A process for the manufacture of porous structures comprises forming a dry mixture comprising a component providing primary separation capability, a component providing green strength reinforcement capability and, a component providing binding capability and selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers; delivering the mixture to a suitable surface and building a desired thickness thereof; densifying the mixture into the form desired for the porous structure; removing the densified porous structure from the surface; binding the component providing the primary separation capability by melting the mixture to a temperature of up to about 20.degree. C. higher than the melting point of any thermoplastic component providing binding capability. Porous structures (100, 110, 120, 125, 140, 175) according to the present invention comprise from about 70 to about 90 parts by weight of a component providing primary separation capability (61, 62); from about one to about 15 parts by weight of a component providing green strength reinforcement capability (64, 65); and, from about eight to about 20 parts by weight of a component providing binding capability (67, 68) and selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.

Typical separation medias include diatomaceous earth, perlite, activated carbon, zeolites and the like, to achieve filtration of adsorption effects. Use of such components in powdered form often generates high pressure drop and/or channeling. Accordingly, powdered filter aids are put into useful forms by a) incorporating them into thin media such as papers, or by depositing them as a thin pre-coat on a substrate to avoid high pressure drop; or b) combining them with a binder so they can subsequently be made into a useful porous structure.
Molded porous filter structures made from the typical separations media could be improved if the amount of binder could be reduced from the usual 20 to 40 percent and if the molded object could be removed from the high pressure compression mold, i.e. if it had high green strength, and subsequently thermally bonded in a self-supporting condition. Porous filter structures can be made by an extrusion process, but such processes are slow and require a large number of extruders for commercial production. Moreover, such processes are limited in the shape of useful filter structures that can be made.
Filter structures can be made via wet or dry processing. An example of the wet process is U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,735 issued to Pall Corporation which relates to the manufacture of so-called immobilized carbon beds. Several methods are disclosed, one of which produces a radial flow pressed block filter by mixing a wet slurry of fibrous materials, activated carbon and an adhesive; pumping the slurry into a mold; pressing out the free water; removing the pressed block from the mold and heating the block to remove moisture; and adding filter materials. Another produces an axial flow filter involving the mixing of carbon particulate and fine powdered polyethylene resin; the mixture being subsequently heated to melt the polymer and join the carbon particles. The invention is based upon the use of fine brass particles to aid in the inhibition of microbial growth in water.
In the dry process, the components are first dry blended, followed by densification and heating of the dry mixture into different forms and shapes. The current state of the dry process art is exemplified by the following patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,683 issued to Pall Corporation teaches the use of molding carbon blocks with particle sizes from about 200 to 2000 microns. The maximum molding pressure is 400 psi. The particle size of the polyethylene powdered binder employed is about 8 to 30 microns. The preferred binding pressure is from 0.3 to 10 psi. The binding temperature is about 50.degree. to 90.degree. F. (28.degree. to 50.degree. C.) above the Vicat softening temperature. These temperatures are equal to or below the melting temperature of the binder. The carbon and binder mixture is heated within the mold and then pressed for 1 to 2 minutes. The cooled carbon block is removed from the mold and found to be self-supporting. The filter blocks have poor physical strength due to the lack of efficient binding between the binder and the carbon particles.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,386 issued to Amway Corporation teaches a method for making a molded composite charcoal filter having two shells including the use of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as a binder, having a very low melt flow index, on the order of <1 gram/10 minutes, at a level of between 20 and 35 percent by weight. Binders having a high melt flow index are proclaimed as causing blinding of the active sites of the activated carbon. The patent teaches that while the blocks are still in the mold, they are subjected to heat (175.degree. to 205.degree. C.) and pressure (30 to 120 psi) to form a bonded integral composite filter. The drawback of this type of block is weak physical strength due to poor melt flow of the binder. At temperatures just a few degrees above the melting temperature (135.degree. to 138.degree. C.), the block has very poor physical strength. The method relies on raising the temperature to 175.degree. to 205.degree. C. to increase melt flow, which is avoided in the first place, in order to improve binding strength.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,311 issued to KT Corporation teaches a similar process, which employs a blend of conventional binders having medium and high melt flow index. These conventional binders are stretched out into a "continuous web matrix" (CWM) by the shearing forces encountered during material blending before extrusion without blocking the active sites, at a temperature substantially above the softening point of the binder. As a result, the required amount of binder can be reduced significantly to about 8 to 20 percent by weight. During the extrusion process, the media is in contact with the barrel and the screw. The extruded media is very hot and soft and must be hardened by rapid cooling to allow for subsequent handling. The typical binder, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), used in this invention is sheared at a minimum of 145.degree. C., which is at least 30.degree. C. higher than the melting temperature (115.degree. C.). The binder is stretched and spread onto the carbon particles to give good binding strength. However, this process can blind off an excessive number of pores of the carbon. Moreover, the carbon adsorption capacity and efficiency are very sensitive to the temperature variation and shear force of this process.
Thus, while attempts have been made heretofore to manufacture porous structures containing fine particle size filter aids, the art has not provided a facile process by which to combine relatively low amounts of binder resin with fine particles to produce a block having good green strength and favorably low pressure drop during fluid separation or filtration.


A flash reflector of a flash device is formed by blanking and folding a metal sheet with a mirror surface. The mirror surface is covered with a protection film for protecting the mirror surface from being scratched or stained. Before a flash discharge tube is mounted in the flash reflector, the flash reflector is placed under a protection film removing device, with the mirror surface upside. The protection film removing device shoots gas at corners of a face end of the flash reflector to blow the protection film off the mirror surface, and then sucks the protection film into a vacuum suction tube.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for removing protection films from flash reflectors of flash devices, especially those of lens-fitted photo film units. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the inventive method.
2. Background Arts
Many cameras and lens-fitted photo film units are provided with a flash device. The flash device in general consists of a flash discharge tube, a flash reflector for reflecting flash light from the flash discharge tube to project it toward a photographic subject, a protector plate placed in front of the flash discharge tube, and a flash circuit for causing the flash discharge tube to flash.
The flash reflector is made of a metal sheet, and has a mirror surface for effectively projecting the flash light toward the subject. The mirror surface is apt to get scratched, although scratches or stains on the mirror surface cause irregular reflection of the flash light, and lower the efficiency of flash light projection. Particularly in a manufacturing process of the lens-fitted photo film units, where the flash reflectors are made of a metal sheet by blanking and then transported to an assembly process, the possibility of damaging the mirror surfaces of the flash reflectors is very high during the transportation from the blanking process to the assembly process, as well as during the assembly.
In order to protect the mirror surface of the flash reflector from the scratches and dusts during the manufacturing of the lens-fitted photo film unit, the mirror surface of the metal sheet is covered with a protection film, e.g. a flexible resin film. The protection film remains being attached to the mirror surface while the metal sheet is blanked and formed into the flash reflector. The flash reflector with the projection film thereon is transported to the assembly process. The protection film is removed from the mirror surface immediately before the flash reflector is assembled into the flash device. Conventionally, the protection film is removed manually by use of a pair of forceps or tweezers or the like.
Manual removal of the protection film from the individual flash reflector is apparently time-consuming and labor intensive. It has been one of the most serious obstacle to production efficiency of the lens-fitted photo film unit. In addition, the mirror surface of the flash reflector can be damaged by the tool like the forceps on removing the protection film from the mirror surface.

Method and apparatus for removing protection film from flash reflector


An integrated circuit includes a core memory array and a test mode compression circuit. The test mode compression circuit receives test mode data from the core memory array. A multiplexer receives read data from the core memory array and test mode data from the test mode compression circuit. The multiplexer receives a test mode compression signal and selectively transfers one of the read data and the test mode data dependent at least in part upon the test mode compression signal.

Integrated circuits (ICs) are often very complex devices from both a structural and functional standpoint. The testing of such structurally and functionally complex devices is often equally complex. ICs are typically tested using sophisticated testing machines employing SPecific testing modes to ensure the functionality of the device. One test mode commonly used with memory chips, such as, for example, synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) chips, is test mode compression.
Test mode compression is a test mode that reduces the amount of time required to test the memory array or core of a memory chip. Generally, test mode compression condenses the test information from individual memory cells of a replaceable array section to a single bit that indicates whether that particular array section of memory cells passed or failed the functional test, and/or whether that array section is to be replaced by a redundant array section. Although the method of test mode compression reduces the amount of time required to test the memory array relative to directly reading and testing each individual memory cell separately or individually, testing an IC using test mode compression is still a relatively time consuming process.
The method of test mode compression conventionally stores the condensed data read from the memory array into a dedicated test mode compression register. The test mode compression register consumes valuable substrate space and adds complexity to the integrated circuit. Data in the test mode register is driven to an off-chip driver after a predetermined number of clock cycles, referred to as fixed latency. The depth of the test mode register fixes the latency period. The data in the test mode register is only driven to the off-chip driver at the expiration of the fixed latency period. Fixing the latency period also limits the maximum operational frequency at which the test can be administered. The depth of the register can be increased to increase the fixed latency period, thereby increasing the frequency at which the test can be administered. However, increasing the depth of the register consumes more valuable substrate space. Increasing the depth of the register also decreases the bandwidth, especially at lower operating frequencies.
Therefore, what is needed in the art is a method and apparatus for test mode compression that eliminates the need for a test mode compression register, thereby saving substrate space.
Furthermore, what is needed in the art is a method and apparatus for test mode compression that enables the latency period to be adjustable.
Moreover, what is needed in the art is a method and apparatus for test mode compression that enables testing at a higher frequency with a greater number of clock cycles between read operations.

