isocyanate compound; (ii) at least one diol compound having at least one carboxyl group; (iii) at least one diol compound whose log P value is less than 0; and (iv) at least one diol compound whose log P value is higher than 0. The PS plate and a method for making a lithographic printing plate therefrom according to the present invention satisfy the requirements for high resistance to staining and high printing durability, which permits the dissolution, in a developer, of the foregoing compounds insoluble in the developer or the stable dispersion of the compounds in the developer over a long period of time and improve the stable processing ability of the developer, without impairing the image-forming ability at all.

The developers, which have conventionally widely been used for developing a photopolymerizable PS plate for use in making lithographic printing plate, can roughly be divided into the following three groups a) to c): a) a non-aqueous developer mainly comprising an organic solvent; b) an aqueous developer mainly comprising an inorganic alkali; and c) an aqueous developer mainly comprising an organic base.
Among them, there have recently been used the aqueous developers b) and c) because of the requirements for the environmental protection.
The characteristic properties of these two kinds of developers will be detailed below. The inorganic alkali-containing developer b) is characterized in that it in general comprises a silicate at a pH value in the proximity to 12 for the purpose of the hydrophilization of the surface of the substrate after the completion of the development.
This silicate is an essential component used in the hydrophilization treatment for preventing any staining of the non-image area of the lithographic printing plate during printing operations.
For instance, there have been known a developer having a pH value of not less than 12 such as those disclosed in Japanese Un-Examined Patent Publication (hereunder referred to as "J.P. KOKAI") Hei 8-248643 and a developer having a pH value of not more than 12 such as those disclosed in J.P. KOKAI Hei 11-65129. The former developer having a pH value of not less than 12 may easily dissolve aluminum commonly used as a material for a substrate. In particular, in case of a point having a small image area (a dot), there is observed such a phenomenon that the aluminum substrate just under the dot image is dissolved due to the side etching phenomenon and such dot is eliminated from the substrate during printing operations (skipping over of dots). In other words, the developer suffers from a problem such that it may significantly deteriorate the printing durability of the resulting lithographic printing plate.
In addition, the latter developer having a pH value of not more than 12 is excellent in the foregoing printing durability and resistance to staining during printing, but the developer suffers from a new problem such that if the developing treatment using the developer is continued over a long period of time, the pH value of the developer is liable to be reduced due to, for instance, the action of carbon dioxide present in the air and the silicate is separated out from the developer and this makes the developing treatment unstable.
Moreover, there have also been proposed developers free of any silicate and examples thereof are disclosed in, for instance, J.P. KOKAI Nos. Sho 61-109052, 2000-81711 and Hei 11-65126 and German Patent No. 1,984,605. However, these developers free of any silicate are inferior in the resistance to staining during printing as compared with the silicate-containing developers and it is difficult for the developers to simultaneously satisfy the requirements for the resistance to staining during printing and the printing durability.
On the other hand, there have been known, as the organic base-containing developer c), those comprising an organic amine such as ethanolamine and an alcoholic organic solvent such as benzyl alcohol as an auxiliary developing agent. In this case, the pH value thereof is certainly low on the order of about 10 and therefore, these developers are not adversely affected by carbon dioxide and thus ensure stable processing of exposed PS plates. However, these developers are disadvantageous in the hydrophilization of the substrate, while their ability of penetrating into the image areas is too strong, in particular, they adversely affect dot images and the dot images are removed from the substrate during development or they suffer from a problem of deteriorating the image-forming ability of the PS plate for making lithographic printing plates.
In other words, there has not yet been developed any satisfactory developer, while taking into consideration the problems concerning, for instance, the image-forming ability, staining of the printing plate during printing operations and printing durability and the ability of stable processing or development in case of the photopolymerizable lithographic printing plate.
Moreover, it has been recognized that the development is greatly influenced by the developer composition and more specifically by, for instance, the presence of a silicate, the height of the pH value and the difference between the inorganic and organic alkaline agents, but the conventional combinations have never solved the foregoing problems.
Furthermore, when the photopolymerizable light-sensitive lithographic printing plate is continuously developed over a long period of time, impurities are accumulated, coagulated and precipitated in a developer used to thus generate scum formed during development (developing scum) and this in turn becomes a cause of making the development unstable.
The components of such developing scum have not yet been clearly elucidated, but it has been found, as a result of analysis, that the majority of the components are components contained in the light-sensitive layer and insoluble in the developer.
Examples of such components insoluble in the developer are various kinds of coloring agents added to the light-sensitive layer for the discrimination of light-exposed areas from un-exposed areas. As such coloring agents, there have been used, in the photopolymerizable light-sensitive layer, so-called pigments, which are not molecularly dispersed in the light-sensitive layer, but are dispersed therein in the form of aggregates, while maintaining the crystalline condition, for the purpose of preventing any desensitization due to radical-trapping and/or that due to unnecessary interaction (such as energy transfer and electron transfer) with initiator systems (such as initiators per se or combinations of sensitizing dyes with initiators). However, such pigments are essentially insoluble in the developer. Accordingly, they are initially temporarily dispersed in a developer in the developing process for removing un-exposed areas, but they are accumulated, coagulated and precipitated in the developer to thus generate developing scum, if the developing treatment is continued over a long period of time.
In addition, the photopolymerizable lithographic printing plate comprises a variety of photopolymerization initiators (radical generators) for coping with the laser light sources recently developed and there have been known, in particular, titanocene type initiators, which are sensitive to laser light beams and excellent in both stability and sensitivity. However, the titanocene type initiator is an organometal, insoluble in developers like the foregoing coloring agents or pigments. Accordingly, they are initially temporarily dispersed in a developer, but they are likewise accumulated, coagulated and precipitated in the developer to thus generate developing scum, if the developing treatment is continued over a long period of time.
It is thus quite important to solve the problem of such developing scum in addition to the solution of the foregoing problem of the silicate-precipitation associated with the reduction of the pH value in order to ensure the ability of stable processing or development.
On the other hand, as a means for improving the printing durability of a printing plate, there has been proposed the use of urethane polymer, as a binder having high strength, such as those disclosed in, for instance, J.P. KOKAI Nos. Hei 3-287165 and Hei 4-204453. However, either of them could not satisfactorily show its function if it is used in combination with the foregoing developer or they could not provide any printing plate having satisfactory printing durability.
As has been described above in detail, there has been desired for the development of a presensitized plate for use in making lithographic printing plates, which can satisfy the requirements for the image-forming ability, the simultaneous achievement of high resistance to staining and printing durability of the resulting printing plate and the stable processing ability as well as a method for making a lithographic printing plate.

Photopolymerizable presensitized plate for use in making lithographic printing plate and method for making lithographic printing plate


Disclosed herein is a liquid drum type fuel cell-metal recovery apparatus, which can produce power through electrochemical oxidation of coal by continuously receiving coal/metal oxide mixed particles.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a liquid drum type fuel cell-metal recovery apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A fuel cell refers to a device that converts chemical energy into electrochemical energy, and can be continuously operated by continuously receiving a gaseous or liquid fuel, such as hydrogen and ethanol, unlike an energy storage device such as a battery.
The fuel cell has been developed in various forms and structures, such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), direct carbon fuel cells (DCFCs), and the like.
Among these fuel cells, the direct carbon/coal fuel cell, which can be referred to as a next generation fuel cell, is capable of obtaining energy through direct electrochemical oxidation of solid carbon fuel, biomass or the like without gasification or use of a reformer. The direct carbon fuel cell has a high thermodynamic energy conversion rate (ηth=ΔG/ΔH=over 100%) incomparable with those of power generation systems or any other energy systems, and does not use external reformation or water unlike other types of fuel cells. In addition, the direct carbon fuel cell scarcely generates by-products, such as NOξ and SOξ, and emits only CO2 gas, which has high purity and is easily collected and reused.
Although carbon or coal, which is used as a fuel, is solid and thus has higher energy density than gaseous materials such as hydrogen, there is a drawback of difficult reaction between solid carbon particles and a solid fuel electrode(anode) catalyst at a three-phase boundary(TPB) at which solid carbon contacts a porous catalyst. In particular, coal is a heterogeneous conglomerate having an extremely complicated physicochemical properties, and is composed of about 10% to about 45% of water, about 45% of volatile materials and about 10% of minerals(ashes).
Thus, when coal is used as a fuel in practice, the fuel electrode catalyst of the direct carbon fuel cell is physically/chemically poisoned by various impurity ashes contained in coal, thereby causing a serious problem with inhibition of continuous electrochemical reaction.
Moreover, in typical metal recovery devices or pretreatment of coal fuels, metal or ashes is extracted or recovered using heat electric energy through a separate external system.
Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that has improved durability against ashes or minerals, which are contained in coal and cause various problems in operation of the direct carbon fuel cell, and can recover reusable metal therefrom. This system can be operated as a highly complementary technology.

