A method and a structure for dividing a door opening such as a conventional garage door opening and allowing for easy installation of both a side mounted swinging door and an overhead type door. A main post is used for both supporting one of the tracks of the overhead door and acting as part of the frame of the swinging door. The post as a specific cross-sectional configuration allowing it to serve its dual purpose. A threshold component is provided for acting both as a threshold for the swinging door and as an anchor for the lower end of the main post. Similarly, a header component is provided for acting both as a header for the swinging door and as an anchor for the upper end of the main post.

Overhead door assemblies have been in use for many years for closing the door openings of sheds, garages and the like. There exists at least two main types of overhead door assemblies. The first type often referred to by the term "up-and-over door" typically consists of a single stiff panel. The second type is also most popular and is often referred to as "sliding, articulated or panel door". This second type includes a plurality of hingedly interconnected panels.
This latter type of retractable overhead doors is conventionally constructed of a number of vertically arranged horizontal panels that can fold along the horizontal divisions between the panels, thereby enabling the door to assume a rolled or folded configuration as they pass along a curved path before being retracted into or adjacent the ceiling of the building in which they are installed. The panels assume a vertically juxtaposed planar configuration when lowered into a bottom position to thereby present a solid face and closed door opening.
The stacked panels are typically provided with two or more hinge assemblies between each other. The hinge assemblies at each side of the door run in parallel tracks that are installed vertically on each side of the door and curved at the top before becoming horizontal parallel tracks, suspended from the ceiling of the building. Such doors are typically manually operated or can be automatically operated by using infrared or radio operated motors which pull the panels of the door upwardly along the tracks when the door is being opened and push the door downwardly to a closed position, when reversed.
Overhead type doors are generally preferred for closing relatively large door openings such as garage or warehouse door openings since they require lesser space for installation and operation thereof than conventional side mounted swinging doors that require sidewise clearance for opening and closing thus using up useful space. However, overhead type doors suffer from drawbacks associated with their inherent structures. Indeed, overhead type doors are relatively heavy and difficult to manipulate from the opened to the closed position and vise versa.
When operated through motors, they require a relatively considerable amount of energy. Also, the hinged nature of most conventional overhead doors inherently causes the latter to rattle or shake during opening and closing thus creating sometimes obnoxious noises. Furthermore, opening of overhead door inherently leads to a momentarily relatively large leak in the thermal insulation barrier of the associated building structure and, hence, leads to a potentially relatively large waste of both energy and money.
Accordingly, it would thus be highly desirable in certain situations to combine the specific advantages associated with both side mounted swinging and overhead doors while allowing an intended user to circumvent the disadvantages associated with both types of door assemblies. In order to combine the advantages of both types of doors and circumvent their inherent disadvantages, both types of doors would ideally be offered to a potential user. The intended user could then selectively choose either the side mounted swinging door or the overhead door depending on the situation.
For example, whenever an intended user merely needs to walk into the garage he or she would merely use the side mounted swinging door thus circumventing the hereinabove disadvantages associated with overhead door assemblies. However, whenever a relatively large access to the garage would be needed as for example when a car needs to be driven into or out of the garage, the overhead door assembly could still be used.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and structure for reversibly operationally dividing a door opening so as to allow for the installation of both an overhead and a side mounted swinging door and allow selective opening and closing of both types of door.
Conventional overhead doors are mounted to an overhead door frame which is incorporated into a wall of the building or garage. The door frame which is adapted to position and hang the overhead garage door includes a pair of vertical frame members connected to a horizontal frame member. The door frame elements are commonly welded together by the manufacturer and then transported to the construction or building site for incorporation into the building or garage. The garage door itself is hung from the door frame in association with a track or other mechanism for slidably opening and closing the door.
The door frames of this type are often fabricated from steel welded together that is manufactured and then shipped to the construction or job site. Consequently, the manufacturer must perform expensive and laboring intensive steps of welding and securing the frame elements to one another. Once constructed, the door frame requires substantial space for transportation to the job site being heavy and difficult to handle because of its steel construction. Furthermore, in that each door frame is assembled by the manufacturer, frequently when it arrives at the construction site modifications to either the door frame or the building into which it is to be incorporated are required due to damages during shipment or building design changes.
In that each door frame is assembled by the manufacturer, it is often intended for a specific type of door or application and later changes in building requirements or specifications result in the door frame being returned to the manufacturer while a different door frame is ordered and delivered to the job site resulting in construction downtime and costly delays. These type of problems associated with conventional and thus relatively simple overhead door frames would be compounded in the context of providing a dual purpose door frame that could be used both for a side mounted swinging door and an overhead door. It would thus be desirable to provide a structure that could easily be assembled at the job site
Advantages of the present invention include the fact that the proposed method and structure allows for the installation of both a side mounted swinging door and overhead type door in a common door opening. The proposed method not only allows for the installation of such a door combination in a new door opening but also allows for the conversion of door opening already provided with a single relatively large overhead door assembly.
The proposed structure is specifically designed so as to be readily mounted in a conventional door opening through a set of simple and ergonomic steps without the need for special tooling or manual dexterity. The proposed structure allows the door opening to be partitioned or sectioned while retaining an esthetical pleasing visual aspect. Furthermore, the proposed assembly provides a structurally sturdy and reliable guiding and supporting frame for both the side mounted swingable door and the overhead door.
Still further, the proposed structure optionally has built-in means for increasing the thermal insulating characteristics of the assembly. Also, the proposed structure is specifically designed so as to be manufacturable with conventional components using conventional forms of manufacturing so as to provide a structure that is economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.
A still further advantage of the present invention resides in that the proposed structure can be readily unassembled when not required so as to allow an intended user to readily remove the side mounted swinging door components thus readily increasing the overall width of the door opening in situations when for example a larger vehicle needs to be driven in or out of the garage.
A still further advantage of the present invention thus resides in the fact that the proposed structure can be easily assembled by the installer at the construction site with a minimum amount of handling and without the use of complicated fastener mechanisms to maintain the frame elements in an assembled configuration.
The structure can be transported to the job site with a minimum amount of ease and easily assembled on the job site with a minimal amount of labor, materials and time. The door frame is adapted for use both in extension spring and torsion spring garage door applications.
In accordance with one version of the invention there is provided a method for installing both an overhead door and a side mounted swing door across a door opening for allowing selective closing thereof; the door aperture defining first and second door aperture side peripheral edges, upper and lower door aperture peripheral edges; the swinging door being provided with swing door hinges; the overhead door including a plurality of door panels hinged together along adjacent longitudinal edges thereof by panel hinge assemblies, the hinge assemblies having rollers rotatably mounted thereto and extending laterally therefrom, the rollers being configured and sized for running in corresponding guiding tracks, each of the guiding tracks including a track first segment and a track second segment; each of the track first segments having a first segment rectilinear lower portion and a curved upper portion, each of the track first segment being adapted to extend substantially vertically in a generally parallel relationship with the first and second door aperture side peripheral edges; each of the track second segments being adapted to extend from a corresponding curved portion in a generally horizontal orientation; the method comprising the steps of:
defining an overhead door section and an adjacent swing door section in the door opening, the overhead door section being sized for operationally receiving the overhead door and the swing door section being sized for operationally receiving the swing door; PA1 positioning a main post between the overhead door section and the adjacent swing door section with the main post extending between the upper and lower door aperture peripheral edges in a generally parallel relationship with the first and second door aperture peripheral edges, the main post defining a main post first longitudinal end and a longitudinally opposed main post second longitudinal end; PA1 firmly stabilizing the main post with a post stabilizing means; PA1 using the first door aperture peripheral edge and the main post as operational lateral edges for the overhead door; PA1 using the second door aperture peripheral edge and the main post as operational lateral edges for the swing door.
According to one embodiment (not shown) the main post is used for mounting the swing door edges. According to another embodiment the second door aperture peripheral edge is used for mounting the swing door edges.
Preferably the method also includes the step of securing one of the tracks to the main post and the other one of the tracks to the first door aperture peripheral edge.
Conveniently it also comprises the steps of anchoring a threshold component to an adjacent ground surface so that the threshold component extends across a swing lower edge segment of the door opening lower peripheral edge delimited by the swing door section and anchoring the main post first longitudinal end to the threshold component; whereby the threshold component is adapted to act both as a threshold-post anchoring means for anchoring the main post first longitudinal end and as a threshold for the swing door.
Preferably it also includes the steps of anchoring a header component to the second door aperture peripheral edge so that the header component extends across a swing upper edge segment of the door opening upper peripheral edge delimited by the swing door section; anchoring the main post second longitudinal end to the header component; whereby the header component is adapted to act both as a header-post anchoring means for anchoring the main post second longitudinal end and as a header for the swing door.
In accordance with the present invention there is also provided a structure for installing both an overhead door and a side mounted swing door across a door opening for allowing selective closing thereof; the door aperture defining first and second door aperture side peripheral edges, upper and lower door aperture peripheral edges; the door opening also defining an overhead door section and an adjacent swing door section in the door opening, the overhead door section being sized for operationally receiving the overhead door and the swing door section being sized for operationally receiving the swing door; the swinging door being provided with swing door hinges; the overhead door including a plurality of door panels hinged together along adjacent longitudinal edges thereof by panel hinge assemblies, the hinge assemblies having rollers rotatably mounted thereto and extending laterally therefrom, the rollers being configured and sized for running in corresponding guiding tracks, each of the guiding tracks including a track first segment and a track second segment; each of the track first segments having a first segment rectilinear lower portion and a curved upper portion, each of the track first segment being adapted to extend substantially vertically in a generally parallel relationship with the first and second door aperture side peripheral edges; each of the track second segments being adapted to extend from a corresponding curved portion in a generally horizontal orientation; the structure comprising: a main post having a generally elongated configuration; the main post defining a main post first longitudinal end and a longitudinally opposed main post second longitudinal end; the main post being provided with track attachment means for attaching one of the tracks thereto, the main post being also configured for acting as an operational edge for the swing door.
Preferably, the main post has a generally constant cross sectional configuration along its length defining a main post supporting section extending into a main post track connecting section.
Conveniently, the cross sectional configuration of the supporting section is given a generally hollow L shaped configuration defining a first supporting segment bending integrally and substantially perpendicularly into a second supporting segment; the second supporting segment, in turn, bending integrally and substantially perpendicularly into a third supporting segment extending away from the second supporting segment and bending integrally and substantially perpendicularly into a fourth supporting segment; a fifth supporting segment extending substantially perpendicularly from the fourth supporting segment in a direction leading towards the second supporting segment; the fifth supporting segment bending integrally and substantially perpendicularly into a sixth supporting segment that merges with the first supporting segment.
Preferably, the track mounting segment takes the form of a substantially rectilinear segment extending substantially perpendicularly away from the fourth supporting segment.
Conveniently, the first, second, third and fourth supporting segments are formed integrally of a unitary channel while the fifth and sixth supporting segments along with the track mounting segment are formed integrally of a generally L shaped channel.
Preferably the structure further includes a framed header extending horizontally between the door opening second peripheral edge and the main post for stabilizing the main post second longitudinal end, the frame header being fixed at a first longitudinal end thereof to the door opening second peripheral edge and at a second longitudinal edge thereof to the main post.
Preferably the structure further includes a threshold for both securing the main post first longitudinal end and acting as a threshold for the side mounted swinging door; the threshold component including a first threshold plate adapted to extend underneath the swinging door in register with the supporting section of the main post, the first threshold plate having a threshold-post anchoring means attached thereto for allowing releasable anchorage of the post first longitudinal end to the first threshold plate.
Conveniently, the threshold-post anchoring means takes the form of a generally L shaped first anchoring clip having an anchoring clip first segment mounted to the undersurface of the threshold first and a generally perpendicularly oriented anchoring clip second segment extending substantially parallel to a lateral edge of the threshold first plate for creating a first anchoring spacing therebetween; the first anchoring spacing being configured and sized for fittingly and slidably receiving a longitudinal end of the third supporting segment.
Conveniently, the threshold component is further provided with a second threshold component extending in a generally parallel relationship with the first threshold component; the length of the threshold second component exceeding that of the threshold first component so that the threshold second component protrudes and abuttingly contacts the outer surface of the track mounting segment; the threshold second segment having a track anchoring means attached thereto for releasably anchoring the lower longitudinal end of the track longitudinal segment to the threshold second segment.
Preferably, the releasable track anchorage means takes form of a track anchoring clip having a track anchoring clip third segment attached to an undersurface of the second threshold; the track anchoring clip also having a substantially perpendicular oriented track anchoring clip second segment that extends in a generally parallel relationship with the lateral edge of the threshold second segment, defining a track spacing therebetween for fittingly and slidably receiving the combination of the track rectilinear segment and the track mounting segment.
Preferably the structure further includes a third threshold plate adapted to extend parallel to the first threshold plate opposite the second threshold plate, the length of the third threshold plate exceeding that of the second threshold plate and thus to protruding laterally from the latter; the third threshold plate being adapted to be positioned outwardly relative to the swinging door when the latter is its closed configuration.

