A roller for a roller conveyor which has an integral base body (3) made of thermoplastic which is symmetric to an axis of rotation (9) and which contains a through passage (11) coaxial to the axis of rotation and is defined by two face sides (7, 8). The roller has a flanged pulley (4) integral to the base body (3) which is coaxial to the axis of rotation, a covering (34) arranged on the supporting section (5) which forms a running surface for work pieces or work piece supports, a tooth arrangement (45) constructed on the driving section (6) for at least one drive means active in a positive-locking manner, and bearings (17, 18, 29) arranged in the through passage (11) for rotatable support of the roller (1) on a shaft member (48).

A roller conveyor is known from DE 41 26 822 A1 which serves to convey work pieces, or work pieces or skids fastened to work piece supports to a processing station. The roller conveyor has longitudinal supports running adjacent and parallel to one another, by means of which and between which a plurality of supporting rollers is rotatably mounted.
In one of the embodiments shown, each supporting roller has a tubular hub rotatably mounted on the shaft member by means of ball bearings and having an external tooth arrangement. The hub is made of light metal and bears two attached flanged pulleys containing a corresponding internal tooth arrangement in order to create a rotationally fixed connection with the hub. A tubular polyurethane covering, which on the surface of its internal periphery also contains an internal tooth arrangement corresponding to the hub, sits between the flanged pulleys. The assembly is secured in axial direction by retaining rings.
The covering of the supporting rollers is subject to wear since the work pieces and work piece supports transported with such roller conveyors in actual fact have a weight of up to four tons, which means that forces of up to half a ton act on the driving elements. Correspondingly high lateral guiding forces must be applied by the flanged pulley which has the task of laterally guiding the work piece support.
Considerable wear occurs on the covering and the flanged pulleys as a result of the operating conditions.
Moreover, because of the relatively narrow face with which they lie on the hub, high forces occur at the hole of the flanged pulley if the work piece support runs against the flanged pulley. This also has a detrimental effect on the period of service of the flanged pulley and thus on the entire supporting roller.
Moreover, production is expensive because of the many individual parts from which the supporting roller is assembled.
A further embodiment for a conveyor roller is shown in EP 0 009 508 A1. In this conveyor roller, the support section, the flanged pulley and the driving section are integrally connected to one another. The unit thus formed sits rotationally fixed on a shaft member, i.e. without a tooth arrangement, as shown in the figure. This means a press-fit connection with the shaft member, which is, however, only durable if both the shaft member and the roller are made of metal. There is no covering.
A support roller for conveyor belts is described in DE-GM 86 34 166. This support roller comprises a hub and a covering fastened to the surface of the outer periphery of the hub. The hub itself is an injection moulded part made of a thermoplastic plastic, onto which the covering or shell is injected.
The connection between the hub and the shell, which is made of rubber, is positive because of the corresponding structure of the outer contour of the hub.
The support roller is not provided to be actively driven.


The present invention is directed to a device for changing a fluorescent light, in particular a compact fluorescent light. Generally, the device comprises a light bulb receiving portion with a receptacle sufficient in size to accommodate a compact fluorescent light. The device further comprises a latching mechanism for engaging the bulb portion of a compact fluorescent light bulb, whereby the latching mechanism is located on the light bulb receiving portion and facilitates removal of a compact fluorescent light. By properly orientating the device around a compact fluorescent light, one can also use the device to install a compact fluorescent light.

Over the past several years, advances in light bulb technology have allowed light bulb manufacturers to design light bulbs in a variety of shapes and sizes. In particular, much advancement has come in the area of fluorescent lighting. Although the long, cylindrical fluorescent bulb design is still commonplace in many office and other buildings, newer and more compact fluorescent bulbs are becoming increasingly prevalent. One reason for the prevalence is that these new bulbs take advantage of folded-tube technology. This technology permits the manufacture of small, compact fluorescent bulbs that one can easily insert into a variety of decorative and practical fixtures. And since fluorescent bulbs have much longer lifespans than traditional incandescent light bulbs, these compact fluorescent bulbs offer a more energy-efficient alternative than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Despite their increased lifespan and practicality, the newer generation of fluorescent bulbs eventually bum out and need changing. As with traditional incandescent bulbs, changing these compact fluorescent bulbs unfortunately remains very inconvenient. Many environments that use these bulbs have relatively high ceilings and light fixtures. Since most fluorescent light bulbs are placed in high, hard-to-reach places, such as the ceiling, one must first gain access to the bulb. This may require the use of a ladder. In private homes, recessed light fixtures that contain compact fluorescent bulbs may be placed on high, vaulted ceilings that many standard home ladders cannot reach. In many businesses, compact fluorescent lighting is the primary source of artificial lighting. For instance, a single building of a medium size office complex may contain several hundred compact fluorescent lights. With such a large number of lights, employees may be required to change burned out lights on a daily basis. And because of the unavailability of a convenient compact fluorescent light changer, these employees must carry their ladders, sometimes over long distances, to change burned out bulbs.
The lack of compact fluorescent light changers also poses substantial safety risks. As noted above, changing these lights usually requires one to use a ladder or scaffolding to access the light, an undertaking that is inherently dangerous. Additionally, manually changing a light bulb usually requires one to grasp the glass of the bulb and either unscrew or pull the bulb's base from the light bulb socket. If one applies too much force, the bulb's glass may break and cause lacerations to the hand. Also, because one usually looks upwards at a bulb while changing it, glass can fall into the face and eyes if a bulb breaks.
Even though various light bulb changers exist for globe-type incandescent light bulbs, similar devices that work on compact fluorescent lights appear to be virtually unavailable. Additionally, existing changers do not overcome the problems described above. For example, some existing light bulb changers use an unsafe gripping means to remove or install light bulbs. With other existing light bulb changers, one must manually close a clasping means that applies imprecise and continuous pressure to the light bulb glass, risking breakage of the glass. Other existing light bulb changers use a twisting means to install or remove light bulbs. Similar to the gripping-type devices, the resulting torque from this twisting motion can cause the glass bulb to break and fall from dangerously high places.
Existing light bulb changers use complex means for installing or removing light bulbs. For example, some light bulb changers depend on multi-component light bulb receiving portions that one must manually reconfigure for installation and removal of a bulb. Other light bulb changers rely on strings or chains to close gripping or clasping means, whereas other light bulb changers use multiple, spring-type grippers or motorized clasps for gripping light bulbs. Despite this complexity in design, some existing light bulb changers do not provide the duel function of both removing and installing a light bulb; rather, these changers only permit one to remove a bulb.
Because of the lack of available fluorescent light bulb changers, a need exists for a device that can install and remove compact fluorescent lights. Also, because of the inconvenience associated with changing light bulbs, a need exists for a simple light bulb changer that is transportable over large distances. A need also exists for a simple light bulb changer that is practical for use in the home, office, or other buildings. Finally, a need exists for a light bulb changer that does not rely on dangerous twisting or clasping means to remove or install a light bulb.