Liquid drum type fuel cell-metal recovery apparatus

GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


A planet-pinion carrier assembly for a planetary gear system includes a planet-pinion carrier having first and second radially extending sections, planet pinions each rotatably mounted onto a pinion shaft through a bearing, a first thrust washer disposed between one axial end of each planet pinion and the first section, and a second thrust washer disposed between the other axial end of each planet pinion and the second section. The first and second thrust washers each have a surface hardness large enough to ensure an improved durability and reliability.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a planet-pinion carrier assembly for a planetary gear system to be used in an automatic transmission and, more specifically, to the planet-pinion carrier assembly, wherein thrust washers disposed between axial ends of each planet pinion and a planet-pinion carrier rotatably supporting the planet pinions have a surface hardness large enough to ensure improved durability and reliability.
2. Description of the Background Art
There is known a planet-pinion carrier assembly for a planetary gear system to be used in an automatic transmission, such as disclosed in Japanese First (Unexamined) Utility Model Publication No. 62-40346.
In this known structure, the carrier assembly includes a planet-pinion carrier having a rotation axis, planet pinions each rotatably mounted on a pinion shaft which is fixed to the pinion carrier, a needle roller bearing disposed between the pinion shaft and the planet pinion for rotatably supporting the planet pinion, and thrust washers. Specifically, the pinion carrier has first and second sections extending radially with respect to the rotation axis and axially spaced apart by a predetermined distance from each other for receiving the planet pinions therebetween. The first and second sections are fixedly connected to each other and fixedly support each of the pinion shafts therebetween. The planet pinion is rotatably mounted on each pinion shaft through the needle roller bearing. Further, a pair of the thrust washers are disposed in slidable contact with each other between one axial end surface of each planet pinion and the first section, and another pair of the thrust washers are disposed in slidable contact with each other between the other axial end surface of each planet pinion and the second section, for supporting axial loads applied thereto from the planet pinion and the needle roller bearing. By utilizing two thrust washers arranged in slidable contact with each other, a relative rotational speed between the two thrust washers, when the planet pinions are rotated, can be reduced so as to improve the durability of the thrust washers.
In this known planet-pinion carrier assembly, however, a problem exists that the durability of the thrust washers is insufficient when the applied load is large, i.e. when the planet pinions are rotated at a high speed and with a large torque. Specifically, in the known structure, each thrust washer is formed by applying a soft nitriding process to a high carbon tool steel to have a surface hardness of about Hv (Vickers hardness) 400. Accordingly, the thrust washers, particularly those which face the axial end surfaces of each planet pinion are subject to abrasion when the applied load is large, due to the contact with axial ends of the needle roller bearing and due to the load applied unevenly to the thrust washers which is caused by inclination of each mounted planet pinion.

Planet-pinion carrier assembly for planetary gear system


An electro-optic shutter is provided that includes first and second liquid crystal devices located along an optical path and first and second color-selective layers located between the first and second liquid crystal devices. Each liquid crystal device is adapted to rotate the polarization of incident light to a substantially orthogonal polarization in response to being in a first state, and to not substantially change the polarization of incident light in response to being in a second state. The first color-selective layer is adapted to transmit first and second colors and a first polarization of a third color. The second color-selective layer is adapted to transmit the first and the third colors and a second polarization of the second color that is substantially orthogonal to the first polarization. An electro-optic shutter is also provided that includes a color-selective layer, a liquid crystal device to receive light from the color-selective layer and a polarizer to receive light from the liquid crystal layer. The color-selective layer is adapted to transmit a first color, a first polarization of a second color, and a substantially orthogonal polarization of a third color. The liquid crystal device is adapted to rotate the polarization of light to a substantially orthogonal polarization when in a first state and to not substantially rotate the polarization of light when in a second state. The electro-optic shutter can be employed in projection systems.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electro-optical shutter devices, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for separating white light into packets of polarized, colored light.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a cross prism or cube 10 having four component prisms 32, 34, 36, 38 that fit together to give the cubic form to the cross cube 10. The cross cube 10 is an optical device that produces colored light beams 12, 14, 16 from a white light beam 18. The white light beam 18 enters the cross cube 10 through a front face 20 and the beams of red, green, and blue light 12, 14, 16 exit the cross cube 10 through the side faces 22, 24, 26. First and second color-selective layers 28, 30 give the cross cube 10 the above-described color-separating properties. The first and second layers, 28, 30 are deposited along the joints or interfaces between the four components 32, 34, 36, and 38.
The selective reflectivities of the first and second layer 28, 30 give the color-separating properties to the cross cube 10. The first layer 28 substantially reflects only red light in a first direction. The second layer 30 substantially reflects only blue light in a direction that is opposite to the first direction. Green light passes through the cross cube 10 without either a substantial reduction in intensity or a substantial deviation in direction. To use the cross cube 10 in three-color image formation, three imagers (not shown) are generally necessary, i.e. one imager for each of the separate red, green, and blue light beams 12, 14, 16. The outgoing red, green, and blue light beams 12, 14, 16 have substantially the same power per wavelength as the red, green, and blue components of the incoming white light beam 18.
Referring to FIG. 1, the source (not shown) of the white light beam 18 may be deficient in certain color or wavelength ranges. For example, metal halide lamps are deficient in red or long wavelength visible light. Such lamps output xe2x80x9cquasixe2x80x9d-white light, i.e., a white light in which one or more color components are substantially less intense than other by components. If a metal halide lamp is used with the cross cube 10 to produce the colored light beams 12, 14, 16, the red light beam 12 would be substantially less intense than the other two colored light beams 14, 16. Similarly, a sodium lamp is deficient in blue or short wavelength visible light. Therefore, using the cross cube 10 to separate quasi-white light 18 from a sodium lamp would produce the three colored light beams 12, 14, 16, but the beam of blue light 16 would be substantially less intense than the other two colored light beams 12, 14. In devices (not shown) that use the colored light beams 12, 14, 16 for color image formation, it is generally advantageous for the different colored light beams 12, 14, 16 to have photopically weighted intensities. Unfortunately, the simple cross prism 10 does not normally produce colored light beams of weighted intensity when the white light source is deficient in a particular wavelength or color range.
The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
In another aspect, embodiments of the invention feature an electro-optic shutter. The electro-optic shutter includes a color-selective layer, a liquid crystal device to receive light from the color-selective layer and a polarizer to receive light from the liquid crystal layer. The color-selective layer is adapted to transmit a first color, a first polarization of a second color, and a substantially orthogonal polarization of a third color. The liquid crystal device is adapted to rotate the polarization of light to a substantially orthogonal polarization when in a first state and to not substantially rotate the polarization of light when in a second state.

Separating white light into polarized, colored light


A sound reproduction unit comprises a central, head receiving portion and opposite first and second ends. The first and second ends have opposed front and back surfaces. A first acoustic transducer is mounted within the first end and a second acoustic transducer is mounted within the second end. First, second, third and fourth acoustically substantially transparent pathways are provided between the first transducer and the front surface of the first end, the first transducer and the back surface of the first end, the second transducer and the front surface of the second end, and between the second transducer and the back surface of the second end, respectively.

This invention relates to sound systems. It is disclosed in the context of a loudspeaker mounting for a vehicle, but is believed to be useful in other contexts as well.
In the field of sound systems, numerous proposals have been made to mount system components, for example, loudspeakers in seat headrests. There are, for example, the systems disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 2,452,103; 2,501,993; 2,527,656; 2,908,766; 3,156,500; 3,385,393; 3,512,605; 3,944,020; 3,976,162; 4,027,112; 4,038,499; 4,042,791; 4,310,307; 4,440,443; 4,490,842; 4,565,405; 4,638,884; 4,696,370; 4,797,934; 4,991,222; 5,482,352; D277,630; and, D361,674; and British Patent Specification 827,306. There are also the systems disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 2,710,662; 3,918,551; 4,025,724; 4,289,936; 5,191,177; 5,199,075; and, 5,301,237.
A sound reproduction unit comprises a central, head receiving portion, and opposite first and second ends having opposed front and back surfaces. Means are provided for mounting a first acoustic transducer within the first end. Further means are provided for mounting a second acoustic transducer within the second end. Additional means provide between the first acoustic transducer and the front surface of the first end a first acoustically substantially transparent pathway, between the first acoustic transducer and the back surface of the first end a second acoustically substantially transparent pathway, between the second acoustic transducer and the front surface of the second end a third acoustically substantially transparent pathway, and between the second acoustic transducer and the back surface of the second end a fourth acoustically substantially transparent pathway.
According to an illustrative embodiment, the first transducer comprises a first loudspeaker having opposed first front and second rear radiating surfaces. The first pathway is defined between the first radiating surface and the front of the first end and the second pathway is defined between the second radiating surface and the back of the first end. The second transducer comprises a second loudspeaker having opposed third front and fourth rear radiating surfaces. The third pathway is defined between the third radiating surface and the front of the second end and the fourth pathway is defined between the fourth radiating surface and the back of the second end.
Further according to an illustrative embodiment, the head receiving portion defines a first longitudinal axis and the first end defines a second longitudinal axis, and the first and second axes define between them an angle .alpha. greater than 0.degree. and less than or equal to 90.degree..
Additionally according to an illustrative embodiment, the second end defines a third longitudinal axis, and the first and third axes define between them an angle .beta. greater than 0.degree. and less than or equal to 90.degree..
According to an illustrative embodiment, the sound reproduction unit further comprises means for mounting the unit on an automotive vehicle seat.