Method and structure for installing an overhead and hinge door combination


A method for authenticating a client device into a network consistent with certain embodiments involves at a server device, generating a multi-digit random secret number; displaying the random secret number on a server display coupled to the server device; positioning the client device in close enough physical proximity to the server device to permit observation of the displayed random secret number; at the client device, sequentially entering each digit of the random secret number by actuation of a switch coupled to the client device a number of times equivalent to each digit of the random secret number; and upon correct entry of the random secret number at the client device, completing an authentication and key exchange process using the random secret number in an encryption and decryption process carried out at the server device and the client device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Home network market is getting larger and larger. Many wireless, powerline, coax cable network products are available in the market. One issue is encryption for content protection and security. For example, a powerline network is shared with neighbors. If a communication is not encrypted, the neighbor can see it. Encryption is indispensable for secure network communication.
For encryption, a new client device must be registered to the server. In a common case, a client has a unique ID and the user enters the ID number to the server when he/she begins to use the client device. The unique ID is, for example, a 10-digit value. It is not user-friendly to have the user enter a long number. With a wrong number, the server cannot communicate with the client at all. Also, it takes huge amount of time to register many client devices.
To resolve this problem, several methods have been devised. One of the simplest solutions is a push button approach as described in U.S. Publication number 2004/0054897 to Dawson et al. In this technique, the user simultaneously or sequentially pushes the button on the server and the one on the client. Then, the server and the client exchange necessary information. Entry of a number is not required. This is user-friendly, and provides a good measure of security. However, further security is even more desirable in certain circumstances.
One of the famous attacks is called Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attack as described, for example in Cryptography Decrypted by H. X. Mel and Doris Baker, Addison-Wesley, ISBN: 0201616475. The client sends the server its own public key to receive secret information. The server encrypts the secret information with the client public key and sends it back to the client. The client decrypts the encrypted data with its own private key. No other guy can decrypt the encrypted data only with the client public key. This seems safe, but is vulnerable to MITM. The adversary is in the middle of the server and the client and gets the request from the client. The adversary replaces the client public key with his own public key and sends it to the server. The server encrypts the secret information with the adversary public key and sends back to the adversary. The adversary successfully decrypts the secret data with his own private key. Also, the adversary re-encrypts the secret data with the client public key and sends to the client. The client decrypts the secret data without knowing the data has been stolen. The public/private key encryption is rigid and hard to break. However, public key must be carefully delivered. The simple push button approach may be ineffective in certain embodiments against MITM and similar attacks.