Device for removing and installing fluorescent lights


Reception section 602 receives a signal on which signals of channels are multiplexed in a same frequency band through antenna 601. Separation section 603 separates a part used for correlation value calculation in the reception signal. Correlation sections 604 and 605 create delay profiles by calculating a correlation value using a 1st basic code and 2nd basic code for the signals after the separation, respectively. Comparison/channel estimation section 606 cycles each delay profile so that the delay profiles match in a section in which the path of the channel to be detected appears when there is no propagation delay and detects a quasi-matching path in each delay profile after the cycling.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication apparatus based on a spread spectrum communication system, and more particularly, to a communication apparatus, which carries out radio communications using a signal with a known signal for creating a delay profile added.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, the following apparatus is known as a communication apparatus, which carries out radio communications using a signal with a known signal for creating a delay profile added. Hereinafter, a case where a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system is used as a spread spectrum communication system will be explained as an example.
A base station in a CDMA-based communication receives a signal on which signals of a plurality of channels are multiplexed in an identical frequency band through a transmission path at an identical time. This base station can extract a transmitted signal from each channel (each mobile station) from the reception signal by performing despreading processing using a spreading code assigned to each channel.
However, when the distance between each mobile station, which transmits a signal on each channel and the above base station, is large, a delay (hereinafter referred to as "propagation delay") occurs by the time the signal on each channel reaches the above base station. Moreover, when the distance between each mobile station and the above base station differs from one station to another, the propagation delay also varies from one channel to another.
Therefore, the above base station needs to detect a propagation delay for every channel and perform despreading processing at timing taking account of the detected propagation delay. Therefore, conventionally, each mobile station transmits a signal with a mid amble section which is created using a known basic code added, while the base station detects a propagation delay for every channel (every mobile station) by carrying out correlation value calculation processing using the reception signal on which signals transmitted from different mobile stations are multiplexed and the above known basic code. Hereinafter, the method of detecting a propagation delay using a mid amble section in the conventional CDMA communication system will be explained.
First, the signal transmitted by each mobile station (each channel) is explained with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the procedure for creating a mid amble pattern in the conventional CDMA communication system. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing transmission timing in each mobile station in the conventional CDMA communication system. Here, suppose there are eight mobile stations which carry out radio communications with the base station apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 1, the pattern of the mid amble section which is used for each channel (hereinafter referred to as "mid amble pattern") is created according to the procedure shown below using a basic code which cycles for every 456 (=8 W) chips. This basic code is known to the base station and contains eight blocks A to H which has a code with mutually different W (=57) chip length.
First, as the 1st step, a reference block is set in the above basic code. Here, suppose the reference block is "A".
As a 2nd step, the above reference block is shifted by {W×(n−1)} to the left in the figure for every channel. Here, W=57 chips and n denotes the number of the channels. The phase to be shifted is 0, W, 2 W and 7 W for channel 1, channel 2, channel 3 and channel 8, respectively. With this, the reference block on each channel is "A", "B", "C" and "H" for channel 1, channel 2, channel 3 and channel 8, respectively.
As a 3rd step, 513 chips are extracted from the forefront of the reference block whose phase is shifted in the 2nd step in the above basic code for every channel. This creates a 513-chip mid amble pattern for every channel as a whole. Moreover, as for each 513-chip mid amble pattern, the first one chip of the first block is removed. In this way, a 512-chip mid amble pattern is created for every channel as a whole. In FIG. 1, the first block in the 512-chip mid amble pattern created for every channel is equivalent to the last block whose first one chip is removed. For example, in the case of channel 1, first block "A′" corresponds to the last block "A" whose first one chip is removed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 2, each mobile station transmits the transmission signal with the mid amble pattern of each channel created using the above procedure added to the base station apparatus. That is, each mobile station transmits the transmission signal for which a mid amble pattern for every mobile station is added to the mid amble section between data section 1 and data section 2 at the same timing as that of the other mobile stations.
On the other hand, the base station receives a signal on which transmission signals transmitted from the mobile stations are multiplexed in a same frequency band.
Correlation value calculation processing using a reception signal in the base station and the above known basic code will be explained with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a situation in which the base station in the conventional CDMA communication system receives a transmission signal for every channel. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delay profile obtained by the correlation value calculation processing in the base station in the conventional CDMA communication system.
As described above, since each mobile station is distant from the base station and in addition the distance between each mobile station and the base station varies from one station to another, as shown in FIG. 3, by the time the signal transmitted by each mobile station arrives at the base station, a propagation delay is produced and moreover this propagation delay varies for every signal transmitted by each mobile station. That is, the delay times produced by the time the signal transmitted from each of mobile stations 1, mobile station 2, mobile station 3 and mobile stations 8 arrives at the base station are propagation delay 1, propagation delay 2, propagation delay 3 and propagation delay 8, respectively. The signal, which the base station receives, is a signal on which the transmission signals from the mobile stations with the propagation delays mainly shown in FIG. 3 are multiplexed.
The base station carries out correlation value calculation processing to extract a transmission signal of each mobile station from such a reception signal. Hereinafter, the correlation value calculation processing in the base station will be explained. First, of the reception signal of 512 chips received from reference time 13, only 456 chips are extracted from last part 12. Here, the reference time refers to the time that the first part (for example, first part 11 in the case of channel 1) in each mid amble section in the signal transmitted by each mobile station is received by the base station when there is no propagation delay.
Next, a value of a correlation between the extracted 456-chip reception signal and the above known cyclic basic code is calculated. That is, using the above known cyclic basic code shown in FIG. 4 as the reference, the above 456-chip reception signal is multiplied by the above basic code while shifting the phase of the above 456-chip reception signal by 1 chip at a time and a correlation value at each phase is calculated.
By such correlation value calculation processing, a delay profile on each channel as shown in FIG. 4 is obtained. During the calculation of the above correlation value, when the mid amble pattern from one of the mobile stations contained in the above 456-chip reception signal matches the above known basic code, the correlation value reaches a maximum and the path of a certain size appears.
Therefore, the time at which the size of each of path 21, path 22, path 23 and path 24 reaches a maximum corresponds to when each mid amble pattern from the mobile station 1, mobile station 2, mobile station 3 and mobile station 8 contained in the above 456-chip reception signal matches the cyclic basic code in FIG. 4.
Here, when there is no propagation delay in each mobile station, the time at which the path corresponding to each mobile station reaches a maximum is known. Therefore, the propagation delay which occurs by the time the signal actually transmitted from each mobile station reaches the base station is detected by referring to the time at which the size of the path corresponding to each mobile station when there is no propagation delay reaches a maximum. For example, the propagation delay which corresponds to each of mobile station 1, mobile station 2, mobile station 3 and mobile station 8 is detected in chip units as propagation delay 1, propagation delay 2, propagation delay 3 and propagation delay 8 as shown in FIG. 4. Propagation delay 1, propagation delay 2, propagation delay 3 and propagation delay 8 shown in FIG. 4 are propagation delay 1, propagation delay 2, propagation delay 3 and propagation delay 8 in FIG. 3 expressed on a delay profile.
Also, when the total of a propagation delay and delay dispersion in each mobile station is smaller than the W chip length, the section where a path of a certain size appears on the delay profile is decided for each mobile station. That is, in the above case, the paths, which correspond to mobile station 1 to mobile station 8, appear in the W chip sections 1 to 8 (the delay profile width) in the delay profile shown in FIG. 4.
As mentioned above, it is possible to perform interference removal and demodulation of the data section for every mobile station by carrying out despreading processing using the data section at the timing taking account of a propagation delay for every mobile station detected as shown above.
Moreover, the base station can perform time alignment control using the propagation delay for every each mobile station detected as described above. That is, the base station sets transmission timing for every mobile station based on the propagation delay for every mobile station detected and reports the transmission timing set to each mobile station, and each mobile station transmits to the base station according to the transmission timing reported by the base station. By such time alignment control, the base station can control variations of the reception timing among mobile stations.
However, as the cell radius of the above conventional CDMA communication system grows, the farther the mobile station from the base station, the greater the propagation delay of the signal transmitted from the mobile station becomes and the total of the propagation delay and the delay dispersion of this signal may become bigger than the W chip length. In this case, the path which corresponds to the above mobile station does not appear in the expected W chip section in the delay profile shown in FIG. 4, but it appears in the other W chip section. For example, in case of mobile station 1, the path, which corresponds to mobile station 1, may appear in W chip sections 2 to 8, instead of W chip section 1 shown in FIG. 4.
Moreover, in the above case, if not only the desired wave but also a delay wave of the signal transmitted from the above mobile station is received by the base station, the path of the delay wave in addition to the path of the desired wave which corresponds to the above mobile station appears in the other W chip section in the above delay profile.
As a result, because the path of the desired wave and the delay wave in the above mobile station does not appear in the expected W chip section in the delay profile obtained, the propagation delay detected in the above mobile station becomes incorrect. Also, because each path of the above mobile station appears in the W chip section which corresponds to the other mobile station in the above delay profile, there is a possibility that each path of the above mobile station will be detected mistakenly as the path of the desired wave and the delay wave of the above other mobile station. Therefore, the propagation delay detected in the mobile stations other than the above mobile station also becomes incorrect.
Therefore, because the correct propagation delay in each mobile station cannot be detected, not only the interference removal and demodulation characteristic deteriorates but also it is difficult to perform time alignment control.
To solve such a problem, there is a method of enlarging the W chip section of each mobile station in the delay profile by extending W. However, because the value obtained by dividing the mid amble section by (number of channels accommodated+1) is equivalent to the delay profile width W of each mobile station, if W is extended, the number of channels accommodated decreases supposing that the mid amble section length is constant.

Radio transmission apparatus and radio reception apparatus in a CDMA communication system