Harman International Industries, Incorporated


A fuel vapor purge system is configured to execute a highly accurate leak diagnosis with respect to a fuel vapor leak. After the engine is stopped, the temperature of the fuel vapor rises temporarily and then decreases until it reaches the outside ambient temperature. During this period, the purge line is closed off and a purge line pressure decreasing rate is detected when the purge line pressure is slightly above atmospheric pressure. The detected purge line pressure decreasing rate is then compared to a threshold value. The purge system is diagnosed as “normal” if the purge line pressure decreasing rate is equal to or larger than the threshold value and as “leaking” if the purge line pressure decreasing rate is less than the threshold value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a fuel vapor treatment system configured to be used with an internal combustion engine for an automobile. More specifically, the present invention relates a fuel vapor treatment system equipped with a leak diagnosing system.
2. Background Information
A conventional fuel vapor treatment system for an internal combustion engine is configured to direct fuel vapor produced in a fuel tank into a canister so as to allow the fuel vapor to be temporarily adsorbed. The fuel vapor adsorbed in the canister is then sent to an air intake system of the internal combustion engine by introducing fresh air into the canister through a fresh air introducing port and allowing the fresh air and fuel vapor to be drawn into the air intake system through a purge control valve. In this way, fuel vapors are prevented from being released to the outside air.
However, if a crack develops in the piping of the purge line running from the fuel tank to the canister and from the canister to the purge control valve, or if a poor seal occurs at a joint portion of the piping, then fuel vapor will leak out and the fuel vapor treatment system will not be able to sufficiently prevent the release of fuel vapor to the outside air.
In response to the possibility of such a leak, leak diagnosing systems have been contrived that are configured to determine if fuel vapor is leaking from the purge line. One such leak diagnosing system is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-56416. In the system disclosed this publication, the purge line is closed off after the engine is stopped by closing the purge control valve and closing a fresh air introducing port on/off valve that is arranged and configured to open and close the fresh air introducing port (which is open to the atmosphere). After the purge line is closed off, the purge line pressure rises in accordance with a temperature rise and the leak diagnosing system detects the purge line pressure repeatedly at a prescribed frequency (once per prescribed amount of time). The leak diagnosing system determines that the purge line is normal if a summation value of the detected purge line pressures is equal to or larger than a threshold value and that the purge line is leaking if the summation value is smaller than the threshold value.
Another leak diagnosing system is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-12316. This leak diagnosing system is configured to introduce a prescribed negative pressure to the purge line when a diagnosis condition is satisfied while the engine is running and then close off the purge line. The leak diagnosis system determines if a leak exists based on the rate of change of the purge line pressure after the purge line is closed off.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved leak diagnosing system. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Fuel vapor treatment system with leak diagnosing


Disclosed herein is a compound of formula (I):[M(L)n]m+(Ay−)z  (I)

The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.
Resistive memory devices can be broadly defined as electrical switches that retain a state of internal resistance based on the history of applied voltage. Such devices hold several performance characteristics that can potentially exceed conventional integrated circuit technology and are projected to be the building blocks of the next generation of computing architectures such as neuromorphic computing.
A wide range of materials have been explored as active components of resistive memory devices, including inorganic oxides, 2D materials, polymers, and various molecular systems. Oxide devices are currently the most promising candidates for commercial application, but these devices currently require a high forming voltage/current and large set/reset voltage, which limits their ability to provide high density memory. Organic devices are of interest because of their solution-processability (leading to cheap manufacturing) and chemically tunable functionalities. In fact, some of the organic devices have made inroads into display technologies (OLED based) and a few others seem attractive for emerging applications like flexible electronics. However, when compared to the enormous research effort spent, the overall translation of organic devices in to commercial products has been poor. The problems arise from insufficient reproducibility, endurance, stability, scalability and low switching speed. To address the issue of reproducibility, systematic statistical analysis of device characteristics is essential, but these rare for organic resistive memory devices. Furthermore, most devices show endurances of <103 cycles and stability of a few hours, which is lower by orders of magnitude than commercial flash memories (endurance ˜106 cycles, stability˜years) and as a result are insufficient for any real-world application.
Additionally, because of the inherent structural complexities of the molecules in such systems, the understanding of the switching mechanism tends to be poor, rendering further device optimization difficult. In most devices, switching behaviour is attributed to field-driven polarization, structural changes (e.g. cis-trans isomerisation) or redox transitions, but such assignments lack direct evidence. Singling out the primary driving mechanism from several possibilities is a challenge and requires in-situ molecular characterization which has so far been scant for organic devices. In contrast, such in-situ characterization techniques have been established for a number of oxide systems, which may have enabled their development into commercial products.

Resistive memory devices based on metal coordinated redox active ligands

Abstract: where A, M, L, n, m, y and z are as defined herein, which can be used in the formation of a resistive memory device. Also disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing such devices and their uses.


Disclosed are LED driver circuits, and methods of driving LED loads. In one embodiment, an LED driver can include: (i) an SCR coupled to an AC power supply, and configured to generate a DC voltage through a first rectifier circuit; (ii) a first stage conversion circuit having an isolated topology with power factor correction, where the first stage conversion circuit is configured to convert the DC voltage to a first output voltage; (iii) where the first stage conversion circuit includes a transformer having a primary side coupled to the DC voltage, and a secondary side coupled to the first output voltage through a second rectifier circuit; and (iv) a second stage conversion circuit having a non-isolated topology, where the second stage conversion circuit is configured to convert the first output voltage to an output current configured to drive an LED load based on a conducting angle of the SCR.

With continuous innovation and rapid development of the lighting industry, along with increasing importance of energy-savings and environmental protection, LED lighting is being increasingly employed as a revolutionary energy-efficient lighting technology. However, due to volt-ampere principles and temperature characteristics, LEDs are more sensitive to current than voltage. Thus, conventional power supplies may not be applicable to directly power LED loads. Therefore, it is important to have an appropriate LED driver when using LED as a lighting source.

High-efficiency LED driver and driving method

Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) LTD


An apparatus and improved method for defrosting of the refrigeration unit of a refrigerated vending machine are disclosed. A damper controls flow of heated defrosting air in the refrigeration unit during a defrosting cycle to prevent the heated air from exiting out of the refrigerated air duct leading to the refrigerated compartment of the vending machine, thereby maintaining the desired ambient air temperature within the refrigerated compartment.

Vending machines of all types have become commonplace in today's societies. One of the more recent types of vending machines are those which dispense refrigerated, frozen or semi-frozen items. The refrigeration units of such vending machines are required to maintain the temperature of the refrigerated portion(s) of the vending machine at various temperatures depending upon the nature of the products being dispensed. For example canned or bottled beverages or cooled foods are typically maintained at temperatures of about 36.degree. to 45.degree. F. Semifrozen goods such as ice-cream are maintained at a temperature of about 9.degree. F.; whereas frozen goods require refrigeration temperatures below -5.degree. F. At such lower temperatures, condensation and eventually ice has a tendency to rapidly form on the evaporator coils of the machine's refrigeration unit, requiring frequent, routine defrosting of the evaporator coils. It is important to minimize the defrosting cycle time and to maintain the temperature of the refrigerated compartments during the defrosting cycle to prevent thawing or spoiling of the items stored therein. The refrigerated chamber(s) gain temperature during a defrosting cycle through normal heat gain through the chamber walls, through leakage through any seals associated with the chamber(s) and through any vending activities during the defrosting cycle. Further, the mechanics of the defrosting operation itself have been one of the largest contributors of heat gain to the refrigerated compartment(s) during a defrosting cycle.
The defrosting operation is typically accomplished by applying heat to the iced evaporator coils. In prior art refrigeration configurations, a significant amount of the applied defrosting heat has escaped through the airflow ducts associated with the evaporator coils, from the refrigeration unit and into the refrigerated compartment. Such escaping heat not only increases the defrosting time by requiring the application of yet more heat to the evaporator coils, but also directly increases the ambient air temperature of the refrigerated compartment(s). With prior art defrosting systems, the temperature within a refrigerated compartment housing frozen food could rise as high as an unacceptable 40.degree. F. during a defrosting cycle and for a beverage or food containing compartment, as high as 60.degree. to 70.degree. F. The present invention addresses the above-described shortcomings and problems associated with the defrosting of prior art refrigerated vending machines.

Damper apparatus for refrigerated vending machines with a defrost cycle


A reclosable pouch includes a closure assembly that comprises first and second closure profiles disposed on first and second side panels, respectively. A handle is provided that comprises discrete first and second handle sections. Each handle section has an opening in a central portion thereof. The first handle section is attached only to the first side panel at an area below the first closure profile and the second handle section is attached only to the second side panel at an area below the second closure profile. By providing the handle sections in such a manner, the first and second handle sections exert substantially more force on an internal side of the first and second closure profiles, respectively, than on an external side of the respective closure profiles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to reclosable pouches having handles, and more particularly, to a thermoplastic pouch having handles attached below a closure assembly of the pouch.
2. Description of the Background of the Invention
A thermoplastic pouch for the storage of items typically includes a closure assembly disposed at or adjacent a mouth of the pouch. In some instances, handles may be provided adjacent the mouth of the pouch to assist a user in transporting the pouch.
Peppiatt U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,336 discloses a bag comprising inner and outer webs of thermoplastic material. The outer web includes front and rear panels that are joined together by a loop-shaped handle portion at a top portion of the bag and a seam at the bottom of the bag. The handle portion has a width narrower than the width of the front and rear panels. The inner web includes top and bottom panels that are connected by a gusset at the top portion of the bag and a seam at the bottom of the bag. A perforated line is provided on the gusset that a user must tear open to gain access to the interior of the bag. Closure means are also disposed over the perforated line on the gusset for resealing of the bag.
Peppiatt U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,868 discloses a bag having front and rear panels. A mating closure structure is provided on a top end of the front and rear panels for opening and closing the bag. A loop handle is attached to the top end of the bag. The loop handle includes two flanges that are attached to respective front and rear panels adjacent the closure structure. Oval-shaped openings are disposed in the loop handle for permitting the user to grasp the handle with his hand. The loop handle also includes spaced parallel lines of perforations at a top portion of the handle to create a tear away handle portion. When the tear away handle portion is separated from the balance of the handle, two portions are formed that may be folded to either side of the bag to allow the user access to the closure structure.
Peppiatt U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,138 discloses a unitary outer piece of flexible plastic that includes rectangular front and rear panels with a gusset connecting the two panels at a top portion of the bag. A unitary inner piece of flexible plastic is also provided that includes rectangular front and rear panels with a gusset providing a connection at the top portion of the bag. A loop-shaped handle is disposed over the top portion of the bag, wherein edge portions of the web are attached to the outer front and rear panels. The handle is of a sufficient size to allow the loop-shaped handle to be slipped over a user's arm. Perforations on the handle allow for the handle to be torn to create two loop portions for increased access to the top portion. A closure device is provided adjacent the outer gusset. Upon opening the closure device, frangible sections of both the outer and inner gussets must be broken open to gain access to the interior of the bag.


Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a polyolefin composition and processes suitable for use in forming a lid for a hot food or beverage container that has a stiffness comparable to a similar lid made using high impact polystyrene and a density less than water at 23° C.

Polystyrene is commonly used for forming disposable containers, cups, lids, and other food service articles. Polystyrene has a stiffness and heat resistance suitable for use in making food service articles for use in hot food service, such as coffee cup and soup bowl lids. However, polystyrene can be challenging to recycle, dissuading some consumers from purchasing products made using polystyrene. In the United States, an increasing number of municipalities are banning or placing restrictions on the use of polystyrene in food service articles due to poor public perception.

Polyolefin-based composition for a lid and methods of making and using


The invention relates to methods of sealing of pipeline joints operating with cryogenic liquids. The method is realized with the use of a tape of a porous structuring material that may be dry or impregnated with a liquid having a freezing point above the temperature of a cryogenic fluid in the pipeline. The material of the tape and the impregnating liquid are inert to the cryogenic fluid and to the environment. The method consists in that prior to filling the pipeline with the cryogenic fluid, the tape is tightly wrapped around the joint or an area that is at risk of a damage or puncture, the wrapping is then wetted by pouring on it the same liquid that was used for impregnation, and then the cryogenic fluid is fed to the pipeline for freezing the liquid that is contained in the tape for forming a tight frozen seal around the joint.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cryogenic technique and, more particularly, to a method for sealing joints of pipeline and containers operating with cryogenic fluids at extremely low temperatures. The invention may find application in aerospace, aircraft, nuclear equipment, ship building, and other industries.
(2) Description of Related Art
Basic connections used in containers for storing or in pipelines for transporting cryogenic fluids are flange joints. Improvements of reliability in flange joints of aforementioned containers and pipelines is a matter of great importance that nowadays attracts attention of scientists and designers.
Two lines of work are in progress: improvement of sealing units is attained either due to special features of the flange joint designs (RU 2145687, F16L 23/00, F16L 19/00, F16L 21/00, published Feb. 20, 2000; RU 2137023, F17C 13/00, published Sep. 10, 1999; Application RU 92011930, F16L 19/02, published Aug. 27, 1995) or due to the use of new sealants put on the internal surface of flanges (RU 2227240, F16L 15/04, published Apr. 20, 2004; RU 2170751, C09K 3/10, C09K 21/02, published Jul. 20, 2001; RU 2163917, C09K 3/10, F16L 15/04, published Mar. 10, 2001; RU 2194734, C09K 3/10, published Dec. 20, 2002).
Common disadvantages of the above methods of sealing are their complexity, high cost, and inefficiency of application for pipelines operating with cryogenic products.
In accordance with a conventional practice, all aforementioned flange joints are normally assembled and tightened, including tightening with the use of threaded fasteners, prior to loading of the container or pipeline with a cryogenic fluid, i.e., at ambient temperature. However, even at the very initial stage of use, i.e., when the container or pipeline is filled with a cryogenic fluid, seals may be subject to a failure due to mechanical stress resulting from sharp cooling of connection flanges. Such failure may be accompanied by a strong leakage and evaporation of cryogenic liquids (it is visually observed in air: the joints begin to "smoke"). Taking into account the fact that at cryogenic temperatures metals loose their plasticity, it is impossible to eliminate the leakage by additionally tightening the flange bolts, since overtightening may cause brittle fracture. Furthermore, at cryogenic temperatures the presence of sealants in interthread spaces of the flanges may only adds to the complexity of the situation.
One known method of sealing used for repairing containers for fluids consists of applying a sealing gasket or patch on the surface to be repaired. The patch is comprised of alternating layers of a reinforcing material impregnated with a polymerizable binder and a foamed plastic, the pores of which are filled with a curing agent. After the curing agent is displaced from the pores onto the binder, the patch is pressed against the surface to be repaired (see RU Patent Application 95116511, C09K 3/10, C09J 5/00, F16L 55/175, published Sep. 27, 1997).
It should be noted that in addition to such drawbacks as complexity, unreliability, inapplicability for sealing flange joints of intricate geometrical configurations, the patch-application method is absolutely unsuitable for use in pipelines that transport cryogenic fluids. RU Patent 2229417, B63B 43/16 published May 27, 2004 discloses a method of sealing punctured containers such as punctured oil tanks and pipelines that are maintained under live pressure. The method is intended for rescue works on river and sea vessels. The method is based on forming an ice sealant between the hull of the damaged vessel over the entire periphery of the hole and a <<patch>> applied onto the hole. The <<patch>> is comprised of a rigid casing with a system of tubular heat exchangers on the periphery. A cryogen (preferably, liquefied nitrogen) that flows through heat-exchanging tubes produces a cooling effect that forms ice in the areas of contact between the hull and the "patch" whereby the <<patch>> is frozen on the surface of the hull around the punctured area.
Although the aforementioned method is attractive due to its safety, it is still complicated and unreliable. Furthermore, the method is applicable only to patching holes on simple flat or curved surfaces but is inapplicable for sealing leakages through gaps and holes in bodies of complex geometrical configuration, such as, e.g., flanged joints of cryogenic pipelines widely used in aerospace industry.
It is understood that continued leakage of the cryogenic fluid may cause explosion or fire.

Method of sealing joints of pipelines and containers operating with cryogenic fluids


A system for managing medical waste received in one or more containers placed at one or more medical facilities, for instance, for improved scheduling is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises tracking modules coupled to the one or more containers, wherein each tracking module comprises, a plurality of LEDs positioned opposite to a plurality of light sensors, wherein each of the LED is being configured to periodically project a light beam towards a light sensor among plurality of light sensors for detecting a fill level of the container, and a controller in communication with the plurality of LEDs and the plurality of light sensors, wherein the controller is being configured for, periodically triggering the plurality of LEDs for projecting the light beams, receiving output data of the plurality of light sensors, the output data representing the fill level of the container, and communicating the fill level to a server.

The waste management industry has multiple facets and categories of wastes that are removed from various premises. The hospitals and the medical facilities waste industry is strictly regulated by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that the risk of diseases are kept away from humans, pets, other animals and hence, the environment. A few of the categories of wastes that are hauled from a hospital are regulated medical waste (RMW), sharps, solid waste, recyclable waste and pharmacy (pharma) waste.
Typically, tons of medical wastes are generated in each hospitals and other medical facilities, and more than 50% of such wastes are hazardous to the environment directly or indirectly. The hazardous, for example sharps, and toxic wastes generally have the potential to cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious reversible or irreversible illness. Specifically, sharps including sharp needles, syringes or lancets, etc. pose a substantial hazard to human health when mishandled or improperly collected, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. Hence, such hazardous wastes cannot be handled by an individual or by the medical facility, however, requires professionals for collecting, transporting and disposing the same.
Generally, containers are provided for disposing such hazardous wastes, such as sharps, in all the hospitals and other medical facilities, and such wastes need to be timely collected from the hospitals and other medical facilities. Typically, the hospitals or the medical facility call pickup services once the containers are full for collecting the hazardous wastes. However, such method is inefficient as there might be delay in collection and a person has to keep track of the fill level of the containers to inform the pickup services well before the containers are completely full. In addition, if a container gets overfull and spills, it can cause injury to hospital personnel and patients and an inherent liability. Hence, a simple, reliable and scalable technological solution to implement compliance and yet to prevent spillage of hazardous wastes in the hospitals and other medical facilities has been absent for the medical waste industry.

System and method for managing medical waste received in one or more containers


Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating personalization of a weather band radio that receives SAME messages broadcast by the NWR system. Alphanumeric indicators of locations are displayed upon a user display element. And, a listener of the radio enters, by way of a user input actuator, selection of selected geographical areas, identified by the alphanumeric indicators. The selected alphanumeric location is used to form a six-digit location code defined by the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). And, the code so-formed is used by the weather band radio, selectably to alert weather anomalies broadcast by the NWR system within the selected geographical area of interest.

The use of weather band radios by which to receive information associated with weather alerts and warnings provides listeners with information related to weather anomalies, such as severe weather warnings. As a result of improved ability of weather forecasting and reporting authorities, advanced warnings of potentially dangerous weather, and other, conditions are able to be forecast, tracked, and reported in timely manners.
The National Weather Service is an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States Department of Commerce. A voice radio broadcast system was initiated by the National Weather Service in the late 1950s. The weather broadcast service provided by the National Weather Service later was named the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). The NWR is broadcast at a Very High Frequency (VHF) radio band, extending between 162.400 MHz and 162.550 MHz. Seven channels are defined within the frequency band and information is broadcast by transmitting stations located in various geographical regions.
The NWR, starting in the 1960s, broadcast a single tone at 1050 Hz, prior to the broadcast of a message relating to a potentially dangerous event. The single tone is sometimes referred to as a warning alarm tone (WAT). Weather band radios are sometimes operable to detect the warning alarm tone and, responsive to its detection, automatically to turn on the speaker of the weather band radio to annunciate aurally the detected tone.
In the 1980s, the National Weather Service implemented broadcast of digital codes together with the tone alerting the existence of the severe weather, or other, emergency condition. An NWR specific area message encoding (NWR SAME) is the standardized format of the digital code.
Weather band radio receivers constructed to detect the digital message are provided with the informational content of the digital message. An NWR SAME message includes various fields, including a field that identifies the geographic region associated with an accompanying weather alert message. The weather band radio capable of detecting the digital message and operating responsive thereto, is operated, if desired, to alert only weather alerts associated with a geographical area of interest of a listener of the weather band radio. The radio, however, must be personalized by the listener to operate in this manner. That is to say, the geographical area of interest to the listener must be identified and input into the radio. The code is a six-digit sequence that identifies and area, such as by state, then county, then portion of a county. Unlike a spelled name of an area, formed of a sequence of alphanumeric symbols, a six-digit sequence is less likely to be known by a listener of the weather band radio. Personalization of the weather band radio conventionally requires entry by the multi-digit code associated with the listener's area of interest. If the listener is unaware of the code, the listener must make separate inquiry of the code associated with the listener's geographical area of interest. The separate inquiry is oftentimes inconvenient and, sometimes, even unavailable to the listener. Personalization of the weather band radio to the listener's area of interest is inconvenienced by the need to resort to external inquiry or, if external inquiry is not available, the personalization of the weather band radio can not be effectuated.
If a manner could be provided by which to set up a weather band radio to facilitate its personalization to a listener's geographical area of interest, improved ease of set up of the weather band radio would be provided.
It is in light of this background information related to weather band radios that the significant improvements of the present invention have evolved.

Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating entry of location information at a weather band radio or other receiving station


An electrical connector system for mitigating corrosion and maintaining an internal environment conducive for connectivity and the protection of internal electrical contacts is disclosed. The electrical system can include a female connector device designed to couple with a male connector device, and to enclose a chamber containing a corrosion deterring fluid. One or more electrical contacts can be located within the chamber, and be configured to interface with connecting members of a male connector device. The electrical connector system can also include one or more sealing gates configured to act as a sealing membrane that is designed to separate the corrosion deterring fluid in the chamber from fluid external to the chamber while allowing the connecting members of the male connector device to be inserted through the gates and into the chamber.

The metallic materials that compose electrical connectors in use today can be susceptible to oxidation and other types of corrosion, particularly in environments with poor air quality, harsh climates, or severe weather conditions. Such corrosion can lead to decreased electrical conductivity in the metals, diminished signal integrity in communications between the electrical contacts, and impaired performance of the connector's functions.


An unsymmetrical dipole antenna includes a grounding element, a radiating element, and a feed-in wire. The grounding element includes a first short side metal plane and a first long side metal plane. The radiating element includes a second short side metal plane and a second long side metal plane. The feed-in wire includes a metal wire, coupled to the second short side metal plane for transmitting a feed-in signal; an insulation layer, covering the metal wire; a metal weave, covering the insulation layer, having one terminal coupled to the first short side metal plane of the grounding element, and another terminal coupled to a system ground of the wireless communication device; and a protective layer, covering the metal weave. A size of the grounding element and a size of the radiating element are irrelative.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an unsymmetrical dipole antenna, and more particularly, to an unsymmetrical dipole antenna for wideband or multi-frequency applications, capable of adjusting appearance while meeting a product structure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Antennas are utilized for emitting or receiving radio waves, to transmit or exchange radio signals. An electronic product with wireless communication function, e.g. notebook computer, personal digital assistant, etc., generally utilizes a built-in antenna to access a wireless network. Therefore, to facilitate a user's access to the wireless communication network, an ideal antenna should maximize its bandwidth within a permitted range, while minimizing physical dimensions to accommodate the trend for smaller-sized portable wireless communication devices, and integrating the antennas into the portable wireless communication devices. Additionally, with the advance of wireless communication technology, operating frequencies of different wireless communication systems may be different. Therefore, the ideal antenna should be able to cover the required bands of different wireless communication networks via a single radiator.
In the prior art, one of common wireless communication antennas is planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA). As implied in the name, a shape of PIFA is similar to an inverted and rotated "F". In general, a basic structure of PIFA includes a radiating element and a metal plane with a large area to form a "ground", thereby wasting a lot of areas. Furthermore, PIFA radiating element requires a long length for a low frequency application (e.g. 800 MHz), causing large area and high cost, which is not suitable for a compact mobile device.
Therefore, it is a common goal in the industry to effectively increase the bandwidth of antennas, as well as meet the space constraints of the compact mobile devices.


The present invention provides a process for inhibiting the re-absorption of migrating dyes in the wash liquor, comprising introducing into a wash liquor containing a peroxide-containing detergent, from 0.5 to 150, preferably from 1.5 to 75, especially from 7.5 to 40 mg, per liter of wash liquor, of one or more compounds having the formula:

The present invention relates to a process for inhibiting the re-absorption of migrating dyes in the wash liquor.
It is well known that various metal compounds, e.g. manganese complexes, are useful in detergents as catalysts for oxidation with peroxygen compounds such as perborate or peroxides. It is also known that certain other manganese complexes cause enhanced bleaching effects on dirt or dyes in the wash bath. Moreover, these manganese complexes do not exhaust at all on to cotton, polyamide or polyester fibres so that the complexes cannot lead to fibre discolouration problems.
One problem associated with the evaluation of a compound as a candidate for use in a process for inhibiting the re-absorption of migrating dyes in the wash liquor, is the lack of a sufficiently reliable and comprehensive screening technique. Such a technique has now been developed and used to quantify the dye transfer inhibition performance of potential substances. This screening procedure comprises a variety of tests which makes it possible to determine the usefulness/damage balance of any candidates on a quantitative basis. A product is characterised in terms of its specific effectivity, scope of use, compatibility with the most important system components, oxygen demand and its fibre- and dyestuff degradation potential. Moreover, the precision of the data is such that structure/effect relationships can be developed. The application of the new evaluation technique to manganese complexes has resulted in the identification of further manganese complexes which exhibit excellent performance as dye transfer inhibitors, which are of relatively low molecular weight and the effectiveness of which is substantial even at low levels of addition.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a process for inhibiting the re-absorption of migrating dyes in the wash liquor, comprising introducing into a wash liquor containing a peroxide-containing detergent, from 0.5 to 150, preferably from 1.5 to 75, especially from 7.5 to 40 mg, per liter of wash liquor, of one or more compounds having the formula:
in which n is 1, 2 or 3;
A is an anion;
R1 is hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl,
Y is linear or branched alkylene of the formula xe2x80x94[C(R1)2]m in which m is an integer ranging from 1 to 8 and each R1 independently from the other has its previous significance; xe2x80x94CXxe2x95x90CXxe2x80x94 in which X is cyano, linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl or di(linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl-amino;
xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94NR1(CH2)qxe2x80x94 in which R1 has its previous significance and q is 1, 2, 3 or 4; or a 1,2-cyclohexylene or phenylene residue having the formula:
in which R7 is hydrogen, CH2OH or CH2NH2 or SO3M, where M is hydrogen, an alkali metal atom, ammonium or a cation formed from an amine,
R and Rxe2x80x2 are each independently from the other cyano; halogen; hydroxy; OR1 or COOR1 in which R1 has its previous significance; nitro; linear or branched partially or completely fluorinated C1-C8-alkyl; NR3R4 in which R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or linear or branched C1-C12-alkyl; xe2x80x94N⊕R1R3R4 in which R1, R3 and R4 have their previous significance or linear or branched C1-C8-alkylene-R2 in which R2 is OR1, COOR1 or NR3R4,
R5 and R6 are each independently from the other hydrogen; linear or branched C1-C4-alkyl; unsubstituted aryl or aryl which is substituted by cyano, halogen, OR1 or COOR1, nitro, linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl, NR3R4 in which R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or linear or branched C1-C12-alkyl; xe2x80x94N⊕R1R3R4 in which R1, R3 and R4 have their previous significance or linear or branched C1-C8-alkylene-R2 in which R2 is OR1, COOR1 or NR3R4,
with the proviso that each n is 1, if R and Rxe2x80x2 are both C1-C4-alkyl.
When Y is a 1,2-cyclohexylene residue, this residue may be in any of its cis/trans stereoisomeric forms.
Y is preferably xe2x80x94[C(R8)2]2 wherein R8 is hydrogen or methyl, xe2x80x94CXxe2x95x90CXxe2x80x94 in which X is cyano, xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94NR8xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94 in which R8 has its previous significance and q is 1, 2, 3 or 4; or a 1,2-cyclohexylene or phenylene residue having the formula:
Preferred halogen atoms R or Rxe2x80x2 are chlorine, bromine and fluorine atoms.
When n is 1, preferably the group R or Rxe2x80x2 respectively is in the 4-position of the respective benzene ring, with the exceptions that when R or Rxe2x80x2 is nitro or CO2R2, the group R or Rxe2x80x2 is preferably in the 5-position of the respective benzene ring. When n is 2, preferably the groups R or Rxe2x80x2 are in the 4,6-positions of the respective benzene ring, with the exceptions that when R or Rxe2x80x2 is nitro or CO2R2 the groups R or Rxe2x80x2 are preferably in the 3,5-positions of the respective benzene ring.
When R or Rxe2x80x2 is the group di-(C1-C12alkyl)amino, the alkyl moiety may be a straight- or branched chain alkyl moiety, and it preferably contains from 1 to 8, more preferably from 1 to 4 and, especially, 1 or 2 carbon atoms.
Preferred groups R and Rxe2x80x2 are dimethylamino, diethylamino, hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, chloro or nitro.
Anions A include halide, especially chloride, perchlorate, sulphate, nitrate, hydroxide, BF4xe2x88x92, PF6xe2x88x92, carboxylate, especially acetate, triflate or tosylate.
Some of the compounds of formula (1) and the ligands from which they are derived are known compounds. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,578 there is described the preparation of N,N-bis(4-dimethylaminosalicylidene)diiminoethylene; in EP-A-0 693 550 there is disclosed the production of the manganese complex of N,N-bis(4-diethylaminosalicylidene)diiminoethylene; and in Bernado et.al., Inorg. Chem. 35 (2) 387 (1996), there is disclosed the production of N,N-bis(4-diethylaminosalicylidene)diiminocyclohexylene as well as the production of the manganese complex N,N-bis(4-diethylaminosalicylidenediiminocyclohexylene. New compounds of formula (1) and new ligands from which they are derived form further aspects of the present invention.
Moreover, the use, as dye transfer inhibitors, of those compounds of formula (1) in which A is an anion and a) Y is xe2x80x94CH2CH2xe2x80x94 each R is di-(C1-C2alkyl)amino; or b) Y is cyclohexylene and each R is di-(C1-C2alkyl)amino has been broadly indicated, but not specifically described, in GB-A-2,296,015. On the other hand, the use, as dye transfer inhibitors, of those compounds of formula (1) in which A is an anion, Y is xe2x80x94CH2CH2xe2x80x94 and each R is hydroxy, is believed to be completely new.
Of particular interest for use in in the method of the present invention are those compounds of formulae:
The present invention also provides a detergent composition comprising:
i) 5-90%,preferably 5-70% of A) an anionic surfactant and/or B) a nonionic surfactant;
ii) 5-70%, preferably 5-50%, especially 5-40% of C) a builder;
iii) 0.1-30%, preferably 1-12% of D) a peroxide; and
iv) 0.005-2%, preferably 0.02-1%, especially 0.1-0.5% of E) a compound of formula (1) or (2) as defined above, each by weight, based on the total weight of the detergent.
The detergent may be formulated as a solid; or as a non-aqueous liquid detergent, containing not more than 5, preferably 0-1 wt.% of water, and based on a suspension of a builder in a non-ionic surfactant, as described, e.g., in GB-A-2158454.
Preferably, the detergent is in powder or granulate form.
Such powder or granulate forms may be produced by firstly forming a base powder by spray-drying an aqueous slurry containing all the said components, apart from the components D) and E); then adding the components D) and E) by dry-blending them into the base powder. In a further process, the component E) may be added to an aqueous slurry containing components A), B) and C), followed by spray-drying the slurry prior to dry-blending component D) into the mixture. In a still further process, component B) is not present, or is only partly present in an aqueous slurry containing components A) and C); component E) is incorporated into component B), which is then added to the spray-dried base powder; and finally component D) is dry-blended into the mixture.
The anionic surfactant component A) may be, e.g., a sulphate, sulphonate or carboxylate surfactant, or a mixture of these. Preferred sulphates are alkyl sulphates having 12-22 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, optionally in combination with alkyl ethoxy sulphates having 10-20 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical.
Preferred sulphonates include alkyl benzene sulphonates having 9-15 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical.
In each case, the cation is preferably an alkali metal, especially sodium.
Preferred carboxylates are alkali metal sarcosinates of formula Rxe2x80x94COxe2x80x94N(R1)xe2x80x94CH2COOM1 in which R is alkyl or alkenyl having 9-17 carbon atoms in the alkyl or alkenyl radical, Rxe2x80x2 is hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl and M1 is alkali metal.
The nonionic surfactant component B) may be, e.g., a condensate of ethylene oxide with a C9-C15 primary alcohol having 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide per mole.
The builder component C) may be an alkali metal phosphate, especially a tripolyphosphate; a carbonate or bicarbonate, especially the sodium salts thereof; a silicate; an aluminosilicate; a polycarboxylate; a polycarboxylic acid; an organic phosphonate; or an aminoalkylene poly (alkylene phosphonate); or a mixture of these.
Preferred silicates are crystalline layered sodium silicates of the formula NaHSimO2m+1.pH2O or Na2SimO2m+1.pH2O in which m is a number from 1.9 to 4 and p is 0 to 20.
Preferred aluminosilicates are the commercially-available synthetic materials designated as Zeolites A, B, X, and HS, or mixtures of these. Zeolite A is preferred.
Preferred polycarboxylates include hydroxypolycarboxylates, in particular citrates, polyacrylates and their copolymers with maleic anhydride.
Preferred polycarboxylic acids include nitrilotriacetic acid and ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid, ethylenediaminedisuccinate in racemic form as well as the enantiomeric S,S-form
Preferred organic phosphonates or aminoalkylene poly (alkylene phosphonates) are alkali metal ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates, nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates, ethylene diamine tetra methylene phosphonates and diethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonates.
The peroxide component D) may be any organic or inorganic peroxide compound, described in the literature or available on the market, which bleaches textiles at conventional washing temperatures, e.g. temperatures in the range of from 30xc2x0 C. to 90xc2x0 C. In particular, the organic peroxides are, for example, monoperoxides or polyperoxides having alkyl chains of at least 3, preferably 6 to 20, carbon atoms; in particular diperoxydicarboxylates having 6 to 12 C atoms, such as diperoxyperazelates, diperoxypersebacates, diperoxyphthalates and/or diperoxydodecanedioates, especially their corresponding free acids, are of interest. It is preferred, however, to employ very active inorganic peroxides, such as persulphate, perborate and/or percarbonate. It is, of course, also possible to employ mixtures of organic and/or inorganic peroxides. Peroxides can have different crystalline forms and/or different degrees of hydration. They may be used in admixture with other organic or inorganic salts, thereby improving their stability to storage.
The addition of the peroxides to the detergent is effected, in particular, by mixing the components, for example by means of screw-metering systems and/or fluidized bed mixers.
The detergents may contain, in addition to the combination according to the invention, one or more of fluorescent whitening agents, such as a bis-triazinylamino-stilbene-disulphonic acid, a bis-triazolyl-stilbene-disulphonic acid, a bis-styryl-biphenyl, a bis-benzofuranylbiphenyl, a bis-benzoxalyl derivative, a bis-benzimidazolyl derivative, a coumarine derivative or a pyrazoline derivative; soil suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethylcellulose; salts for adjusting the pH, for example alkali or alkaline earth metal silicates; foam regulators, for example soap; salts for adjusting the spray drying and granulating properties, for example sodium sulphate; perfumes; and also, if appropriate, antistatic and softening agents; such as smectite clays; enzymes, such as amylases; photobleaching agents; pigments; and/or shading agents. These constituents should, of course, be stable to the bleaching system employed.
A particularly preferred detergent co-additive is a polymer known to be useful in preventing the transfer of labile dyes between fabrics during the washing cycle. Preferred examples of such polymers are polyvinyl pyrrolidones, optionally modified by the inclusion of an anionic or cationic substituent, especially those having a molecular weight in the range from 5000 to 60,000, in particular from 10,00 to 50,000. Preferably, such polymer is used in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 5%, preferably 0.2-1.7% by weight, based on the weight of the detergent.
The detergents may additionally contain so-called perborate-activators, e.g. TAGU or, preferably TAED. This is preferably used in an amount of 0,05 through 5% by weight, especially 0,2 through 1,7% by weight, relative to the total weight of the detergent.
The manganese complexes of formula (2) are new compounds and some of the manganese complexes of formula (1) are new too.
The invention consequently also relates to manganese complexes of formula (3)
in which n is 1, 2 or 3;
A is an anion;
R and Rxe2x80x2 are each independently from the other cyano; halogen; hydroxy; OR1 or COOR1 in which R1 has its previous significance; nitro; linear or branched partially or completely fluorinated C1-C8-alkyl; NR3R4 in which R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or linear or branched C1-C12-alkyl; xe2x80x94N⊕R1R3R4 in which R1, R3 and R4 have their previous significance or linear or branched C1-C8-alkylene-R2 in which R2 is OR1, COOR1 or NR3R4,
R1 is hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl,
Y1 is xe2x80x94CXxe2x95x90CXxe2x80x94 in which X is cyano, xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94NR1xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94 in which R1 has its previous significance and q is 1, 2, 3 or 4; linear or branched alkylene of the formula xe2x80x94[C(R1)2]m in which m is an integer ranging from 1 to 8 and each R1 independently from the other has its previous significance, with the proviso that at least one R1 is C1-C4-alkyl; or a 1,2-cyclohexylene or phenylene residue having the formula:
in which R7 is hydrogen, CH2OH or CH2NH2 or SO3M, where M is hydrogen, an alkali metal atom, ammonium or a cation formed from an amine, with the proviso that each n is 1 if R and Rxe2x80x2 are both C1-C4-alkyl and Y1 is an unsubstituted 1,2-cyclohexylene residue,