An inexpensive multi-modality utility hat of non/gender-specific design, having advantageous features providing its user with the novel convenience of readily transforming into several different types of hats in one. For example, the brim portion can be quickly and easily detatched from its central cap portion via a zipper, enabling user to wear only either the cap or the brim separately if desired; -and, if the cap portion only is selected to be worn for a time, the brim twist/tripple-folds into a compact member which concealably stows within an integral-pocket portion of the cap. The cap portion includes an adjustable-cord compliance feature enabling one size to fit all, and may be optionally fitted with a broad or a narrow brim of circular, triangular, or squared motif: -and brim-width may be altered at front or sides via a simple gathering provision. Alternately, my light-weight compact hat can be carried fiat within a backpack.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to brimmed hats, and more specifically it relates to those types of headgear facilitating convenient removal and compactly folded stowing of the brim portion according to requirements of ones daily activities.
2. Relevant Prior-Art
Background research discovery provides some prior patent-art regarded as germane to this disclosure, chronologically for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,590 (filed: June 1976) contemplates a very broadly brimmed hat visually somewhat emulating both the early-west style wherein the brim is upturned slightly front/rear in combination with complementary drooping left/right continuous brim portions; or conversely, the hat can be worn rotated 90-degrees upon ones head, to create more of a Spanish/gaucho-style motif (thus the brim in this instance appearing to droop-down somewhat front/rear, while presenting a slightly upturned continuous formation along left/right sides). The brim is not detachable from the central cap portion, and the perimeter of the brim includes a vertical metal band sewn into the brim""s rim. The hat""s brim thus is foldable figure-8 fashion ultimately into half-size so as to then be carried in a flat-circular zippered carrybag having an external convenience-pouch.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,373(filed: August 1982) is shown a compact pocket-cap having only a modest brim portion, and which is collapsed-flat and then rolled into a somewhat conical shape, then held to that compacted condition via an auxiliary-strap member.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,784(filed: February 1988) is shown a popular automotive-windshield to sunshield, comprised of two closely spaced-apart metal-hoops contained within a sewn-fabric envelope which can be made compact for more convenient stowing. The thin assembly can be readily folded in-half, then owing the flexibility of the hoops, is folded into the figure-8 shape, to finally become substantially circular and about xc2xcth the size of the original elongated panel; hence much more readily and conveniently stowed.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,851(filed: August 1989) is shown a compactable hat which normally features a modest brim portion extending radially from the base of a substantially cylindrical cap portion having a slightly recessed flat top portion; a piano-wire member being sewn into the rim of the circular brim. The wire-rim insert is formed circular with its opposed-ends being permanently jointed together, so as to be rotatable relative to each other. Hence, the hat can be twisted into a figure-8 shape and finally into a half-sized circular configuration whereby the central cap portion generally collapses into itself; thereby enabling the hat to be conveniently pocketed.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,709(filed: March 1993) is shown a folding paper-hat constructed somewhat like a paperbag, although appearing substantially like a country-gentleman""s hat; the modest brim becomes folded downward and the entire hat folded-flat like an unused paperbag, so as to fit into one""s coat-pocket.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,520(filed: August 1997) is shown a baseball like sportcap with frontal/visor-bill and rear-adjustable sizing-band, wherein is also included an attachable/detachable brim member; the user is thus enabled to adapt their broad-brimmed member to the sportcap by inserting the bill. into a pocket like receptacle sewn into the brim frontally, then the sportcap""s headband is loosened and threaded through slots provided at the rear of the special brim-member, and re-secured thereby completing attachment of the brim to the sportcap.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,219(filed: April 1997) is shown another figure-8 type (although the inventor claims a tripple/circular-fold procedure) folding-hat having special built-in foam-finger like appendages beneath the central cap or crown portion, that are said to obviate the causing of messing a lady""s hair-coiffeur. The rim of the brim portion having a permanent encircling flat-radial or round wire or plastic insert.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,241(filed: June 1998) is shown another hat with a figure-8 type twist-folding brim, with the additional feature of an aftward deployable sun-drape member which is retracted upward against the underside of the broad-brim via a gathering pull-cord arrangement.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,821(filed: January 1999) is shown a hat apparel of non-separable construction which is convertible from a brimmed-hat into either of two styles of turban-hats.
Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent review, there is determined a need for an improved form of device to which these patents have been largely addressed. The instant inventor hereof believes their newly improved brimmed-hat apparel, I commercially refer to as the ADVENTURE-Hat (trademark), currently being developed for production under auspices of the LYHAT-Mfg./Mkt.Co. (xe2x80x9cLyhatxe2x80x9d being pronounced xe2x80x9cle-hat, thereby connoting a French air-of-fashionxe2x80x9d), exhibits certain advantages as shall be revealed in the subsequent portion of this instant disclosure.
A.) In view of the foregoing discussion about the earlier invention art, it is therefore important to make it pellucid to others interested in the art, that the object of this invention is to provide a novel preferably non-gender specific two-piece hat structure, characterized as embodying a light-weight central cap (or so called crown) portion which can generally be worn alone during both the earlier and latter hours of one""s day. A matching companion brim portion is preferably made readily available from within a stow-pocket generally concealed within the upper-underside region of the generally skull-cap like central-cap portion; -enabling the brim to be easily retrieved and instantly self-unfolding from its preferred well known figure-8 type albeit dual-twisted/tripple-folded flat stowed condition (hence, defining a substantially flat and generally circular annular-panel), and having a donning-aperture in its center (prior to tripple folding). This novel configuration therefore facilitating a maximum of utility-value, owing that the user can advantageously wear just: a.) the cap portion (sans-brim), b.) wear just the brim portion(their head thus being exposed centrally), or, c.) wear the assembled two portions. Hence, the annular brim can be optionally attached or detatched relative to the cap, via either conventional (commercially available) avusable hook-and-loop type (such as well known Velcro(copyright)-brand) fastener; or, via conventional (commercially available) linear-zipper type fastener having a sliding-staple with gripper-tang (either of individual interlocking-cleated type, or of the ZipLock(copyright) type extruded-plastic zipper configuration).
B.) Another object of my invention disclosure is to set forth a convertible-hat item of apparel according to preceding item-A, wherein I also set forth the notion of a convertible-hat adaptable to brims of various diameters (a broad-brim being characterized as measuring approximately 8-10 inches radially outboard of the central cap, a medium-brim being about 5-8 inches, and a small-brim being about 2-5 inches); as well as differently shaped brims, such as a visor-brim extending either predominantly forward or predominantly aftward to respectively protect either one""s face or neck from harsh sun for example. Although the brim (hereinafter referred to as the peripheral-brim) is said in item-A to be xe2x80x9csubstantially planarxe2x80x9d, it actually preferable employs a slight so called xe2x80x9cgravity-droopxe2x80x9d appearance; which is achieved by employing a continuous circular resilient-band member permanently located within the outermost perimeter region of the preferably double-layered sewn-fabric construction of the peripheral-brim member. If the rim of the peripheral-brim were pushed-in radially by impingement against a fixed object, once relieved of the impinging force, the resilient-band is characterized as maintaining an instant spring-back action, -restoring the rim into a normally circular configuration as viewed from above. To provide the desired characteristic brim shape, the resilient-band is made from a metal or plastic material of approximately xc2xc-inch flat/cross-sectional shape, which is captively installed within the outermost rim region of the peripheral-brim with its broad-surface oriented vertically. Additionally, the peripheral-brim is preferably pieced together from three to six substantially pie-shaped sections (each possessing slightly greater surface-area than an equivalent pie-portion presented by a one-piece flat-pattern), the excess material thereby enabling the peripheral-brim to exhibit its preferred slight overall gravity-droop appearance (whether attached to the central-cap portion or unzipped therefrom for use independently). While my double-layered brim construction is preferred, a single-layer construction will suffice, as will a more conventional sewn-on U-shaped perimeter-edging to similarly position my resilient-band.
C.) Another object of this invention disclosure is to set forth a convertible-hat item of apparel according to preceding items-AandB, wherein is also set forth a one-size-fits-all crown or cap portion, employing a special universally-adjustable hat-band construction. To facilitate it fitting all wearers, my hat-band features exteriorly thereto a proximal series of radial retention-loops (or a single continuous tunnel-like retention-loop, having opposed inlet and outlet terminuses), through which is threaded a circumferential shoelace like pull-cord; thereby enabling that one size of cap-crown member can virtually fit any wearer. The pull-cord includes a conventional commercially available sliding-clasp, capable of selectively locking to that precise circumferential-length required by the wearer.
Also included in in the sidewall of the hat is a pair of laterally right and left opposed air-circulation cross-flow vent-panels made of a fabric-mesh type of grille (in some cases made to a color which preferably blends concealingly with the surrounding cap-material). These grilles are elevated just above an encircling hat-band portion, the hat-band (conventionally of soft fabric or leather) serving its traditional function of affording a more comfortable resting of the hat upon the wearer""s head just above one""s ears.