A new and distinct cultivar of Hardy Hibiscus plant named ‘Cherry Brandy’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; green and purple-colored leaves that are palmately lobed; early flowering habit; and large single dark red-colored flowers.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus, botanically known as Hibiscus hybrid, commercially referred to as Hardy Hibiscus and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Cherry Brandy'.
The new Hibiscus is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Alva, Fla. The objective of the breeding program is to create new freely-branching Hardy Hibiscus cultivars with a compact plant habit and desirable flower color.
The new Hardy Hibiscus originated from a cross-pollination made by the Inventor in Alva, Fla. during the spring of 2002, of the Hibiscus hybrid cultivar Peppermint Schnapps, disclosed in U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 11/641,533, as the female, or seed, parent with the Hibiscus hybrid cultivar Kopper King, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,793, as the male, or pollen, parent. The cultivar Cherry Brandy was discovered and selected by the Inventors as a flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled environment in Alva, Fla. on May 20, 2003.
Asexual reproduction of the new Hardy Hibiscus by vegetative terminal cuttings in a controlled environment in Alva, Fla. since June, 2003, has shown that the unique features of this new Hardy Hibiscus are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A planning device generating control data for a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery is provided, said apparatus using a laser device to separate a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface in the cornea of an eye, said planning device comprising an interface for receiving corneal data including information on pre-operative cuts which were generated in a previous ophthalmic operation, and computing means for defining a corneal cut surface which confines the corneal volume to be removed, said computing means defining the corneal cut surface on the basis of the corneal data and generating a control dataset for the corneal cut surface for control of the laser device.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a planning device generating control data for a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery, said apparatus using a laser device to separate a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface in the cornea. The invention further relates to a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery, said apparatus comprising a planning device of the aforementioned type.
The invention further relates to a method of generating control data for a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery, which apparatus uses a laser device to separate a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface in the cornea.
Finally, the invention also relates to a method for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery, wherein a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, is separated from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface formed in the cornea by a treatment apparatus comprising a laser device.
2. Background
In the prior art, the most diverse treatment methods aiming to correct refraction of the human eye are known. The aim of said surgical methods is to selectively modify the cornea so as to influence the refraction of light. Various surgical methods are employed for this purpose. The most common method is presently the so-called laser in situ keratomileusis, also abbreviated as LASIK, wherein a corneal lamella is first detached on one side and folded aside. The detachment of said lamella can also be effected using a mechanical microkeratome or a so-called laser keratome as distributed, for example, by Intralase Corp., Irvine, USA. Once the lamella has been detached and folded aside, the LASIK operation provides for the use of an excimer laser which ablates the corneal tissue thus exposed under the lamella. After a volume located beneath the corneal surface has been evaporated in this manner, the corneal lamella is folded back in its original place.
The application of a laser keratome for exposing the lamella is advantageous as compared to a mechanical knife, because it reduces the risk of infection while improving the cut quality. In particular, the lamella may be produced with a much more constant thickness if laser radiation is used. Also, the cut is generally smoother, which reduces the risk of subsequent optical impediments by this boundary surface which still remains after surgery. However, this method has the disadvantage of requiring the use of two different treatment apparatuses, namely the laser keratome for exposing the lamella, on the one hand, and the laser evaporating the corneal tissue, on the other hand.
These disadvantages are overcome by a method recently implemented by Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and abbreviated by the term FLEX. In this method, a femtosecond laser is used to form such a cut geometry in the cornea that a corneal volume (a so-called lenticle) is separated within the cornea. This corneal volume is then removed manually by the surgeon. The advantage of this method is, on the one hand, that the cut quality is further improved by the use of the femtosecond laser. On the other hand, only one treatment apparatus is required because the excimer laser is no longer employed.
When generating cut surfaces in the cornea by laser radiation, the optical radiation effect is usually taken advantage of to generate an optical breakthrough. It is also known to introduce individual pulses, whose energy is below a threshold value for an optical breakthrough, into the tissue or the material in a superimposed manner such that a separation of material or tissue is also achieved thereby. This concept of cut generation in the corneal tissue allows a great variety of cuts.
The result of treatment remaining in these described laser-surgical methods is a cut in the cornea, and although it is no longer visible to the naked eye after a short time, it never heals due to the particular nature of the cornea, because the cornea is "dead" tissue in this respect. Due to the cut, the parts of tissue above the cut are no longer fixedly connected to the parts of tissue below the cut.
However, a need for re-treatments may arise, namely if either the result of the previous operation is not yet satisfactory in terms of the correction of refraction, or if the previous operation was not sufficiently completed for any reason (e.g. due to termination of the operation).
In the case of an insufficient refractive correction, it is known for the excimer laser-based LASIK operation to lift off the corneal lamella again and to remove additional corneal tissue for re-treatment.
However, this approach is impractical for the FLEX method, because it would not allow a re-treatment to be carried out by the same device as for the previous operation, so that it would be mandatory to keep an extra device ready merely for re-treatments.
For terminated laser-based FLEX operations, in fact, no useful or safe solution is known at all.

Re-treatment for ophthalmic correction of refraction


A wall mounted elevating mechanism that includes a frame and a sliding member arranged therein. The elevating mechanism also includes a support arm extending from the sliding member with a table secured to the support arm. A lifting mechanism is arranged between the frame and the sliding member. A switch is electronically connected to the lifting mechanism.

This invention generally relates to a wall mounted elevating mechanism and more particularly relates to a wall mounted elevating mechanism for use in an adjustable working area having autopsy/necropsy sinks and grossing work stations.
Autopsy tables, grossing tables, necropsy tables and trimming tables are all well known in the art. These tables are designed to accommodate a body or other part of a body while a post mortem examination is carried out or pathology is conducted on an organ or other body part. Many of these autopsy tables in the prior art were made of simple ceramic slabs with no exhaust systems. Recently these prior art autopsy tables have been made of a stainless steel having a discontinuous or perforated surface. These tables may have ventilation systems to reduce the odor associated with chemicals and natural fluids and components that are associated with an autopsy or pathology procedure. The use of ceramic slabs or stainless steel create an easy to clean surface that generally are non porous and easy to disinfect after each autopsy or pathology procedure is conducted.
Many of these prior art autopsy tables include an assortment of components used in conjunction therewith. For instance, an autopsy table may include a plurality of faucets that are used for transferring liquids, gas, or vapors to the autopsy table. Such liquids can be formaldehyde, other chemicals, water, or any other type of chemical or substance needed during an autopsy or pathology procedure. The autopsy tables generally also include an air system that includes an air intake and air exhaust vents that may also include filters and like to constantly clean the air and reduce odors from the autopsy table and surrounding environment. Furthermore, sinks are generally located within an autopsy table. Grating surfaces may also be found on the autopsy table for allowing fluids to be removed and collected during autopsy of the human or animal body. Furthermore, autopsy tables may also be arranged such that a gurney or cart may be used in conjunction with the autopsy table for delivering the body or for holding the body during the autopsy procedure. The gurney or cart is capable of being secured in position against a predetermined surface of an autopsy table and may also be inclined to any required angle necessary for the user performing the autopsy.
Prior art autopsy tables have generally been used in fixed positions in a post mortem room, hospital, laboratory or the like. These tables are fixed in a position that is convenient for a predetermined average size human to conduct the work of the autopsy or pathology procedures in a comfortable, non-stress inducing manner in a standing or seated position.
One problem associated with prior art autopsy, necropsy, or grossing tables is that they are fixed at a single height and are not adjustable to provide an ergonomically friendly use for people of various heights. Another problem with prior art autopsy tables is that many of them are not wall mounted and require increased space for use in a room and require a stronger base to support the autopsy table during the autopsy procedure. The prior art includes some wall mounted autopsy tables that are arranged at a fixed height for a predetermined average sized individual. These autopsy tables are not capable of being adjusted to users of different heights and statures, thus creating ergonomic issues for those having to perform autopsies in uncomfortable and sometimes painful positions because of the height of the autopsy table.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an autopsy table that is capable of being mounted on or off a wall and having a mechanism that will elevate the work surface to a users selected height. This will create an ergonomically friendly environment for performing an autopsy. The ergonomically friendly environment will reduce stress, increase productivity and reduce worker injuries due to repetitive motions performed at awkward angles for those working at a table not properly fitted to their respective stature and height.


A dispenser (20), including a plunger (24) and cylinder (26) connected to a dispenser body (28), a flow control valve (54) is rotatably mounted in the dispenser body (28) and has a valve fluid path (92, 106, 108) connected between the cylinder (26) and a control valve outlet (109). Advancing the plunger (24) when the valve (54) is in a first, recirculate position pushes liquid from the cylinder (26), through a return path (112) and back into the bottle (22). Advancing the plunger (24) when the flow control valve (54) is in a second, dispense position delivers liquid from the cylinder (26) out through a dispensing orifice (120).

There are many applications where it is necessary to repeatedly dispense a metered or measured quantity of liquid from a bottle, generally, the bottle in which the liquid is received from a supplier. Further, bottle top dispensers of different designs have been known for many years for servicing those applications. Typically, such dispensers utilize a plunger and cylinder mounted on top of the bottle. Often such dispensers have two check valves, a fill check valve and a dispense check valve. When the plunger is withdrawn, the fill check valve permits liquid to flow from the container into the cylinder, and the dispense check valve prevents the liquid from flowing out of the dispenser. However, we the plunger is advanced, the dispense check valve permits the liquid to flow from the cylinder to a dispensing orifice; and the fill check valve prevents the liquid from re-entering the container. The plunger often has an adjustable stop such that withdrawal of the plunger to the stop position pulls a desired volume of liquid from the bottle into the cylinder; and a subsequent advancement of the plunger in the cylinder pushes the desired volume of liquid out through the dispensing orifice.
In many applications the liquid being dispensed may be a chemical reagent, or corrosive, or toxic and/or a very expensive liquid. In those applications, it is desirable to minimize unnecessary dispensing of the liquid, for example, as often occurs when initially purging air from the dispenser. To prevent accidental or unnecessary dispensing of the liquid, U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,670 discloses a flexible tube attached to the dispensing tip, the end of which may be inserted in a hole in the dispenser housing, thereby recirculating the liquid. However, the flexible tube itself presents a potential for an accidental leakage of liquid therefrom and therefore, must be handled with extreme care and caution.
Another bottle top dispenser with a recirculation capability is disclosed in the European Patent Publication No. 542 241 A2. In that publication, the fill and dispense check valves are mounted in the dispenser body; and a recirculation valve is mounted in the dispensing spout or tip. Generally, the recirculation valve is rotatable between two positions, a first position permits liquid to be dispensed from the tip and, a second position causes the liquid to be recirculated through the spout, through the dispenser body and back into the bottle. In each of the several embodiments disclosed, the recirculation valve is designed to have separate dispense and recirculate paths there through depending on the valve position. The above design has several disadvantages. First, mounting the recirculation valve in the dispensing tip requires that dispenser tip be large and bulky. Such a design not only adds costs but may not be as pleasing in appearance as the more traditional sleeker, thinner dispenser tip designs. Second, by requiring separate dispense and recirculate paths through the recirculation valve substantially increases the complexity and cost of the recirculation valve.
Therefore, there continues to be a need to provide a bottle top dispenser providing selectable dispensing and recirculation capabilities that is compact, simple in design, easy to use, and less expensive to manufacture.