Y is linear or branched alkylene of the formula xe2x80x94[C(R1)2]m in which m is an integer ranging from 1 to 8 and each R1 independently from the other has its previous significance; xe2x80x94CXxe2x95x90CXxe2x80x94 in which X is cyano, linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl or di(linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl)-amino;
xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94NR1xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94 in which R1 has its previous significance and q is 1, 2, 3 or 4; or a 1,2-cyclohexylene or phenylene residue having the formula:
in which R7 is hydrogen, CH2OH or CH2NH2 or SO3M, where M is hydrogen, an alkali metal atom, ammonium or a cation formed from an amine,
R5 and R6 are each independently from the other hydrogen; linear or branched C1-C4-alkyl; unsubstituted aryl or aryl which is substituted by cyano, halogen, OR1 or COOR1, nitro, linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl, NR3R4 in which R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or linear or branched C1-C12-alkyl; xe2x80x94N⊕R1R3R4 in which R1, R3 and R4 have their previous significance or linear or branched C1-C8-alkylene-R2 in which R2 is OR1, COOR1 or NR3R4.
The ligands of formulae (4) or (5) which are contained in the manganese complexes are new themselves and these ligands are also part of the instant invention. The invention consequently also relates to compounds of the formula (4)
in which n is 1, 2 or 3;
R and Rxe2x80x2 are each independently from the other cyano; halogen; hydroxy; OR1 or COOR1 in which R1 has its previous significance; nitro; linear or branched partially or completely fluorinated C1-C8-alkyl; NR3R4 in which R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or linear or branched C1-C12-alkyl; xe2x80x94N⊕R1R3R4 in which R1, R3 and R4 have their previous significance or linear or branched C1-C8-alkylene-R2 in which R2 is OR1, COOR1 or NR3R4,
R1 is hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl,
Y1 is xe2x80x94CXxe2x95x90CXxe2x80x94 in which X is cyano, xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94NR1xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94 in which R1 has its previous significance and q is 1, 2, 3 or 4; linear or branched alkylene of the formula xe2x80x94[C(R1)2]m in which m is an integer ranging from 1 to 8 and each R1 independently from the other has its previous significance, with the proviso that at least one R1 is C1-C4-alkyl; or a 1,2-cyclohexylene or phenylene residue having the formula:
in which R7 is hydrogen, CH2OH or CH2NH2 or SO3M, where M is hydrogen, an alkali metal atom, ammonium or a cation formed from an amine, with the proviso that each n is 1 if R and Rxe2x80x2 are both C1-C4-alkyl and Y1 is an unsubstituted 1,2-cyclohexylene residue,
Y is linear or branched alkylene of the formula xe2x80x94[C(R1)2]m in which m is an integer ranging from 1 to 8 and each R1 independently from the other has its previous significance; xe2x80x94CXxe2x95x90CXxe2x80x94 in which X is cyano, linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl or di(linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl)-amino;
xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94NR1xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94 in which R1 has its previous significance and q is 1, 2, 3 or 4; or a 1,2-cyclohexylene or phenylene residue having the formula:
in which R7 is hydrogen, CH2OH or CH2NH2 or SO3M, where M is hydrogen, an alkali metal atom, ammonium or a cation formed from an amine,
R5 and R6 are each independently from the other hydrogen; linear or branched C1-C4-alkyl; unsubstituted aryl or aryl which is substituted by cyano, halogen, OR1 or COOR1, nitro, linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl, NR3R4 in which R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or linear or branched C1-C12-alkyl; xe2x80x94N⊕R1R3R4 in which R1, R3 and R4 have their previous significance or linear or branched C1-C8-alkylene-R2 in which R2 is OR1, COOR1 or NR3R4.
Preferred compounds of formula (4) are the following:
Preferred compounds of formula (5) are
The following Examples serve to illustrate the invention; parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise stated.
a) Preparation of the corresponding aldehyde
Firstly, the starting compound N,N-dibutyl-4-amino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde had to be prepared by Vilsmeyer formylation of N,N-dibutyl-3-amino-phenol. The Vilsmeyer reagent was prepared by slow addition of 4.7 ml (0.0497 mol) of phosphorus oxychloride to 15 ml (0.189 mol) of N,N-dimethyl formamide with stirring for 15 minutes at room temperature. Stirring was continued for 30 more minutes before this Vilsmeyer reagent was used. 11 g (0.497 mol) N,N-dibutyl-3-amino-phenol, prepared by alkylation of 3-aminophenol after the procedure described in EP 0356173 was dissolved in 13 ml N,N-dimethyl formamide. This solution was added dropwise at room temperature to the Vilsmeyer reagent described above. The solution was stirred for 3 h, heated to 50xc2x0 C. for 10 minutes. The solution was cooled to room temperature and stirred for another 2 h. Then, the reaction mixture was poured onto 70 g ice and stirred for 1 h. The aequous layer was extracted three times with 100 ml chloroform. The combined organic layers were evaporated in vacuo. The raw product was purified by column chromatography (450 g silicagel, eluent hexane/ethyl acetate 15:1, vol. ratio). 3.2 g (26%) N,N-Dibutyl-4-amino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde was obtained as an orange oily compound.
b) Preparation of the ligand 2a
To a solution of 1 g (0.004 mol) 4 N,N-dibutyl-4-amino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde in 2 ml ethanol at 55xc2x0 C. were added dropwise 0.13 ml (0.00191 mol) of ethylene diamine. The resulting clear solution was kept under stirring for 4 h between 60-65xc2x0 C. The solution was cooled and the precipitate formed was filtered and dried to give 540 mg (54%) of a slightly brownish solid.
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=14.0 (aliph. CH3), 20.2, 29.5, 50.8, 58.2 (aliph. CH2), 98.2, 103.1, 132.9 (tert. Aryl-C), 108.2, 151.9, 165.7 (quart Aryl-C), 164.3 (Cxe2x95x90N).
Calc. C 73.52 H 9.65 N 10.72
Found C 73.14 H 9.34 N 10.55
Preparation of the corresponding aldehyde:
A solution of 13 g (0.04255 mol) of N,N-heptyl-3-amino-phenol, prepared after the procedure described in EP 0356173, in 30 ml chloroform was treated with 6.7 g (0.04255 mol) of phosphorus oxychloride and 12.4 g (0.169 mol) of N,N-dimethyl formamide and worked-up as described for compound 2a. Purification was accomplished by column chromatography a mixture of chlorobenzene/ethyl acetate/ethanol (90:5:5, vol. ratio). 1.78 g (13%) of N,N-heptyl-4-amino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde was obtained as a green oily compound.
A solution of 0.8 g (0.0024 mol) N,N-heptyl-4-amino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde in 1 ml ethanol was treated and worked-up as described for compound 2a. 720 mg (91%) of the ligand was obtained as a brown oil which slowly crystallized when stored at 5xc2x0 C. for three days.
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=14.1 aliph. CH3), 22.6, 27.1, 27.5, 29.2, 31.9, 51.0, 57.7 (aliph. CH2), 98.3, 103.2, 133.0 (tert. Aryl-C), 108.2, 152.1, 166.5 (quart Aryl-C), 164.2 (Cxe2x95x90N).
Calc. C 76.47 H 10.79 N 8.11
Found C 76.18 H 10.60 N 7.95
To a stirred solution of 2 g (0.0121 mol) of 5-dimethylamino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde [prepared after Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 51 (1978) 2433] in 6 ml ethanol at 50xc2x0 C. was added dropwise 0.35 g (0.0058 mol) of ethylene diamine. An orange suspension was formed which was stirred at 60xc2x0 C. for 4 h. The suspension was cooled to room temperature, filtered and dried in vacuo at 30xc2x0 C. The pure ligand was obtained as a yellow solid (1.77 g, 87%).
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=45.0 (aliph. NCH3), 60.0 (aliph. CH2), 116.2, 117.2, 119.6 (tert. Aryl-C), 118.4, 144.2, 153.3 (quart Aryl-C), 166.8 (Cxe2x95x90N).
Calc. C 67.77 H 7.39 N 15.81
Found C 67.56 H 7.35 N 15.25
To a solution of 2.5 g (0.015 mol) N,N-dimethyl-4-amino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde in 7 ml ethanol was added within 2 minutes a solution of 0.82 g (0.00721 mol) of diamino maleic acid dinitrile in 14 ml methanol. The reaction mixture was heated for 5 h at 65xc2x0 C. A brown suspension was obtained which was cooled, filtered and dried to give a brown solid (2.03 g, 70%).
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=40.0 (aliph. NCH3), 110.4, 115.1 (aliph. quart. C), 98.2, 105.8, 133.0 (tert. Aryl-C), 110.4, 115.1, 161.2 (quart Aryl-C), 156.2 (Cxe2x95x90N).
A solution of 5.0 g (0.0259 mol) 4-diethylamino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde in 12 ml ethanol was treated with 1.66 g (0.0123 mol) of bis-(3-aminopropyl)amine and worked-up as described for ligand 2a. The raw product was dried in high vacuo to give 5.7 g (98%) of a red oil.
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=12.8 (aliph. CH3), 31.1, 44.5, 47.2, 53.6 (aliph. CH2), 98.7, 103.1, 133.2 (tert. Aryl-C), 108.2, 152.2, 169.0 (quart Aryl-C), 162.5 (Cxe2x95x90N).
Calc. C 68.77 H 9.00 N 14.32.
Found C 67.09 H 8.66 N 13.38 (Substance contains 1.51% water)
A solution of 0.81 g (0.00517 mol) 4-chloro-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde prepared after Beilstein (E IV, vol. 8, 223) in 2.5 ml ethanol was treated with 0.29 g (0.00246 mol) trans-1,2-diaminohexane and worked-up as described for ligand 2a. The ligand was obtained as a yellow oil (0.96 g, 100%) which upon standing slowly crystallized.
13NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=24.1, 32.9 (CH2), 54.6, 72.4 (CH), 117.0, 138.1, 162.0 (quart Aryl-C), 117.2, 118.9 (tert. Aryl-C), 164.0(Cxe2x95x90N).
Calc. C 61.39 H 5.15 N 7.16 Cl 18.12
Found C 61.50 H 5.34 N 7.70 Cl 17.26
To a stirred solution of 2 g (0.013 mol) 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde in 10 ml ethanol at room temperature were added at once 579 mg (0.0065 mol) 1,2-diethylamino-2-methylpropane. The solution was heated at 60xc2x0 C. for 3 h and cooled to room temperature.
The clear solution was evaporated and dried in high vacuo to give the ligand as a red-brown oil (2.58 g, 100%).
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=25.3((CH3)2Cxe2x80x94), 55.3 (OCH3), 59.2 (aliph, quart. C), 69.2 (NCH2), 101.2, 101.4 (tert. Aryl-C), 106.3, 106.4 (tert. Aryl-C), 112.2, 112.3 (quart Aryl-C), 132.9, 133.1 (tert. Aryl-C), 160.3, 165.6 (Cxe2x95x90N), 163.7, 163.9 (quart. Aryl-C), 165.0, 166.7 (quart. Aryl-C).
Calc. C 67.39 H 6.79 N 7.86
Found C 67.51 H 6.91 N 7.69
2 g (0.0103 mol) 4-diethylamino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and 456 mg (0.00517 mol) 1,2-diethylamino-2-methylpropane were treated and worked-up as described for ligand 2g. The ligand was obtained as a red-brown solid (1.9 g, 84%).
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=12.7 (CH3CH2N), 25.4 ((CH3)2Cxe2x80x94), 44.4 (NCH2CH3), 58.4 (quart. C), 68.6 (NCH2), 98.1, 98.6 (tert. Aryl-C), 103.0, 103.1 (tert. Aryl-C), 108.3, 108.4 (quart Aryl-C), 133.1, 133.4 (tert. Aryl-C), 151.6, 151.9 (quart. Aryl-C), 158.9, 164.5 (Cxe2x95x90N), 166.0, 168.4 (quart. Aryl-C).
Calc. C 71.91 H 8.74 N 12.72
Found C 70.88 H 8.65 N 12.35
1.21 g (0.006 mol) 4-diethylamino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde was dissolved under stirring in 2 ml ethanol at 50xc2x0 C. At this temperature, a solution of 2,3-diamino-2,3-dimethyl-butane (prepared after Beilstein E IV, vol. 4, 1354) in 2 ml ethanol was added within 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was heated to 70 C. for 3 h and stirred at room temperature for another 8 h. The resulting suspension was filtered and the precipitate was washed with cold ethanol and dried in high vacuo to give a brown solid (890 mg, 66%).
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=12.8, 23.0 (CH3), 44.5 (CH2), 63.3 (quart. alipht. C), 98.6, 103.0, 133.5 (tert. Aryl-C), 108.2, 152.1, 169.1 (quart. Aryl-C), 158.9 (Cxe2x95x90N).
Calc. C 72.07 H 9.07 N 12.01
Found C 71.78 H 9.03 N 11.88
To a solution of 974 mg (0.0045 mol) 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-8-hydroxy-1H,5H-benzo[ij]quinolizine-9-carboxaldehyde in 30 ml methanol was added a solution of 148 mg (0.0025 mol) ethylene diamine. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 1 h. The formed precipitate was filtered and crystallized in 100 ml of methanol to yield 590 mg (29%) of yellow crystals.
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=20.4, 21.3, 22.2, 27.2, 49.8, 50.1, 58.2 (CH2), 106.8, 107,9, 112,2, 129.0, 146.4, 164.3 (Cxe2x95x90N).
Calc. C 73.33 H 7.47 N 12.22
Found C 73.37 H 7.54 N 12.22
A solution of 1.95 g (0.00714 mol) 8-hydroxy-1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidine-9-carboxaldehyde in 60 ml methanol was reacted with 236 mg (0.0393 mmol) ethylene diamine as described for ligand 2j. The precipitate was filtered and washed with methanol to give 1.52 g (75%).
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=28.5 (prim. C), 31.2 (prim. C), 31.7, 32.2, 36.6, 40.1, 47.0, 47.4, 58.9, 108.7, 114.8, 121.6, 127.5), 145.7, 161.2, 165.4 (Cxe2x95x90N).
A solution of 5.0 g (0.0355 mol) 2,4-dihydroxy-benzaldehyde in 17 ml ethanol was treated with 1.97 g (0.0169 mol) of trans-1,2-diaminocylohexane and heated at 65xc2x0 C. for 5 h. A yellow suspension was formed which was cooled to 2xc2x0 C. The precipitate was filtered, washed with ethanol and dried to give 5.9 g (99%) of a yellow solid.
13C NMR (DMSO-d6): xcex4=24.9, 33.6 (CH2), 71.3 (CH), 103.3, 107.8, 134.1 (tert. Aryl-C), 112.0, 162.6 (quart. Aryl-C), 164.9 (Cxe2x95x90N)
A solution of 5 g (0.025 mol) 4-diethylamino-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde in 12 ml ethanol was treated with 0.92 g (0.0123 mol) of 1,2-diaminopropane and heated at 65xc2x0 C. for 5 h. The solution was cooled and stirred for 8 h. The solution was concentrated to give 4.68 g (90%) of a brown solid.
13C NMR (CDCl3): xcex4=12.7, 20.3 (CH3), 44.5, 63.8 (CH2), 98.2, 103.1, 133.1 (tert. Aryl-C), 108.3, 151.5, 165.5 (quart. Aryl-C), 162.5 (Cxe2x95x90N)
The following ligands are known compounds.
These ligands were prepared according to known literature procedures:
All described ligands were transformed into its manganese complexes. The syntheses of these complexes were performed according to the literature as described by E. N. Jacobsen et al. J. Org. Chem., 59 (1994) 1939 or in Patent GB-A-2,296,015. As an example for the standard procedure, the synthesis of the manganese complex 1b is described: To a stirred solution of 667 mg of ligand 3f dissolved in 10 ml of ethanol was added 465 mg manganese-II-acetate-tetrahydrate. The reaction solution was heated at 65-70xc2x0 C. for 4 h. Afterwards, the solution was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 40 ml of water. The solution were treated with 3.7 g of sodium chloride. The resulting precipitate was filtered and dried in vacuo. The manganese complex was obtained as red-brown powder (820 mg, 86%).