Method and apparatus for providing adjustable latency for test mode compression


The present invention relates to a telephone handset, a base and an associated method for updating the software of the handset.

The present invention relates to a telephone handset, a base and an associated method for updating the software of the handset.
The present invention relates to a telephone handset operating with a software application and a base enabling the update of the software when the handset is charging on the base. If this base is connected to a network, the software of the telephone handset can receive the update of the software via the network.

Telephone handset, base and associated method for updating the software of the handset

Abstract: The communication base comprises a radio interface to communicate with a communication device operating by means of a software application, a charger circuit and a means of detecting a new version of the software.

Abstract: The communication base comprises a means for notifying the device, via the radio means, of the availability of the new software version and a means for transmitting the new software version to the device when the charger circuit is connected to the battery charging circuit of the device.


A surface protective film includes a self-healing urethane resin and a conductive powder. In the surface protective film, the content of the conductive powder is about 5 vol % or more and about 25 vol % or less relative to the volume of the urethane resin.

(i) Technical Field
The present invention relates to a surface protective film, a transfer member, an image forming apparatus, and a method for forming an image.
(ii) Related Art
A surface protective film has been conventionally disposed to suppress formation of scratches on a surface in various fields. Such a surface protective film is used for, for example, a screen and body of portable devices such as cellular phones and portable gaming devices, a body and door knob of automobiles, the exterior of a piano, a protective film for protecting an intermediate transfer body or the like in image forming apparatuses.
An image forming apparatus including an intermediate transfer body will now be described. A process for visualizing image information using an electrostatic latent image, such as an electrophotographic process, is now being utilized in various fields. In the electrophotographic process, image information is visualized through a charging and exposing step (latent image forming step) of forming a latent image (electrostatic latent image) on an image carrier, a developing step of developing the electrostatic latent image with a developer for developing electrostatic latent images (hereinafter may be simply referred to as "developer"), the developer containing a toner for developing electrostatic latent images (hereinafter may be simply referred to as "toner"), a transferring step, and a fixing step.
Various transferring processes for transferring a toner image, such as corotron discharge and contact transfer, have been employed. In the contact transfer, a method that uses a conductive roller or belt composed of a polyurethane including conductive particles such as carbon particles dispersed therein has been developed.

Surface protective film, transfer member, image forming apparatus, and method for forming image


The lock-up device includes a piston, a drive plate, a plurality of radial outer side torsion springs, a float member, a driven plate, a plurality of radial inner side torsion springs and an intermediate member. The float member is rotatable relative to the drive plate and causes the radial outer side torsion springs to act in series. The intermediate member is rotatable relative to the drive plate and the driven plate, and transmits torque from the radial outer side torsion springs to the radial inner side torsion springs.

A large number of torque converters are provided with a lock-up device for directly transmitting torque from a front cover to a turbine. The lock-up devices of this type includes a piston, a drive plate, a plurality of torsion springs and a driven plate. The piston is allowed to be frictionally coupled to the front cover. The drive plate is fixed to the piston. The torsion springs are supported by the drive plate. The driven plate is elastically coupled to the piston in a rotational direction by means of the torsion springs. Further, the driven plate is fixed to the turbine.
The piston axially divides the space between the front cover and the turbine. The piston is axially movable by means of hydraulic pressure difference between the axially divided spaces. Torque is transmitted from the front cover to the lock-up device when a friction facing, annularly attached to the radial outer part of the piston, is pressed onto the flat frictional surface of the front cover.
When torque transmission is herein executed through the lock-up device, low stiffness and a wide torsion angle are required for the torsion springs in order to eliminate or attenuate variation in torque to be inputted thereto from an engine. In response, devices have been proposed, for instance, as described in Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2001-082577, which is an example of related art. In a device disclosed therein, torsion springs are disposed on the radial inner part and the radial outer part of the lock-up device. Further, an intermediate member couples the radial inner side torsion springs and the radial outer side torsion springs.
According to the lock-up device described in Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2001-082577, the radial inner side torsion springs and the radial outer side torsion springs are configured to act in series through the intermediate member. Further, the radial inner side torsion springs are paired and disposed for causing each paired ones to act in series. A wide damper torsion angle is thereby produced.
However, it has been recently demanded to reduce fuel consumption by further enhancing characteristics. In response, a wider damper torsion angle is required to achieve further low stiffness.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a lock-up device with a wider damper torsion angle for achieving a damper characteristic of further low stiffness.


An optical quantizing unit includes an optical divider dividing 1st optical pulses to be quantized and sending the divided 1st optical pulses into a plurality of paths; a plurality of optical filters passing with different transmittances the divided 1st optical pulses; and an optical threshold filter sequentially receiving the 1st optical pulses, and sending 2nd optical pulses when light intensities of the 1st optical pulses are above a preset threshold value.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an optical quantizing unit and an optical A/D converter, and more particularly relates to an optical quantizing unit which produces optical pulses whose quantities are proportional to intensities of input optical pulses, and an optical A/D converter provided with the optical quantizing unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,089 discloses an optical quantizing circuit which produces optical pulses in proportion to the intensity of optical pulses.
In Reference 1, input optical pulses to be quantized are divided in accordance with the number of quantizing levels, and the optical pulses to be quantized are input into a plurality of optical threshold filters having different threshold values.
The optical threshold filters compare the optical pulses to be quantized with threshold values, and output optical pulses when the optical pulses to be quantized have light intensities above the threshold values. The number of the outputted optical pulses is proportional to intensities of optical pulses to be quantized.
However, since the foregoing optical threshold filters are large, the optical quantizing unit inevitably become bulky as a whole. Further, when a plurality of optical threshold filters are provided, the application efficiency of light will be lowered, and intensities of the input optical pulses to be quantized will be increased. Therefore, it is difficult to fabricate an economical optical quantizing unit.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Optical quantizing unit and optical A/D converter


A computer system dynamically scales back latch requests for system resources. Tasks seeking access to system resources each dynamically determine the probability that the task will gain access to the latch relating to a given system resource. Where the task estimates that its probability is below a defined threshold, the task will suspend itself for a defined sleep time. The task dynamically adjusts the length of the sleep time based on the number of times the task enters the suspended state and on the relative changes in the estimated probability that the task will gain access to the resource.

In a multitasking computer system, tasks that require exclusive access to a system resource or a critical section of code are typically required to obtain a latch to serialize such access. Only one task (or thread/process) can hold a latch at any particular time. Other tasks seeking access to the system resource will wait on the latch and are suspended until the latch is freed by the current holder of the latch.
The common method of implementing a latch in application software is for all waiters to wait on a lower level primitive provided by the operating system. Common primitives include semaphores and message queues (depending on the implementation of the latch). Tasks requesting a latch ("requesters") will, after unsuccessfully attempting to get the latch, wait on the appropriate operating system resource. Because the requesters are waiting on an operating system primitive, the operating system suspends the requesters waiting on the latch (in fact the lower level primitive) while a task continues to hold the latch. When the latch is freed, the operating system permits the requesting suspended tasks to resume. The result is that each of the requesting tasks competes with each other to obtain the latch. As is apparent, as the number of tasks increases, the resumption of each requester task when a latch is freed will cause a greater use of system resources (including CPU time) as each task will seek to acquire the operating system primitive.
Prior art systems provide for assigning priorities and dispatch classes to program threads to permit application programs to influence the schedule of execution for program threads (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,128, Farrell). However, such systems do not prevent the contention for the operating system primitives described above for threads having the same priority in the same dispatch class.
It is therefore desirable to have a system that permits tasks to request a latch without placing excessive demands on system resources when the latch is released and requester threads seek to obtain the latch.

Dynamic latch request scaling back function to conditionally place task in suspended state

International Business Machines Corporation


One or more processing platforms are configured to implement at least a first site of a multi-site storage system. The first site comprises a first file system resident at the first site, and a replicated version of a second file system. The second file system is resident at a second site of the multi-site storage system, and the replicated version of the second file system is resident at the first site. Virtual block storage appliances running on respective virtual machines of the first site interact with one another and with similar appliances at the second site to allow the replicated version of the second file system to be synchronized at a cache level with the second file system, and to allow a replicated version of the first file system at the second site to be synchronized at a cache level with the first file system at the first site.