The present application relates to compounded compositions, methods of making compounded compositions, kits comprising compounded compositions, containers comprising compounded compositions, and methods of using compounded compositions. For example, disclosed herein are compounded compositions comprising an anti-fungal agent and methods of using a compounded composition to treat or prevent a fungal infection or a suspected fungal infection. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

The body normally serves as host for a variety of bacteria and fungi. Most of the time, the balance between the body as host and the microorganisms is maintained. However, there are times when the physiological, biochemical, and/or environmental conditions permit the microorganisms to tip that balance, thereby causing an infection. For example, fungi are only problematic when they grow in an uncontrolled manner, which causes various diseases and discomfort for the infected subject (e.g., a human subject or an animal subject). Unfortunately, uncontrolled fungal growths regularly occur.
Certain fungal infections of the skin known as tinea infections are caused by dermatophytes, which are members of the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species. These mold-like fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, thriving on the dead tissues of hair, nails, and outer skin layers. Tinea infections include tinea pedis, known as athlete's foot; tinea corporis, known as ringworm; tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp that can cause hair loss; tinea cruris, known as jock itch or tinea of the groin; tinea unguum, which is tinea of the nails; and tinea versicolor, a superficial fungal infection that produces brown, tan, or white spots on the trunk of the body. Tinea infections are contagious and can be passed through direct contact or by contact with clothing, from shower and pool surfaces, and even from pets.
Athlete's foot or tinea pedis is by far the most common form, with more than 12 million people in the United States suffering from the disease per year. It presents with redness, itching, burning, cracking, scaling, swelling, and occasionally bleeding. Athlete's foot includes toe web infections, moccasin type infections, and vesicular type infections. The condition generally includes small vesicles, fissures, scaling, maceration, hyperkeratinization, and eroded areas between the toes and on the plantar surface of the foot, as well as on other skin areas. For example, the nails may show thickening, pitting, and subungal debris.
Reoccurrences of the infection are frequent. For some subjects, such as those also diagnosed with diabetes or circulatory problems, or obese subjects, tinea infections and their treatment can be quite serious. The source of the affliction often is a public safety and health concern, as the occurrence of tinea pedis is higher in public areas such as locker rooms, public showers, sports facilities, and the like.
Moreover, there are at least 3 different types of nail infections caused by fungi. The most common infection is frequently caused by Trichophyton rubrum and affects the nail bed and the area beneath the nail. Another type of infection affects only the nail surface and creates white or light colored patches. This second type of fungal infection is unusual and represents only about 10% of the reported cases. A third type of fungal infection affects the nail root and usually afflicts persons with impaired immune defense. A fourth (and unusual) type is caused by an infection of yeast fungi. Infections by yeast most often only affect nails that already are infected or damaged in some way.
The fungi are invasive to the keratin nail tissue. Apart from becoming discolored and brittle, the nail may often separate from the nail bed. In addition, pain and difficulty in wearing foot apparel is often experienced. Initially, the disease affects only one nail, typically one nail of the foot, and is thereafter spread to more nails. The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet may frequently be affected as well. When the skin is affected, red spots frequently occur and the skin may peel off. Nail fungal infections are one of the hardest forms of external infection to treat, of which infections of toe nails are the most difficult to treat.
Despite advances in the understanding of the pathology of fungal infections, especially fungal infections that affect a subject's appendages (such as one foot or both feet), there is still a need for compositions and methods that efficiently treat or prevent the progression and reoccurrence of fungal infections.

Compositions and methods comprising a compounded composition


A mirror device for an automobile includes a mirror member. A seal member is vibratably held to an outer circumference portion of the mirror member. A holder member is held to the seal member, is positiond at a reverse side of the mirror member and is vibratably held to the mirror member through the seal member. A vibrator is served for vibrating the mirror member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a mirror device for an automobile; and more particularly; to the mirror device which has a cleaning apparatus for removing water drops from a front surface of a mirror member.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A conventional mirror device for an automobile is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open Publication No. 2 (1990)-41950 published without examination on Feb. 13, 1990 (shown in FIG. 10).
A mirror 1 is positioned at a front side of a holder 2. A hook 3 is formed as part of the holder 2. The hook 3 engages a front surface 1a of the mirror 1. An elastic member 4 is arranged between a back surface 1b of the mirror 1 and the holder 2. The elastic member 4 presses against the mirror 1. As a result, the mirror 1 is vibratably held to the holder 2 at an outer circumferential portion of mirror 1 by the hook 3 and the elastic member 4. A vibrator 5 is fixed against the back surface 1b of the mirror 1. When the vibrator 5 operates, the vibration of the vibrator 5 is transmitted to the mirror 1. Thus, the mirror 1 vibrates. Therefore, water drops on the front surface 1 a of the mirror 1 are removed from the front surface 1a of the mirror 1 by misting and dropping out of the water drops.
The prior art of FIG. 10 has drawbacks, in that a:
gap forms between the hook 3 and the front surface 1a of the mirror 1 because of manufacturing tolerances, there is strain on the holder 2. Also because of design parameters produced by the mirror 1 and holder 2, the curvature value of the mirror 1 does not agree with a curvature value of the holder 2. As a result, the water drops which drop off the front surface 1a of the mirror 1 by initial vibration of the mirror 1 gather in the gap. The water drops which gather in the gap are then transferred again to the front surface 1a of the mirror 1 by additional vibration of the mirror 1.

Mirror device including an elastic seal member and a vibrator for an automobile


A target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate, a target shaft attached to the target substrate, and a radiation emissive coating applied to at least one of the target substrate and the target shaft, wherein a center-of-gravity of the target is positioned between a front bearing assembly and a rear bearing assembly of an x-ray tube.

The present invention relates generally to x-ray tubes and, more particularly, to a high emissive coating on a target shaft of an x-ray tube.
X-ray systems typically include an x-ray tube, a detector, and a bearing assembly to support the x-ray tube and the detector. In operation, an imaging table, on which an object is positioned, is located between the x-ray tube and the detector. The x-ray tube typically emits radiation, such as x-rays, toward the object. The radiation typically passes through the object on the imaging table and impinges on the detector. As radiation passes through the object, internal structures of the object cause spatial variances in the radiation received at the detector. The detector then emits data received, and the system translates the radiation variances into an image, which may be used to evaluate the internal structure of the object. One skilled in the art will recognize that the object may include, but is not limited to, a patient in a medical imaging procedure and an inanimate object as in, for instance, a package in a computed tomography (CT) package scanner.
X-ray tubes include a rotating anode structure for the purpose of distributing the heat generated at a focal spot. The anode is typically rotated by an induction motor having a cylindrical rotor built into a cantilevered axle that supports a disc-shaped anode target and an iron stator structure with copper windings that surrounds an elongated neck of the x-ray tube. The rotor of the rotating anode assembly is driven by the stator. An x-ray tube cathode provides a focused electron beam that is accelerated across a cathode-to-anode vacuum gap and produces x-rays upon impact with the anode. Because of the high temperatures generated when the electron beam strikes the target, it is necessary to rotate the anode assembly at high rotational speed.
Newer generation x-ray tubes have increasing demands for providing higher peak power, thus higher average power as well. Higher peak power, though, results in higher peak temperatures occurring in the target assembly, particularly at the target "track," or the point of impact on the target. Thus, for increased peak power applied, there are life and reliability issues with respect to the target. Such effects may be countered to an extent by, for instance, spinning the target faster. However, doing so has implications to reliability and performance of other components within the x-ray tube such as the target and the bearing assembly. And, although spinning the target faster may reduce the peak focal track temperature, there is limited enhancement or improvement in the overall average power capability of the x-ray tube. As such, spinning faster has minimal impact on decreasing the operating temperature of the bearing assembly for a given average power.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus to improve thermal performance and reliability of an x-ray tube target and bearing.