Abstract: in which n is 1, 2 or 3; A is an anion;

Abstract: Y is xe2x80x94(CH2)m in which m is an integer ranging from 1 to 8; xe2x80x94(CH2)pxe2x80x94CH(R1)xe2x80x94 in which p is an integer ranging from 1 to 7 and R1 is linear or branched C1-C4-alkyl, preferably methyl; xe2x80x94CXxe2x95x90CXxe2x80x94 in which X is cyano, linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl or di(linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl)-amino;

Abstract: xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94NR1xe2x80x94(CH2)qxe2x80x94 in which R1 has its previous significance and q is 1, 2, 3 or 4; or a 1,2-cyclohexylene residue having the formula:

Abstract: R is cyano; halogen; hydroxy; OR1 in which R1 has its previous significance; CO2R2 in which R2 is hydrogen or linear or branched C1-C4-alkyl; nitro; linear or branched C1-C8-alkyl;

Abstract: di-(C4-C12alkyl)amino; NR3R4 in which R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is linear or branched C1-C12-alkyl; or xe2x80x94N⊕R1R3R4 in which R1, R3 and R4 have their previous significance.


An air dryer includes a dryer body, a wind-collecting nozzle mounted in front of the dryer body. The wind-collecting nozzle includes a wind-collecting nozzle body communicated with the dryer body, and has a plurality of air openings spacedly formed thereon. Two blowing pieces are supported by the wind-collecting nozzle body, wherein each of the blowing pieces has a blowing outlet. Moreover, a plurality of connecting rims is mounted between the blowing pieces and the wind-collecting nozzle body at the air openings respectively for rotatably connecting the blowing pieces with the wind-collecting nozzle body, so that the air dryer is capable of delivering air at a predetermined orientation through the air openings and the blowing outlets.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the technical field of hairdressing tool, and more particularly to a wind-collecting nozzle mounted on the outlet of dryer.
2. Description of Related Arts
Currently, after washing the hair, people simply use towels to wipe the hair and let the hair dry naturally. However, in order to dry the hair quickly, a dryer (hairdryer) may be used to dry the hair. Hence, the dryer becomes a very important hairdressing tool in people's living. As the dryer could produce hot air with various temperatures, it can thus be generally applied to various applications. For example, people feed pets and some pets have very long and thick hair, such as the dogs that its hair will get very wet after bathing. It is required to dry its hair and people generally use the dryer for drying it. However, the current dryer generally has installed a wind-collecting nozzle having a flat blowing outlet or a round blowing outlet which fails to provide an ideal effect of quick-drying and a convenient operation.

Wind-collecting nozzle mounted on outlet of hair dryer


Aspects of the invention are provided for accessing a plurality of data elements. A page of column data is stored in a format that includes compressed and/or non-compressed elements, with the format including a plurality of arrays and a vector. Each of the arrays stores elements with common characteristics, with the vector functioning as a mapping to the stored data elements. The vector is leveraged to identify an array and determine an offset to support access to one or more of the data elements.

The present invention relates to compressing and storing a plurality of data elements in a page format. More specifically, the invention relates to the manner in which the page format is organized, including indexing of the data elements, so that the stored data elements can be accessed.
Data compression is the process of transforming information from a first representation to a second representation, with the second representation being smaller than the first representation (also known as the original representation). Compressed data may be decompressed from which the original, or a close approximation to it, can be recovered. Compression and decompression processes are often referred to as encoding and decoding. Data compression has important applications in the areas of data storage and data transmission. Besides space savings, other parameters of concern include encoding and decoding speeds and workspace requirements, the ability to access and decode partial files, and error generation and propagation.

Data encoding and processing columnar data

International Business Machines Corporation


According to a current limiting method in an electric power steering apparatus, a steering angular speed and the direction of a drive current are monitored. A condition in which a steering wheel is locked is discriminated from a condition in which the steering wheel is turned on the basis of combinations of the steering angular speed and the drive current direction. Processing of limiting a current value of an excessive drive current is executed only when the condition in which the steering wheel is locked is determined.

The present invention relates to a drive current limiting method in an electric power steering apparatus.
In a conventional electric power steering apparatus, a drive current to a motor for generating an auxiliary steering torque (to be simply referred to as a motor hereinafter) is monitored. If a drive current exceeding a predetermined value flows over a predetermined time period, an overcurrent countermeasure limits the current value (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-197169).
When a steering wheel is locked, for example, this countermeasure limits an excessive drive current to a motor and in this manner prevents damage from a fire caused by a temperature rise in the motor or protects a battery.
Such a conventional current limiting method, however, limits the current value of an excessive drive current flowing when a steering wheel is abruptly turned. As a result, a force required to turn the steering wheel is suddenly increased to cause unsmoothness in a steering operation.

Driver current limiting method in electric power steering apparatus