Convertible-hat with brim stowable within cap


Methods for correcting a bone density value for an effect of lead are disclosed. One method includes determining an apparent bone density in a patient; applying a correction factor to the apparent bone density, the correction factor being based on a blood lead level; and deriving a corrected bone density value for the patient.

Lead has been found to have specific and significant effects on chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts in in vitro and animal models at environmentally relevant levels. However, the implications of these effects in humans remains unclear. Preliminary data suggest that lead reduces bone remodeling, with preferential adverse effects on osteoblasts and growth plate chondrocytes. This argues that lead could cause both a decrease in peak bone mass attainment during childhood, as well as increasing the risk of osteoporosis in adults. Furthermore, since bone is the major repository of lead in the body, under circumstances of enhanced bone resorption there is a serious concern that release of lead could result in increased toxicity to other organ systems. This becomes particularly relevant in the case of postmenopausal osteoporosis, where accelerated bone resorption may elevate blood lead levels.
Research on the adverse effects of high lead exposure in humans has primarily focused on neurocognitive outcomes among children. However, a growing body of literature reports that the effects of childhood lead exposure continue into adolescence and adulthood. These effects include delinquent behavior, dental caries, cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and renal dysfunction. These delayed effects are probably due to the fact that lead is harbored in bone for years after initial exposure, and thus may be a source for later exposure.
The skeleton is the major reservoir of lead in the body and consequently its lead content reflects cumulative lead exposure. However, little is known specifically about the effects of lead on the skeleton and the mechanisms of action through which it may affect bone growth and remodeling. In vitro and in vivo experimental data that demonstrate effects on bone and an association between lead exposure and decreased bone density form the basis for the clinical studies in this project, which can examine the relationship between lead exposure and bone mineral density in populations of school-age children, skeletally mature adolescents, and older adults. Examination of the relationship between bone metabolism and cumulative lead exposure in these three distinct age groups representing different phases of bone mass regulation in humans may provide novel insights, and has not been previously undertaken.
Skeletal Effects of Lead Exposure—In Vitro and Animal Studies
Lead has been associated with both low birth weight and short stature, although there is controversy as to whether this results from specific skeletal effects or is related to systemic and nutritional factors. Substantial preliminary data presented in Projects 1, 2, and 3 demonstrate potent specific effects of low levels of lead on chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. In vitro studies have shown that lead has specific effects on growth plate chondrocytes that alter cell phenotype and function. Also, potent inhibitory effects on osteoblast and osteoclast phenotype and function have been demonstrated, suggesting that lead may have effects on bone development and remodeling. Importantly, lead toxicity at environmentally relevant levels has been shown by our group and others to decrease BMD in rats and produce osteoporosis in other animal models. Thus while systemic effects of lead on other organ systems may influence the skeleton, there appear to be direct effects of low levels of lead on the cells involved in bone development, remodeling, and repair. Examination of the histomorphometry of lead intoxicated rats shows abnormalities of the growth plates, including defective remodeling and altered growth plate thickness with loss of proliferating cells and disorganization of the growth plate architecture. Preliminary data in Project 2 demonstrate that lead accelerates growth plate chondrocyte maturation by modulating critical autocrine growth factors. Thus, lead exposure could potentially lead to premature bony maturation.
Skeletal Effects of Lead Exposure—Clinical Studies
Despite the extensive basic-science research on the effects of lead exposure on bone metabolism, human studies on this association are limited. Laraque found that lead-exposed African-American children had a higher mean mineral content than age-matched, white norms. At age 36-47 month, the mean bone mineral content of the radius of the lead-exposed subjects and norms were 0.268 gm/cm2 vs. 0.215 gm/cm2, respectively (P<0.005). The authors attributed the findings to racial differences in bone density. In further analysis, Laraque plotted age against bone density among children with low vs. high lead exposure (i.e., blood lead level ≦29 μg/dL vs. ≧30 μg/dL); the difference in bone density was not significant (p=0.63). Laraque concluded that lead exposure is not associated with changes in bone mineralization. However, since the comparison group was made up of children with moderate-level lead exposure (i.e., blood lead level 12-29 μg/dL), such an analysis cannot exclude the possibility that lead exposure has a threshold effect on bone density at lower blood lead levels. A study found a decreased bone density in rats with a mean blood lead level of only 21 pg/dL when compared to control animals.
Although recent studies report a dramatic decrease in the prevalence of lead exposure in the U.S., this does not imply that adults have not had exposure in the past. As recently as the late 1970s, 78% of the entire U.S. population—children and adults—had blood lead levels ≧10 μg/dL, the current threshold of concern defined by the Centers for Disease Control. This means that the majority of adults in the U.S. had, at some time in the past, an elevated blood lead level, and therefore currently have elevated bone lead levels, given the extremely long half life of lead in bone (τ1/2=20 yr). With this large number of adults who have elevated bone lead levels, and the morbidity associated with osteoporosis, it is important to investigate whether an association exists between lead exposure and osteoporosis in humans.
This research, however, cannot be limited to adults. Although osteoporosis is an affliction of the elderly, its roots may be established during childhood. An individual who does not achieve peak bone mass during childhood may be at-risk for osteoporosis in later life. Since 90% or more of bone mass is achieved by age 17-20 years, the association between lead exposure and bone density should be examined among children and skeletally mature adolescents.
Bone Mass and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease of epidemic proportions in the United States, with an estimated 25 million affected individuals. The health care costs of treatment of osteoporotic hip and spine fractures and associated morbidity may exceed $10 billion per year. During childhood and adolescence, bone mass accretion occurs through both the activities of the chondrocytes in the growth plates and the bone forming activity of osteoblasts. Thus, bone mass and bone mineral density (BMD) gradually increase during growth. Bone mass is a reflection of the relative rates of bone formation and bone resorption, and continues to increase into early adulthood after growth plate closure, until peak bone mass is reached at age 25-30. After peak bone mass is reached, bone resorption rates exceed formation rates, and there is a gradual loss of bone with further aging in both men and women. At menopause, the loss of estrogen results in an acceleration of the rate of bone loss, which occurs over approximately a 10-year period, subsequently slowing to a rate resembling premenopausal bone loss rates. Systemic stimuli of bone resorption, such as corticosteroids, thyroid or parathyroid disease, can further enhance the rate of bone loss. BMD correlates with bone strength and inversely with fracture risk. As bone is lost, an individual can cross a theoretical "fracture threshold" where the BMD and associated bone strength are insufficient to resist nontraumatic forces on the bone and can lead to fractures. Men achieve greater peak bone mass levels and are not subject to the accelerated decline associated with menopause, so bone density levels are less likely to cross the fracture threshold, explaining the 5-6-fold higher incidence of osteoporosis in women as compared to men. Also there are other genetic determinants of bone mass such as race. Black men and women have been shown to have higher peak bone mass compared with white and Hispanic individuals, thus accounting for the decreased incidence of osteoporosis among blacks. Antiresorptive treatments such as estrogen, estrogen analogs, and bisphosphonates at menopause have been shown to prevent accelerated bone loss and reduce fracture risk in perimenopausal women. The inhibitory effects of lead on chondrocytes and osteoblasts could result in attainment of a lower peak bone mass, predisposing lead-exposed individuals to osteoporosis later in life. Furthermore, lead released from bone matrix during increased resorption, such as at menopause, could increase local concentrations at bone surfaces, worsening the inhibition of osteoblastic bone formation, and therefore accelerating the loss of bone by further disturbing the balance of bone formation and resorption. Osteoporosis associated with lead intoxication has been previously reported, consistent with our own findings and those of others with animal models of lead toxicity causing osteopenia.
Systemic Toxicities of Skeletal Lead
Because bone has been shown to be the repository for 90-95% of lead in the body, there has been significant concern that release of lead from bone during menopause could lead to elevated blood levels and significant toxicity. A study of blood lead levels in Hispanic women demonstrated higher blood leads in women within the first 4 years of menopause as compared to women who were more than 4 years postmenopausal, supporting this concern. Similarly, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II (NHANES II, 1976-1980) demonstrated a significant increase in blood leads following menopause. Further support for this observation was presented in a prior study of antiresorptive therapy with estrogen in lead-exposed women by Webber et al (1995). He showed that bone lead was significantly higher in women treated with estrogen than in the untreated group. More potent antiresorptive agents such the bisphosphonates, alendronate or risedronate, which are now standard therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis, have not been studied with regard to effects on lead metabolism.
Numerous other conditions of accelerated bone resorption have been shown to increase blood lead levels, including immobilization, thyrotoxicosis, and hyperparathyroidism. The significance of the accelerated release of lead from bone in postmenopausal women relates to the known toxicities of low levels of lead on other organ systems, such as the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Lead intoxication at low levels has been associated with hypertension in both children and adults, and has been shown to cause cognitive dysfunction in older adults. Elevated lead levels have been reported after immobilization for a fracture, with associated renal toxicity in one report. This has added clinical significance given data that demonstrate lead-related abnormalities of fracture healing. Local elevation of extracellular fluid lead levels at a fracture site secondary to increased resorption from the combined inflammatory response and immobilization could impair or delay the healing of osteoporotic fractures. The data on systemic toxicities of bone-derived lead form the basis for the proposed clinical trial of alendronate in lead-exposed menopausal women to determine if a potent antiresorptive can prevent the rise of blood lead during accelerated bone resorption.
Measurement of Bone Lead
The method of K shell X-ray Fluorescence (KXRF) has been employed to measure bone lead in occupationally lead exposed and unexposed individuals. In vivo bone lead measurements were first developed by Ahlgren and Mattsson at Lund in Sweden. They used X-rays from a 57Co source to excite lead K shell electrons. Measurement was made in a finger bone and this system has been in operation since 1972. Subsequently, an improved system was developed by Chettle, Scott, Laird and Somervaille in Birmingham, England. This system used X-rays from a 109Cd source to excite the lead K electrons to produce gamma rays (i.e., X-ray fluorescence), and proved to have three particular advantages over the original approach: measurements were more precise; bone lead content could be directly related to bone mineral; and measurements could usefully be made of any superficial bone. The first human measurements were made in 1983 and initially the tibia lead concentration was studied. Since then the calcaneus has frequently been selected as a trabecular bone site. The patella has also been used in this way, and measurements have also been reported of radius, sternum and skull. This measurement approach has been adopted by a number of laboratories around the world. In 1991, Chettle and Webber at McMaster University developed a new system, with improved precision, based on the same principles.
Two particular features of the relationship between bone lead and lead exposure have consistently emerged from studies in which K X-ray fluorescence technology has been employed. First, bone lead concentration reflects cumulative lead exposure. Cumulative exposure can be represented by the time-weighted integral of blood lead, monitored regularly in lead exposed workers. Secondly, release of lead from bone contributes to circulating lead in blood, thus constituting an endogenous exposure. This relationship is particularly clear when industrial exposure has ceased. For such people, endogenous exposure can often be the dominant contributor to current blood lead.