As the use of public and private clouds becomes increasingly widespread, it is not uncommon for cloud infrastructure to include multi-site storage system arrangements. In such arrangements, a multi-site storage system may be distributed over multiple geographically-dispersed locations. A more particular example of a multi-site storage system is a virtual metro cluster, in which the sites may be within different regions of a metropolitan area or other geographic area and interconnected to communicate with one another via a wide area network (WAN). The different sites may correspond, for example, to different data centers of a business or other enterprise.
In conventional arrangements, each of the sites of the multi-site system may replicate file systems associated with the other sites, so as provide file system recovery capability in the event of failure of one or more of the sites. The remote site file systems that are replicated at the given site are also referred to as mirror file systems. However, in these conventional arrangements, the primary file system of a given site is typically mounted as a read-write file system but the file systems of the remote sites that are replicated as mirror file systems at the given site are typically mounted as read-only file systems.
Such arrangements are used because each primary file system of the multi-site storage system will generally include both cache and disk storage resources, and data written to a file system is held in cache for a certain period of time before it is sent to disk. Accordingly, as the replication of remote file systems generally involves replicating only the disk rather than both the disk and the cache, the conventional arrangements are unable to ensure consistent states between the replicated file system and its corresponding primary file system unless the replicated file system is mounted as a read-only file system.
The above-noted conventional arrangements are therefore unable to provide active-active data access in both primary and replicated file systems, where "active-active" indicates that both primary and replicated file systems of a given site are mounted as read-write file systems. Instead, as indicated previously such multi-site systems are typically configured to utilize "active-passive" data access, in which the primary file system is mounted as a read-write file system but the replicated file system is mounted as a read-only file system.
This represents a significant drawback of conventional practice, in that the file system recovery time after a failure in one of the sites can be unduly long when using an active-passive data access arrangement in a multi-site storage system.

Multi-site storage system with replicated file system synchronization utilizing virtual block storage appliances


The present invention relates to stem cells which exhibit increased sensitivity to a chemoattractant and, more particularly, to methods of generating and using them such as in clinical applications involving stem cell transplantation.

Medical treatment of disorders caused by abnormal organ function typically employ pharmaceutical agents designed for either compensating for such abnormal organ function or treating the dysfunctional organ tissue. However, in some cases, pharmaceutical therapy cannot be instated since organ function is oftentimes complex and/or not completely understood.
In such cases, the only viable alternative is surgical replacement of the non-functional organ, which is now widely used for treatment of liver and kidney failure, both acute and chronic, as well as for cancer and certain inborn abnormalities. However, the need for donor organs far exceeds the supply. Organ shortage has resulted in new surgical techniques, such as splitting adult organs for transplant. Despite fairly good results, such techniques still suffer from a lack of donor tissue.
The lack of viable donor tissue has led to the emergence of stem cell replacement therapy, which relies on stem cell plasticity i.e., the ability to give rise to cell types in a new location that are not normally present in the organ in which the stem cells are located.
Stem cells are generally classified according to their origin, essentially adult, embryonic or neonatal origin. Embryonic stem cells deriving from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst are pluripotential, bring capable of giving rise to cells found in all three germ layers. Despite long held belief adult stem cells are not as lineage restricted as previously thought. In particular, haematopoietic and neural stem cells appear to be the most versatile at cutting across lineage boundaries. For example, recent reports suggest that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) of human origin have a hepatic potential. Studies of liver or bone marrow transplantation from sex mismatched donors, identified bone marrow-derived hepatocytes in recipients [Alison (2000) Nature 406:257; Theise (2000) Hepatology 32:11-16; Korbling (2002) N Engl J Med 346:738-746]. Murine and rat HSCs were also found to migrate to irradiated or injured adult livers, and to differentiate into hepatic cells [Petersen (1999) Science 284:1168-1170; Theise (2000) Hepatology 31:235-240; Lagasse (2000) Nat Med 6:1229-1234]. Furthermore, single murine hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has resulted in detection of HSC-derived cells in the liver of irradiated recipients with a low percentage of transplanted cells exhibiting immunohistochemical and morphologic properties of hepatic epithelial cells [Krause (2001) Cell 105:369-377].
The mechanisms that guide circulating hematopoietic stem cells are clinically significant because the success of stem cell transplantation depends on efficient targeting (also referred to as homing) of grafted cells to the recipient target tissue [Mazo and von Adrian (1999) Journal of leukocyte Biology 66,25-32]. It is due to this homing of transplanted cells that bone marrow transplantations do not require invasive surgery, as in the case with the transplantation of any other organ, but rather can be effected by simple intravenous infusion.
Homing of HSCs can be defined as the set of molecular interactions that allows circulating HSCs to recognize, adhere to, and migrate across bone marrow endothelial cells resulting in the accumulation of HSCs in the unique hematopoiesis-promoting microenvironment of the bone marrow. Homing of progenitor cells can be conceived as a multi-step phenomenon [Voermans (2001) J. Hematother. Stem Cell Res. 10:725-738, Lapidot (2002) Leukemia 16:1992-2003]. HSCs arriving to the bone marrow must first interact with the luminal surface of the bone marrow endothelium. This interaction must occur within seconds after the HSCs have entered the bone marrow microvasculature and provide sufficient mechanical strength to permit the adherent cell to withstand the shear force exerted by the flowing blood. Adherent HSCs must then pass through the endothelial layer to enter the hematopoietic compartment. After extravasation, HSCs encounter specialized stromal cells whose juxtaposition supports maintenance of the immature pool by self-renewal process in addition to lineage-specific HSCs differentiation, proliferation and maturation, a process that involves stroma-derived cytokines and other growth signals.
Only a limited number of factors involved in stem cells homing are known to date; these include, the ligand for c-kit, stem cell factor, which has been shown to play a central role in adherence of HSCs to the stroma [Peled (1999) Science 283:845-848]; and integrin interactions (e.g., β1-Intergrins), which were shown to be crucial to the migration of HSCs to the foetal liver [Zanjani (1999) Blood 94:2515-2522].
One important molecular interaction which is considered central to HSC homing is that of chemokine stromal derived factor (SDF-1) and its cognate receptor, CXCR4.
SDF-1 is the only known powerful chemoattractant of hematopoietic stem cells of both human [Aiuti (1997) J. Exp. Med. 185:111-120] and murine origin [Wright (2002) J. Exp. Med. 195:1145-1154] known to date. SDF-1 is widely expressed in many tissues during development [McGrath (1999) Dev. Biol. 213:442-456] and adulthood [Nagasawa (1994) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 91:2305-2309; Imai (1999) Br J Haematol 106:905-911; Pablos (1999) Am J Pathol 155:1577-1586], such as for example the liver [Shirozu (1995) Genomics 28:495-500; Nagasawa (1996) Nature 382:635-638; Goddard (2001) Transplantation 72:1957-1967]. Previously, the present inventors were able to show that bone marrow homing and repopulation by sorted human CD34+/CD38−/low stem cells transplanted into the tail vein of irradiated immune deficient NOD/SCID and NOD/SCID/B2m null mice, are dependent on SDF-1/CXCR4 interactions [Peled (1999) Science 283:845-848; Kollet (2001) Blood 97:3283-3291]. More recently, the present inventors also established a role for these interactions in G-CSF-induced mobilization of murine and human stem cells [Petit (2002) Nat Immunol 3:687-694].
In view of the ever-expanding use of stem cell therapy, it is highly desirable to further elucidate the mechanism behind stem cell homing and target repopulation in order to improve the efficiency and success rate of cell replacement therapy.
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), initially identified as a potent mitogen for mature hepatocytes, is a kringle-containing polypeptide growth factor sharing structural homology with plasminogen [Nakamure (1984) Biohcem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 122:1450; Nakamura (1987) FEBS Lett. 224:311; Gohda (1988) J. Clin. Invest. 81:414; Zanegar Cancer Res. 49:3314; Nakamura (1989) Nature 342:440].
HGF is a mesenchyme-derived pleiotropic factor which regulates cell growth, cell motility and morphogenesis in various types of cells [Matsumoto (1993) Goldberg I D, Rosen E M (eds): Hepatocyte Growth Factor-Scatter Factor (HG-SF) and C-met Receptor, Basel, Switzerland, Birkhauser Verlag, 1993, 225; Gherardi (1990) Nature 346:228; Weidner (1990) J. Cell Biol. 111:2097; Higasho (1990) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 170:397; Rubin (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:415]. C-met proto-oncogene is the natural and only receptor for HGF known to date. HGF is considered a humoral mediator of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions responsible for organogenesis of various tissues and organs, regeneration of organs and growth, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells [Matsumoto (1996) J. Biochem. 119:591]. In the hematopoietic system, HGF augments the growth of hematopoietic progenitor cells [Kmiecik (1992) Blood 80:2454; Nishino (1995) Blood 85:3093; Mizuno (1993) Biochem Biophys Res. Commun. 194:178 Galimi (1994) J. Cell Biol. 127:1743). Interestingly, an acute liver injury has been reported to trigger expression of HGF as determined by in-situ hybridization of HGF after stimulation of rat liver with carbon tetrachloride [CCl4, Armbrust (2002) Liver 22:486-494].
Information pertaining to the interaction of HGF with hematopoietic cells is incomplete, although a possible role in hematopoiesis has been suggested. HGF was found to be constitutively produced by human bone marrow stromal cells [Takai (1997) Blood 89:1560-1565]. Recently, HGF was found to be synergistic with GM-CSF and IL-3 in proliferation of murine myeloid progenitor cell line and murine hemopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) enriched from bone marrow (BM) or fetal liver [Kmiecik (1992) Blood 80:2454-2457; Mizuno (1993) Supra; Nishino (1995) Blood 85:3093-3100]. In addition, a synergistic proliferative effect of HGF with other growth factors on human HPCs has been observed and expression of C-met on CD34+ HPC was detected as well [Galami (1994) J. Cell Biol. 127:1743-1754; Goff (1996) Stem Cells 14:592-602; Weimer (1998) Exp. Hematol. 26:885-894].
While reducing the present invention to practice the present inventors have uncovered that HGF can upregulate CXCR4 expression and promote SDF-1/CXCR4 dependent stem cell motility and migration to the target tissue. These findings provide a novel approach for sensitizing stem cell recruitment to a target tissue and as such can be used in various cell and tissue replacement protocols.

