There is provided an exercise monitoring device, comprising: a display configured to display exercise data with respect to a plurality of exercisers during a group exercise session. The exercise monitoring device is caused to: receive a signal wirelessly from each of a plurality of exercise sensors, wherein each exercise sensor measures the exercise data with respect to an exerciser carrying the respective exercise sensor; perform sorting of the plurality of exercise sensors at least partly on the basis of the received signals during the group exercise session; and display the exercise data on the display on the basis of the sorting during the group exercise session.

1. Field
The invention relates generally to exercising. More particularly, the invention relates to sorting exercise sensors providing exercise data acquired from a plurality of exercise sensors.
2. Description of the Related Art
Today's exercise monitoring systems allow receiving exercise data from several different exercise sensors in real-time. For example, while the players of a football team are moving in the field, their exercise sensors, such as heart activity sensors, transmit heart activity data to a performance monitoring device acting as a central unit. The central unit runs a software program for analysing the received exercise data. Typically the central unit then displays a plurality of individual analysis results simultaneously to a supervisor/coach of the team, for example. As the training/playing session may be hectic, and the supervisor needs to keep an eye on several team members on the field and on the display simultaneously, it may be difficult for the supervisor to find the data of the desired person easily from the display.


Controlling an information recording apparatus for recording information in a detachable, re-writable storage medium which has a storage size exceeding a maximum allowable size of a first file system. When externally input information is stored in a single storage medium having a first storage area initialized by the first file system, and a second storage area initialized by a second file system which can access an area that exceeds the maximum allowable size of the first file system, the externally input information is stored in the second area, and information derived from the externally input information is stored in the first area. Link information between the information stored in the second area and the derivative information stored in the first area is recorded in the second area as management information.

Digital information apparatuses in recent years, especially, recording/playback apparatuses such as digital still cameras, digital video cameras, and the like, which record images and audio information, require large-capacity storage media in terms of the characteristics of information to be handled. In digital still cameras, the number of image sensing pixels increases dramatically year by year, and the recording data size is still on the rise. In the field of video cameras, the recording data size is increasing upon transition from the SD format to the HD format.
Upon an increase in the data size to be handled, large-capacity recording media (memory cards) are in high demand, and the capacity of the recording medium itself is expected to maintain the increasing trend. Under the circumstances, media which have a capacity beyond the maximum recording capacity assumed in the conventional area format the recording area format of recording media have been developed, and media must be initialized by a new area format.
For example, a CF card used in digital cameras and the like is generally formatted by a file system called FAT (File Allocation Tables) 16 (or simply FAT). In the specification of the FAT16 file system, the maximum size per cluster is specified by 32 KB. Since such clusters are accessed by 16-bit addresses, 32 KB×216=2 GB (gigabytes), and a memory space up to 2 GB in maximum can be accessed. In other words, an area beyond 2 GB cannot be accessed.
However, the memory card vendors have released 4 GB micro drives. Since the conventional FAT16 does not support such large-capacity storage media, a further extended file system, e.g., FAT32, must be used.
The trouble is that conventional digital devices that assume to handle storage media formatted by the FAT16 file system (most of not only existing digital cameras but also conventional photo-direct printers which print by mounting storage media) can digitally connect storage media but cannot access files stored in the FAT32 file system.
Under the circumstance, two different file systems, i.e., FAT16 and FAT32, may be used together. As a technique that allows multiple recording in two, old and new file formats on a single storage medium, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-63901 (to be referred to as reference 1) and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-153376 (to be referred to as reference 2) are known.
Reference 1 mainly aims at recording high-quality data while maintaining the compatibility of the CD-DA format in consideration of the software market. That is, this technique records audio data (sampling frequency=44.1 kHz and quantization bit rate=16 bits) concentrically from the inner to the outer periphery of a disk, and records high-quality data with a higher bit rate or sampling rate on the remaining area.
In case of rewritable recording media for digital information devices such as digital still cameras and the like, data may be changed as needed. For this reason, when data are multiplexed and recorded on a plurality of recording areas, the data relationship may become inconsistent unless link information for respective recording data is available.
For example, if unnecessary data exist, and data in only one area is erased, unnecessary data remains in the other recording area. Since the multiplexed data are mutually related, if one data is erased, the other data is preferably erased except for a special case such as backup or the like.
However, since reference 1 above does not define association of data recorded on respective recording areas, it is difficult to rewrite data as needed once recording is complete for the aforementioned reason.
An "image handling apparatus" proposed by reference 2 does not consider any image recording control when a single recording medium includes a plurality of formats. For this reason, if a plurality of formats exist in a single recording medium, the user must select which format is to be used, resulting in troublesome operations.
When the free capacity of the currently used format becomes small, a required number of photos cannot be recorded in a continuous shot mode or moving image recording is interrupted although a sufficient free capacity still remains in the recording medium.
In general, a removable medium stores information for respective clusters. One cluster is a group of a plurality of sectors. The cluster size changes depending on the file system and media size. Since a cluster is a minimum unit required to handle a file, even data smaller than one cluster size uses one cluster area if it is stored as a file. For this reason, when the number of files stored in one removable medium increases, the total size of wasteful areas increases, and the full storage size of the removable medium cannot be effectively used. In other words, if one cluster size is small, the size which is consumed wastefully becomes small, and the recordable size can be increased.
On the other hand, in case of a series of large data such as a moving image, since the number of clusters that form a file decreases with increasing cluster size if the file sizes remain the same, the access count to clusters decreases, and the access speed can be increased. For these reasons, the data size (or cluster size) and access speed have a tradeoff relationship each other.
A method that allows the user to change an optimal format of a removable medium to increase the access speed of the medium is known (e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-112937). Furthermore, a method that allows the user to select whether an importance is attached to the size or access speed upon initializing the format of a removable medium is known (e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-80461).
However, when a removable medium is used in an image sensing apparatus such as a digital camera, digital video camera, or the like, the first formatting determines the subsequent properties, and the properties of images to be recorded cannot be adaptively supported under existing circumstances.

Information recording apparatus and control method thereof


An engagement protrusion is formed in square in cross-section integrally on an outer surface of a main body of a retainer, and is provided on a position opposed to a space for deformation so as to extend from an opposite axial end to short of an axial center of the main body of the retainer. An engagement recess is formed generally identical in cross-section to the engagement protrusion on an inner peripheral surface of a retainer holding portion so as to extend from an opposite axial end of the retainer holding portion to one axial end of a raised portion. The retainer is fitted in the retainer holding portion so that the engagement protrusion is inserted in the engagement recess.

The present invention relates to a quick connector, for example, to be adapted in assembly in a gasoline fuel piping of an automobile.
In a fluid piping structure, for example, a gasoline fuel piping structure where a tube is joined to a pipe, a connector is used for joining the tube to the pipe. In such piping system, for example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,393, a pipe includes an inserting end portion on one axial side thereof wherein an annular engagement projection is formed on and around an outer peripheral surface. Then, the inserting end portion of the pipe is inserted and fitted in the connector so that the annular engagement projection snap-engages with the connector to provide locking relation between the pipe and the connector, thereby connection between the pipe and the connector is completed. A quick connector adapted in this manner comprises a tubular connector housing and a retainer. The tubular connector housing is provided with a tube connecting portion on one axial side and a retainer holding portion on an opposite axial side thereof. The retainer has a main body formed with a pipe engagement portion to be snap-engaged with an annular engagement projection of the pipe and is fitted in the retainer holding portion. The pipe is inserted in this retainer so that the annular engagement projection of the inserting end portion snap-engages with the pipe engagement portion of the retainer and is thereby fitted in and connected with the connector.
The man body of the retainer is shaped annular or generally annular. And, for example, an engagement window or windows are formed on the retainer holding portion, while an engagement tab or tabs are provided on the main body of the retainer. In such configuration, the retainer is fitted in the retainer holding portion so that the engagement tab or tabs snap-engage in the engagement window or windows. The main body of the retainer, according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,393, is formed in C-shape (generally in annular shape) in cross-section to provide sufficient resilient deformability. Thus configured retainer serves for easy fit-in and release operation with respect to a retainer holding portion.
Meanwhile, in a retainer fitting structure wherein a C-shaped retainer or any other retainer having a main body with a space for deformation generally along an entire axial length, long axially, or relatively long axially is adapted, the main body is easily deformed inwardly in the retainer holding portion due to this space for deformation. That is, when external force is exerted on the a main body, especially on an opposite axial side thereof, the main body may be easily deformed inwardly so that the engagement tab or tabs escape out of the engagement window or windows. Then, the retainer rotates with respect to the retainer holding portion. Otherwise, depending on the direction of external force exerted, or if external force is exerted repeatedly, there is a fear that the retainer moves in an inclining direction with respect to an axial direction of the retainer holding portion, and thereby the retainer is released and falls out of the retainer holding portion. In such a case, an operator must fit the retainer in the retainer holding portion correctly and then implement connecting work of a pipe and a connector once again. Therefore, according to need, a rotation preventive means or a retaining means is configured between the retainer and the retainer holding portion to prevent that the retainer rotates in the retainer holding portion or the retainer falls out of a retainer holding portion. As for retainer rotation preventive means or retainer retaining means, an indent formed on one axial end portion of the main body of the retainer and a rotation preventive projection formed on one axial end portion of an inner peripheral surface of the retainer holding portion may be adapted. In this instance, the rotation preventive projection is fitted in the indent. Or, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,818, a protrusion formed protruding radially outwardly on one axial end portion of a retainer and a recessed portion provided in an inner peripheral surface of a retainer holding portion may be adapted. In this configuration, the protrusion is fitted in the recessed portion.
However, in a retainer fitting structure, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,393, wherein operation arms are provided on a retainer, an external force is likely to be exerted on an opposite axial end portion of the retainer. A rotation preventive means or retaining means constructed with respect to one axial end portion of the retainer may not function to prevent the retainer from rotating or moving in inclining direction with respect to an axial direction of the retainer holding portion.