Correction of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements based on body lead levels


A formulation containing a copolymer derived from a cationic monomer effectively inhibits and controls the formation of inorganic scales. Suitable copolymers include those comprising an acrylamide unit and a quaternary ammonium salt group, and optionally an acrylate and/or nitrogen heterocyclic monomer including those wherein the quaternary ammonium salt is a unit of the formula:

Brines are widely used in well completion as a kill fluid, completion fluid, packer fluid or workover fluid, etc. Generally, a zinc bromide (ZnBr2) brine will be used when a brine is required to have a density of about 14.0 ppg or above, or even lower if low True Crystallization Temperature (TCT) fluid is required. Depending on the economic concern and the requirements of their properties, the zinc bromide fluids applied include CaBr2/ZnBr2 two-salt and CaCl2/CaBr2/ZnBr2 three-salt brines.
During completion of the well, however, such brines may become lost in the reservoir and remain in the formation for a long period of time. If a reservoir contains hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, or sulfur-containing chemical was used during the completion of the wells, or a formation water contains sulfide ion, zinc sulfide (ZnS) or iron sulfide (FeS, Fe2S3, FeS2) scales can form when a zinc bromide brine is commingled with sulfide ion and where soluble iron is available as a result of corrosion. The formation of zinc sulfide or iron sulfide scales can damage well productivity through a variety of associated problems such as 1) plugging of flow channels in the formation and across the perforation and 2) scaling on downhole tool assembles and surface facilities, etc.
To remove zinc sulfide or iron sulfide scales, an acid treatment is normally performed. After the acid treatment, the production rate may be restored to its previous level. However, new zinc sulfide or iron sulfide scale deposits can be formed in the well in a short period of time, and a re-treatment is required. This translates to increased costs. In addition, there are significant risks associated with acid treatments in high temperature, high-pressure gas wells. These include corrosivity of acid at high temperature and the generation of toxic H2S gas during the treatment.
Prevention of formation of zinc sulfide or iron sulfide scales may be effectuated by treating the zinc bromide brine with a zinc sulfide and iron sulfide scale inhibitor during well completion before scaling can occur downhole. There are several sulfide scale inhibitors on the market. These conventional sulfide scale inhibitors were originally developed for prevention of sulfate and carbonate scales in fresh water and low-density brines, such as KCl, NaCl or NH4Cl. These can be categorized into several families of chemicals such as phosphate esters, phosphonate/phosphonic acids, chelating agents, and polymeric inhibitors. Phosphonate/phosphonic acid type scale inhibitors have demonstrated their effectiveness to control ZnS scale at relatively low concentration. Polymeric scale inhibitors, such as sodium salt of acrylamido-methyl propane sulfonate/acrylic acid copolymer (AMPS/AA), phosphinated maleic copolymer (PHOS/MA) or sodium salt of polymaleic acid/acrylic acid/acrylamido-methyl propane sulfonate terpolymers (PMA/AMPS), are also effective scale inhibitors to control ZnS scales in fresh water and low density brines but not high density brines.
Although chelating agents have been reported to be effective scale inhibitors, their effectiveness is limited in heavy brines since their loading is in direct proportion to Zn2+ concentration. With chelating agents, stoichiometric reactions are typically required in order to form a stable complex between chelating agent and zinc ion. The high Zn2+ ion concentration of zinc bromide completion fluid makes this approach not practicable.
Unlike traditional scale inhibitors, especially those applied in fresh water or very low salt solutions (approximately 3 percent salt), inhibitors designed for zinc brines are generally required to be compatible with more than 50 percent dissolved salt. Thus, in zinc brines, the extremely high salt content and the limited amount of free water severely restricts both the solubility and effectiveness of the inhibitor. Thus, it is not practical to use a chelating agent in a completion brine that contains significant amount of Zn2+ ions.
For the majority of the scale inhibitors mentioned above, especially for polymeric inhibitors, their solubility in high density completion brines is very limited due to the high concentration of Zn2+ and Ca2+ ions present in the brines and very limited free water available. Further, high concentrations of Zn2+ and Ca2+ ions are detrimental to the effectiveness of phosphonic based scale inhibitors.
Furthermore, due to very limited free water in high-density brines, it is very difficult for a scale inhibitor to completely dissolve in the brine. During well completion operations, the completion brine is under constant circulation and filtration. Any scale inhibitor that is not totally soluble in the brine can be removed from the system and lose its effectiveness during the operation.
A need exists therefore for new zinc sulfide or iron sulfide scale inhibitors that have good solubility in high-density brines and which can effectively control ZnS or iron sulfide scaling.

Method for inhibiting or controlling inorganic scale formations with copolymers of acrylamide and quaternary ammonium salts

Abstract: wherein R is methyl or hydrogen; R4 is a C1 to C6 alkyl group, optionally substituted with halogen, hydroxyl and alkoxy groups, X is halogen; and R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkoxy groups. Suitable nitrogen heterocyclic compounds include N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinylformamide, N-vinylacetamide, N-vinylcaprolactam, N-vinylimidazole and N-vinylpyridine. The copolymers have particular applicability in the control and inhibition of zinc sulfide or iron sulfide scales, typically formed when zinc bromide brines are used as fluids in the treatment of a gas or oil well, such as a completion fluid.