Stem cells having increased sensitivity to a chemoattractant and methods of generating and using same


A convection chamber of a cooking device includes a convection fan rotatably installed in a cooking chamber, a convection motor that rotates the convection fan, a convection cover provided in front of the convection fan and having a channel that collects air in the cooking chamber, sucks the air to the convection fan, and discharges the air from the convection fan to the cooking chamber, and a radiating fan provided between the convection fan and the convection motor and rotated by the convection motor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cooking device, such as an oven, and more particularly to a convection chamber of a cooking device, which uniformly disperses heat of a cooking chamber.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a general cooking device, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional convection chamber of a cooking device, and FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the conventional convection chamber.
The cooking device, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, comprises a cabinet 2 defining the external appearance of the cooking device, a cooking chamber 4 provided in the cabinet 2 for heating food so that the food can be cooked, a door 5 installed on the cabinet 2 for opening and closing the cooking chamber 4, and an electric component chamber 6 located in the upper portion of the cooking chamber 4 in the cabinet 2 and provided with electric components installed therein.
The cooking chamber 4 is heated by an electric heater 4a or a burner.
The electric heater 4a is installed on the internal upper, lower and rear surfaces of the cooking chamber 4.
The electric component chamber 6 is configured such that electric components installed in electric component chamber 6 can be cooled by a blower 7.
A convection chamber 10 for uniformly dispersing heat into the electric component chamber 6 is installed in the electric component chamber 6.
The convection chamber 10 comprises a convection fan 12 rotatably installed on the internal rear surface of the cooking chamber 4, a convection motor 14 installed on the external rear surface of the cooking chamber 4 and connected to the convection fan 12, and a convection cover 16 provided in front of the convection fan 12 for allowing air in the cooking chamber 4 to be sucked into the center of the convection fan 12 and to be discharged in the centrifugal direction.
The convection fan 12 is located in the electric heater 4a installed on the internal rear surface of the cooking chamber 4.
The convection cover 16 has suction vents 16a formed through the central portion thereof corresponding to the center of the convection fan 12 for allowing the air in the cooking chamber 4 to be sucked into the convection fan 12, and discharge vents 16b formed through the edge portion thereof for allowing the air to be discharged from the convection fan 12 to the cooking chamber 14.
Hereinafter, the operation of the above conventional convection chamber 10 of the cooking device will be described.
When the cooking device is operated, the electric heater 4a is driven and increases the temperature of the cooking chamber 4. Further, the convection motor 14 is driven and rotates the convection fan 12, and the air in the cooking chamber 4 is dispersed by the blowing force of the convection fan 12.
In the conventional convection chamber 10 of the cooking device, the air in the cooking chamber 4 is concentrated on the suction vents 16a of the convection cover 16 by the blowing force of the convection fan 12. Since the suction vents 16a are located at the central portion of the convection cover 16, the temperature in the cooking chamber 4 is not uniform.
Particularly, when several layers of trays 4′ are installed in the cooking chamber 4, the difference of temperatures in the cooking chamber 4 is increased.


A self-adhering modified bituminous underlayment for metal roof assemblies that comprises an APP modified bitumen compound on the front side, and a factory-applied self-adhesive compound on the back side of a reinforcement carrier sheet, and a fabric at least partially embedded in the APP modified bitumen compound to provide a non-skid surface. A method of manufacturing such composite comprising coating an APP compound on the top surface and affixing a self-adhesive compound to the bottom surface of a reinforcement carrier support sheet, and applying a release liner to the tacky self-adhesive layer during manufacture, stripping the release liner, selvage release film and end lap film from the membrane immediately prior to use, subsequently placing the surface of the membrane directly on to the upper surface of the roof deck, base sheet or underlayment, and applying force directly to the sheet to enhance the bond between the composite and the underlying surface that is created by the tacky self-adhesive compound. The present invention relates generally to residential roofing assemblies using metal as the surface.