Method and apparatus for increasing heat radiation from an x-ray tube target shaft


A flexible guard panel which may be releasably fastened to or about the front panel of a PC computer tower to protect the buttons on drive openings.

The invention of the present application relates to devices to safeguard the front of a PC, especially the doors, drive slots and buttons.
There have been many attempts to protect the front openings, doors, slots and buttons of home computers. One attempt involves the fastening of a door hinged to a frame which is fastened about the diskette drive slot, or disc drawer. The door opens so as to allow access to the slot or drawer. The door may have a safety latch, or lock, to safeguard the underlying slot or drawer. Other emergency measures undertaken by e.g. parents to protect the computer drives range from temporary duck tape blocks to blocking off the room that contains the computer. These methods lead to mess and inconvenience. In addition, computers are coming out with more and more drives. The CD drive drawer has been added to the diskette drive slot in most new computers. In addition, the newest computers often include a zip drive slot. As the number of drive slots and drawers increase, the configuration of the front panel changes to accommodate easy access to the drives.
In addition to adding drives to the computer front panel, the dimensions of the front panel may also change due to the reconfiguration of the PC tower to accommodate its bulk. Product changes to differentiate a new product line, or attract new customers, also occur. These constant changes can make door guard designs obsolete. Also, when a new computer is purchased, the guards securely fastened to the front panel of the old computer are difficult, if not impossible, to remove and secure to the new one.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a PC tower guard, which may be used with towers of various dimensions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a PC tower guard, which may be reused, if desired, on a newer tower.
A universal guard to cover and protect the drive panel of a PC tower. The guard is made from a sheet of pliable material. It has a cutout profile made up of a) a generally rectangular central panel, with a bottom edge, a top edge, and two side edges, b) at least one side tab connected to the front panel along at least one side edge, c) a top tab connected to the front panel along the top edge, and having a narrower profile than the central panel, and d) shoulder portions above the side tab and wide of the front tab for fitting the guard to the drive panel. At least two adhesive fasteners are needed to fasten the guard to the tower. Preferably the side tabs have a narrower profile than the top tab, permitting the guard to be used xe2x80x9csidewaysxe2x80x9d. Thus the guard is able to be used on towers of varying dimensions.


The invention relates to a current determination apparatus for determining an operational driving current for driving a light source of a group of light sources. A same color shift function defining a light color shift depending on a driving current can be provided for all light sources of the group. An operational driving current is determined based on the color shift function such that the light color (43) of the light source of the group of light sources is shifted from a nominal color, which may be specific for each light source, to a light color (45) within a target color window (41). Since for the different light sources the same color shift function can be used, a determination of individual operational driving currents such that the light sources of the group emit light having substantially the same color can be simplified.

WO 2010/046811 A1 discloses an apparatus and a method for improving the uniformity of at least one optical property of a tiled organic light emitting diode (OLED) lighting source comprising at least two OLED tiles. Electrical power is applied to the OLED tiles with a power providing means, wherein the power providing means comprises a control means adapted for controlling the electrical power to each of the OLED tiles. At least one optical property of each of the OLED tiles is measured as a function of their respective electrical power to determine at least one electro-optical property of each OLED tile. The control means is modified by using the electro-optical properties for compensating the effect of a variation of the electro-optical properties on the uniformity of the optical properties of the OLED tiles.


A method for fabricating electrical connections of a circuit board is provided. The circuit board has a plurality of electrical connection pads thereon. A protective layer is applied on the circuit board and has a plurality of openings for exposing the electrical connection pads. A conductive layer is formed on the protective layer and the electrical connection pads. A resist layer is applied on the conductive layer and has a set of openings for exposing a portion of the conductive layer covering some of the electrical connection pads. A first metal layer is electroplated in the openings of the resist layer. Another set of openings are formed through the resist layer corresponding to the rest of the electrical connection pads. A second metal layer is electroplated on the first metal layer and above the rest of the electrical connection pads to form different electrical connections on the circuit board.

In the current flip-chip technology, electrode pads are formed on a surface of a surface mount device (SMD) such as a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) chip, and corresponding electrical connection pads are provided on an organic package substrate. Solder bumps or other electrically conductive adhesive materials are formed between the chip and the package substrate so as to allow an active surface of the chip to be mounted on the package substrate in a face-down manner, such that the solder bumps or electrically conductive adhesive materials serve as input/output (IO) connections for electrically and mechanically connecting the chip to the package substrate.
Besides the chip, other surface mount devices such as a passive component can also be mounted on and electrically connected to the same package substrate so as to improve electrical performances. However, for accommodating the different surface mount devices, electrical connection pads on the package substrate need to be coated with solder of different heights and sizes, such that the electrical connections with different heights are formed to be correspondingly electrically connected to various types of the surface mount devices.
Further, when a packaging process for the package substrate, the chip and the passive component is subsequently performed, a plurality of solder balls are usually implanted on a surface of the substrate to electrically connect the substrate to an external electronic device. A solder material is pre-formed on electrical connection pads of the substrate where the solder balls are to be implanted so as to effectively mount the solder balls on the substrate.
A stencil printing technique is commonly employed to form such solder material on the substrate. Referring to FIG. 1 to conduct the stencil printing technique, primarily a package substrate 10 is provided, wherein on a surface of the package substrate 10 there are formed a solder mask layer 11 and a plurality of electrical connection pads 12 for defining locations of the solder material such as solder paste (not shown). A stencil 13 having a plurality of grids 13a is mounted on the package substrate 10. After the solder material is placed on the stencil 13, a roller 14 is used to repeatedly roll on the stencil 13; or a spraying process is performed to spray the solder material over the stencil 13. As a result, the solder material can be deposited in the grids 13a to form solder (not shown) on the electrical connection pads 12 after the stencil 13 is removed. Subsequently, under a reflow-temperature condition in which the solder would melt, the solder is subjected to a reflow-soldering process to form soldering elements (not shown) on the electrical connection pads 12 of the package substrate 10, and the soldering elements can be electrically connected to an external electronic device.
However, in order to coat solder of different heights and sizes on the electrical connection pads of the package substrate to form the electrical connections with different heights for being electrically connected to various types of the surface mount devices, the foregoing stencil printing process should be performed 2 to 3 or even more times, and also the reflow-soldering process needs to be carried out 2 to 3 or even more times. This makes the fabrication processes rather complicated and time-consuming, thereby significantly increasing the fabrication cost.
Moreover, since each of the electrical connection pads is partially covered by the solder mask layer located between the pads, the exposed part of each of the electrical connection pads is reduced in size. This not only causes a problem of subsequently aligning the solder bumps to the electrical connection pads but also makes the solder difficult to be attached to the electrical connection pads, such that the yield of the stencil printing technique would be degraded and an overflow of the melted solder material may occur during the reflow-soldering process.
Furthermore, to precisely apply the solder material using the stencil printing technique, besides the accurate size of the stencil, the times and cleanness of the stencil printing process being performed should also be concerned. Due to viscosity of the solder material, the more times of the stencil printing process being performed, the more residues of the solder material on walls of the grids of the stencil are. This would cause the amount and shape of the solder material in the next time of stencil printing to be different from those required for the electrical connection pads. Therefore, practically after the stencil printing process has been performed a certain number of times, the stencil must be wiped and cleaned, otherwise it would lead to the problem of the inaccurate shape and size of the solder material, and cause an inconvenience in fabrication, as well as degrade the quality and reliability of products.
Accordingly, the problem to be solved here is to provide a method for fabricating electrical connections with different heights on a circuit board by easily and effectively coating solder of different heights on electrical connection pads of the circuit board, so as to allow the electrical connections with different heights on the circuit board to be electrically connected to different types of electronic elements.

Method for fabricating electrical connections of circuit board

Phoenix Precision Technology Corporation


Embodiments of the invention provide an array substrate and a display device. The array substrate comprises a base substrate, a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines formed on the base substrate, and a plurality of pixel units defined by the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines intersecting with each other. Each pixel unit is driven by a same gate line and a same data line. Each pixel unit includes a thin film transistor structure and at least two display regions. Each display region includes a pixel electrode. The thin film transistor structure drives the pixel electrodes in the at least two display regions simultaneously and causes voltages applied on the pixel electrodes in the at least two display regions different from one another.