A solvent borne brushable coating composition and process for using the same are provided. The composition includes a crosslinkable component having one or more polymers having two or more crosslinkable groups a crosslinking component comprising one or more crosslinking agents having crosslinking groups; and 2 weight percent to 50 weight percent of drying oil comprising linseed oil, tung oil, poppy seed oil, perilla oil, walnut oil or a combination thereof. When a layer a pot mix resulting from mixing of the crosslinkable and crosslinking components is brush applied over a substrate, it has a low brush drag while providing desired coating properties, such as high gloss and rapid cure even under ambient conditions. The solvent borne brushable coating compositions is well suited for use in automotive refinish applications.

Brushability is the ability of paint to be easily and uniformly applied to a surface using a paint brush. Brushability is adversely affected as a result of brushmarks (striations) that do not flow out, sagging, high brush drag that makes brushing difficult, and low brush drag that makes brushing so easy that overspreading of the paint occurs. Other defects such as cratering or uneven coating thickness can also occur. Lap marks will occur if the paint formulation or the way that it is being applied will not allow a wet edge to be maintained, i.e., there would be a difference in the gloss between dried layer and next abutting wet layer being brushed. Brush drag, a measure of the ease or difficulty of the brushing action, is a major factor in brushability. High brush drag helps produce high film thickness, but can make brushing so difficult that the painter can easily get tired of applying paint. Low brush drag means that the paint may be easy to apply, but then would result in a thin uneven coating with poor hiding. The brushability of two-pack cure coating compositions, i.e., enamels, is even more difficult to achieve since it is difficult to control premature curing of a pot mix on paint bristles as well as different parts of bristles containing pot mix that have been exposed to the paint. Thus, a need still exists for a brushable solvent borne ambient cure enamel that has low brush drag and low VOC but still provides desired coating properties, such as high gloss.
In the past, Kaolin has been used to improve the brushability of two pack coating compositions, such as enamels. However, the presence of Kaolin could affect the coating properties of a coating when exposed to environmental damage such as abrasion from dirt and grime on the road and cracking.
Thus, a need exist to improve the brushability of a coating composition without the loss of any gloss of a coating resulting therefrom, especially for ambient cure automotive paint used in refinish applications. In addition, other objects, desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

Solvent borne coating composition having improved brushability and process for producing coatings therefrom


A fruit catcher has a trolley with ground-engaging wheels to enable the catcher to be moved over the ground, and a pair of side-by-side catcher portions pivotally mounted on the trolley for lateral opening and closing movement to enable the trolley to be moved, when the catcher portions are in a laterally opened position, to position the catcher portions on opposite sides of a tree, whereby the catcher portions can subsequently be pivoted to a closed position in which the catcher portions surround the tree. Each catcher portion has a series of radial arms which are extendable and contractible and which carry a flexible catcher sheet portion. Each catcher portion also has an actuator connected to each radial arm thereof for extending and contracting the arms simultaneously and, when the arms are extended, the flexible sheet portions provide an annular catcher array surrounding the tree for catching fruit falling therefrom.

In the past, there have been various proposals for fruit catchers which are positionable under a tree to catch fruit falling therefrom. However, for one reason or another, such previously known fruit catchers have not proved to be particularly satisfactory.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved fruit catcher of this kind.


Disclosed herein is a recording medium comprising a base material and an ink-receiving layer provided on at least one side of the base material, wherein the ink-receiving layer comprises, as essential components, an hydrophilic resin and a cationic compound having both structural units of the formulae (I) and (II)

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a recording medium suitable for use in ink-jet recording and an ink-jet recording process using such a recording medium.
2. Related Background Art
An ink-jet recording system is a recording system in which recording is conducted by generating and ejecting droplets of an ink by one of various ink ejection systems, for example, an electrostatic attraction system, a system using a piezoelectric element to give an ink mechanical vibration or change, or a system in which an ink is heated to form bubbles in the ink, thereby using the pressure thus produced, and applying the whole or a part of the droplets to a recording medium such as paper or a plastic film coated with an ink-receiving layer. The ink-jet recording system attracts attention as a printing method which scarcely produces noise and can conduct high-speed printing and multi-color printing.
As inks used for the ink-jet recording system, inks comprising water as a principal component are mainly used from the viewpoints of safety, printability, etc. Water-soluble organic solvents such as polyhydric alcohols are often added to such inks with a view toward preventing clogging of orifices and improving ejection stability. Therefore, it is required of recording media used in ink-jet recording that images formed thereon by these inks become excellent in water fastness (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cthe ability to improve the water fastness of imagesxe2x80x9d).
Conventionally known recording media for ink-jet recording, which have been proposed for meeting such a requirement, include, for example, a recording sheet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-36692, comprising a water-insoluble polymer latex composed of a copolymer with a monomer having a tertiary amino group or quaternary ammonium group, a recording sheet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-177390, comprising an electrically-conductive agent of the quaternary ammonium salt type, a recording sheet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-20696, comprising a diallyldialkylammonium halide, and a recording sheet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-146889, comprising a dicyandiamide-formalin condensate.
Besides, there are described a recording sheet comprising a quaternary cationic or amine compound in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-277484, a recording sheet comprising polyallylamine hydrochloride in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-174184, a recording sheet comprising an organic acid salt of polyethyleneimine in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-198186, a recording sheet comprising a quaternized product of polyethyleneimine in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-198188, a recording sheet comprising a poly(dialkanolallylamine) derivative in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-280681, a recording sheet comprising a polymer based on a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl quaternary ammonium salt or a polymer based on a (meth)acrylamidoalkyl quaternary ammonium salt in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-115780, and a recording medium comprising a polyvinyl acetal resin and a cationic compound as essential components in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-61113.
Furthermore, there is also proposed an additive for ink-jet recording comprising, as an active ingredient, a polymer based on a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a benzyl group or a polymer based on a (meth)acrylamidoalkyl quaternary ammonium salt having a benzyl group in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-108618.
With the improvement in performance of ink-jet recording apparatus, such as speeding up of recording and multi-coloring of images, in recent years, ink-jet recording media have also been required to have higher and wider properties. Particularly, the recording media are strongly required to have the following properties:
(1) being able to stably store an image formed thereon for a long period of time without undergoing changes even when left to stand in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment;
(2) providing a printed image having excellent light fastness;
(3) having high ink absorbency (absorbing capacity being great, and absorbing time being short);
(4) providing dots high in optical density and clear in periphery; and
(5) having an ink-receiving layer excellent in water resistance and providing a printed image excellent in water fastness.
In addition to the above properties, such recording media are required to satisfy the following properties at the same time:
(6) being excellent in adhesion between an ink-receiving layer and a base material;
(7) providing dots having a substantially round shape and a smooth periphery when an ink is applied thereto;
(8) undergoing little changes in properties and no curling even at varied temperatures and humidities when they are in the form of a sheet;
(9) undergoing no blocking; and
(10) being stable without undergoing deterioration even when they are stored in themselves for a long period of time (in particular, in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment).
Besides, recording sheets for OHP, and the like are further required to have excellent transparency in themselves in addition to the above requirements. More specifically, not only a film as a base material but also an ink-receiving layer provided thereon is required to have excellent transparency.
Further, when a white base material such as a white film or resin-coated paper is used, an ink-receiving layer provided thereon is also required to have excellent transparency so as not to impair the whiteness and/or the glossy feeling of the base material itself. With respect to glossiness in particular, it is a matter of course that the glossiness of an unprinted portion of the recording medium be high, and it is also necessary for a printed portion to have high glossiness.
These properties are often in a relation of trade-off. It has hence been impossible to satisfy them at the same time by the conventionally known techniques. Especially, with the advancement of generalization of ink-jet techniques, opportunities of printing, storing and posting at various places are increasing. Therefore, discoloration or bleeding of printed images becomes a serious problem upon exposure to temperature, humidity or sunlight.
In order to make the quality of an image obtained by ink-jet recording comparable to a silver salt photograph, there is a demand for development of a recording medium capable of providing an image with brighter colors. However, there are the following various difficult problems that confront such a requirement. For example, the recording sheets comprising a cationic compound proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 57-36692, 58-177390, 59-20696, 59-146889, 61-277484, 62-174184, 59-198186, 59-198188, 63-280681, 63-115780 and 7-61113, which have been mentioned above as the recording media of the prior art, are recognized to have been markedly enhanced in the ability to improve the water fastness of images compared with any recording sheet without an addition of cationic compound when conducting ink-jet recording thereon. However, the recording sheets containing the cationic compound tend to change the hue of an ink-jet printed portion though it somewhat varies according to the kind of a dye in an ink used, so that the hue of the resultant image becomes greatly different from the hue inherent in the dye, or the image becomes a gloomy image having poor brightness. The reason for it is considered to be due to the fact that since the cationic compound is ionically bonded to the dye having an anionic group to form a great polymeric complex, and the aggregating state of the dye hence undergoes a change, so that the light absorption spectrum inherent in the dye varies.
Further, in recording sheets obtained by providing an ink-receiving layer on a support, such as sheets for OHP, the water fastness of images printed thereon is impaired when left to stand in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment (for example, 30xc2x0 C./80% RH) even if such a cationic compound as proposed in the prior art is used, so that bleeding occurs on the images. Such recording sheets are hence poor in the ability to stably store the image (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cshelf storability of imagexe2x80x9d merely).
With the increase of recording density in ink-jet recording methods in recent years, i.e., increase in shot-in ink quantity, the degree of bleeding of an image when the image is left to stand in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment (for example, 30xc2x0 C./80% RH) comes to be at an unsatisfactory level under the circumstances though it has heretofore been at a fully satisfactory level.
Further, the recording sheets containing the cationic compound proposed in the prior art provide images markedly poor in light fastness compared with recording sheets containing no cationic compound, and so the necessity of improving the light fastness of the resulting image is pointed out.
When a recording medium for ink-jet is prepared by mixing the additive for ink-jet recording proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-108618 with a hydrophilic resin and applying the mixture to a transparent PET film to form an ink-receiving layer, and ink-jet recording is conducted thereon, an image, which is fully satisfactory in coloristic performance and light fastness, is provided. However, bleeding occurs on such an image when the image is left to stand in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment (for example, 30xc2x0 C./80% RH), and so the recording medium is not such that the shelf storability of image can be fully satisfied.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium which satisfies the above-described various properties at the same time in a well-balanced relation and is suitable for use in ink-jet recording, and particularly to provide a recording medium which has excellent shelf storability of image in that an image formed thereon undergoes no changes such as bleeding even when it is left to stand for a long period of time under environmental conditions of a high-temperature and a high-humidity after printing, to say nothing of being excellent in the image quality of the image right after printing, and which can provide an image having excellent light fastness though its ink-receiving layer contains a cationic compound, and an ink-jet recording process and an image forming process using such a recording medium.
The above object can be achieved by the present invention described below.
According to the present invention, there is thus provided a recording medium comprising a base material and an ink-receiving layer provided on at least one side of the base material, wherein the ink-receiving layer comprises, as essential components, a hydrophilic resin and a cationic compound having both structural units of the formulae (I) and (II)
wherein R1, R2, R4 and R5 are independently each other hydrogen or an alkyl group, R3 is a phenyl, naphthyl, benzyl or phenethyl group, R6 is a linear segment comprising a hydrophilic repeating segment and having 10 to 50 carbon atoms, and X is a halide ion, a sulfate ion, an alkylsulfate ion, an alkylsulfonate ion, an arylsulfonate ion, or an acetate ion, and wherein the cationic compound is used in combination with the hydrophilic resin in a proportion of from 1 to 40 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the hydrophilic resin.
According to the present invention, there is also provided an ink-jet recording process comprising the step of ejecting ink droplets from an orifice of a recording head to the recording material mentioned above in accordance with a recording signal.