This idea relates to the synthesis of salts of dodecahydrododecaborate B12H12 (2-). In the proposed process a metal hydride is reacted with an alkyl borate in the presence of a Lewis base to produce Lewis base-borane compex, which is thermally decomposed to produce salts of B12H12 (2-), while alkyl borare is recovered from the reaction by-product and is recycled.

Methods are known in this art for making certain borane compounds. Previous methods for synthesis of dodecahydrododecaborates involve reactions of diborane with metal tetrahydroborates, or pyrolysis of borane complexes.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,265,737, 3,169,045 and 3,328,134 disclose preparing B12H122- by condensing diborane with tetrahydroborates in the pressure vessels: "A process for preparing alkali metal and alkaline earth metal dodecahydrododecaborates which comprises reacting                a) diborane        b) a tetrahydroborate selected from the class consisting of alkali metal tetrahydroborates and alkaline earth tetrahydroborates, and        c) a compound selected from those of the formulas consisting of RO(CH2CH2O)R′, R′SR′, RR′R″ N and RR′R″ P . . . at a temperature of at least 120C in the substantial absence of oxygen and water and a pressure of about one atmosphere"
Another group of methods comprise reacting various boranes with L.BH3 complexes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,961,017 describes a process for the synthesis of Na2B12H12 using diborane adduct, dimethylsulfideborane: "A process for preparing an alkali metal dodecahydrododecaborate which comprises reacting . . . alkali metal hydride with dimethylsulfideborane . . . ". Czech Patent No. 238254 provides a process based on thermal decomposition of borane-triethylamine complex in the presence of metal tetrahydroborates: "A process for preparing an alkali metal dodecahydrododecaborate which comprises reacting . . . alkali metal hydride with triethylamine borane at 220-250 C. . . "
Other methods are disclosed in Miller, H. C.; Muetterties, E. L. U.S. Pat. No. 3,555,261; Ashby, E. C. U.S. Pat. No. 3,257,455; Sivaev, I. B.; Bregadze, V. I.; Sjoberg, S. Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun., 2002, 679; Miller, H. C.; Miller, N. E.; Muetterties, E. L. Inorganic Chemistry, 1964, 1456; Kyllonen, D. M. U.S. Pat. No. 2,969,274, 1961
The disclosure of all of the previously identified references is hereby incorporated by reference. Such incorporation shall not be an admission that these references are prior art against any claims appended hereto.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A method of monitoring a closed system, an apparatus thereof and a monitoring device are provided. The method of monitoring the closed system includes: performing a page capturing on a web page of the closed system; searching from a captured page, according to configuration information of data to be monitored of the closed system, a text content corresponding to the data to be monitored; and converting the text content corresponding to the data to be monitored into monitored data which a system monitoring platform is capable of recognizing, and storing the monitored data.

With the development of the Internet of Things, more and more terminal devices are connected to a network. However, background service functions of some systems are not complete enough yet, and a necessary alarm monitoring service and an open Application Programming Interface (API) system are lacking, resulting in that the external monitoring and alarm systems cannot easily access these closed systems to perform a monitoring alert.

Method of monitoring closed system, apparatus thereof and monitoring device


A retainer apparatus and method is disclosed for retaining a form mold on a surface, the form mold includes a front form, a back form, and a face form that are all parallel to one another. The apparatus includes a planar beam having a leg end portion, an opposing riser end portion, and a transition portion positioned therebetween. Also included is a foot extension that is slidably coupled to the leg end portion, allowing a selectable lengthening of the beam that engages the front form. Also included in the apparatus is an arm that is rotatably coupled to the riser end portion, the arm retains the face form in position against the transition portion, wherein the riser end portion also retains the back form.

It is customary practice in the construction industry related to the forming of a concrete structure to rely upon a mold of some type to form a desired volumetric cavity for the concrete to be disposed into and subsequently the concrete curing into the desired shape to form a concrete structural element. This necessitates the creating or assembling of a number of various molds and a multitude of desired shapes and then subsequently disassembling these molds after the concrete has been disposed into or poured into the uniquely shaped mold and cured sufficiently after some passage of time. Thus, in the construction industry related to the forming of a desired concrete structural shape there is considerable repetitive assembly and disassembly of the molds leading to the desire on the part of the construction industry to make this mold assembly/disassembly process as easy as possible. Breaking this down further on this easy mold assembly/disassembly issue it would be further desired that a minimum of time is required, a minimum of tools are required, and a minimum of waste (i.e. consuming disposables) is created.
As an example, in concrete gutter work a "skeleton plate" is used to hold three different lateral forms that can be termed a back form (a double height form), termed a front form (a half height form), and termed a face form (a half height form), so in finished form the gutter back form surface is adjacent to a sidewalk, the from form surface is adjacent to a road surface, and the face form is what is exposed, being typically called "a gutter" as the step upward between the street surface and the sidewalk surface. The skeleton plate in operational to structurally position the front form, the back form, and the face form in a fixed relationship to one another, thus the skeleton place is oriented perpendicularly to the front, back, and face forms, wherein a plurality of skeleton plates are positioned parallel to one another about every linear ten feet or so to hold the relationship as between the front, back, and face forms that extend linearly or laterally for typically hundreds of feet. The other purpose for the skeleton plate is to create proper scoring of the concrete, thus the skeleton plate forms a division plane therethrough the gutter that is perpendicular to the linear or lateral extension of the gutter, the division plane facilitates controlled cracking of the gutter extension due to soil shifting and sinking.
The skeleton plates typically extend partially through the entire cross section of the gutter thus creating a crack line via leaving a "score" channel in about the top one-fourth of the gutter thickness extending from the upper surface of the gutter toward the soil surface below the gutter. A division plate is a skeleton plate that extends the full vertical thickness of the gutter cross section so as to cause a full gutter cross section gap positioned perpendicular to the linear extension of the gutter. A face form lower portion is anchored to the skeleton plate, however, a face form upper portion is typically anchored to the back form via a curb-top spacer bracket that needs to have a "C" shape (with the open side facing downward) to allow concrete surface finish work underneath the spacer bracket, however the curb-top spacer brackets have the drawbacks of having to keep track of separable parts and having to be attached independently to the back form and the face form, causing extra time. As is known in the industry, anything requiring specific attachment, i.e. a bolt through a hole, is undesirable in concrete work as with dirt, sand, moisture, and a partially hardened concrete layer present, makes conventional attachment methods undesirable—this not requiring separate attachment hardware is highly desirable. As the fixed dimensional configuration of the skeleton plate essentially sets the gutter profile, a given skeleton plate can only make a single size of gutter cross-section, as typically the gutter height dimensions are fairly consistent, such as the step height from the street surface level to the sidewalk surface level, however, a platform distance, i.e. the distance as between the face form and the front form can vary in requirements, wherein a conventional skeleton plate has this distance fixed.
In looking at the prior art in this area in U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,239 to Miller, et al. disclosed is a concrete form assembly for forming a concrete structure during drying of the concrete. The form assembly in Miller is formed of an elongated plastic form having a front wall for engaging the concrete and a rear wall, wherein the front wall is spaced apart from the back wall to define a pocket for receiving at least one connecting member. The connecting member in Miller is secured in the pocket to project a distance beyond an end of the form with a slidable wedge type stake holder that may also be provided to slide in a C-shaped pocket in the form. The stake holder in Miller also has right and left flanges that are adjacent to engage the rear wall and at least one preformed nail hole is provided in each of the right and left flanges. See FIG. 12 in Miller for an example of the curb-top spacer bracket 71 that forms a "C" section with the open end facing downward, wherein the "C" section allows for open space to finish the surface of the curb-top with the curb-top spacer bracket being a separate piece.
Further, in the prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,875 to Jarrett disclosed is an adjustable template apparatus for setting up risers in the manufacturing of concrete steps for enhancing the speed of set up for risers with regard to level and spacing. The adjustable template apparatus in Jarrett for setting up risers in manufacturing concrete steps includes a horizontal member having a first end and a second end; a first vertical member operationally coupled to the first end of the horizontal member, which is extending downwardly from the horizontal member, and is used to selectively abut a lower most riser. Further, in Jarrett a riser positioning member is slidably coupled to an underside of the horizontal member and is positionable along a length of the horizontal member for selectively engaging a second riser; and a second vertical member is slidably coupled to the horizontal member and positionable along a length of the horizontal member, the second vertical member extends upwardly from the horizontal member and is user for selectively abutting a third riser.
Continuing in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,437 to Fitzgerald disclosed is a mold supporting bracket for supporting concrete formwork upon a supporting surface, the concrete formwork being in the form of an elongate lipped-channel section of the type having a channel web, the front face of which forms a mold wall section. Fitzgerald includes channel flanges extending rearwardly along opposite edges of the channel web and opposed channel lips extending inwardly along the free edges of the channel flanges. The mold supporting bracket in Fitzgerald includes a rigid side wall having a front end portion which when pivoted about an axis normal to the channel web to incline the front end portion relative to the channel flanges is receivable between the channel flanges and the opposed channel lips. Fitzgerald also has an upper recess and a lower opposed recess extending inwardly from respective upper and lower edges of the front end portion and being engagable about the innermost edges of the opposed channel lips upon pivoting the front end portion about the axis so as to locate the lipped-channel section relative to the bracket. Further included in Fitzgerald is a support mounting adjacent the rear end of the side wall and engagable with the supporting surface to hold the bracket and the located lipped-channel section in a selected orientation relative to the supporting surface, the support mounting being in the form of an apertured integral base wall extending substantially perpendicularly from and along the lower edge of the side wall rearwardly of the front end portion. Essentially, Fitzgerald facilitates the nested stacking of lateral forms in building a vertical form wall.
Next, in the prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,131 to Baumgartner disclosed is an apparatus for making concrete forms for creating stairs. A substantially planar member in Baumgartner has a riser end and a pivot end substantially opposite the riser end and has a first side and second side. A pivot point in Baumgartner rotatably fixes the pivoting end to a stringer so that the riser end can pivot with respect to the pivot end. A riser support member in Baumgartner is mounted perpendicular to the planar member adjacent the riser end and extends to each side of the planar member. A kneeboard support in Baumgartner may be placed on both sides of the planar member so that a kneeboard may be placed between one apparatus and a corresponding apparatus on the other side of the stairs. Further, a scale in Baumgartner may be provided for positioning the apparatus with respect to the stringer to facilitate mounting subsequent apparatus to a given stringer, wherein the scale can facilitate the riser support member being selectively slanted to provide a constant toe-in or kickback of the step.
Also, in the prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,364 to Nicholson disclosed is a dropped curb finisher (i.e. used for driveways) that is for use with a slip form type paving machine for forming continuous curbs and gutters. The dropped curb finisher in Nicholson has a vertical mounting plate, a finishing plate, an end plate, and a vibrator for imparting vibration to the end plate and the finishing plate. The finishing plate in Nicholson extends rearwardly from the bottom edge of the mounting plate and the end plate inclines upwardly from the end of the finishing plate remote from the mounting plate. In another embodiment in Nicholson, the present invention comprises a method of forming a dropped curb with a slip form paving machine for forming continuous curbs and gutters.
What is needed is a simplified retaining apparatus or more specifically a skeleton or full division plate having quick and easy assembly and disassembly, that includes the ability to have an adjustable platform distance and structure to hold the upper portion of the back form to the upper portion of the face form in alignment not requiring a separable curb top spacer bracket, where in the structure to hold the upper portion of the back form to the upper portion of the face form is integral to the skeleton plate eliminating the need for a separable curb top spacer bracket and any tools. This is to eliminate the requirement of any tools or other retaining structure that could be fouled by the presence of concrete, dirt, mud, sand, and moisture.


A color thermosensitive recording sheet includes a support and at least yellow, magenta and cyan thermosensitive coloring layers formed thereon. A color thermal printer has conveyor rollers for moving the recording sheet relative to a thermal head. The thermal head initially heats the recording sheet for recording on the yellow coloring layer. A yellow fixing lamp applies near ultraviolet rays to the recording sheet to fix the yellow coloring layer optically. The thermal head heats the recording sheet for recording on the magenta coloring layer. A magenta fixing lamp applies ultraviolet rays to the recording sheet to fix the magenta coloring layer optically. An irradiance sensor detects irradiance of the magenta fixing lamp during the magenta fixation. A refixing check circuit obtains a minimal irradiance of the detected irradiance, compares the minimal irradiance with a limit irradiance, and outputs a refixing command if the minimal irradiance is equal to or smaller than the limit irradiance. A driver turns on the magenta fixing lamp in response to the refixing command. A conveying speed determiner determines a speed of the conveyor rollers for the refixation according to the minimal irradiance. The conveyor rollers are operated at the determined speed while the magenta fixing lamp is turned on. The magenta fixing lamp refixes the recording sheet optically. Finally the thermal head heats the recording sheet for recording on the cyan coloring layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a color thermal printer and printing method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a color thermal printer and printing method capable of overcoming considerable smallness or lowness in the extent of optical fixation.
2. Description Related to the Prior Art
A color thermal printer of a direct printing type is used with a color thermosensitive recording material or recording sheet, in which thermosensitive coloring layers of cyan, magenta, and yellow are formed on a support. To print a full-color image, a thermal head is pressed against the recording sheet and applies heat to it, so as to record a yellow image to the yellow coloring layer one line after another at first. The yellow coloring layer has the highest heat sensitivity of the three layers. There is a yellow fixing ultraviolet lamp for emitting near ultraviolet rays peaking at a wavelength of 420 nm. Once the yellow coloring layer is heated, the yellow fixing lamp applies the near ultraviolet rays to it to fix it optically before heat energy for the magenta coloring layer next to be colored is applied. This is to destroy the further coloring ability of the yellow coloring layer to prevent it from being colored beyond desired density.
After yellow fixation, the thermal head records a magenta image to the magenta coloring layer one line after another. There is a magenta fixing ultraviolet lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays peaking at a wavelength of 365 nm. The magenta fixing lamp applies ultraviolet rays to fix it optically. Then the thermal head records a cyan image to the cyan coloring layer one line after another. The three-color frame-sequential recording is finished, to print the full-color image to the recording sheet.
During the printing operation, the recording sheet is conveyed past the thermal head continuously or intermittently one line after another. There are two types of a sheet conveying mechanisms: a back-and-forth moving type in which a pair of conveyor rollers make back-and-forth movement of the recording sheet three times; and a rotational type in which a platen drum of large size supports the recording sheet and makes three rotations.
When a ray emitting intensity of the yellow fixing lamp is too low, the yellow image is only fixed to a considerably small or low extent. Inevitably the remainder of the yellow coloring component after the yellow recording is colored in the recording of the magenta image. If the ray emitting intensity of the yellow fixing lamp is too high, a slight part of the magenta coloring component is decomposed optically, so that the magenta image only can be printed at the lowered density. It is therefore suggested to use a sensor for measuring the near ultraviolet rays from the yellow fixing lamp. Irradiance of the near ultraviolet rays immediately after the actuation is measured by the sensor. According to this, a driving condition of the yellow fixing lamp is determined to maintain the ray emitting intensity in a desired level.
When the considerable smallness or lowness in the extent of fixation occurs for the magenta image, the remainder of the magenta coloring component is colored in the cyan recording. However the cyan coloring layer does not have optical fixability, and is never influenced by overfixation of the magenta image. Consequently the magenta fixing lamp is fully driven without decreasing adjustment in the fixation of the magenta image.
A normal ultraviolet lamp has a phenomenon in which mercury is precipitated in the ultraviolet lamp, and deposited on the inside of its tube according to the number of times of the use of the ultraviolet lamp. It has been found that the deposits of the mercury cause the ultraviolet lamp to emit rays only at a small amount even with an equal power at which the lamp is driven.
In the conventional color thermal printer, the fixing condition is determined in such a manner that an exposure amount is optimized by fully driving the magenta fixing lamp as the ultraviolet lamp. The magenta fixing lamp having deposits of mercury is involved with the considerable smallness or lowness in the extent of fixation of the magenta image when the ray emitting intensity is minimal. The same problem occurs to an alternative recording sheet in which a magenta coloring layer is the deepest and a yellow coloring layer is the second deepest. The yellow image is no more fixed than to a considerable small extent.

Color thermal printer and printing method


The present invention provides a device for folding a flexible intraocular implant and for keeping it folded, the device comprising two jaws, each jaw having an active surface forming a reentrant dihedral, and each being slidably mounted relative to the other jaw along a direction parallel to one of the faces of the reentrant dihedral, between a first position in which the jaws are in contact against each other via the ends of the faces parallel to the sliding direction, and at least one second position in which the jaws are moved apart from each other. At least one resilient member is coupled between the jaws and has the effect of tending to keep them in contact with each other. Each jaw is secured to a pushbutton situated facing its active surface and beyond the other jaw.

Flexible implants are being used more and more in operations to remove cataracts and to put an airtificial lens into place, such implants having the advantage that for insertion into the eye they require an incision of small size only. Once inserted, the implants unfold elastically and return to their initial lens shape inside the eye. To facilitate the work of the surgeon, it is advantageous to prepare the implant in advance and to keep it in its folded condition so that the surgeon only needs to take hold of it using appropriate forceps and insert it into the eye.

Device for folding a flexible intraocular implant, and for keeping it folded


Alunite type compound particles represented by the following general formula (I) and having a specific value of D75/D25 when D25 is the particle diameter of particles which account for 25% of the total and D75 is the particle diameter of particles which account for 75% of the total in the cumulative particle size distribution curve measured by a laser diffraction method:Ma[Al1-xM′x]3(SO42−)y(OH)z.mH2O  (I)wherein M is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+, NH4+ and H3O+, M′ is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Sn4+, Zr4+ and Ti4+, and a, m, x, y and z satisfy 0.8≦a≦1.35, 0≦m≦5, 0≦x≦0.4, 1.7≦y≦2.5, and 4≦z≦7, respectively. The above particles of the present invention have a small average particle diameter, are spherical, disk-like or hexagonal and have an extremely narrow particle size distribution.

A typical example of the alunite type compound is alunite. Natural alunite is existent as alumstone in thermal deposits and acid corroded districts formed by active volcanoes and hot springs. Synthetic alunite is industrially used as an adsorbent, additive for resins, filler or carrier. The following synthesizing methods are known.
In the specification of the present invention, documents 1 to 6 mean the following.    document 1: Kohno et al., "Magazine of Mineralogy", vol. 20, Nos. 1 and 2, pp. 13-23, January and April, 1991    (2) document 2: Inoue et al., "Bulletin of the Japan Society of Chemistry", No. 2, pp. 156-162, 1985    (3) document 3: JP-A 64-11637    (4) document 4: JP-A 64-11638    (5) document 5: JP-A 2000-7326    (6) document 6: JP-A 6-122519
Document 1 discloses a method of synthesizing alumstone by mixing aluminum sulfate, potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate in a fixed ratio and stirring them at 100° C. under atmospheric pressure for 48 hours.
Document 2 discloses a method of producing alunite having a specific surface area of 200 to 240 m2/g by adding potassium sulfate and potassium hydroxide to an aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate so as to adjust the K/Al ratio to 5 and pH to 3.7 and boiling and refluxing the resulting mixture for 3 hours. It is reported that the alunite produced by this method contains slit-like pores with a diameter of 14 Å and a width of 30 Å, has water absorptivity equivalent to that of silica gel and high SO2 and NO absorptivity, and adsorbs an acid dye well.
As means of manufacturing alunite compounds at a low cost and high yield so as to use them as adsorbents in industrial fields, manufacturing processes disclosed by documents 3, 4 and 5 are known.
Document 3 discloses an alunite type adsorbent which has a BET specific surface area of 280 m2/g or more and a total volume of pores having a diameter of 10 to 300 Å of 0.05 ml/g or more and is represented by the following formula:MM′3(SO4)2(OH)6 wherein M is a monovalent cation, and M′ is Al or a combination of Al and Fe(III).
For the synthesis of the adsorbent, document 3 teaches a method for crystallizing an alunite type lamellar compound having an increased specific surface area by maintaining pH of a reaction solution at 4.0 to 4.4 from the beginning of a reaction and at not less than 3.8 during a reaction when aluminum sulfate or a combination of aluminum sulfate and ferric sulfate is thermally reacted with an excessive amount of an alkali sulfate in an aqueous solvent containing an alkali hydroxide.
Document 4 discloses an adsorbent composition which has a BET specific surface area of 300 m2/g or more and a pore volume of 0.1 ml/g or more and is an homogeneous composition comprising a lamellar compound having a chemical structure represented by MM′3(SO4)2(OH)6 (M is a monovalent cation, and M′ is Al or Fe (III)) and an alunite or jarosite type crystal structure and 5 to 80 wt % based on the lamellar compound of amorphous silica or amorphous silica alumina. As for the manufacturing process of the adsorbent composition, document 4 teaches that alunite and jarosite type lamellar compounds can be crystallized according to starting materials and the value of pH during a reaction.
Document 5 discloses an alkali aluminum sulfate hydroxide whose individual particles are independently spindle-like or spherical and which is represented by MAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 (M is a monovalent alkali metal or ammonium group) and specified by its chemical composition that satisfies 1.2≦D25/D75≦2.0 (D25 is the particle diameter of particles which account for 25% of the total and D75 is the particle diameter of particles which account for 75′ of the total in a volume-based cumulative particle size distribution curve measured by a Coulter method), X-ray diffraction image different from that of alunite, pH of a 5% aqueous suspension, BET specific surface area and moisture absorptivity. Further, document 5 proposes an alkali aluminum sulfate hydroxide which has ideal parameters such as particle bulk density, volume-based median diameter, sharpness of particle size distribution, aspect ratio, refractive index and abrasion when it is added to a resin. As for its manufacturing process, document 5 teaches that that aluminum sulfate, alkali sulfate or ammonium sulfate and aluminum hydroxide are hydrothermally treated. Document 5 also suggests a method of controlling the shape of each particle to a spherical or spindle-like shape by the content of alumina in a reaction system.
The D25/D75 ratio of the particles actually obtained in document 5 is in the range of 1.45 to 1.61.
Meanwhile, document 6 discloses "jarosite particles (amorphous hydrous ferric oxide particulate powders)" which are spherical, have an average particle diameter of 3 to 30 μm, a BET specific surface area of 150 to 300 m2/g and a bulk density of 0.7 to 1.1 g/ml and are represented by RFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 (R is K+, Na+, NH4+, etc.) as well as a synthesizing method thereof. Document 4 proposes a method of synthesizing jarosite particles by letting an oxygen-containing gas pass through a mixture of an aqueous solution of ferrous sulfate and an aqueous solution of a sulfate of an alkali metal or ammonium ion to carry out an oxidation reaction at a temperature higher than 45° C. and lower than the boiling point.

Alunite type compound particles, manufacturing process thereof and use thereof


An improved sensor and system of attaching sensors to their associated equipment, tooling or product. This attachment device provides stability of the sensor, quick removal and installation and a definite seating position thus providing a consistent reference point. The sensor holding system combines a flange on the sensor with a groove for the engagement of pre-loaded spring biased balls, and an outer housing that incorporates an opposing flange for seating the sensor and a ring of radially inwardly biased pre-loaded balls to engage the circumferential groove in the sensors. The diameter of the outer housing is determined by the sensor body but is kept as small as practical.

The present invention relates to position sensors and more particularly to housings for position sensors for mounting the position sensor onto testing equipment or associated devices.
In one embodiment, a sensor with an outer flange is used in conjunction with an outer body (sensor housing) having an inner flange to provide a definite position for the sensor, which position is repeatable on the re-installation of the original sensor or the placement of a substitute sensor into the housing. In another embodiment, the housing includes pre-loaded sprung balls that are positioned and biased to push radially inwardly against a radially outwardly facing, circumferential groove formed on the sensor to provide a radially inwardly, and axially downwardly directed force on the sensor to assure good registry to the flanges of both the sensor and outer housing, thereby maintaining a repeatable position of the sensor.
Sensors are often placed within equipment, tooling, gauge fixtures and the like to help determine the size and shape characteristics of a workpiece, such as an automotive component (e.g. an automobile windshield or other glass member that is placed on the tooling fixture or the like. Many of these sensors are linear displacement-type sensors having a tubular construction, or at least have a partially tubular design in that portion of the sensor (the distal end) that is nearer to the sensor tip. Traditionally these sensors have been attached to fixtures through clamping, set screw and ball detents. Clamping and set screw attachment mechanisms have significant problems when used with many of the mechanical and electronic sensors used in today""s equipment and products, because such attachment mechanisms can exert sufficient force on the sensor to pinch or distort the sensor, thereby causing inaccurate readings or else making the movable member of the sensor inoperable due to seizure or unreliable due to increased frictional resistance to the movement of the movable member caused by the pending forces of the attachment means. Seizure of the sensor occurs when the clamping mechanism that holds the sensor exerts a force on the movable member of the sensor, thereby impeding or preventing the movement of the movable sensor member. Clamping also has the draw back of requiring a tool, such as a wrench or Allen key to remove the sensor from the housing.
Prior known ball detent mechanisms, although allowing quick removal of the sensor, have not provided a sufficiently sturdy grip on the sensor to assure that the sensor is maintained in a consistent and accurate location. Bolting the sensor in place provides a good attachment but provides for slow removal of the sensor for service or replacement. Few if any commercially available linear sensors are provided in a condition ready for attachment by use of a bolting means.
Within the automotive component fixture industry, the common practice is to clamp sensors into position by utilizing a circumferential clamping system, that functions similarly to a hose clamp. These circumferential clamping systems can have a strong holding force, but apply an inordinate amount of radially directed load on the sensor, thereby often distorting the housing, and thereby impeding the movement of the movable portion of the sensor, which results in decreasing the performance and/or life span of the sensor. Distortion of the housing can impair the sensor""s performance by binding the movable plunger element of the sensor, or otherwise retarding its movement.
However, attempting to eliminate this binding force by reducing this clamping force creates its own problems. In particular, if the clamping force exerted on the sensor is reduced to a point that permits normal, non-bound or non-distorted operation of the sensor plunger, the sensor winds up being held too weakly by the clamp to be held in a stable, unmoving position thereby.
As can be deduced from this discussion, room exists for improving upon the prior art sensors. Specifically, a need exists for a sensor placement system: (1) that allows quick removal and replacement of the sensor for service; (2) that has the ability to hold the sensor firm and stable while operating; and (3) that is capable of achieving an accurate and repeatable positioning of the sensor when the sensor(s) in the fixture, tool or equipment are replaced. One object of the present invention is to provide such a device.
In accordance with the present invention, an attachment system is provided for a sensor system that permits a linear sensor to be removed and replaced quickly without the need for tools; secures the sensor firmly in a manner that eliminates movement between the housing and the sensor; and provides a system by which replacement sensors can be positioned accurately with repeatability.
Preferably, each of the sensor and the housing include a mating flange that creates a pair of mating surfaces for providing a consistent matching plane of engagement. The seating of the sensor flange on the housing flange allows for repeatability of the insertion depth of the sensor into the housing. The flange also helps achieve accuracy in the depth that the sensor is inserted into the housing. The flange further provides an area of contact in a plane perpendicular to the axis of insertion, thereby enhancing the stability and firmness with which the sensor is held in the housing. The mating flanges can be continuous, circumferential flanges or a segmented, circumferential flanges having sections removed to permit insertion of the sensor from the rear or front of the housing, while still holding the sensor securely in position when assembled. The mating surfaces of the mating flanges can also be tangential to the circumference of the face of the flange; or alternately, the mating surfaces can be perpendicular to the axis of the insertion or measuring axis.
Alternately, the attachment housing can use a holding system that consists of a clamp, set screw, ball detents, groove and clamp, bolts, or other common system of holding fast tubular structures within a tube. It is preferable that the holding system applies a load in an axial direction to pull or push the sensor into engagement with the flange. It is also preferable that the holding system does not apply or is incapable of applying radial loads on the sensor in excess of the sensor""s capability to take such loads, thereby reducing the likelihood that the sensor housing and clamping mechanism will create distortions within the body of the sensor that degrade its performance.
Through this use, in the present invention of a combination of a flange and holding system, the housings can be designed to exert less force on the sensor as the combination of both the flange and clamp enhances the stability and the sensor within the housing without the need for the higher holding forces commonly used with known prior art devices.
The size of such mating flanges and therefore, the size of the housing is usually determined by the sensor size and type. However, it is preferable to keep the flange and clamping system as small as practical to allow the greatest flexibility of placement of the sensor.
The depth of the flange position within the receiving housing, and the relative axial position of the flange along the body of the sensor are toleranced such that when an existing sensor is removed, and the existing sensor replaced by the insertion of another sensor, the replacement sensor exhibits an insertion depth identical to the first (replaced) sensor. This continuity of insertion depths between sensors permits calibration and zero point referencing to be performed outside of the gauge or equipment where the sensor is being utilized, thus reducing the down time of the gauge or equipment during sensor change.


A low-cost sine-wave drive for a 3-phase permanent magnet synchronous AC machines (PMSM) in open-loop control is based on the measurements of two linear Hall sensors. The two Hall sensors are excited by a magnetic ring with the same pole number as the PMSM rotor magnet and sinusoidal flux distributions. The output signals of the Hall sensors are unified through a two-phase-type phase-lock-loop in order to reduce the impact of the sensor mounting non-uniformity during mass production. The peak torque and speed of motor is simply controlled by adjusting the amplitude of pulse-width-modulation carrier. Smooth torque control is achieved due to sinusoidal 3-phase currents. Such a simple sine-wave drive can be achieved with or without the assistance of a micro-controller unit (MCU). No current sensor is required for the motor phase current detection. This motor can be used in industrial applications where there is no strict requirement on torque response and constant speed control of PMSM machines.

The sinusoidal control of AC machines is commonly achieved by using the well-known vector control (also called field-orientated control) theory. It has been widely used for variable speed control of 3-phase asynchronous induction motors and synchronous PM AC machines. It delivers sinusoidal control of 3-phase current of AC motors with low torque ripple. Due to the involvement of extensive computation, a high-speed micro-controller, DSP or microprocessor (MCU) is usually required. Accurate rotor position information is essential for achieving high-performance vector control. However, high-resolution position sensors are usually fragile, unreliable and expensive. Therefore the development of position-sensorless sinusoidal control is driven by eliminating the cost and reliability problem caused by high-resolution position sensors. Position sensorless AC control is preferred for many industrial applications. Unfortunately accurate position determination is extremely difficult at start-up and very low speed due to the lack of position-dependent signals. Also, a high-performance MCU is required for sensorless methods due to the implementation of complex algorithms as well.
Low-cost switching-type Hall sensors are commonly employed to generate the commutation signals for controlling brushless DC motors in conventional six-step square-wave drives. They have also been proposed for a low-cost sine-wave drive. However, due to their rough position measurement, smooth torque control for PMSM at very low speed is not achievable.
Alternatively linear Hall sensors can provide more accurate position measurement continuously. Linear Hall sensors are widely utilised for measuring magnetic field strength. U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,130 proposes mounting a ring magnet on a rotor with two linear Hall sensor fixed on the stator with a phase displacement with 90 electrical degrees. The sine/cosine signal outputs from the two Hall sensors can be directly used to decode rotor position by using the well-known resolver-to-digital (RD) conversion as the process for resolver. Therefore, accurate and low-cost position determination is achievable if the magnetic flux distribution of ring magnet is sinusoidal. As a result, a sine-wave drive based on vector control theory can be implemented with a relatively low-cost solution.
All the sine-wave control strategies mentioned above can achieve the rapid and smooth torque control of AC machines by using a high-performance MCU. They are suitable for the high-performance servo systems. However, for some industrial applications, strictly rapid torque response is not necessary and only the torque smoothness of PMSM motor is the main concern. Furthermore the cost for high-performance MCU is intolerable in these applications. Therefore a sine-wave drive with even less cost is preferred.
A low-cost open-loop sine-wave solution for AC induction asynchronous motors can be implemented by well-known V/F (Voltage/Frequency) control without requiring position sensors and current sensor as well. Only low-end MCU or no MCU is required in these low-cost low-performance AC drives. The rotor magnetic field of the induction motors is induced due to the slip of rotor frequency and stator current synchronous frequency. The torque is generated by the interaction of the induced field in rotor and stator control flux. However, PMSM machines have no such feature. The rotor position of a PMSM has to be referred to for proper control of 3-phase stator currents in order to synchronise with the rotating magnetic field on the rotor of PMSM. Therefore simply applying the conventional V/F signal into the stator winding of PMSM is unable to guarantee the proper operation of a PMSM.
Emura T., Wang L., Yamanaka M., and Nakamura H., "A High-Precision Positioning Servo Controller Based on Phase/Frequency Detecting Technique of Two-Phase-Type PLL", IEEE Transactions on Industrial Applications, VOL. 47, NO. 6, pp 1298-1306, December 2000 propose the use of a Two-Phase-Type PLL in the high precision servo control of motor used in a gear grinding machine.
The present invention seeks to provide a controller for a PMSM which can be implemented at low cost and operate as an open loop controller (or in a closed loop control system).

Permanent magnet synchronous motor and controller therefor


A fastener for attaching an element to a support includes a fastening base intended to pass through an opening provided in the support by ways of an axial compression force, a head, and a frustoconical and elastically deformable compression collar. The collar, when compressed, is intended to bear against the support. The collar is connected to the head in a connection region. The compression collar has a first bending region, and at least a second bending region, the first and the second bending regions being configured to deform in a predetermined manner when the fastener is subjected to the axial compression force.

Such fasteners comprising a head that can be used to receive the element to be attached are known, for example, from the documents FR2944569, FR1183128, U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,713, EP0735285, DE29708112 and DE4404746. These fasteners also comprise a snap-fitting leg intended to pass through an opening provided in the support to rigidly hold the fastener therein. The fasteners described in these documents also comprise a frustoconical and elastically deformable compression collar, sometimes also referred to as an "umbrella," connected to the head of the fastener at a connection region, and the concavity of which is directed toward the support. The compression collar makes it possible to eliminate any looseness that may exist in the joint between the snap-fitting leg and the support, which may be related, in particular, to the variability in the thickness of the supports to which the fasteners are to be attached.
The insertion of such a fastener into the opening of the support is enabled by the deformation of the flexible wings of the snap-fitting leg. The insertion causes the peripheral outline of the compression collar to contact the fastener before the flexible wings have completely passed through this support. The axial force applied to the fastener head during the insertion thereof causes the compression collar to bend so that the snap-fitting leg passes through the entire thickness of the fastener and releases the flexible wings. The fastener is then firmly attached to the support, the elastic deformation of the compression collar leading to a forced contact of the snap-fitting leg with one face of the support. The bending of the compression collar is obtained by its progressive crushing or by folding around a bending region located at the connection region.
The deformation of the compression collar during and after the attachment of the fastener depends on the thickness of the support. A relatively small thickness requires only a relatively limited axial displacement of the fastener to allow the flexible wings to engage through the opening in the support. In this case, the compression collar is slightly deformed once the fastener is attached. On the contrary, a relatively thick support requires a larger axial displacement of the fastener to an abutting limit for which the compression collar is in planar contact with the support.
The axial force that is applied to the fastener when it is attached to the support substantially corresponds to the compression or return force of the compression collar. In state-of-the-art fasteners, this compression force is generally increased with the axial displacement of the fastener. When the support is relatively thick, and it is therefore necessary to move the fastener until it is abutting, or close to this position, the high forces that must be applied make the attachment of the fastener uneasy. For example, it may sometimes be necessary to use a tool to allow sufficient force to be applied to enable the flexible wings to engage through the opening of the support.
The present disclosure is intended to remedy all or part of the above-mentioned drawbacks. The main purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an ergonomic fastener that limits the axial forces applied even when it is necessary to move the fastener close to its abutting position. It also aims, in certain embodiments, to provide for a fastener for which the forces applied are substantially constant over a large portion of its travel when it is attached.

Ergonomic fastener with snap-fitting leg and a compression collar


A display device in which variations in luminance due to variations in characteristics of transistors are reduced, and image quality degradation due to variations in resistance values is prevented. The invention comprises a transistor whose channel portion is formed of an amorphous semiconductor or an organic semiconductor, a connecting wiring connected to a source electrode or a drain electrode of the transistor, a light emitting element having a laminated structure which includes a pixel electrode, an electro luminescent layer, and a counter electrode, an insulating layer surrounding an end portion of the pixel electrode, and an auxiliary wiring formed in the same layer as a gate electrode of the transistor, a connecting wiring, or the pixel electrode. Further, the connecting wiring is connected to the pixel electrode, and the auxiliary wiring is connected to the counter electrode via an opening portion provided in the insulating layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display device comprising a self-light emitting element and a transistor whose channel portion is formed of an amorphous semiconductor or an organic semiconductor.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a display device comprising a light emitting element has been actively developed. In addition to the advantages of a conventional liquid crystal display device, the light emitting display device has the features such as fast response, superior dynamic display and wide viewing angle. Therefore, the light emitting display device attracts a lot of attention as a next-generation flat panel display.
The light emitting display device comprises a plurality of pixels each having a light emitting element and at least two transistors. In each of the pixels, the transistor which is connected in series with the light emitting element controls light emission or non-light emission of the light emitting element. For the transistors, a polycrystalline semiconductor (polysilicon) with high field effect mobility is used in many cases. The light emitting element has a structure in which an electro luminescent layer is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. Specifically, an electro luminescent layer is formed on a patterned first conductive layer (a first electrode), and then a second conductive layer (a second electrode) is formed so as to cover the whole surface of electro luminescent layer.

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


A computer-implemented method of defining a set of annotation elements to map a concept to electronic data as input data; generating a mapping rule, according to the set of annotation elements defined and a sample of the input data; mapping the concept to the input data by applying the mapping rule to the input data; and generating a semantic instance of the input data based upon the mapping of the concept to the input data. The set of annotation elements to map the concept to the input data are a selected ontology corresponding to the input data, a selected ontology concept from the selected ontology, a mapping of a word or word phrase in the sample input data to the selected ontology concept from the selected ontology, and a pattern of the mapped word or word phrase relative to a structure of the sample input data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method and computer system of providing semantic information for data. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and a computer system annotating a large volume of semi-structured or unstructured data with semantics.
2. Description of the Related Art
Advancements in technology including computing, network, and sensor equipment, etc. have resulted in large volumes of data being generated. The collected data generally need to be analyzed, and this is traditionally accomplished within a single application. However, in many areas, such as bioinformatics, meteorology, etc, the data produced/collected by one application may need to be further used in other applications. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration, especially in the scientific community, is often desirable. Therefore, one key issue is interoperability in terms of the ability to exchange information (syntactic interoperability) and to use the information that has been exchanged (semantic interoperability). IEEE Standard Computer Dictionary: A Compilation of IEEE Standard Computer Glossaries, IEEE, 1990.
Conventional semantic World Wide Web, or "Web," technologies involving ontology-based representations of information enable the cooperation of computers and humans and can be used to assist with data sharing and management. Through ontological representation, the modeling of entities and relationships in a domain allows the software and computer to process information as never before [www.sys-con.com/xml/article.cfm?id=577, retrieved on Oct. 22, 2004]. Conventional semantic Web technologies are an extension of the World Wide Web, which rely on searching Web pages and bringing the Web page to the semantic Web page level. Therefore, conventional semantic Web technologies process Web pages, which as tagged documents, such as hypertext markup language (HTML) documents, are considered fully structured documents. Further, the conventional semantic Web technologies are only for presentation, but not for task computing (i.e., computing device to computing device task processing). WEB SCRAPER software is an example of a conventional semantic Web technology bringing Web pages, as structured documents, to the semantic level. However, adding semantics to semi-structured or unstructured data, such as a flat file, is not a trivial task, and traditionally this function has been performed on a case-by-case (per input data) manner, which can be tedious and error-prone. Even when annotation is automated, such automation only targets a specific domain to be annotated.
Therefore, existing approaches to semi-structured and unstructured data annotation, depend completely on user knowledge and manual processing, which is not suitable for annotating data in large quantities, in any format, and in any domain, because such existing data annotation approaches are too tedious and error-prone to be applicable to large data, in any format and in any domain. For example, existing approaches, such as GENE ONTOLOGY (GO) annotation [www.geneontology.org, retrieved on Oct. 22, 2004] and TRELLIS by University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute (ISI) [www.isi.edu/ikcap/trellis, retrieved on Oct. 22, 2004], depend completely on user knowledge, are data specific, and per input data based, which can be tedious and error-prone. In particular, GENE ONTOLOGY (GO) provides semantic data annotated with gene ontologies, but GO is only applicable to gene products and relies heavily on expertise in gene products (i.e., generally manual annotation, and if any type of automation is provided, the automation targets only, or is specific to, gene products domain). Further, in TRELLIS, users add semantic annotation to documents through observation, viewpoints and conclusion, but TRELLIS also relies heavily on users to add new knowledge based on their expertise, and further, in TRELLIS semantic annotation results in one semantic instance per observed document.
To take full advantage of any collected data in semi-structured or unstructured format for successful data sharing and management, easier ways to annotate data with semantics are much needed.


This invention provides a signal transmission circuit, a signal output circuit, and a termination method of a signal transmission circuit capable of preventing the re-reflection of the signal at a transmitting node of a transmission path even when an impedance of a signal output circuit does not match a characteristic impedance of a transmission path. On a signal transmission circuit composed of a transmission path, a signal output circuit connected to a transmitting node of the transmission path, and a signal receiver circuit connected to a receiving node of the signal transmission path, in order to prevent the re-reflection of an output signal of a signal output unit at the transmitting node via the receiving node, a correction current generator unit is provided for outputting correction current with a predetermined current amount and at a predetermined timing set in a current amount/timing control section, to the transmitting node.

According to the examination by the inventors of the present invention, the techniques as follows are known as the technique for improving the waveform quality of a signal.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-207224 discloses an output circuit which enables the signal transmission, in which impedance matching between the output circuit and a transmission path is achieved. The configuration of the circuit includes a MOS transistor in an output stage, a MOS transistor and a current source combined with the MOS transistor in an output stage to form a current mirror circuit, and the like. More specifically, this output circuit sets an output impedance by passing a predetermined bias current to the MOS transistor in an output stage by the use of a current mirror circuit so as to achieve the impedance matching between the output circuit and the transmission path.
Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-276004 discloses an output circuit capable of reducing the ringing in an output waveform. The configuration of the circuit includes an output driver circuit, voltage control means connected to a transmission terminal of the output driver circuit, and the like. The output driver circuit has a driving capability corresponding to the transient state period of a signal, and the voltage control means has a function to switch the output resistance by a plurality of damping resistors. More specifically, this output circuit is designed to reduce the ringing in an output waveform by optimally controlling the driving capability and the damping resistors.
Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-345054 discloses a driver circuit for signal transmission capable of preventing the waveform distortion. The configuration of the circuit includes an output driver, a front-stage driver for driving the output driver, means for adjusting the output level of the front-stage driver, and the like. More specifically, this driver circuit is characterized in that the output level is emphasized in advance in an output stage so as to cope with the attenuation of the high-frequency components in a transmission path.
Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-8423 discloses a bus interface circuit capable of reducing the distortion in a signal waveform. The configuration of the circuit includes a circuit for detecting the change of a signal in a connector terminal to a bus, a circuit for driving the connector terminal in a direction identical to the direction of the change in accordance with the detected change of a signal, and the like. More specifically, this bus interface circuit is designed to operate so that the voltage level on a bus can always be the same level as the voltage level of the connector terminal, thereby preventing the influence of the connector terminal on the signal transmitted on the bus.
Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-177722 discloses an output circuit for reducing the output noise. This output circuit is provided with two output circuits of the same configuration, and the ringing in output potential and the like are reduced by operating the two circuits alternately.

Signal transmission circuit, signal output circuit and termination method of signal transmission circuit


The present invention relates to the novel methods of making matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors of Formula (I):

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP's) are a family of zinc containing endopeptidases which are capable of cleaving large biomolecules such as the collagens, proteoglycans and gelatins. Expression is upregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or growth factors. The MMP's are secreted as inactive zymogens which, upon activation, are subject to control by endogenous inhibitors, for example, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) and α2-macroglobulin. Chapman, K. T. et al., J. Med. Chem. 36, 4293–4301 (1993); Beckett, R. P. et al., DDT 1, 16–26 (1996). The characterizing feature of diseases involving the enzymes appears to be a stoichiometric imbalance between active enzymes and endogenous inhibitors, leading to excessive tissue disruption, and often degradation. McCachren, S. S., Arthritis Rheum. 34, 1085–1093 (1991).
The discovery of different families of matrix metalloproteinase, their relationships, and their individual characteristics have been categorized in several reports. Emonard, H. et al., Cell Molec. Biol. 36, 131–153 (1990); Birkedal-Hansen, H., J. Oral Pathol. 17, 445–451 (1988); Matrisian, L. M., Trends Genet. 6, 121–125 (1990); Murphy, G. J. P. et al., FEBS Lett. 289, 4–7 (1991); Matrisian, L. M., Bioessays 14, 455–463 (1992). Three groups of MMPs have been delineated: the collagenases which have triple helical interstitial collagen as a substrate, the gelatinases which are proteinases of denatured collagen and Type IV collagen, and the stromelysins which were originally characterized as proteoglycanases but have now been identified to have a broader proteolytic spectrum. Examples of specific collagenases include fibroblast collagenase characterized as proteoglycanases but have now been identified to have a broader proteolytic spectrum. Examples of specific collagenases include fibroblast collagenase (MMP-1), neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8), and collagenase 3 (MMP-13). Examples of gelatinases include 72 kDa gelatinase (gelatinase A; MMP-2) and 92 kDa gelatinase (gelatinase B; MMP-9). Examples of stromelysins include stromelysin 1 (MMP-3), stromelysin 2 (MMP-10) and matrilysin (MMP-7). Other MMPs which do not fit neatly into the above groups include metalloelastase (MMP-12), membrane-type MMP (MT-MMP or MMP-14) and stromelysin 3 (MMP-11). Beckett, R. P. et al., supra.
Over-expression and activation of MMPs have been linked with a wide range of diseases such as cancer; rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; chronic inflammatory disorders, such as, for example, emphysema; cardiovascular disorders, such as, for example, atherosclerosis; corneal ulceration; dental diseases such as, for example, gingivitis; periodontal disease; neurological disorders, such as, for example, multiple sclerosis; and smoking-induced emphysema.
For example, in adenocarcinoma, invasive proximal gastric cells express the 72 kDa form of collagenase Type IV, whereas the noninvasive cells do not. Schwartz, G. K. et al., Cancer 73, 22–27 (1994). Rat embryo cells transformed by the Ha-ras and v-myc oncogenes or by Ha-ras alone are metastatic in nude mice and release the 92 kDa gelatinase/collagenase (MMP-9). Bernhard, E. J. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 91, 4293–4597 (1994). The plasma concentration of MMP-9 was significantly increased (P<0.01) in 122 patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer and breast cancer. Zucker, S. et al., Cancer Res. 53, 140–146 (1993). Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of batimastat, a synthetic MMP inhibitor, gave significant inhibition in the growth and metastatic spread and number of lung colonies that were produced by intravenous injection of the B16-BL6 murine melanoma in C57BL/6N mice. Chirivi, R. G. S. et al., Int. J. Cancer 58, 460–464 (1994). Over-expression of TIMP-2, the endogenous tissue inhibitor of MMP-2, markedly reduced melanoma growth in the skin of immunodeficient mice. Montgomery, A. M. P. et al., Cancer Res. 54, 5467–5473 (1994).
Accelerated breakdown of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage is a key feature in the pathology of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Current evidence suggests that the inappropriate synthesis of MMPs is the key event. Beeley, N. R. A. et al., Curr. Opin. Ther. Patents, 4(1), 7–16 (1994). The advent of reliable diagnostic tools have allowed a number of research groups to recognize that stromelysin is a key enzyme in both arthritis and joint trauma. Beeley, N. R. A. et al., Id.; Hasty, K. A. et al., Arthr. Rheum. 33, 388–397 (1990). It has also been shown that stromelysin is important for the conversion of procollagenase to active collagenase. Murphy, G. et al., Biochem. J. 248, 265–268 (1987).
Furthermore, a range of MMPs can hydrolyse the membrane-bound precursor of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF-α). Gearing, A. J. H. et al., Nature 370, 555–557 (1994). This cleavage yields mature soluble TNF-α and the inhibitors of MMPs can block production of TNF-α both in vitro and in vivo. Gearing, A. J. H. et al., Id.; Mohler, K. M. et al., Nature 370, 218–220 (1994); McGeehan, G. M. et al., Nature 370, 558–561 (1994). This pharmacological action is a probable contributor to the antiarthritic action of this class of compounds seen in animal models. Beckett, R. P. et al., supra.
Stromelysin has been observed to degrade the α1-proteinase inhibitor that regulates the activity of enzymes such as elastase, excesses of which have been linked to chronic inflammatory disorders such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Inhibition of the appropriate MMP may thus potentiate the inhibitory activity of endogenous inhibitors of this type. Beeley, N. R. A. et al., supra.; Wahl, R. C. et al., Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry 25, 177–184 (1990).
High levels of mRNA corresponding to stromelysin have been observed in atherosclerotic plaques removed from heart transplant patients. Henney, A. M., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 88, 8154–8158 (1991). It is submitted that the role of stromelysin in such plaques is to encourage rupture of the connective tissue matrix that encloses the plaque. This rupture is in turn thought to be a key event in the cascade that leads to clot formation of the type seen in coronary thrombosis. MMP inhibition is thus a preventive measure for such thromboses.
Collagenase, stromelysin and gelatinase have been implicated in the destruction of the extracellular matrix of the cornea. This is thought to be an important mechanism of morbidity and visual loss in a number of ulcerative ocular diseases, particularly those following infection or chemical damage. Burns, F. R. et al., Invest. Opthalmol. and Visual Sci. 32, 1569–1575 (1989). The MMPs present in the eye during ulceration are derived either endogenously from infiltrating leucocytes or fibroblasts, or exogenously from microbes.
Collagenase and stromelysin activities have been identified in fibroblasts isolated from inflamed gingiva and the levels of enzyme have been correlated with the severity of the gingivitis observed. Beeley, N. R. A. et al., supra.; Overall, C. M. et al., J. Periodontal Res. 22, 81–88 (1987).
Excessive levels of gelatinase-B in cerebrospinal fluid has been linked with incidence of multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. Beeley, N. R. A. et al., supra.; Miyazaki, K. et al., Nature 362, 839–841 (1993). The enzyme may play a key role in the demyelination of neurons and the breakdown of the blood brain barrier that occurs in such disorders.
In addition, a recent study indicates that MMP-12 is required for the development of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in mice. Science, 277, 2002 (1997).
Apart from the role of these potentially very destructive enzymes in pathology, the MMPs play an essential role in cell regrowth and turnover in healthy tissue. Broad-spectrum inhibition of the MMPs in the clinical setting results in musculoskeletal stiffness and pain. H. S. Rasmussen and P. P. McCann, Pharmacol. Ther., 75, 69–75 (1997). This side effect and others associated with broad-spectrum inhibition may be enhanced in chronic administration. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide selective MMP inhibitors.
Molecules that have been identified as inhibiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinases include cyclic and heterocyclic N-substituted alpha-imino hydroxamic and carboxylic acids, such as those described in EP 0861236, incorporated herein by reference. Current processes for preparing these types of molecules, however, suffer from a number of drawbacks in that, for example, they have a high number of steps and produce a relatively low yield of product. In addition, the prior art processes typically use carcinogenic intermediates such as nitrobiphenyls, which lead to racemates or partly racemized compounds that require subsequent separation of the enantiomers. Further, the intermediates used often have to be purified by column chromatography, which is not amenable to the mass production levels required by pilot plant or production operations. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a process for preparing cyclic and heterocyclic N-substituted alpha-imino hydroxamic and carboxylic acids that does not suffer from such drawbacks.

Process for preparing cyclic N-substituted alpha-imino carboxylic acids


A connector for electrically and mechanically coupling a lead pin to a pulse generator that includes a housing and a plunger having openings which can be aligned in an unlocked position to permit insertion and retraction of the lead pin. The connector also has a biasing member which moves and then holds the plunger in a locked position relative to the housing such that the housing and plunger pinch the lead pin thereby coupling the lead pin to the connector.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to leads, pulse generators and connectors used to couple leads to a pulse generator. More specifically, the present invention concerns locks incorporated in the header of a pulse generator to mechanically and electrically couple a lead to the pulse generator.
II. Discussion of Related Art
For more than a half century, cardiac rhythm management devices including an implantable pulse generator and leads have been used to treat various medical conditions. Implantable cardiac rhythm management devices are now routinely employed as cardiac pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators and cardioverters. Neuromodulation systems, which are similar to cardiac rhythm management systems because they also include a pulse generator and one or more leads, are used to resolve chronic and intractable pain, to ameliorate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, to relieve incontinence, and to restore hearing. New and exciting frontiers in the field of neuromodulation are currently being explored.
When implantable cardiac rhythm management devices are employed, the pulse generator is implanted at a first location within the body and the lead(s) are extended through the vasculature of the patient's body between the location of the pulse generator and the patient's heart. When implanting a neuromodulation system, the leads extend between the part of the patient's body to be stimulated and the pulse generator.
Pulse generators used for cardiac rhythm management and neuromodulation typically include a header having one of more ports. Leads used in cardiac rhythm management and neuromodulation typically include a lead pin adapted to be mated with a port of the header to form electrical connections between the lead and the pulse generator.
Various standards have emerged concerning the design of the aforementioned ports and lead pins. For example, the International Organization for Standardization has published ISO 27186, a standard entitled "Active Implantable Medical Device—Four-Pole Connector System for Implantable Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices—Dimensional and Test Requirements." When leads and pulse generators conform to this standard leads and pulse generators for cardiac rhythm management from different manufacturers may be used together.

Lead lock for securing a lead to a pulse generator


A telecommunications system for use in a secure facility such as a jail, prison or the like. The systems, devices and methods disclosed provide telecommunications, email, other messaging, financial services, vending, and commissary or canteen services for inmates of a secure facility with respect to family, friends and others. The system includes a phone server adapted to be communicatively connected to an external service provider; a monitoring station communicatively connected to the phone server; an account manager server communicatively connected to the phone server, and at least one telecommunications device disposed at the secure facility for use by the inmate and which is communicatively connected to the phone server. A method of telecommunicating, including receiving incomming calls at the secure facility, via the system is also disclosed.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, generally, to telecommunications systems, apparatus and methods. Particularly, the invention relates to a telecommunications system for use in a secure facility such as a jail, prison or the like. Most particularly, the invention provides telecommunications, email, other messaging, financial services, vending, and commissary or canteen services for inmates of a secure facility with respect to family, friends and others.
Background Information
Existing technology in this field is believed to have significant limitations and shortcomings.
All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.


A molded dash cover which is a plastic molded form that fits across the top of an existing dashboard of the cab of a tractor trailer vehicle functions to aid an existing defroster vent system by directing the hot airflow more evenly and directly onto the windshield, thereby causing the windshield to defrost faster, and keep the wipers and windshield free of ice and snow build up, causing better visibility. By directing the hot airflow more directly onto the windshield and not into the cab of the truck, it stops the hot air from blowing into the drivers face. The device also serves as a shelf on the dashboard, enabling the driver to place small items therein without interfering with the defroster airflow.

Existing defroster systems air-flow ducts are positioned in the top of a vehicle dashboard, so that when the hot air flow is released, only a small portion of it actually is concentrated directly onto the windshield and the balance of the air flow is directed into the cab of the truck.


A catalytic converter in which a catalyst coated substrate is positioned within a housing and is constructed with end portions thereof extending into close proximity to the end members attached to the housing so as to improve the durability of a mat of intumescent material that is wrapped around and serving to support the substrate within the housing.

One form of oval-shaped catalytic converter that is presently being manufactured and is used for treating the exhaust gas emitted by internal combustion engines includes an outer metallic housing which has a catalyst coated substrate located within the cavity of the housing. The substrate is wrapped with a mat of intumescent material which serves to support the substrate as well as provides an insulating barrier between the substrate and the housing. In addition, each end of the converter is provided with inner and outer cones which serve to reduce the (1) temperature of the outer end cone, (2) temperature of the mat retention material, and (3) transmission of noise through the end cone. In this type of converter, the mat material is used as the prime insulator and is used between the inner and outer end cones and between the substrate and the housing.
In an effort to simplify the manufacture and reduce the number of parts that are required, but not lose the advantages provided by catalytic converters of the type described above, it has been proposed in copending patent application U.S. Ser. No. 08/932,713, entitled "Catalytic Converter and Method of Manufacture," to eliminate the inner cone of the converter. By so doing, however, one finds that the mat is exposed directly to the hot exhaust gases. In order to allow the converter to be placed close to the engine where inlet exhaust gases reach as high as 950.degree. C. without the hot gases causing the mat to erode and lose its substrate retention and heat insulating capability, the above-mentioned copending patent application discloses an catalytic converter construction and a method of making the converter that provides the mat with increased density along the minor axis. This change in mat density results in the mat being able to withstand the high temperatures caused by the hot exhaust gases much longer without deteriorating and losing its ability to serve as an insulator and as a support for the substrate within the housing.
This invention is directed to another form of catalytic converter of the above-described type that dispenses with the inner cone but is intended to provide the same advantages realized by the converters utilizing dual end cone construction. The intent here is to use integral portions of the substrate body and the end member to shield the mat from the direct impingement of the exhaust gases.


A probe for use in a computerized plant selection and health maintenance system comprises a controller having a processor adopted to process environmental data received from a plurality of sensors and a communications interface adapted to transmit environmental data; and a soil mount removably engaged with the controller having a receptacle adapted to snugly receive the communications interface and a stake adapted to removably engage with soil. The receptacle advantageously allows engagement and disengagement of the controller from the soil mount by hand without the need for tools or independent attachment mechanisms, which has heightened importance where portability of the controller is required, and protects sensitive electronic components of the controller, such as the communications interface, from environmental contaminants.

The present invention relates to plant performance optimization and, more particularly, to a probe for use in a computerized system for plant selection and health maintenance.
Plant heath is highly dependent on compatibility of plant species with local environmental conditions, such as light, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and soil pH. Determining compatibility of plant species with local environmental conditions is, however, a complex problem. The sheer diversity of plant species makes determining the universe of plant species that will thrive in a given environment a daunting challenge that is beyond the capabilities of the typical home gardener. The task of determining local environmental conditions with sufficient precision to make intelligent judgments about plant selection is also formidable. Due to these and other difficulties in determining plant-environment compatibility, plants are often selected based on non-scientific perceptions about species characteristics and local environmental conditions, with selected plants often experiencing poor health as a result. Moreover, even if a plant that is normally compatible with its environment has been selected, changing environmental conditions can cause the plant to experience poor health. Unfortunately, diagnosing environmental conditions adverse to plant health accurately and in sufficient time to permit corrective action to save a sick plant is also beyond the ability of most home gardeners.
One promising solution to these problems that have plagued plant selection and health maintenance resides in using computerized plant-environment compatibility analysis to make prognostic and diagnostic decisions. A computerized system capable of performing such analysis requires a device for collecting and reporting on environmental conditions at the plant site in a manner that facilitates such analysis. Ideally, such a device is capable of collecting and reporting accurate data on a variety of environmental parameters that are relevant to such decisions, durable enough to withstand harsh environmental conditions, user friendly and aesthetically pleasing so as not to be discordant with the beautification function of a garden.

Probe for plant selection and health maintenance system


A seal assembly is disclosed for a bearing having first ring with a first inner surface, a second ring with a second inner surface, and at least one bearing member disposed between the first and second inner surfaces. An exterior seal with a first plurality of lips is attached to an exterior backing, the exterior backing engaging the first ring of the bearing to hold the first plurality of lips against the second inner surface of the second ring. An interior seal with a second plurality of lips is attached to an interior backing, the interior backing engaging the second ring of the bearing to hold the second plurality of lips against the first inner surface of the first ring. The second plurality of lips may be configure differently than the first plurality of seal lips. The interior backing may be oriented between the exterior seal and the interior seal.

In certain instances, various bearings (e.g., ball bearings of various configurations) may be configured with seals to help retain lubricant inside the bearing and to act as shields to prevent dirt and other contaminants from entering the bearing. In certain configurations, for example, lip seals made from rubber (or other flexible material) may be utilized to protect a particular bearing, with one or more lips on a seal body contacting a portion of the bearing to provide a seal. In various configurations, multiple lip seals may be provided for a single bearing, with existing seals typically utilizing the same lip configuration for each seal included in a seal assembly for a bearing. This may not provide an optimal seal for various operations.
For example, in agricultural operations involving significant residue and soil displacement (e.g., various tillage operations) existing seals and seal assemblies may not adequately protect bearings from adverse fouling and wear. Various machinery may be affected by this deficiency, including disc-gang bearings for tillage machines, which may frequently suffer premature failure due to insufficient sealing. As a result, regular and time-consuming maintenance, including greasing of disc-gang (or other) bearings and flushing of contaminates, may be widely employed.


A monoclonal antibody having immuno-stimulatory effects, binds specifically to B lymphoblastoid cells and induces proliferation and activation of peripheral blood lymphocytes, and when injected into tumor-bearing animals elicts an anti-tumor effect.

Cancer in its different forms is a major cause of death in humans. One-third of all individuals in the United States develop cancer and 20% die from cancer (494,000 in 1988).
The most widely used therapeutic treatments of cancer are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In recent years, another therapeutic treatment based on use of biological response modifiers (BRM) has also been proposed. The BRMs used include mainly cytokines (e.g., Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interferon-.alpha. (INF-.alpha.)), activated mononuclear cells (e.g., lymphokine activated killer cells (LAK)) and antibodies. The BRMs act both directly on tumors and indirectly by enhancing non-specific or specific immunological and cytotoxic mechanisms.
To date, no substantial clinical success has been obtained using BRMs, mainly due to their toxicity and side effects. Active immunization against tumor cancer has also been proposed but found ineffective. Furthermore, several monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were evaluated for use in diagnosis and therapy of cancer but no mAb has yet proven to be effective within a standard therapeutic procedure in cancer patients.
Various mAbs capable of binding to determinants on the surface of T cells have been found to induce proliferation, activation or differentiation of these cells.sup.(1). Binding of mAbs directed against the CD3/TCR complex on T cells.sup.(2-4), binding of mAbs directed at the CD2.sup.(5) receptor antigen on T cells as well as binding of both above kinds of antibodies to T cells, have been demonstrated to bring about T cell proliferation, IL-2 receptor expression and IL-2 production in T cells resulting in the enhancement of the cytolytic process in these cells. The anti CD3 mAb was shown to initiate an anti tumor activity in vivo in an animal model.sup.(6-7).
Various other mAbs directed against T-lymphocyte antigens have also been reported which, after binding to the cells, cause their activation such as mAbs directed against CD5.sup.(8), against CD69.sup.(9) and against CD28.sup.(10,11). Anti-CD28 mAbs were reported to have decreased the rate of growth of a murine melanoma although they were not successful in completely eliminating the tumors in the mice.sup.(12).
A mAb directed against a human B lymphoblastoid cell line termed "Daudi" was shown to stimulate murine lymphocytes and human peripheral T cells.sup.(13).