This invention relates to bituminous roofing adapted for the waterproofing and sealing of substrate structures and to the method of manufacturing such materials. More particularly, the present invention is in the field of roofing underlayments, having a factory-applied self-adhesive layer on the bottom surface and a thermoplastic modifier such as atactic polypropylene modified bituminous compound on the top surface in order to provide easy and hassle-free field application by roofing personnel.
It is well known to use bituminous compositions for manufacturing waterproofing membranes, generally for roof covering and roofing underlayments. Modified bituminous prepared roofing, also referred to as modified asphalt roofing membrane, is typically manufactured using, as a core, a reinforcement carrier support sheet made of fabric such as polyester, fiberglass, or a combination of both, saturating and coating the front and back sides of the carrier with a modified bituminous coating material based on Atactic Polypropylene (APP), Amorphous Poly Alpha Olefin (APAO), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene (SEBS), synthetic rubber or other asphaltic modifiers, that will enhance the properties of asphalt.
Roofing membranes are used in commercial, industrial and residential applications. Two major classifications of modified bitumen roofing materials, which are used mostly in industrial and commercial applications are (1) cap sheet and (2) base sheet. Shingle roofing materials, however, are used primarily in residential applications, and are exposed to the elements, and hence can be considered as 'cap' as well. A cap sheet or shingle membrane can be modified using Atactic Polypropylene (APP), Amorphous Poly Alpha Olefin (APAO), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene (SEBS), synthetic rubber or other asphaltic modifiers, and is generally reinforced with a polyester carrier or a combination of polyester and fiberglass. These sheets can be smooth or granular surfaced and are typically greater than 2.8 mm in thickness. The top surface of the cap sheet is exposed to the elements and hence the name "cap". A base sheet is typically modified using any of the same modifiers as a cap sheet, but due to economic considerations, is modified using smaller quantities of less expensive polymers such as Atactic Polypropylene (APP) or Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS). A base sheet is generally reinforced with a fiberglass carrier (which costs significantly lower than polyester) and is smooth surfaced. The thickness of such base sheet typically ranges from 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm depending upon the job specifications. In a typical field installation, a base sheet is first applied to the roof deck using mechanical fasteners, via hot mopping or using cold application techniques. Cap sheets or shingles are applied on top of the base sheets, with the seams of adjacent rolls in offset relation. Most APP-modified bitumen membranes are torch-applied, i.e., by heating the back side of the sheet to melt the compound and using the molten compound to form a heat weld. Most SBS-modified bitumen membranes are set during in-field application in hot mopping asphalt, torch-applied or adhered with cold-process adhesives, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,911 issued to Wentz, et al., on Sep. 1, 1992. Modified bitumen membranes which do not have factory-applied granule or foil surfacing need some form of field-applied ultraviolet protective coating.
Of the two general types of bituminous sheet materials used for roofing applications, i.e., bitumen-SBS and bitumen-APP materials, the bitumen-SBS products are more elastic, with greater flexibility at low temperatures. APP-based products, however, are more heat-resistant (due to a higher softening point), are more resistant against the effects of the atmosphere (especially ultra-violet rays) and more resistant to foot traffic
The manufacture of bituminous roofing material with multiple layers is well known. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,893,889; 4,755,409; 4,871,605; and EP Patent No. 903435 disclose membranes comprised of a core and a plurality of different layers of waterproofing material. The '409 patent also discloses a release sheet applied to the one side of the membrane for purposes of protection. Products are in the market which combine the more flexible and elastic bitumen-SBS upper layer with a self-adhesive lower surface. An example of such a product is Plura AD self-adhesive sold by Pluvitec S.p.A., described on the website of the seller at http://www.pluvitec.com. Application of a primer is recommended when using this material in order to ensure adherence of the self-adhesive layer to a substrate, and the use of added heat, i.e., by a torch, is also recommended.
Roofing underlayment materials are used in roofing systems such as modified bituminous roofing membranes as well as shingles, tiles, slates, cedar and metal roofing. Some underlayments such as asbestos fiber roofing felts were used during the early part of the 20th century but are no longer used due to health hazards associated with asbestos fibers. The most commonly used underlayment is asphalt-saturated roofing felt, commonly known as No. 15, No. 30 or No. 50 felt. These have been in use for a very long time and are the least expensive form of underlayment available. Roofing felt is made from a base sheet made of paper coated with filler-modified asphalt and as such is very inexpensive. Several roofing companies produce such materials. The main objective of using felt is to provide a protective barrier on the deck when applying roofing membranes by means of hop mopping, torching or self-adhesive applications. Several building code bodies such as Miami Metro Dade County authority dictates the use of slip sheet in all roofing applications under its jurisdiction. This is to ensure that the roof deck such as plywood is not damaged during 'roof tear off' when replacing the roof.
Roofing felts have been in short supply periodically and due to supply-demand factors, the price of felt has continued to rise over the years. Interestingly, felts have several limitations. It is well known that roofs undergo significant expansion and contraction as they heat and cool throughout the day. Because of such thermal cycling, felts experience shrinkage when exposed to the elements and exhibit deterioration in a relatively short period of time. Moreover felts are not watertight when roofing nails or staples are driven through them, making it necessary to cover the felt underlayment with the next course of roofing material immediately upon installation of the felt to the deck. These limitations, coupled with frequent shortage of felt underlayments, have forced roofers and contractors to search for alternate materials. Sheets which are sold as membranes in roll form may be cut into smaller sections to form shingles for use on roofs with greater slope. Shingles are typically nailed into place, and are most commonly used in residential roofing.
Another category of roofing membranes are "underlayments", which are widely used in residential applications, and may also be designed for use in regions with colder climates, where ice-dam protection is required. Underlayments, commonly utilized under shingle roofing material, metal roofing panels or tile roofing, provide waterproofing characteristics and are typically reinforced with fiberglass. However, there are a few products in the market place that have no carrier such that these consist of simply a coating of self-adhesive compound on a polyolefinic film. Polystick P made by Polyglass USA, Grace Ice & Water Shield and Grace Vycor Ultra manufactured by W. R. Grace & Company are examples of such materials. These non-carrier based underlayments are typically very soft and are ideally suited for use in areas of roofs such as perimeters, hips, valleys, etc. where ice dam formation may occur during winter.
Roofing underlayments are applied to the underlying substrates using a variety of methods. One such technique is using mechanical fasteners, which is a slow and cumbersome process. During installation of a roof, roofing underlayments are attached to the wood deck by 'mechanically fastening' using roofing nails or staples. Based on the roof specifications, another course of material such as No. 90 felt is applied on top of the No. 15 or No. 30 felt, usually via hot asphalt mopping. Upon installation of such underlayment, metallic panels may be mechanically fastenedon the top surface
Hot mopping, in which drums or cartons of hot asphalt are used, although poses a reduced risk of fire versus torch application, still poses an operational problem. Hot-mopping application, which requires a fair amount of labor, especially in larger projects, also results in waste cartons with chemical residue. These dirty cartons must be disposed of properly, for example, in landfills, and become unsafe for the environment. In addition, disposal of the waste materials become costly and labor-intensive. Alternatively, hot asphalt is directly pumped to the roof from the ground using a hose. Whereas this method eliminates the aforementioned problems associated with disposal of cartons, etc., it poses other problems in that it is very difficult and dangerous to pump hot asphalt to the roof level, especially in the case of high-rise buildings. Furthermore, the end result of the above-described in field applications is also not successful each and every time. Moreover these products are based on application methods that pose environmental and operational hazards during the roof installation.
There are several non-felt, modified bitumen based materials that are designed to be used under metal roofing. All of these materials are based on SBS modified bituminous compound. Examples of such products are 'Tile and Metal Underlayment' manufactured by Tamko Roofing Company of Joplin, Missouri and 'Grace Vycor Ultra' manufactured by W. R. Grace and Company of Cambridge, Mass. It is essential to note that metal generates excess heat and therefore necessitates the use of an underlayment that can withstand high temperature. Also granular surfaced products, whether APP or SBS based, are not recommended since the mineral surface can cause abrasion on the metal. This poses severe problems for the installer of such roofing underlayments in that these products are modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) compound, which is soft and flows at temperatures above 110 degrees Celsius. Hence it is necessary to develop a product that is very easy to install as well as durable enough to offer high heat resistance and a non-abrasive surface on the exposed side. Such material must also be economical, thereby making use of commercial roofing membranes as underlayment materials cost prohibitive.
There is, therefore, a need to provide a self-adhering metal underlayment material, which reduces labor and installation costs, reduces VOCs and emissions from hot mop applications and eliminates the need for use of nails. The present invention permits a more simplified, safer and economical roof installation without compromising structural integrity and lap sealing capabilities. It also offers a suitable means to dramatically reduce field labor by offering a 'dual compound' product, which eliminates the numerous undesirable aspects of the prior art.
One object of the present invention is to provide membranes with well-embedded, non-abrasive, high temperature resistant fabric surface that is highly durable. Fabric surfacing is applied to the upper surface of the top asphaltic coating layer to impart weathering, high temperature resistant characteristics and skid resistant characteristics.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a unique APP modified bitumen compound on the top surface that is very "hard". When metal panels heat up during the daytime, especially in summer, heat is transferred to the underlayment below. This transfer of heat softens the modified compound, more profoundly in the case of SBS, which is by far the preferred modifier in most existing underlayments, and causes the compound to flow. Use of a hard APP compound alleviates this problem. APP modified compound utilized on the top surface offers plastomeric characteristics to the bitumen and makes the membrane very hard and imparts improved flow resistance at high temperatures. A typical softening point temperature of APP modified compound is in excess of 150 degrees Celsius, whereas that of conventional SBS modified compound is approximately 120 degrees Celsius.
The present invention deals with metal underlayment sheet based on dual compound technology whereby an APP compound is applied on the top surface of the reinforcement and a self-adhesive compound is applied on the bottom surface of the reinforcement. Dual compound technology allows enhanced adhesion of the tacky self-adhesive material to the roof deck because the self-adhesive compound is applied in the factory under controlled conditions rather than in the field where contamination and variation in application techniques are considerably more of a problem.
This invention specifically deals with applying a "dual compound" to the reinforcement carrier sheet—a compound based on Atactic Polypropylene (APP) or Amorphous Poly Alpha Olefin (APAO) or Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) on the top surface, and a separate heat-and-pressure-activated adhesive compound to the bottom surface of the reinforcement carrier sheet. APP modified bitumen compound by itself does not possess any adhesive properties to directly adhere to any substrate. Similarly, self-adhesive compounds have "very poor" weathering characteristics, thereby undergoing premature degradation with exposure to the elements. Dual compound combines the best of an APP and a self-adhesive compound. The advantage of a "dual" compound is the ability to add a "true" roofing compound such as an APP modified bitumen on the top (weathering) surface and a self-adhesive compound on the bottom surface. The thickness of such cap membranes is between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm. Typical weight of a one square roll (1 roofing square equals 107.6 square feet) is between 60 pounds and 80 pounds, depending upon thickness of the membrane. Such membranes may be reinforced with a polyester, fiberglass or polyester/fiberglass combination mat. Generally, fiberglass is used as a carrier in tile underlayment sheets due to their low cost. A release liner, typically made of polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester, of thickness ranging from 40 to 80 microns, and treated with a silicone adhesive on one side (the side that comes in contact with compound), is applied to the self-adhesive compound to prevent sticking of adjacent sections of the roofing material and to the packaging when the finished membrane is stored and transported in the form of rolls.
The present invention involves roof underlayment sheets having a top layer of an APP modified bituminous compound, whose composition utilizes bitumen (asphalt), APP plastomeric modifiers and fillers, and a bottom layer of a self-adhesive compound, whose composition utilizes bitumen (asphalt), elastomeric modifiers, tackifying resins, and fillers. A typical APP compound may contain 5% to 25% of polypropylene modifiers, 8% to 70% of filler such as limestone or talc, and remaining portions of asphalt. In order to achieve fire ratings as classified by Underwriters' Laboratories (UL), special fire retardant additives may be used as filler. A typical self-adhesive compound may contain 3% to 10% of Styrene-butadiene-styrene modifiers, 0% to 5% of Styrene-isoprene-styrene modifiers, 6% to 25% of hydrocarbon tackifying resins, 8% to 40% of filler such as limestone, talc, fly ash, volcanic ash, graphite, carbon black, silica or china clay, and remaining portions of asphalt.
The inventive membrane has a carrier that supports a dual compound modified asphalt, namely, an APP modified asphaltic compound which is positioned on top of the carrier sheet, and a self-adhesive modified asphaltic compound which is positioned below the carrier sheet. The adherent material serves to affix the metal underlayment material to the base sheet or roof deck. In order to provide adhesion and a watertight seal, a self-adhesive compound that is compatible with the modified bituminous coating layer must be utilized. The factory-applied self-adhesive compound provides an adhesive layer to the underlayment sheet having sufficient surface tack ("quick grab"), as well as adequate strength for use in adhering the underlayment sheet to an underlying surface such as roofing felt or deck.
In the case of metal underlayments, a suitable surfacing agent such as a non-woven fabric material is applied to the upper surface to achieve non-skid properties in addition to high temperature resistance. If the top surface is too smooth, it may not provide the necessary skid resistance for the installer of the product. Hence it is essential to have a coarser surface on the exposed side. Fabrics have a rough texture that provides a measure of skid resistance. Fabrics are used in a variety of applications including roofing membranes, furniture, etc. and are usually made of polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene. Apex Inc. of Georgia, Spun Indo Jaya of Indonesia and Texbond of Italy are sources of such lightweight fabrics. During manufacture of fabrics, surfactants are added to aid in processing the material. Such additives can interfere with lamination of the fabric to the modified bituminous compound during manufacture, and hence it is important that the fabric materials have minimum level of surfactant. When selecting fabric for this lamination to the top side of the APP modified bituminous compound, it is critical to note that the fabric must not be too thick that it may not get sufficiently laminated to the modified bituminous compound. For the manufacture of the inventive metal underlayment material, fabric based on polypropylene is chosen. Polypropylene fabrics are lightweight, readily available and are economical. PP fabric selected for this lamination was of unit weight ranging from 22 to 30 grams/meter2 in order to facilitate ease of lamination to the modified bituminous compound. Whereas the color of the fabric does not affect skid resistance, lighter color fabrics possess higher reflectivity and thereby maintain the underlayment surface cooler. Metal underlayments surfaced with darker colored fabrics absorb more heat and hence the APP compound gets softer. It is therefore preferable to use lighter color fabrics for metal underlayment applications.
Another suitable surfacing agent that can be applied to the upper surface is film material. Such film material must have treatment on the exposed surface to achieve non-skid properties. If the top surface is too smooth, it may not provide the necessary skid resistance for the installer of the product. Hence it is essential to provide a non-skid treatment on the exposed side. Such film must also exhibit high temperature resistance and resistance to the harmful effects of sun's ultraviolet rays. Polyolefinic films are used in a variety of applications including roofing membranes, food packaging, grocery bags, etc. and are usually made of polypropylene or polyethylene. PCL Packaging of Massachusetts, Sipa of Italy, and Cartenplast of Italy are sources of such films. During manufacture of these films, anti-skid additives can be incorporated to aid in providing skid resistance properties. When selecting film for laminating to the upper side of the modified bituminous compound, it is critical to note that the film must not be too thick that it may not get sufficiently embedded in the modified bituminous compound. For the manufacture of the inventive metal underlayment material, film based on polyethylene is chosen. Further high density polyethylene (HDPE) is preferred for this application. Polyethylene films are readily available and are economical. HDPE film selected for this lamination was of thickness ranging from 2 mil (50 microns) to 4 mil (100 microns) in order to facilitate ease of lamination to the modified bituminous compound. However the preferred thickness is 2.8 mil (70 micron). Whereas the color of the film does not affect skid resistance, lighter color fabrics possess higher reflectivity and thereby maintain the underlayment surface cooler. Metal underlayments surfaced with darker colored fabrics absorb more heat and hence the modified bituminous compound gets softer. It is therefore preferable to use lighter color films for metal underlayment applications. The HDPE film of the present invention is treated with an anti-skid coating on the upper surface. Such coating is usually in the form of straight lines or a geometric pattern and consists of adhesives such as Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Amorphous Poly Alpha Olefin (APAO), PolyAmide or Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA). For this invention, an EVA adhesive called Jowatherm Hot Melt Adhesive from Jowat Corporation, North Carolina was chosen.
Metal underlayment of the present invention is also suited for use as an underlayment in roofing tile applications. However non-woven fabrics have low strength and as such may be unable to resist movement of tiles on rooftops (such as groups of tiles stored during assembly or simply the tiles on steeper roofs). Whereas non-woven polypropylene fabric is used as the top layer in laminate in the case of metal underlayment, a stitch-bonded polyester fabric is the preferred choice for the top layer of the laminate for the metal underlayment when the same will be employed as a roofing tile underlayment. Stitch-bonded polyester is lightweight as well but possesses very high tear strength due to its process of manufacture and unique construction. Tie-Tex International of South Carolina is a leading manufacturer of such material. When metal underlayment of the present invention is manufactured using stitch-bonded polyester on the upper surface, the resultant material is well suited for use as a roofing tile underlayment as well.

Self-adhering modified bitumen underlayment for metal roofs


A shower assembly apparatus may include a main body that is removably installed in a bathtub. The main body includes a first mounting point and a second mounting point, separated by a spacing member. The main body includes an adjustable seat subassembly that may be interchangeably mounted at either the first or second mounting point. The adjustable seat assembly includes an adjustable-support tower and a seat attached thereto. The main body includes a handle subassembly that may be interchangeably mounted at either the first or second mounting point. The handle subassembly and the adjustable seat subassembly are configured such that the subassemblies are mounted at different mounting points of the main assembly, but may be changed between mounting points as needed. The spacing member of the main assembly may be positioned at a distal side of the bathtub relative to a bathtub entry point.

Bathing is an important part of a regular routine, for hygiene purposes, improving skin integrity, and allowing for wounds and breaks in the skin to heal more quickly and safely. However, some individuals may find it difficult or impossible to stand for prolonged periods of time in order to take a shower.
Health care workers can and often do provide shower assistance. However, shower assistance can be invasive, and some view the presence of a health care worker during bathing as invasive or undignified.
Shower chairs and benches are available for use in the shower as well. Conventional shower chairs and benches include a (typically white) bench seat, supported by four legs in a chair. However, the chair legs often serve as a tripping hazard. Moreover, the bench seat is not ideal for showering. The seat does not provide the user with the ability to wash or rinse the user's undercarriage. Moreover, a white seat may be difficult for vision-impaired users to see in the shower, particularly if corrective lenses are removed for bathing. Still further, while a conventional shower chair may provide a user with a place to sit during the shower, it does not aid the user in bathing, as a conventional shower chair or bench does not offer the user a location to store hygiene products, such as soap, shampoo, a razor, a toothbrush, and the like.


A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an engine in an aircraft. A time when a cutoff speed for the aircraft will be reached at which a flow of fuel is to be stopped is identified. A delay between sending a command to move a switch to an off position and the time at which the engine ceases operation is also identified. The command is sent based on the predicted time and the delay. The command causes the switch to move to the off position moving a fuel control switch for the engine of the aircraft to a shut off position to stop the flow of fuel to the engine.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in particular, to testing aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for testing aircraft in which an engine ceases to operate.
2. Background
In designing and certifying aircraft, various types of testing are performed. The tests are performed to determine whether an aircraft meets different types of performance standards. These standards may relate to safety, air pollution, noise, passenger comfort, and other suitable types of standards. Based on the results of the testing, an aircraft may change in design. In other cases, procedures on operating aircraft may be developed based on the tests. For example, different procedures may be identified for operating an aircraft under different conditions. These conditions may include weather, status of the equipment in aircraft, and other conditions.
For example, one test that may be performed on an aircraft involves identifying a minimum controllability speed for the aircraft. This speed is identified for aircraft in the event that one of the engines of the aircraft ceases to operate while the aircraft is moving on the ground during a takeoff phase of flight.
With this test, the operation of the engine is cutoff at different speeds while the aircraft is accelerating with maximum thrust applied for takeoff. These speeds are referred to as cutoff speeds. The operation of the engine is cutoff by a pilot moving a fuel control switch to a cutoff position. When the fuel control switch moves to the cutoff position, the fuel to one engine of the aircraft is cutoff. As a result, the engine stops operating.
The pilot attempts to move the fuel control switch to the cutoff position as close as possible to the time at which a cutoff speed is reached for the test such that the engine operation ceases about when the aircraft reaches the cutoff speed. When the operation of the engine ceases, lateral deviation occurs for the aircraft, which is controlled by the pilot using directional control inputs.
Data is gathered about the performance of the aircraft in response to the engine ceasing operation. One piece of data is the amount of lateral deviation. This lateral deviation towards the edge of the runway is a strong function of the cutoff speed.
The cutoff speed may be selected for the initial test in which the lateral deviation is expected to be less than 30 feet. Subsequent tests may involve successively reducing the cutoff speed until a lateral deviation of at least 30 feet is obtained.
In this manner, a minimum controllability speed at which a decision point may be made as to whether to halt a takeoff or continue with a takeoff in the event that an engine ceases operating is identified. If minimum controllability speed is not exceeded, that takeoff is aborted in this example.
Moving the fuel control switch to the cutoff position at the cutoff speed selected for the test requires concentration and good dexterity. The pilot anticipates when the speed selected for the test will be reached and moves the fuel control switch such that the cutoff position occurs as close to the selected speed as possible.
Moving the fuel control switch to the cutoff position when the selected speed is reached is a difficult operation to perform. Often times, the speed may be too low or too high. As a result, the undesired result of departing the side of the runway is greatly increased. In addition, the test may be repeated in an attempt to collect data for the desired speed.
These additional tests may increase the wear and tear on the engine and other portions of the aircraft. As a result, maintenance may be required sooner and more often than desired. Furthermore, repeat test points require the use of additional fuel and time on a runway. In some cases, the data collected may not be as consistent as desired based on the ability of the pilot to move the fuel control switch to the cutoff position at the selected speed for the test.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that take into account at least one of the issues discussed above as well as possible other issues. For example, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that increases the accuracy and reduces the effort needed to test an aircraft to obtain information for identifying a minimum controllability speed for the aircraft.


An improved e-mail communication apparatus, a data processing method and a program are provided. First, an MFP 100 which receives an e-mail decides whether or not the e-mail is one of a plurality of split data generated by dividing image data in data amount units and stores the e-mail. The MFP 100 then decides whether or not all the split data of the image data are stored, and when all the split data are stored, the MFP 100 generates combined data by combining the plurality of split data and performs printing processing on recording paper based on the combined data.

In recent years, e-mail which sends and receives character information through a network is becoming widespread with the spread of computers and increasing networking of information. E-mail allows files in various forms to be attached in addition to mail text which is character information. For example, Internet FAX (hereinafter, abbreviated as "IFAX") which sends and receives an image with a TIFF (Tag Image File Format) file attached as an attached file is becoming widespread.
IFAX is a technology for communicating among devices which can convert an image read using a scanner into a TIFF format, transmit it from a transmitter, reproduce the TIFF format image from the data received by the receiver and print the image.
When an e-mail is sent with a file of a big data size attached thereto here, the delivery of the e-mail is delayed because of a load on the processing by a mail server, and when the load is further aggravated, there may be even a case where the whole e-mail delivery service is stopped. Therefore, the mail server is generally often set so as not to receive any e-mail exceeding a predetermined data size. When an e-mail with an image of a big data size attached is sent to the mail server with such a setting from IFAX, delivery errors may occur in the mail server.
For example, when an e-mail is sent with an image attached thereto using a PC, it is comparatively easy to confirm the data size of the attached image. However, in case of IFAX, it is not until the image is scanned and transmitted that the data size of the image is known and it is difficult to predict the data size and there is a high possibility that the above described delivery errors may frequently occur. Therefore, there is a proposal of a technology about an Internet facsimile apparatus which divides image information corresponding to a plurality of pages in page units and transmits those pages (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-32202).
Furthermore, there is a proposal of a technology which performs printing/transfer processing in page order of original image information when e-mail data transmitted with image information of a plurality of pages divided in page units is received (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-236005). Moreover, MIME Content-Type defines a method of dividing one piece of e-mail data into a plurality of e-mails or combining a plurality of divided pieces of e-mail data into one using an identifier called "message/partial" (RFC 2045, RFC 2046).
Reception of e-mail obtained by dividing one piece of e-mail data into a plurality of e-mails (hereinafter, referred to as "split mail") has the following problem.
First, when data of a plurality of pages is divided in page units, each piece of data is attached to e-mail and transmitted, even if they are transmitted in order of page numbers, the data is passed through a mail server on the way, and therefore the order of page numbers is not guaranteed on the receiving side. Moreover, part of the e-mail to which a split page is attached may not reach the receiving side.
With regard to such a problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-236005 discloses that when some of a plurality of split mails do not reach, the split mails are deleted when a predetermined time elapses after some split mails are received.
However, according to the method of waiting for a predetermined time to receive all split mails, if the predetermined time is too short, processing (printing processing, deletion processing and so on) of the split mails which have already been received may be carried out before receiving some split mails due to a delay in the processing by the server. On the other hand, if the predetermined time is too long, there is a problem that the processing of the split mails which have already been received may be delayed when some of the split mails do not reach.
Thus, instead of waiting for a predetermined time until all split mails are received, the processing of the split mails (printing processing, deletion processing and so on) may be performed through operation by an IFAX user (operator) who receives the split mails.
However, since, for example, some of the plurality of split mails are not received, when the split mails are deleted, it is complicated to perform processing (deletion or the like) on each of the plurality of split mails. For example, when the user is instructed to select split mails on an operation panel of IFAX and delete those mails, the user needs to select a plurality of split mails explicitly and delete them. Furthermore, according to the method described in Patent Document 2, a decision as to whether or not to delete split mails must be made for each split mail and the decision process produces a processing load.

E-mail communication apparatus and data processing method and program


A latch device (30) for a door lock includes a latch (38) pivotable between an extended, locking position and a retracted, unlocking position upon operation of a linking rod (37). A liming block (36) is coupled with the linking rod (37) and movable between a locking position not allowing direct pivotal movement of the latch (38) from the extended position to the retracted position and an unlocking position allowing pivotal movement of the latch (38) from the extended position to the retracted position. When the door is closed, the locking member (36) is moved by gravitational force to a locking position. Movement of the linking rod (37) in an unlatching position through an idle travel moves the locking member (36) from the locking position to the unlocking position without moving the latch (38). Further movement of the linking rod (37) in the unlatching position causes pivotal movement of the latch (38) from the extended position to the retracted position.

The present invention relates to a latch device for a panic door lock and, more particularly, to a latch device for a panic door lock that provides a reliable anti-picking function.
A typical lock for a panic door generally includes a press bar that can be pressed to retract a latch for unlatching the door in emergency conditions as well as for normal passage. The lock can be locked to prevent unauthorized access and can be unlocked by a key from an outer side of the door. However, a burglar can pick the latch in the latching position. In an approach to prevent picking, the lock further includes a safety member that is pressed against by the door frame to a position releasing a stop piece when the door is closed. The stop piece, when released, is biased by a spring to a position in a retraction path of the latch. Thus, the latch can not be picked, for retraction of the latch is hindered by the stop piece. An example of such a lock is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,210 to Lin. However, the anti-picking function is lost when the spring fatigues, but the door can still be opened and closed. As a result, the users still use the door without noticing the risk of burglary.
Thus, a need exists for a panic door lock that provides a reliable anti-picking function.

Latch device for panic door lock with anti-picking function


A cross-platform multimedia interaction system with dynamically-configured hierarchical servers is disclosed, including: a central relay server (CRS); multiple electronic devices; and multiple displays respectively arranged in the multiple electronic devices. The CRS dynamically assigns one of the multiple electronic devices as a local relay server (LRS) and instructs the LRS to active a websocket server, and the CRS notifies the other electronic devices of a network address of the LRS. When the LRS actives the websocket server, other electronic devices establish one or more network sockets with the LRS. The multiple electronic devices communicate control parameters via the websocket server, generate corresponding images according to received control parameters, and respectively display the resulting images on the multiple displays.

The present disclosure generally relates to a cross-platform multimedia interaction system and, more particularly, to a cross-platform multimedia interaction system with multiple displays and dynamically-configured hierarchical servers and related method, electronic device and computer program product.
As the technology progresses, more and more electronic devices are capable of connecting to the internet. For example, many desktop computers, desktop game machines, business machines, most mobile electronic devices (such as mobile phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, or hand-held game machines), and even some home appliances (such as televisions, refrigerators, and audio playback systems) are able to be connected to the Internet. Above electronic devices may connect to the internet via wired or wireless communication mechanism. Different electronic devices may communicate data with each other by using additional communication circuits, such as Bluetooth devices, infrared devices, near field communication (NFC) devices, or the like. In addition, each of the above electronic devices is equipped with a display for allowing the user to input control commands or presenting multimedia contents to the user.
However, if different users of different electronic devices want to conduct interaction operations regarding multimedia contents, such as playing interaction games with multiple players or chatting online with multiple users, then those different electronic devices should be provided with extra communication circuits using the same communication protocol so that multimedia contents can be communicated between those electronic devices. Such solution is apparently not realistic because extra communication circuits, such as the above Bluetooth devices, infrared devices, or NFC devices, not only increase the hardware cost of the electronic device, but also increase the entire volume and size of each electronic device.
Nowadays, the design trend in many electronic devices (such as mobile phones and tablet computers) is toward reducing their weight and thickness. It is thus difficult to install various communication circuits of different communication protocols into the limited space inside a single electronic device. Due to the above hardware restriction, it is very difficult to achieve cross-platform interaction operations regarding multimedia contents among different electronic devices.

Cross-platform multimedia interaction system with multiple displays and dynamically-configured hierarchical servers and related method, electronic device and computer program product


A magnetic disk device having a floating-type magnetic head, for use with a disk-shaped recording medium having a sliding area for the floating-type magnetic head formed outside a recording area. The length in the disk radial direction of a suspension supporting the floating-type magnetic head is varied depending on individual magnetic disk devices. In another arrangement, a control means is provided for setting two reference values so that a radial position of the floating-type magnetic head detected by a detection section is compared with these reference values, and for alternating one of the preset reference values to the other reference value upon receiving a rotation stop signal. In still another arrangement, control means is provided, whereby a radial position for sliding of the floating-type magnetic head is randomly varied within the sliding area. According to these arrangements, since the radial position for sliding of the floating-type magnetic head is varied within the sliding area without being located at the same position, abrasion within the sliding area can be dispersed. As a result, it becomes possible to extend the longevities of the floating-type magnetic head and the recording medium.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a magneto-optical disk device, as one of the magnetic disk devices provided with a floating-type magnetic head, has a floating-type magnetic head 3 and an optical head 7 which are disposed opposite to each other with a magneto-optical disk 4 situated in between, and a motor 5 for rotating the magneto-optical disk 4. The floating-type magnetic head 3 is provided with a miniaturized magnetic head 1 fixed to a floating slider 2 that is supported by a suspension 6, and adapted to float above the magneto-optical disk 4 with a substantially constant floating height of several .mu.m to several tens .mu.m as the magneto-optical disk 4 rotates. The floating height is determined by a balance between an upward lift caused by air flowing between the magneto-optical disk 4 and the floating slider 2 and a downward depressing force by the suspension 6. In addition, the magneto-optical disk 4 includes, for example, a substrate 4a, a recording layer 4b having a vertically magnetized film and a protection layer 4c.
With the floating-type magnetic head 3 floating above the magneto-optical disk 4, a light beam from the optical head 7 is converged on the recording layer 4b to cause a temperature rise. On the other hand, a magnetic field driving current is supplied to the magnetic head 1 by a driver circuit 8, and thus a magnetic field alternately changing its direction between upward and downward (which directions are perpendicular to the recording surface of the magneto-optical disk 4) is applied to the magneto-optical disk 4. Consequently, new information can be recorded by an overwriting operation of the magnetic field modulation recording method which obviates the necessity of erasing operations for already recorded information.
Meantime, for commonly used magneto-optical disk devices, so-called contact start/stop method (hereinafter, referred to simply as CS/S method) is adopted in the floating operation of the floating-type magnetic head 3. According to the CS/S method, the floating slider 2 is in contact with the surface of the magneto-optical disk 4 during stopping of the rotation of the magneto-optical disk 4, and upon starting of the rotation of the magneto-optical disk 4, the floating slider 2 starts sliding on the magneto-optical disk 4 to float. When the rotation of the magneto-optical disk 4 is stopped, the floating slider 2 slides on the magneto-optical disk 4 to return to the contact state with the magneto-optical disk 4.
Here, in order to protect the recording layer 4b from damage due to friction caused when the floating slider 2 slides on the protection layer 4c, our Japanese Unexamined Patent Application (see Tokuganhei 1-288321) teaches a magneto-optical disk device wherein a sliding area for the floating slider 2 is provided in a predetermined area not having the recording layer 4b.
In this case, after forming a protection layer 4c, it is preferable to apply a lubricant to the protection layer 4c in order to reduce friction between the floating-type magnetic head 3 and the protection layer 4c.
However, in the above arrangement, the repetitive sliding operations of the floating slider 2 cause the lubricant to be consumed or removed from the sliding area because of friction between the floating slider 2 and the lubricant. This results in such a drawback that the floating slider 2 may stick to the sliding area or the magnetic head 1 may be damaged.
FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a surface condition of the sliding area whereon 30,000 times of the sliding operations have been performed by the floating slider 2. In FIG. 9, there remains sufficient lubricant in areas A; only a little lubricant in areas B; and almost no lubricant in areas C. On the other hand, FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a surface condition of the floating slider 2 with respect to the area opposite to the sliding area after having performed 30,000 times of the sliding operations. There is lubricant, removed from the sliding area, adhering to an area D indicated by hatching. Especially, there is a lot of lubricant adhering to side edge portions that are parallel to the lengthwise direction of the floating slider 2. These side edge portions correspond to the areas C in FIG. 9, having almost no lubricant.
As described above, in the arrangement of the magneto-optical disk device for permitting the sliding operation of the floating slider 2 to be performed on the sliding area provided outside the recording area, although damage of the recording layer 4b can be sufficiently reduced, problems such as sticking of the floating slider 2 and damage of the magnetic head 1 still remain unsolved.

Magnetic disk device with floating-type magnetic head


Disclosed is a microwave oven comprising, a body divided into a cooking chamber and a device chamber, a magnetron installed in the device chamber of the body, a high voltage condenser and a high voltage transformer, and a blower for cooling elements installed in the device chamber. The blower comprises a fan for forcedly blowing air, and a motor having a stator, a rotor, and at least one fixing rod. The stator is equipped with a bobbin with a coil wound thereon. The stator provides the fan with a driving force. The fixing rod is extended from the stator and coupled with a rear panel of the body. The fixing rod passes through the rear panel, and is formed with a screw part at an end part thereof which is assembled with a nut. The blower for cooling the devices for generating microwave is directly fixed onto the rear panel of the body without using a bracket. Accordingly, unit cost is reduced due to a reduced amount of elements. In addition, the number of processes for assembling the blower is reduced, and the assembling efficiency as well as a productivity increase.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a microwave oven cooking a food with microwave, and more particularly to a microwave oven having an improved structure for fixing a blower so that the latter is easily assembled with a reduced amount of components.
2. Prior Art
Generally, a microwave oven is an appliance for cooking a food with microwave of high frequency. The microwave oven is popularly used for its advantage that it cooks the food in a relatively short period of time while it maintains the original shape of a cooked object.
Such a microwave oven is installed with various electric elements such as a high voltage transformer, a magnetron, and a high voltage condenser for producing the microwave of high frequency. Accordingly, the microwave oven has an excessive heat within an inner portion thereof, and is equipped with a blower for cooling the heat.
The blower is generally fixed to a rear panel of the microwave oven with a bracket, which is briefly described as follows with reference to the drawing.
FIG. 1 shows a blower fixing structure of a conventional microwave oven.
As shown, the bracket 3 for fixing the blower 2 onto the rear panel 1a is a square frame formed with an receiving opening 3a in which the blower 2 is received. Also, at the inner circumferential surface of the receiving opening 3a, a fixing piece (not shown) having fixing holes for fixing the blower 2 is formed.
More specifically, the blower 2 is fixed to the bracket 3 by a bolt in a state of being received into the receiving opening 3a of the bracket 3, and the bracket 3 is fixed onto the rear panel 1a by the bolt.
Reference numeral 4 denotes a magnetron, reference numeral 5 denotes a high voltage transformer, and reference numeral 6 denotes a high voltage condenser.
In the conventional art, however, since the blower is fixed onto the rear panel with the bracket, a lot of processes are taken to assemble the blower and thereby the productivity decreases. Moreover, since additional elements such as the bracket, bolt for fixing the bracket onto the rear panel, and etc. are required to assemble the blower, unit cost also increases.

Microwave oven having improved structure for fixing a blower


Disclosed is a physical unclonable function generator circuit and method. In one embodiment, a physical unclonable function (PUF) generator includes: a PUF cell array that comprises a plurality of bit cells, wherein each of the plurality of bit cells comprises at least two pre-charge transistors, at least one enable transistor, and at least two storage nodes, wherein the at least two storage nodes are pre-charged with substantially the same voltages by the respective at least two pre-charge transistors allowing each of the plurality of bit cells having a first metastable logical state; and an authentication circuit, coupled to the PUF cell array, wherein the authentication circuit is configured to access and determine second logical states of bit cells in at least one row of the PUF cell array by turning on the at least one enable transistor and turning off the at least two pre-charge transistors of each of the bit cell in the at least one row of the PUF cell array, and based on the determined second logical states of the bit cell in the at least one row of the PUF cell array, to generate a PUF signature.

With the increasing use of integrated circuits in electronic devices that provide different types of information for a variety of different applications, there has been an increasing need to adequately protect sensitive and/or critical information that may be stored within an electronic device to limit access to such information to only other devices that have permission to access. A physically unclonable function (PUF) generator is a physical structure generally within an integrated circuit that provides a number of corresponding outputs (e.g., responses) in response to inputs (e.g., challenges/requests) to the PUF generator so as to create a unique identity of the integrated circuit. Since the PUF generator is based on intrinsic properties of a manufacturing process, the PUF has various advantages over conventional authentication approaches that inscribes an identity on a device, which may be mimicked and/or reverse engineered more easily.
There are many different implementation approaches including delay-chain-based PUF generators and memory-based PUF generators. A delay-chain-based PUF generator employ a set of delay chains comprising a number of logic devices and different delay can be used as a PUF signature. On the other hand, a memory-based PUF generator translates the variations in an array of memory devices, typically either SRAM (static random-access memory) or DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) devices, into a binary sequence. Both methods are based on randomness in physical properties among devices caused by inherent variations in a semiconductor manufacturing process. A PUF generator candidate should be unique, unclonable and reliable. Furthermore, it should also have small area, high throughput rate, low latency and low power consumption. Currently, both SRAM and DRAM based PUF generators suffer various limitations. For example, a SRAM-based PUF generator can be only accessed during boot time, and do not provide strong PUF configuration (i.e., number of CRPs). There exists a need to develop a PUF generator that can be queried during run-time, while providing a large CRP space.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.