Recording medium and ink-jet recording process


One embodiment is a method that uses MapReduce and Relation Valued Functions (RVFs) with parallel processing to search a database and obtain search results.

Databases are electronic filing systems that store records or data in a computer system. Computer programs or users can send and retrieve data from the database using a database management system (DBMS).
The amount of data stored in database systems has been continuously increasing over the last few decades. Database management systems manage large volumes of data that need to be efficiently accessed and manipulated. Queries to the database are becoming increasingly complex to execute in view of such massive data structures. If queries to the database are not completed in a sufficient amount of time, then acceptable performance is difficult to achieve.

Map-reduce and parallel processing in databases

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP


Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, including requesting a license for software from first equipment of a license holder; receiving a passed ledger associated with the license from the first equipment of the license holder, wherein the passed ledger comprises a latest block; receiving a hash value for the latest block from a software vendor of the software; calculating a hash value for the latest block; and responsive to the hash value provided by second equipment of the software vendor matching the hash value calculated for the latest block: executing the software. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Software can be distributed under many kinds of licenses, ranging from open source freeware to pay per use, and everything in between. In large companies and business to business sales, customers often report usage without providing a software vendor with a way to verify how many copies of the software were in use over a given time period. For example, a large company might have an open-ended contract with a software vendor for a ubiquitous product. The license requires the large company to specify a quantity of licenses that were used over a given month or quarter. The quantity of licenses changes for a variety of reasons, including staffing considerations.
One of the more difficult issues is how software handles offline work, as many users are not able to connect to the network every time that they use software. This problem becomes an issue since the software continues to function even if the device gets disconnected from the network. Further, large organizations often prefer bulk contracts that allow multiple users to have access to the software. These bulk contracts should be updated as the conditions of the organization change.


A vibrating element includes a vibration portion including a first main surface, a second main surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface, and extending in a first direction. The vibration portion includes a first groove formed in the first main surface and a second groove formed in the second main surface, and in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first main surface, the first groove and the second groove are provided to shift in opposite directions from each other, in a second direction.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a vibrating element, an angular velocity sensor, an electronic apparatus, and a moving object.
2. Related Art
For example, a gyro sensor of JP-A-2013-157703 has been known as a vibrating element that detects an angular velocity. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 of JP-A-2013-157703, the sectional shape of a drive arm of this gyro sensor is asymmetrical with respect to a centerline in a width direction and a center line in a thickness direction of the drive arm. This structure enables an oblique vibration as illustrated in FIG. 6 of JP-A-2013-157703 by a simple process.
According to the structure disclosed in JP-A-2013-157703, since a drive arm can obliquely vibrate, but the rigidity of the drive arm is weak, unnecessary vibration such as torsional vibration is applied. Therefore, electrical characteristics of an angular velocity signal to be detected (noise and stability) need to be improved.

Vibrating element, angular velocity sensor, electronic apparatus, and moving object


A synthetic jet includes a first backer structure and a first actuator coupled to the first backer structure to form a first composite unit. The synthetic jet also includes a second backer structure, and a second actuator coupled to the second backer structure to form a second composite unit. A wall member is coupled to and positioned between the first and second backer structures to form a cavity. The first composite unit has an orifice formed therethrough and the orifice is fluidically coupled to the cavity and fluidically coupled to an environment external to the cavity.