In recent years, liquid crystal display of advanced super dimensional switching (AD-SDS, ADS for short) mode has been widely applied. In the ADS mode, a multi-dimensional electric field is formed with both an electric field generated at edges of slit electrodes in a same plane and an electric field generated between a slit electrode layer and a plate-like electrode layer, so that liquid crystal molecules at all orientations, which are located directly above the electrodes or between the slit electrodes in a liquid crystal cell, can be rotated, In this way, the work efficiency of liquid crystal can be enhanced and the light transmittance can be increased. The ADS mode can improve the image quality of the thin film transistor liquid crystal display and has advantages of high resolution, high transmittance, low power consumption, wide viewing angle, high aperture ratio, low chromatic aberration, high response speed, free of push Mura, etc.
An array substrate of the ADS mode liquid crystal display comprises two layers of transparent electrodes, i.e. a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode disposed above the first transparent electrode. One of the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode is used as a pixel electrode and connected to a drain electrode of a thin film transistor, and the other is used as a common electrode and connected to a common electrode line. The second transparent electrode includes stripe electrodes having a certain width and separated from each other at a certain interval, so the second transparent electrode is also called a slit electrode. The second transparent electrode and the first transparent electrode are arranged with one overlapping the other, and the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode are separated from each other with an insulating layer.
FIG. 1 is an array substrate of a conventional ADS mode liquid crystal display. The array substrate comprises gate lines 1, data lines 2, and pixel units defined by the gate lines 1 and data lines 2 intersecting with each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the pixel unit includes a pixel electrode and a thin film transistor. The pixel electrode includes strip electrodes 3, and an opening 4 is provided between adjacent strip electrodes. The thin film transistor includes a gate electrode (not shown), a source electrode 5 and drain electrodes 6. Referring to FIG. 1, the strip electrodes 3 of the pixel electrode all incline in one direction. When the conventional liquid crystal display operates, liquid crystal deflects as driven by the electric field, and the liquid crystal 7 in each pixel unit only has one deflection angle, as shown in FIG. 2. Due to anisotropy of the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal display has differences in brightness when it is viewed from different viewing angles, and has certain chromatic aberration.
FIG. 3 is an array substrate of another conventional ADS mode liquid crystal display. As shown in FIG. 3, the pixel unit has a two-domain display region (the display region of the pixel unit is a region covered by the pixel electrode except for the thin film transistor), that is, the stripe electrodes 3 in each pixel unit have two inclination angles. When the liquid crystal display operates, the liquid crystal deflects as driven by the electric field, and the liquid crystal 7 in each pixel unit has two deflection angles, as shown in FIG. 4. Due to the averaging effect of deflection of the liquid crystal 7, differences in brightness of the liquid crystal display when the liquid crystal display is viewed from different viewing angles decrease, and chromatic aberration is improved in some degree.
However, it is necessary to further reduce the differences in brightness of the liquid crystal display so as to reduce chromatic aberration.

Array substrate and display device including pixel units with multiple display regions

HEFEI BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.


Apparatus for effecting comfortable fitting of a prosthetic appliance over an amputee's limb stump which has an irregular surface. The apparatus includes a liner surrounding the stump. The liner is, in turn, at least indirectly, connected to the artificial limb. A vacuum pump is provided, the pump serving to draw vacuum at an interface of the stump and an inner wall of the liner, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive transducers are disposed about the stump at locations spaced from each other. The apparatus includes a controller, responsive to pressure reduction sensed by the transducers, to actuate the vacuum pump

Various prosthetic liners are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,443 (Wilson et al.) issued on Nov. 7, 1995 for a device characterized as PROSTHETIC DEVICE FOR AMPUTEES. That reference discusses the use of a prosthesis which has a relatively rigid, support shell dimensioned to receive a portion of the residual limb of the amputee. The apparatus also includes a pad member which has a plurality of pouches at least partially filled with fluid. It is intended that the pad member of that reference substantially encircle the residual portion of the amputee's leg with its fluid pouches being positioned adjacent one another about the end along the leg. The pad member having the pouches is, therefore, placed in median engagement with the stump.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,405 (Love) issued on Apr. 11, 1995 for an invention entitled PROSTHETIC SOCKET CONTAINING INFLATABLE MEANS. That reference teaches a composite socket member for use with a prosthetic appliance. An outer socket of the device defines an inner cavity generally conforming to the outer surface of the residual limb of the amputee. An inner socket defines an inner cavity which is intended to receive the amputee's residual limb. The inner socket conforms to the shape of the outer socket and, when nested within the cavity of the outer socket, defines an air space between the inner surface of the outer socket and the outer surface of the inner socket. An inflatable bladder is disposed between the inner surface of the outer socket and the outer surface of the inner socket. Means are provided for inflation of the bladder. The movement and rotation stability of the prosthetic appliance is, thereby, controlled.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,245 (Fay et al.) issued on Feb. 7, 1995 for a device characterized as an INFLATABLE PROSTHESIS LINER. The apparatus includes a socket having selectively inflatable bladders which enable the prosthesis to be customized to fit an individual patient. A liner having two liner parts is employed to accomplish this goal. One liner part is placed onto the amputee's stump. A prosthetist then determines the region or regions where bladders are needed to provide a comfortable fit. These areas are identified and overlain with an adhesive. The outer liner is then brought into overlying relationship to the inner liner so that the two liner parts adhere to one another along the outlined regions. After inflation of a bladder or bladders, the inner liner conforms to the stump, and the outer liner conforms to the shape of the inner wall of the socket of the appliance. The device can include an annular bladder at the proximal rim of the socket to create a seal in order to maintain a suction within the socket.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,497 (Fay et al.) issued on May 24, 1994 for a device characterized as APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEALING A LINER TO A PROSTHESIS. The liner of that reference is intended to cushion an amputee's stump when it is placed into a prosthesis socket. In order to accomplish this, the liner includes selectively inflatable bladders or customizing the liner to fit individual patients. The liner is made of two parts. The first is an inner liner and the second is an outer liner. A region or regions where inflation to expand the space between the two liners might be needed are defined and outlined with an adhesive. The inner and outer liner portions adhere to one another along the outlined regions to define bladders. The bladders can then be selectively inflated to conform the outer liner to the shape of the interior wall of the appliance socket.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,464 (Sabolich) issued on Sep. 21, 1993 for an apparatus characterized as ARTIFICIAL LIMB WITH ANATOMICALLY CONFIGURED SOCKET. The device of that reference includes a system of inflatable compartments to enable the adjusting of the size and fit of the prosthesis. With the provision of these compartments, the patient may adjust the dimensions of the socket by inflating one or more of the compartments.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,523 (Paton et al.) issued on Aug. 18, 1992 for an ARTIFICIAL LIMB SOCKET APPARATUS. The device disclosed by that reference includes a vent provided through a sleeve support for venting the interior of the socket. The reference also teaches the provision of pneumatic chambers to enhance comfort of the amputee.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,776 (Crowder) issued on Jul. 28, 1992. The apparatus of that reference is characterized as a PROSTHETIC VOLUME COMPENSATION DEVICE. It includes an air cell or cells which may be placed into an existing prosthesis or included into a newly-fabricated prosthesis. Means are included to allow for manual adjustment of the degree of inflation of the air cell or cells so that changes in volume of the residual limb of the amputee may be compensated for as required. Inflation is accomplished by a fingertip operated pump. A valve is also provided to allow for exhausting air from the air cell.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,456 (Coonan, III) issued on Apr. 28, 1992 for a PROSTHETIC APPLIANCE. That appliance includes several inflatable bladders which, when inflated, act against the rigid side walls of the prosthesis member in order to force portions of the socket member side walls inwardly to grip the residual limb of the amputee. Inflation control means are provided and can include a manually-operable air pump. One or more manually-operable air valves are also provided. A valve is used in combination with each of the bladders to allow for exhaust of air from the corresponding bladder.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,475 (Gosthnian et al.) issued on May 8, 1990. The device of that reference is characterized as an INFLATABLE LIMB PROSTHESIS WITH PREFORMED INNER SURFACE. The reference teaches a stump-receiving socket and a plurality of inflatable bladders. Means are employed in order to enable one to vary the pressures within the bladders. The bladders are made of a relatively soft, flexible membrane material such as polyurethane. The membranes are located adjacent the weight-bearing portions of the stump to provide a relatively soft, uniform surface to support the stump. The various pressures in the bladders are independent of each other, and regulation by the user is envisioned.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,779 (Janowiak) issued on Apr. 7, 1987 for an AIR SYSTEM PROSTHESIS FOR AMPUTEES. The system invention includes a hollow body with stiff peripheral walls and an open end and a cup-shaped partition defining, with the walls, a first socket. The system also includes a second socket having stiff peripheral walls, the second socket being snugly nested within the first socket. The second socket includes spaced apart inner and outer walls with cup-shaped closed ends interconnected and hermetically sealed at their outer ends. A continuous air chamber between the inner and outer walls is, thereby, defined. A manually-operated air pump and pressure relief valve are mounted on the outer wall. Pressurized air can, thereby, be selectively introduced into the chamber and selectively exhausted therefrom.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,101 (Johnson) issued on Feb. 21, 1984 for a CUSHIONING PATELLAR SUPPORT DEVICE. The device of that reference includes an inflatable/deflatable bag which is insertable in an upper front portion of a prosthesis. A quick disconnect, hand-operable pump enables the user of the prosthesis to adjust the degree of bag inflation.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,889,301 (Bonner, Sr.) issued on Jun. 17, 1975 for a THERAPEUTIC STUMP TREATING AIR SAC PROSTHESIS. An air sac is provided to surround the amputee's leg stump. The sac, in turn, is surrounded by a casing which confines the pressure of the air sac inwardly against the stump. The distal end of the air sac is supported around and beneath the patient's stump. Means, between the air sac and the casing, are provided to distort the surface of the air sac and give it vertical stability with respect to supporting means.
A foot or partial leg prosthetic includes an artificial limb portion to simulate the natural limb of the amputee which has been removed. The prosthetic does, however, also include means for mating the artificial limb portion to the residual limb of the amputee.
In accomplishing this function, it is important to consider comfort of the prosthetic user. In fact, in many cases, the issue is not only comfort, but also minimization of irritation to the stump. Where the amputee is a diabetic, rubbing can create a blister and infection which could lead to the need for further amputations or, in the extreme case, even death. Also, a liner must provide a friendly, pressure-free environment. Otherwise, the stump fluid will be pressurized and cause skin and tissue inflammation.
As will be able to be seen in view of this discussion, a prosthesis liner which is custom-fitted has significant advantages over one which may not be custom-fitted. A problem with custom-fitted liners, however, is that it is costly and time consuming to measure, assemble, and properly fit such an appliance. It is common to make one or more molds of the amputee's stump in the process. Drying and curing of the mold can consume significant portions of time and result in significant delays.
It is to the shortcomings of the prior art as represented by the references discussed hereinbefore and to advantageous dictates of the art that the present invention is directed. It is an improved prosthetic liner which serves to solve many of the problems of the prior art and which considers the positive dictates suggested by the prior art.


This invention provides an image processing apparatus provided with an outline extracting section for extracting an outline of an input image and a color converting section for converting the color of the outline extracted into a predetermined color. This apparatus is therefore capable of extracting the outline of an input image, applying color conversion to the outline extracted, and emphasizing a pattern such as a character, a graphic pattern or the like. The apparatus is further provided with a converting-color designating section for designating a converting color to be applied to the outline, a color detecting section for detecting a portion having a predetermined color in the input image, and a region designating section for designating a predetermined region in the input image. Accordingly, the outline alone can be independently processed so that an outlined character, a shaded character or the like can be formed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and, more particularly, to an image processing apparatus arranged to detect the outline of input image data and then to effect color conversion of the detected outline.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, widespread use has been found for digital color copying machines which are arranged first to read a color original by utilizing a digital color separation process, second to apply a desired process to the thus-read digital image signal, and third to produce a color copy on the basis of the digital color image signal obtained. In order to faithfully reproduce the color and sharpness of the original, this kind of apparatus is designed first to read an image signal by means of a CCD, second to convert the image signal into a digital signal by means of an A/D converter, and third to apply various processes, such as color masking, under color removal, tone compensation and the like. Particularly recently, digital color copying machines have been proposed which are provided with a simple form of a color-image processing function such as cutting, moving, synthesizing or the like. In such a situation in which the degree of fineness of recorded images is improved and the number of functions incorporated into a copying machine increases, it has been strongly desired to realize, in addition to the above-described color-image processing function, the color conversion function of replacing image data representing the color of a particular region on an original with data representing a different color.
However, in a case where such color conversion is conducted with a proposed method or apparatus, if the color of a character body on an original is color-converted, the outline of the character body is also converted into the same color. Accordingly, if the outline and the character body of a particular character are to be emphasized independently of each other, it has been necessary to draw the outline portion by hand with a color pen or the like. This problem applies to not only emphasis on characters but emphasis on graphics.

Color-converting an outline or other portion, with or without spreading of the portion


A skylight having an arched main body, an apex, a base, and corrugations is described. The main body has two lengths, the first being at substantially the apex and the second at the base wherein the first length is less than the second length. The skylight also has a first end portion and a second end portion at opposing ends of the main body, each of which has a top and bottom section. The distance between the top sections define the first length and the distance between the bottom sections defines the second length. The corrugations disposed on the main body vary by orientation, method of manufacture, number, and shape.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of skylights.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional skylights are typically made of light-transmitting plastic or glass, and have either a planar, tubular, pyramidal, or domed shape.
Skylights are commonly inserted into the roofs of buildings to introduce natural light into the interior of buildings to offset the need for artificial light. Another use for skylights is to permit heat to escape the building.
An example of a typical skylight is a dome-shaped skylight having a 10% rise. Other examples are planar skylights, essentially horizontal windows that may or may not open, and tubular skylights that reflect light down through their tubes and into the rooms below. Examples of a planar skylight are provided by U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,874,653 and 4,428,358. Examples of tubular skylights are provided by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,655,339 and 6,178,707.
All of these conventional skylights have inefficiencies and short comings.


A DC-DC converter includes a PWM modulator, a power switch and a filter. The PWM modulator positively feeds back a pulse width modulated signal of which a pulse width and a frequency are varied to generate an oscillated signal, amplifies a difference between a negatively fed-back direct current output signal and a reference signal to output a first signal, and compares the first signal with the oscillated signal to generate first and second switching signals. The power switch transfers an input signal to a first output node in response to the first and second switching signals, and generates the pulse width modulated signal, wherein the pulse width modulated signal is provided to the first output node. The filter generates a direct current output voltage signal in response to the pulse width modulated signal, wherein the direct current output voltage signal is provided to a second output node.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a DC-DC converter and a method of controlling the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a DC-DC converter utilizing a modified Schmitt trigger circuit and a method of modulating a pulse width.
2. Description of the Related Art
DC-DC converters are used in many types of mobile electronic devices to provide a fixed output voltage. Pulse width modulation (PWM) has become a widely-used technique for controlling DC-DC converters. The DC-DC converter employing a conventional PWM method compares a reference input signal with a ramp signal outputted from an oscillator and generates a pulse signal having a duty cycle (or a duty ratio) that is proportional to the reference input signal. The pulse signal is amplified by a power switch and rectified by a filter consisting of an inductor and a capacitor to generate an output voltage that is proportional to the reference input signal. The output of the DC-DC converter is stabilized by a negative feedback circuit.
The conventional DC-DC converter that includes the oscillator for generating the ramp signal takes up a large amount of chip space in a semiconductor integrated circuit and exhibits relatively high power consumption.
Examples of DC-DC converters that generate an oscillated signal using a feedback loop without using an oscillator are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,481,178 and 5,770,940. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating the conventional DC-DC converter having dual feedback loops as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,940.
The DC-DC converter shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a step-down switching regulator. Referring to FIG. 1, the switching regulator includes an error amplifier 106, a comparator 102, a switch 84, and an LC filter 86 consisting of an inductor 88 and a capacitor 90.
The switch 84 includes an input 92, an output line 94, and a control line 96. A diode 98 provides a current path for the inductor 88 when the switch 84 is opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the switching regulator circuit includes two feedback loops, i.e., a first feedback loop 100 including a first feedback circuit 114, and a second feedback loop 104 including a second feedback circuit 113.
The first feedback loop 100 is a quick response feedback loop that includes the comparator 102 and a driver (not shown). The comparator 102 includes built-in hysteresis, thereby providing a hysteretic window defining an upper voltage limit and a lower voltage limit.
The second feedback loop 104 is a relatively slow response feedback loop that includes the error amplifier 106. The slow response feedback loop can be used to sense a voltage at a point external to the DC-DC converter.
In the conventional DC-DC converter shown in FIG. 1, frequency of an output voltage VOUT is determined by the comparator 102 with built-in hysteresis.

DC-DC converter utilizing a modified Schmitt trigger circuit and method of modulating a pulse width


A cruise control system for an electric wheelchair includes: a drive unit for driving the electric wheelchair; a user control unit for transmitting user control signals; a controller selectively operable in a normal control mode for controlling the drive unit such that a speed of the electric wheelchair is adjusted in accordance with the user control signals; and a current detecting unit for detecting a load current of the electric wheelchair and outputting a corresponding current signal. The controller has parameter relation information loaded therein, and is further selectively operable in a cruise control mode for controlling the drive unit with reference to the current signal and the parameter relation information to maintain the speed of the electric wheelchair within a desired speed range.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cruise control system, more particularly to a cruise control system for an electric wheelchair.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electric wheelchairs typically include a control mechanism that is provided on one of the armrests of the electric wheelchair to allow the user to control the speed and direction of the electric wheelchair. Problems may be encountered, however, when traveling uphill or downhill on the conventional electric wheelchair. In particular, due to gravitational forces acting on the combined weight of the electric wheelchair and the user, the electric wheelchair may experience changes in acceleration, and control by user manipulation of the control mechanism such that a constant speed is maintained by the wheelchair is difficult.
When traveling uphill, if the user reacts too slowly, the wheelchair may come to a complete stop and may even start to reverse direction and go downhill. When traveling downhill, on the other hand, the user must exercise great caution as the acceleration may become extreme. In an effort to quickly slow the wheelchair when going downhill, some users may completely release the control mechanism, which results in braking the wheelchair. This may lead to a situation in which the electric wheelchair is abruptly stopped, causing the user to lunge forward and even fall from the wheelchair.

Cruise control system for electric wheelchair


Controlling the transformation of the microstructure of shape memory material implants. A surgeon can use the inventive energy delivery device to control the rate of implant shape change, the extent of implant shape change, as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue. The invention allows for the fine control of force when fixating osteoporotic bone and rate of bone transport. This system models or measures the heating profile of the implant and provides the surgeon a method to control the extent of microstructure phase transformation so that the rate, force or extent of tissue movement can be controlled individually or together.

Shape memory alloys such as nitinol have been well known since their development by Buehler and Wiley (U.S. Pat. No. 3,174,851) in 1965. Other metals, such as AuCd, FePt3, beta Brass and InTI, exhibit shape memory behavior. These materials have the property of changing shape in response to a change in material temperature. This shape change potential is imparted into the memory metal device through a series of heat treatments.
The transition temperature range is imparted to the material through varying mixtures of intermetallic compounds such as nickel-titanium and heat treatment. The heat treatment methods for the material generally consist of at a minimum high temperature setting of the desired final shape of a device followed by a low temperature straining of the device to a second shape. Then when the device is in the second shape and brought to the transition temperature the device returns to the preprogrammed final shape. The shape change occurs due to the transition of the material from a martensitic to austenitic phase microstructure. These heat-initiated changes cause gross changes in the shape of the implant formed from the memory metal.
Shape memory alloys have been used for a wide range of industrial and medical applications. Medical applications include but are not limited to: catheter, intrauterine contraceptive device, gastrointestinal compression clip, blood vessel filter, coronary artery stent, skin staple, bone staple, and bone plate.
In the prior art memory metal implants have been caused to change shape by heating by their environment, applied current or directed energy. Implants and surgical instruments that change shape in the environment of human body temperature have been described by Jervis and include but are not limited to laprascopic instruments, needle and suture manipulation devices, and expansion and shrinkable coil stents and closures. Implants, that change shape using the Joule effect through resistive heating, have been described by Krumme, Alfidi and Flot. The prior art associated with resistive heating of memory alloys have not recognized the need for the control of the rate of shape change and magnitude of forces applied by the implant to the surrounding tissue. Furthermore, the prior art describes the full transition of the material from martensitic to austinetic microstructure through the delivery of either: 1) a predetermined amount of heat energy to a specific implant (Flot), 2) opening to an initial configuration (Alfidi) or 3) until the shape change breaks contact with current carrying electrodes (Krumme).
Only Jervis recognized the need for force and shape control of a musculoskeletal implant but controlled these through a mechanical actuator that resisted the heat induced shape change. This approach was required due to the transition temperature of the metal fully converting to the austinetic phase at body temperature. In this case, there was no force control of the implant due to the body temperature transition point of the metal, which resulted in the implant applying the maximum potential force to the surrounding tissue.
The prior art is at a significant disadvantage to the subject invention in the field of orthopaedics due to the lack of a method and system to control the rate and maximum shape change force exerted on the surrounding tissue. The clear advantages of the subject invention will be seen in the following review of the prior art.
Methods of heating memory a medical devices to change their shape include: conductive heat transfer (Alfidi [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956] and Krumme [U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,550,870 and 4,485,816]), electromagnetic energy heating, and resistive heating using the joule effect (Alfidi [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956], Krumme [U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,816] and Flot [U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,268,589 B1 and 6,323,461 B2]). One source of conductive heat energy is the ambient, temperature of the human body (Jervis: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,665,906, 5,067,957, 5,190,546, and 5,597,378).
Resistive heating has been found to be a convenient method for medical devices. Resistive heating devices have used both AC current (Flot [U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,589 B1]) and DC current (Alfidi [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956] and Krumme [U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,816]) to change the implant shape. These systems control the heating current so as to limit the maximum temperature (Flot [U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,589 B1]) and (Alfidi [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956]) or extent of shape change of the implant (Krumme [U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,816]). Though these methods and devices control thermal injury to tissue and extent of shape change they are significantly limited in musculoskeletal applications.
Krumme (U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,816; col 6, ln 37-44) controls the maximum temperature and extent of shape change by causing contact between the implant and electrode to break as a result of the shape change. This simultaneous secession of heat or electrical energy flow limits heating of the implant to a level that makes it suitable for use in implant applications. This implant heating strategy results in a predetermined degree of shape change but no control of its force or rate of shape change. This strategy significantly limits implant design because in many musculoskeletal uses solid stable bone structures may not allow the implant to change shape only to provide compressive forces. Thus in this application the shape change would not break contact between the implant and electrode and stop heat energy delivered. Thus the heating device of Krumme can not control either rate of shape change or force exerted on the surrounding tissue.
Alfidi [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956, col 7, ln 20-33] provided time and voltage controls to limit the energy applied to an implant so as to fully activate the implant at temperatures compatible with the enclosure of the heating element and the biologic environment in which the implant is used. Alfidi could monitor the actual current flow over a fixed preset time. Alfidi heated quickly to avoid thermal damage [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956, col 3, ln 41-43] and expanded the "wire appliance to a desired degree" [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956, col 3, ln 10-15] where desired degree was consistently referenced as "it assumes . . . a configuration . . . which . . . is . . . substantially similar to said initial configuration" [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956, col 8, ln 61-63]. The initial configuration is the first shape referenced above that is formed during the initial high-temperature heat treatment. Because the implant is fully activated, the heating device of Alfidi cannot control the force exerted on the surrounding tissue.
Flot [U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,589 B1 col 1, ln 44-47] provided voltage control but removed control of the energy delivery time described by Alfidi [U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,956] from the surgeon to lessen the potential for overheating the implant and causing tissue injury. Flot matched an implant size to a specific voltage setting for a fixed period of time through the use of resistor (R17) on the circuit board [U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,589 B1 col 3, ln 21-23]. This matching of implant to voltage required to provide the complete martensitic to austenitic of an implant is proposed by Flot to be matched to an implant mass so that it does not reach a temperatures sufficiently high so as to cause thermal necrosis to surrounding tissue. Flot's approach is limiting in that without control of times the range of implants' mass that can be effected with this invention is limited to 0.8 grams to 2.8 grams [U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,589 B1 col 3, ln 3-7 and col 4, ln. 37-39]. This occurs due to the implant's heating profile being dependent only on applied voltage magnitude and the impedance and mass of the implant. Without user control of both the time and applied voltage the total heating energy to an implant is limited. Thus the implant sizes that can be heated through their transition temperature is limited. The fixed relationship between implant size and control settings presented by Flot teaches against the control of forces exerted by the shape memory alloy implant on the surrounding tissue. Furthermore the inability to control heat energy delivery time teaches away from controlling the rate of memory-metal-implant shape changes so as to protect vital structures.
Jervis, [U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,906 example II and IV] whose medical shape memory alloy implants have a transition temperature substantially at body temperature is the only author of the prior art that realizes the importance of controlling the rate and force applied by the shape changing memory alloy implant. Due to the full transition of martensitic to austenitic microstructure occurring in the implant at body temperature, Jervis controls the shape change with a "mechanical restraint . . . achieving excellent force and time control, and permitting the surgeon to make adjustments as desired." The advantage of not requiring a separate instrument to control the closure of the implant through applied heat energy overcomes the need for a "mechanical restraint" instrument. This instrument limits the use of the shape memory implant. In medicine a different instrument would be needed for each implant design. Furthermore, many uses would not be realized due to the bulk and functional requirements of the instrument needed to control the closing force and rate of the implant. Finally, once placed and the mechanical restraint removed the implant fully converts to the austinetic microstructure and there is no longer any force control. Thus the invention of Jervis has significant disadvantages compared with the subject invention.
The prior art consistently teaches an instrument or techniques to transform the implant to a single final state. The art describes high temperature setting of an initial shape, low temperature deformation to a second shape state, and heating of the implant to return the implant to its initial shape. The prior art does not present, as the subject invention describes, a device or method to control the martensitic to austinetic transformation so that a plurality of fixation forces and rates can be achieved from each of a plurality of implant designs. Jervis's implant reaches the state associated with body temperature heating. Krumme reaches the state associated with shape change breaking contact with the current source. Alfidi reaches a configuration that is substantially similar to, said initial configuration. Flot provides "predetermined quantities of heat, each corresponding to a given size of clamp" but does not provide a plurality of heat energies to a single style clamp to control the force applied to bone or its rate of closure.
These limitations of the prior art have caused memory metals to be limited in use in orthopaedics. Memory alloy implants have found use as simple two and four leg staples but have not reached the potential of implants that can be manipulated with precise control to change their shape and move bony structures. The lack of surgeon control of forces applied to bone is of significant concern in osteoporotic bone and thus with implants and heat energy sources described in the prior art. Furthermore the quick shape changing movement of implant and bony structures described under the prior art could pinch and injury the spinal cord. This inability to adjust the implants' shape-changing, response within the martensitic to austenitic transformation temperature range to control its force and closure rate has discouraged the clinical use of these systems. The subject invention presents an innovative solution to these clinical issues.

System and method for force, displacement, and rate control of shaped memory material implants