The invention relates generally to synthetic jets and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus of acoustic noise reduction therein.
A synthetic jet may influence the flow over a surface to control flow, as in, for example, separation from an airfoil, or to enhance convection on a surface. A typical synthetic jet actuator includes a housing defining an internal chamber, and an orifice is present in a wall of the housing. The actuator further includes a mechanism in or about the housing for periodically changing the volume within the internal chamber so that a series of fluid vortices are generated and projected in an external environment out from the orifice of the housing. Various volume changing mechanisms include, for example, a piston positioned in the jet housing to move so that gas or fluid is moved in and out of the orifice during reciprocation of the piston and a flexible diaphragm as a wall of the housing. The flexible diaphragm is typically actuated by a piezoelectric actuator or other appropriate means.
Typically, a control system is utilized to create time-harmonic motion of the diaphragm. As the diaphragm moves into the chamber, decreasing the chamber volume, fluid is ejected from the chamber through the orifice. As the fluid passes through the orifice, the flow separates at the sharp edges of the orifice and creates vortex sheets which roll up into vortices. These vortices move away from the edges of the orifice under their own self-induced velocity. As the diaphragm moves outward with respect to the chamber, increasing the chamber volume, ambient fluid is drawn from large distances from the orifice into the chamber. Because the exiting vortices get connected away from the edges of the orifice, they are not affected by the ambient fluid being entrained into the chamber. Thus, as the vortices travel away from the orifice, they synthesize a jet of fluid, thus called a "synthetic jet," through entrainment of the ambient fluid.
A synthetic jet may be used for thermal management of tight spaces where electronics may be housed and where space for the electronics is a premium. Typically, wireless communication devices such as cellular phones, pagers, two-way radios, and the like, have much of their heat generated in integrated circuit (i.e. IC) packages that are positioned in such tight spaces. Because of the limited space and limited natural convection therein, the heat generated is typically conducted into printed circuit boards and then transferred to the housing interior walls via conduction, convection, and radiative processes. The heat is then typically conducted through the housing walls and to the surrounding ambient environment. The process is typically limited because of the limited opportunity for convection cooling within the housing and over the printed circuit boards. The low thermal conductivity of the fiberglass epoxy resin-based printed circuit boards can lead to high thermal resistance between the heat source and the ambient environment. And, with the advent of smaller enclosures, higher digital clock speeds, greater numbers of power-emitting devices, higher power-density components, and increased expectations for reliability, thermal management issues present an increasing challenge in microelectronics applications.
To improve the heat transfer path, micro/meso scale devices such as synthetic jets have been proposed as a possible replacement for or augmentation of natural convection in microelectronics devices. Applications may include impingement of a fluid in and around the electronics and printed circuit boards. However, a synthetic jet typically has two natural frequencies at which the synthetic jet yields superior cooling performance. These natural frequencies include the structural resonant frequency and the acoustic resonance (Helmholtz) frequency. The structural resonant frequency is caused at the natural frequency of the structure of the synthetic jet, which consists typically of the synthetic jet plates acting as a mass and the elastomeric wall acting as a spring. The acoustic resonance frequency is characterized by the acoustic resonance of air mass flowing in and out of the synthetic jet orifice. The effect is due to the air in the synthetic jet volume acting as a spring and the air in the orifice acting as a mass. The acoustic resonance is expectedly accompanied by a loud tonal noise and a determined vibrational mode if the two modes are not separated from one another in the frequency domain. Thus, the process of operating a synthetic jet typically results in a loud noise that may limit or preclude its use in cooling and other applications.
Therefore, it would be desirable to design an apparatus and method for reducing acoustic noise in a synthetic jet while not compromising performance thereof.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for reducing acoustic noise in a synthetic jet


An interactive system may be implemented in part by an audio device located within a user environment, which may accept speech commands from a user and may also interact with the user by means of generated speech. In order to improve performance of the interactive system, a user may use a separate device, such as a personal computer or mobile device, to access a graphical user interface that lists details of historical speech interactions. The graphical user interface may be configured to allow the user to provide feedback and/or corrections regarding the details of specific interactions.

Many different ways have been introduced to allow users to interact with devices and services, such as mechanical means (e.g., keyboards, mice, etc.), touch screens, motion, and gesture. In addition, speech may be used to interact with computing devices. However, speech interactions are often more prone to errors than other types of user interactions. Errors and inaccuracies may include problems with speech recognition and understanding as well as with speech generation when responding to users.


A carrier structure is provided, which includes: a metal oxide plate having opposite first and second surfaces and a plurality of through holes penetrating the first and second surfaces; a plurality of conductive portions formed in the through holes, respectively; and a plurality of conductive pads formed on the first surface of the metal oxide plate, wherein each of the conductive pads is correspondingly positioned on and in contact with a plurality of the conductive portions so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of the conductive portions. By replacing a conventional silicon interposer with the metal oxide plate, the present invention eliminates the need to form through silicon vias as required in the prior art and therefore simplifies the fabrication process.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor packages, and more particularly, to a semiconductor package and a fabrication method thereof for improving the product yield.
2. Description of Related Art
Along with the rapid development of electronic industries, electronic products are developed toward the trend of multi-function and high performance. Accordingly, there have been developed various types of flip-chip packaging modules such as chip scale packages (CSPs), direct chip attached (DCA) packages and multi-chip modules (MCM), and 3D IC chip stacking technologies.
FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic cross-sectional views showing a method for fabricating a semiconductor package 1 according to the prior art.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a silicon substrate 10′ is provided and a plurality of through holes 100a are formed in the silicon substrate 10′.
Referring to FIG. 1B, a dielectric material 100b is formed in the through holes 100a first and then a metal material is filled in the through holes 100a, thus forming a silicon interposer 10 having a plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs) 100.
Referring to FIG. 1C, an RDL (Redistribution Layer) structure 15 is formed on a first surface of the silicon interposer 10.
Then, a semiconductor chip 11 having a plurality of electrode pads 110 is flip-chip disposed on a second surface of the silicon interposer 10 opposite to the first surface. The electrode pads 110 are electrically connected to the TSVs 100 of the silicon interposer 10 through a plurality of u-bumps 13. Thereafter, an underfill 12 is formed between the semiconductor chip 11 and the silicon interposer 10 for encapsulating the u-bumps 13.
Then, an encapsulant 16 is formed on the silicon interposer 10 for encapsulating the semiconductor chip 11.
Thereafter, a packaging substrate 18 having a plurality of bonding pads 180 is attached to the first surface of the silicon interposer 10 through the RDL structure 15. In particular, the RDL structure 15 is electrically connected to the bonding pads 180 through a plurality of conductive elements 17 having a large pitch. Further, an underfill 12 is formed between the RDL structure 15 and the packaging substrate 18 for encapsulating the conductive elements 17.
If the semiconductor chip 11 is directly attached to the packaging substrate 18, a big CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) mismatch between the semiconductor chip 11 and the packaging substrate 18 adversely affects the formation of joints between conductive bumps of the semiconductor chip 11 and the bonding pads 180 of the packaging substrate 18, thus easily resulting in delamination of the conductive bumps from the packaging substrate 18. On the other hand, the CTE mismatch between the semiconductor chip 11 and the packaging substrate 18 induces more thermal stresses and leads to more serious warpage, thereby reducing the reliability of electrically connection between the semiconductor chip 11 and the packaging substrate 18 and resulting in failure of a reliability test.
Therefore, the silicon interposer 10 close in material to the semiconductor chip 11 is disposed between the semiconductor chip 11 and the packaging substrate 18 so as to effectively overcome the above-described drawbacks.
Further, the silicon interposer 10 facilitates to reduce the area of the semiconductor package 1. For example, a packaging substrate generally has a minimum line width/pitch of 12/12 um. When the I/O count of a semiconductor chip increases, since the line width/pitch of the packaging substrate cannot be reduced, the area of the packaging substrate must be increased such that more circuits can be formed on the packaging substrate and electrically connected to the semiconductor chip. On the other hand, referring to FIG. 1, through a semiconductor process, the silicon interposer 10 can have a line width/pitch of 3/3 um or less. Therefore, the semiconductor chip 11 having a high I/O count can be disposed on the silicon interposer 10 without the need to increase the area of the packaging substrate 18.
However, to form the TSVs 100 of the silicon interposer 10, a plurality of through holes 100a need to be formed in the silicon substrate 10′ through a patterning process such as exposure, development and etching and then filled with metal, which incurs a high cost. For example, for a 12-inch wafer, the TSV cost occupies about 40 to 50% of the total cost for fabricating the silicon interposer 10 (not including labor cost). Further, the fabrication process of the TSVs is time-consuming, especially when the silicon substrate 10′ is etched to form the through holes 100a. Consequently, the cost of the final product is increased.
Therefore, how to overcome the above-described drawbacks has become critical.

Semiconductor package and fabrication method thereof and carrier structure

Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd.