A catalyst for the conversion of carbon oxide comprising 30 to 70% CuO, 20 to 90% ZnO, 0.1 to 20% of an element of Group IV-B in the form of an oxide, preferably titanium and/or zirconium, most preferably titanium, about 5 to about 40 percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and preferably 50 to 1000 ppm of a Group 1-A element in the form of an oxide.

1. Field of Invention
This invention is directed to catalysts useful in the conversion of carbon oxides. Specifically it is directed to catalyst useful in the conversion of carbon oxides and water for the production of hydrogen.
2. Prior Art
Synthesis gas represents one of the most important feedstocks of the chemical industry. It is used to synthesize basic chemicals, such as methanol or oxyaldehydes, as well as for the production of ammonia and pure hydrogen. However, synthesis gas produced by steam reforming of hydrocarbons does not meet the requirements for further use in some cases because the CO/H.sub.2 ratio is too high. It is therefore industrial practice to reduce the CO content by conversion with steam.
Hydrogen is an indispensable component for many petroleum and chemical processes. Refineries in the petroleum industry, and methanol and ammonia plants in the chemical industry consume considerable quantities of hydrogen during processes for the production of gasoline and fertilizers. As environmental regulations demand cleaner, renewable and non-polluting processes and products, most of the hydrogen balances at petroleum refineries are becoming negative. As laws mandate lower aromatics in gasoline and diesel fuels, H.sub.2 is now consumed in aromatic saturation and thus, less H.sub.2 is available as a by-product. At the same time, H.sub.2 consumption is increasing in hydro-treating units in the refineries because many of these same laws require low sulfur level in fuels.
Hydrogen is primarily obtained by steam reforming methane or mixture of hydrocarbons, a reaction which produces hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. To improve H.sub.2 yield and also the operating efficiency of carbon monoxide conversion, the water gas shift reaction is extensively used in commercial hydrogen or ammonia plants. The reaction can be described as:
CO+H.sub.2 O CO.sub.2 +H.sub.2 H=-9.84 Kcal/mol at 298.degree. K. PA1 (1) Modify the catalyst into a suitable morphological form with typical particle size from 20-200 microns; PA1 (2) Modify the catalyst with desirable pore structure with peak of the pore distribution at around 50-200 angstroms and the total pore volume at 0.2-0.4 cc/g; PA1 (3) Modify the catalyst with desirable BET surface area in the neighborhood of 40 to 200 m.sup.2 /g; PA1 (4) Construct and reinforce the framework of the catalyst so that the catalyst can maintain its physical integrity and strength under certain mechanical, thermal, and/or reaction forces encountered in industrial applications; and PA1 (5) Separate the Cu/ZnO crystallites and put appropriate space among them so that the Cu/ZnO pair is able to be well dispersed throughout the catalyst structure. PA1 (6) Allow electron transfer between copper and the promoter and enhance interaction among the components.
For maximum H.sub.2 yield and CO conversion efficiency, the water gas shift reaction is usually carried out in two stages: at high temperatures typically 350-400.degree. C. and at low temperature typically 180-240.degree. C.
While lower temperatures favor more complete carbon monoxide conversion, higher temperatures allow recovery of the heat of reaction at a sufficient temperature level to generate high pressure steam. For maximum efficiency and economy of operation, many plants contain a high temperature reaction unit for bulk carbon monoxide conversion and heat recovery, and a low temperature reaction unit for final carbon monoxide conversion.
Chromium-promoted iron catalysts are normally used in the first stage at temperatures above about 350.degree. C. to reduce the CO content to about 3-4% (see, for example, D. S. Newsom, Catal. Rev., 21, p. 275 (1980)). As is known from the literature (see for example, H. Topsoe and M. Boudart, J. Catal., 31, p. 346 (1973)), the chromium oxide promoter combines two functions. In the first place, it serves to enhance catalytic activity and in the second place, it acts as a heat stabilizer, i.e., it increases the heat stability of magnetite, the active form of the catalyst, and prevents unduly rapid deactivation under conditions of technical use.
Unfortunately, when chromium is used, especially in hexavalent form, expenditures must be incurred to guarantee worker safety both during production and later handling of the catalyst, and health hazards cannot be fully ruled out despite considerable effort. In addition, the spent catalyst ultimately poses a hazard to man and the environment and must be disposed of with allowance for the provisions in force for toxic waste.
The commonly used catalysts for water gas shift reaction at low temperature (or so-called low temperature shift reaction) in industry contain copper oxide, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide. Because these catalysts operate at relatively low temperature, they generate equilibrium carbon monoxide concentrations of less than 0.3% in the exit gas stream over an active low temperature shift catalyst. However, performance of carbon monoxide conversion and hydrogen yield gradually decreases during normal operations as a result of deactivation of the catalyst. This deactivation is caused by poisoning, generally from traces of chloride and sulfur compounds in the feed and the hydrothermal environment of the reaction. The rate of the hydrothermal deactivation, in particular, is dependent on reaction conditions such as temperature, steam to gas ratio and composition of the feed gas mixture, and is closely dependent on the formulation and manufacturing process of the catalyst.
A typical composition of a low temperature shift catalyst is comprised of from 30 to 60% of CuO, 20 to 50% of ZnO and 5-40% of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. The catalyst is usually made by either co-precipitation of metal salts (nitrate, sulfate, or acetate), thermal decomposition of metal complexes, or impregnation of metal salt onto a carrier. Depending on the preparation conditions (pH, temperature, addition rate and composition), one or several of the following mixed copper/zinc hydroxy carbonate phases are present in the precursor of the catalyst: (a) malachite Cu.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (OH).sub.2, (b) rosasite (Cu,Zn).sub.2 CO.sub.3 (OH).sub.2, (c) hydrozincite Zn.sub.5 (CO.sub.3).sub.2 (OH).sub.6, (d) aurichalcite (Cu,Zn).sub.5 (CO.sub.3).sub.2 (OH).sub.6, and (e) hydrotalcite (Cu,Zn).sub.6 Al.sub.2 (OH).sub.16 CO.sub.3. The catalyst is then washed to remove foreign ions, dried and calcined at an appropriate temperature to form oxides. With appropriate precursors and preparation conditions, a mixed copper/zinc oxide phase rather than segregated cupric oxide and zinc oxide will be formed during calcination at 250-450.degree. C. The catalyst must be reduced with hydrogen at 100-300.degree. C. before being put on stream. During reduction, copper oxide in cupric form is reduced to either metallic copper or/and cuprous oxide.
It is well accepted that reduced copper is an active species for low temperature shift catalyst. The reaction is initiated by adsorption of water and carbon monoxide molecules, proceeds with dissociation of water, and completes with association of the adsorbed intermediates to form hydrogen and carbon dioxide. All the steps mentioned above are carried out on the surface of copper active sites. In general, copper-based catalysts are very susceptible to thermal sintering which results in a loss of copper surface area and therefore activity. This situation arises because of high dispersion of the reduced copper on the catalyst and high mobility of the highly dispersed copper crystallites. With the presence of steam under the reaction environment, a rapid loss of copper surface area occurs as a result of sintering. Under some extreme catalyst testing conditions (high steam to carbon ratio), 30 to 50% of the original copper surface area may be lost in a test of 10 to 15 days depending upon the formulation and preparation method. It is believed that an industrial low temperature shift catalyst copper is partially stabilized by zinc oxide and aluminum oxide. In the presence of significant partial pressures of steam as in the low temperature shift conditions, zinc oxide selectively adsorbs water. Migration and/or inclusion of copper into a zinc oxide matrix inhibits copper crystallite growth. In addition, zinc oxide protects copper from poisoning of chloride and sulfur. The appropriate incorporation of aluminum in the matrix of copper oxide and zinc oxide can further increase the hydrothermal stability of copper.
As mentioned above, standard catalysts for this conversion stage are based on Cu--Zn oxide. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,809,978. This type of catalyst has a major drawback of extremely low heat stability so that its use is essentially limited to temperatures below about 250.degree. C. Further catalyst developments have focused on conversion activity at lower temperatures. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,303,001.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,176 describes catalysts for conversion of carbon monoxide based on copper oxide and/or zinc oxide on aluminum oxide spinels, wherein the catalyst is improved by the incorporation of zinc oxide into the pores of the spinel structure. U.S. Pat. No. 3,922,337 discloses a low-temperature carbon monoxide shift catalyst containing copper and zinc oxides, wherein a sodium alkalized alumina improves resistance against halogen poisoning. See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,518,208.
European Patent No. 0 296 734 B1 discloses a copper containing catalyst for carbon monoxide conversion. The catalyst is formed from copper oxide and one or more other oxidic materials generally including zinc oxide. The catalyst may also contain oxides of at least one other element selected from the group of aluminum, vanadium, chromium, titanium, zirconium, thorium, uranium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, boron, and the rare earth elements. Preferably, alumina is used. The catalyst produced possesses high specific copper surface area outside the range of conventional, unpromoted copper/zinc catalyst. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,773.
Copper-containing catalysts for low temperature shift conversion may also include a potassium component to suppress the formation of by-products, such as amines and methanol as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,307. A similar type of catalyst may also be "alkali doped" as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,233.
In addition, catalysts for the reaction of carbon monoxide with steam containing copper, zinc, and at least one metal selected from manganese and the metals of Groups II to V on the Periodic Table wherein those metals preferably include aluminum or magnesium, although titanium or zirconium or thorium can be used are disclosed in G.B. 1,131,631.
Catalysts for use in carbon monoxide shift reactions comprised of a copper/zinc/alumina precursor and another metal selected from the group of lanthanum, cerium, or zirconium are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,132.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,218 discloses a catalyst for a water gas shift reaction comprised of zinc, copper, an element from the lanthanum group and from the rare earth group.
Although copper is physically and physicochemically stabilized by both zinc oxide and aluminum oxide and attempts of further stabilization of the catalyst have been made as taught by prior art, sintering of copper crystallite is still a main cause for deactivation/aging of the catalyst, especially when there are very low concentration of poison in the feed. For example, the copper crystallite size of a fresh catalyst ranges from 30-100 angstroms in contrast with 100-1,000 angstroms over a discharged used catalyst from the plant. The known catalysts thus need to be improved with regard to activity and stability.
A major reason for lack of superior activity and hydrothermal stability over the known catalyst is due to lack of significant electronic modifications and interactions among copper, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide. One or several highly thermally stable component(s) is(are) thus needed to act as a promoter/stabilizer of the catalyst and it(they) should have one or several of the following functions:
The objective of the present invention thus is a catalyst for a CO conversion process that has superior activity and hydrothermal stability.
It is a further object of the present invention to produce a long life low temperature water gas shift catalyst.
It is a still further object of the present invention to prepare a catalyst for a CO conversion process that exhibits significant hydrogen production over the lifetime of the catalyst.
It is a still further object of this invention to produce a catalyst that can be used for other processes in which carbon oxides are converted to methane and/or methanol.

Promoted and stabilized copper oxide and zinc oxide catalyst and preparation


The disclosure relates to a method of reception of signals from at least two transmitters (RCi), wherein for each transmitter the data ("0", "1") are represented by the time interval (T0i, T1i) between two consecutive pulses transmitted by this transmitter, said time intervals and the pulse widths (Tpi) being characteristic of each transmitter, and wherein said method includes the following steps: reception of a resultant signal that is the sum of the signals from by said transmitters; determination of the parameters of said resultant signal, these parameters including the width and spacing of the pulses; analysis of said parameters and assignment of a data item to one of said transmitters. The invention also concerns a receiver device, a remote controller, and a system of reception. The invention is applicable notably in the field of television and video.

The invention relates to a method and device for reception of signals from several transmitters, for example infra-red transmitters such as remote controller of audiovisual devices. The invention also relates to a remote controller used in conjunction with this device, and to a system including a receiver device and several transmitters. The invention is applicable notably in the field of video and television.

Method and apparatus for reception of signals from several transmitters wherein each transmitter is characterized by their output pulse train


Provided is a cleaning composition and its applications. The cleaning composition comprises a mixture of a halogen-containing compound and an organic solvent. In some embodiments, the halogen-containing compound is TetraButylAmmonium Fluoride (TBAF) and the organic solvent is either propylene glycol monomethylether acetate (PGMEA) or a mixture of PGMEA and propylene glycol monomethylether (PGME). The cleaning composition is effective in removing silicon-containing material off of a surface of an apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a pipeline for delivering the silicon-containing material in semiconductor spin-coating processes. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a drain for collecting waste fluid in semiconductor spin-coating processes. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a patterned substrate.

Photolithography (or lithography) is frequently used in manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuits (IC). In a typical lithography process, a resist film is spin-coated on a surface of a silicon wafer and is subsequently exposed and developed to form a pattern for etching the silicon wafer. As semiconductor fabrication technology continues to scale down where functional density has generally increased while geometry size has generally decreased, there has been a demand for a reduction in resist film thickness and a better reflectivity control during exposure. Accordingly, some new material and/or new techniques in lithography have been developed. For example, some lithography processes use silicon-containing resist over a carbon-containing bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) layer to reduce resist film thickness. For another example, some lithography processes use a tri-layer stack that includes a resist over a silicon-containing BARC layer over a carbon-containing BARC layer. However, these approaches present new challenges.
For example, in the tri-layer approach, the silicon-containing material is intrinsically unstable and easily gels by forming crosslinks therein. The equipment that handles the material must undergo frequent cleaning processes to avoid being clogged. Unfortunately, the existing cleaning compositions are not effective in removing the cross-linked silicon-containing material. This unavoidably reduces lithography productivity. Accordingly, an improved cleaning composition and cleaning processes are needed.

Cleaning composition and method for semiconductor device fabrication

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


Active connection element for connecting at least two structural components with a first end with a first connection area assigned to the first structural component and a second end with a second connection area assigned to the second structural component, a load-diminishing intermediate section through which intermediate section the flux of force between the first and second connection areas extends when the connection element is loaded, in which at least one controllable extension actuator having at least a piezo stack is arranged parallel to the intermediate section. When operated, the piezo stack extends the connection element at least in the area of the intermediate section in a controlled manner in order to actively suppress or insulate vibrations between the structural components. A prestressing device having a prestressing element exercises a compressive prestressing onto the piezo stack.

The present invention relates to a rod-shaped high-stress active connection element for connecting at least two structural components as well as to a rotorcraft, particularly a helicopter, having at least one such connection element.
From German Patent Documents DE 198 13 959 A1, DE 101 39 686 A1 as well as DE 101 54 391 A1 respectively, a rod-shaped high-stress active connection element is known for connecting at least two structural components. Such active connection elements, which are also called active struts, are used particularly in the case of rotorcraft or helicopters in order to mutually connect at least a first structural component (such as a transmission) and at least a second structural component (such as an airframe) in a secure manner and actively suppress or minimize vibrations, particularly structure-borne noise, and to insulate the second structural component as much as possible with respect to the latter. A corresponding connection element has to transmit loads of several tons and is a safety-relevant component. Such connection elements are becoming increasingly important in rotorcraft technology, because the impairment of the passenger comfort as well as structural stress caused by sound and vibrations are still very high, and an improvement can be achieved by means of these components.
Such a connection element comprises a first end with a first connection area, which is assigned to the first structural component, and a second end with a second connection area, which is assigned to the second structural component; a load-diminishing intermediate section arranged between the first and second connection area, through which intermediate section the flux of force between the first and second connection area extends when the connection element is loaded; at least one controllable extension actuator having a piezo stack or a flat piezo arrangement, which extension actuator is arranged parallel to the intermediate section and, when operated, extends the connection element at least in the area of the intermediate section in a controlled manner in order to actively suppress or insulate vibrations between the first and second structural component; a prestressing device having a prestressing element exercising a mechanical pressure-type prestressing onto the piezo stack.
In the case of the connection elements of the above-mentioned type, the connection areas are constructed in the form of a continuous strut or a continuous rod in one piece with the intermediate piece. Extension actuators with a flat piezo arrangement are normally glued directly onto the outer circumference of the strut. Extension actuators with a piezo stack, in turn, are mounted by special separate external holding devices, which are fastened to the strut, on the exterior side of the strut. When such a separate holding device is used, the prestressing device arranged parallel to the intermediate section is fixed on this holding device. In particular, in the case of extension actuators with a flat piezo arrangement, a prestressing is achieved in that the carrier structure to which the extension actuator is applied, is first subjected to a tensile stress and is then relaxed again after the mounting of the piezo stack.
Arrangements are also known in which the extension actuator is arranged in series with the intermediate section. However, such configurations have been less successful in practice and are therefore of secondary importance.
The above-mentioned known constructions have various disadvantages. Thus, it was found that, in particular, glued-on extension actuators with flat piezo arrangements chip off easily in the operation of the strut and therefore fail. Such extension actuators also only have a fairly low efficiency and can transmit only comparatively low forces to the strut. Piezo stacks, which per se have a higher efficiency than completely flat piezo arrangements, cannot be used in this type of actuator.
Although in the case of connection elements or struts equipped with separate holding devices and prestressing devices, the use of extension actuators having a piezo stack can be implemented, these conventional constructions require very high expenditures with respect to their construction and manufacturing and are also relatively heavy, which does not meet the light-weight construction requirements existing in aircraft construction. Furthermore, the mounting of separate holding devices and prestressing devices on the exterior side of the strut as well as the establishment of a secure connection between these components presents problems because, on the one hand, a good connection of the holding device with respect to the strut has to exist in order to introduce the forces of the actuator into the strut but, on the other hand, the strut should not be weakened by stress concentration, unfavorable stiffness skips, and the like.
Also in the case of such connection elements or struts, it was found that the efficiency of the extension actuator is not optimal. For an improvement of the efficiency, the stiffnesses of the participating structural components have to be mutually matched and adapted in a specific manner. However, in the case of these types of constructions, this would again result in an excessively reduced diameter and thus to a weakening of the strut. As a result, no more favorable solution could be implemented in this type of construction.
In the case of the above-described known connection elements, it is difficult to electrically insulate the extension actuators, which are operated electrically because of the used piezo technology, from the connection element or the strut, particularly because, as a rule, so far the struts have been constructed of a metallic material.
From German Patent Documents DE 196 53 555 A1, DE 199 06 468 A1 and DE 39 22 504 A1, controllable extension actuators are known which comprise a housing body and a piezo stack arranged inside the housing, which piezo stack is functionally coupled with a control element of the extension actuator. Furthermore, a prestressing element is arranged inside the housing, which prestressing element exercises a mechanical pressure-type prestressing on the piezo stack. This prestressing element is, for example, a compression spring or bellows which encloses the piezo stack. By way of intermediate elements, such as intermediate disks, the prestressing element is supported on the housing and the piezo stack. German Patent Document DE 39 22 504 A1 also discloses a variant, in the case of which the prestressing element in the form of bellows is arranged inside a passage opening provided in the piezo stack.
German Patent Document DE 42 28 974 A1 shows a comparable extension actuator, in the case of which the prestressing element in the form of a cup spring is arranged outside the actual housing between an external housing section and a tappet projecting out of the housing. Such extension actuators are normally used for the operation of an injection nozzle or a comparable function element. In contrast to the above-mentioned load-diminishing active connection elements, the extension actuators or their housings have no special load-diminishing functions and are also not used for manipulating their own housing for the purpose of a vibration insulation or reduction. Extension actuators of the type mentioned in this and the preceding section are therefore also not the object of the present invention.
The invention is based on the object or on the technical problem of creating a rod-shaped high-stress active connection element of the above-mentioned type which avoids as much as possible the disadvantages of the prior art and, without impairing its functionality and safety with respect to its vibration insulating and minimizing characteristics, has an improved efficiency. In addition, a rotorcraft, particularly a helicopter, is to be provided which has at least one such connection element.
According to a first aspect, this object is achieved by means of a rod-shaped high-stress active connection element for connecting at least two structural components, the connection element comprising;
a first end with a first connection area which is assigned to the first structural component, and a second end with a second connection area which is assigned to the second structural component;
a load-diminishing, mechanically highly stressable intermediate section which is arranged between the first and the second connection area and through which the flux of force between the first and second connection area extends when the connection element is stressed;
at least one controllable extension actuator which has at least one piezo stack and is arranged parallel to the intermediate section and, when operated, extends the connection element in a controlled manner at least in the area of the intermediate section in order to actively suppress or insulate vibrations between the first and second structural component; and
a prestressing device with a prestressing element, which exercises a mechanical pressure-type prestressing onto the piezo stack. The connection element according to the invention which may be further developed, for example, in the form of an oblong or more compact strut or the like, is characterized in that the prestressing element is the load-diminishing intermediate section itself.
The connection element according to the invention or its extension actuator can be controlled by a controlling and/or regulating device known per se, which comprises at least one vibration sensor which may be arranged, for example, in the vicinity of at least one of the connection areas or on at least one of the structural components to be connected.
In the case of the connection element according to the invention, the intermediate section does not only take over a purely load-diminishing function but simultaneously also the function of a highly effective prestressing element by means of which high prestressing forces can be transmitted to the piezo stack. In this case, the prestressing takes place in the longitudinal direction of the connection element or essentially in the longitudinal direction of the connection element and is selected such that the piezo stack is never relieved or even subject to tensile loading during the operation of the connection element and possibly destroyed thereby. The used piezo elements can be stacked in the longitudinal direction of the connection element and over essentially the entire length of the intermediate section. This results in a large stacking height and thereby already in a greater implementable actuating movement than in the case of extension actuators with a flat arrangement of piezo elements.
Separate holding devices to be mounted on the outside on the prestressing elements and prestressing devices for the piezo elements, as they are known from the prior art, are not necessary for the solution according to the invention. The disadvantages occurring in the known constructions, such as the problematic mounting of the holding device or prestressing device on the intermediate piece, undesirable stress concentrations, stiffness skips, insufficient prestressing forces or the like, can be effectively avoided. Furthermore, the construction of the connection element according to the invention and of the extension actuator is simplified, and the overall weight of the connection element is reduced. Also in comparison to known pure extension actuators, which take over no load-diminishing function, a simplification of the construction can be achieved since, in the solution according to the invention, the load-diminishing intermediate section takes over an advantageous multiple function and thus additional separate prestressing elements, which have to be mounted firmly to the connection element, can be eliminated.
Although the connection element according to the invention is stressed by the prestressing of the piezo stack in addition to the loads already existing as a result of the connection between the at least two structural components, it can absorb this loading without any problem and always securely connect the at least two structural components because the connection element according to the invention is essentially loaded only by longitudinal forces, which permits a simple dimensioning and mechanically favorable conditions while the weight is low. Because of the construction according to the invention, a reliable load transmission is naturally also ensured in the event that the extension actuator fails.
Furthermore, in the case of the connection element according to the invention, the extension actuator has a higher efficiency. This is a result of the improved prestressing of the piezo stack by the load-diminishing connection element itself and of an optimized stiffness ratio of the intermediate section and the piezo stack. For achieving this suitable stiffness ratio, it is not required to provide the connection element with an unfavorable diameter and to thereby weaken it. The parameters and rules required for the optimization will be more precisely described in the following.
Because of the high efficiency, comparatively high forces and large actuating movements can be transmitted to the intermediate section by means of the extension actuator in the operation of the active connection element according to the invention, whereby an improved vibration insulating and minimizing behavior can be implemented.
The connection element according to the invention with its piezo extension actuator is therefore a highly effective and reliable multifunction component which, in addition to having a pure connecting and load-diminishing function, particularly when used in rotorcraft, contributes to a considerable reduction of the vibrations transmitted to an airframe and thus to an improvement of the passenger comfort and to a reduction of vibration-caused loads upon the structure.
Additional preferred and advantageous design characteristics of the connection element include the following.
According to a second aspect, the object of the invention is achieved by a rotorcraft according to the invention, particularly a helicopter, having at least a first structural component (such as a transmission) and at least a second structural component (such as a helicopter airframe) which are connected with one another by at least one active connection element according to the present invention. The rotorcraft according to the invention essentially has the same advantages as those explained above in connection with the connection element according to the invention.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Rod-shaped high-stress active connection element as well as rotorcraft having such a connection element


The present application provides a hole reducing tool. The hole reducing tool includes a punch with a conical tip and a pilot and a slide hammer assembly attached to the punch.

When a passageway or a hole in a metal component of industrial equipment is found to be oversized for a given operational parameter or other reason, it may be difficult and/or uneconomical to reduce the hole size. For example, a fuel nozzle flange hole and the like may be found to be oversized for a given airflow specification. Known methods of reducing hole size include the use of a flat faced punch to ovalize iteratively the holes in an effort to restrict the flow therethrough. After a number of adjustment cycles, however, the component may be scrapped due to overworking of the metal. Welding the hole and then reopening may be a further option. This technique, however, may be expensive and time consuming and also may have an impact on the integrity of the component.
There is thus a desire for improved hole reducing tools and techniques that may provide hole size adjustment with reduced scrapping due to overworking of the metal component. Moreover, such improved hole reducing tools and techniques may provide faster and more accurate adjustments for improved overall efficiency and extended performance.


A method, an apparatus, a computer program product, and other embodiments are provided, which involve receiving a signal on a communications channel, correlating the received signal and a reference signal, and determining, on the basis of a result of the correlation, whether the reference signal can be employed on the communications channel. Additional aspects may provide improvements so that a simultaneous use of reference signals on the same communications channel may be detected. Further aspects may enable the performance of channel estimations on the basis of reference signals to be kept high even in networks where the distance between neighboring base stations employing the same reference signal is short and/or if the number of available reference signals is limited.

The following description of background art may include insights, discoveries, understandings or disclosures, or associations together with disclosures not known to the relevant art prior to the present invention but provided by the invention. Some such contributions of the invention may be specifically pointed out below, whereas other such contributions of the invention will be apparent from their context.
In wireless communications systems, for example Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), a signal transmitted from User Equipment (UE) to a Base Station (BS) may propagate via multiple paths. Each of the paths may be characterized for example by an attenuation and a delay that are introduced in to the transmitted signal.
In order to have an estimate of a radio channel, the UE may transmit to the BS a training sequence that is known to the BS. The radio channel between the UE and the BS may be estimated by analysing distortions caused by the radio channel to the training sequence. The channel estimation quality may be degraded for example when simultaneous transmissions during the transmission time slot of the training sequence. The degradation caused by the simultaneous transmissions occur to the training sequence may be difficult to compensate for. The simultaneously transmitted training sequences may combine constructively or destructively at the BS so that the BS cannot estimate the effects of the radio channel on the training sequence transmitted by a single UE.
Accordingly, two or more UE transmitting simultaneously using the same training sequence in the same time slot and frequency may cause severe degradation in performance of channel estimations.
Simultaneous transmissions employing the same training sequence may be particularly problematic when the transmissions overlap completely. This may happen in a synchronized network, e.g. a GSM network, where two or more UE transmit a burst simultaneously. When a transmission of a training sequence is distorted by an overlapping simultaneous transmission of the same training sequence, the cause of distortion may be difficult to detect at the receiver, e.g. the UE or the BS.
A frequency re-use factor in a communications network may define a distance between BSs that use the same frequency band. With a tight re-use factor, e.g. 1/1, neighbouring BSs may operate on the same frequency band. Consequently, received training sequences in a BS may be significantly distorted by transmissions from a neighbouring BS using the same frequency band. This distortion may be even more significant in a synchronized network, where transmissions of the same training sequence may overlap completely.
In a GSM network simultaneous transmissions of the same training sequence may be prevented by employing different training sequences in BSs. However, the number of available training sequences is limited, for example in GSM there may be only eight different training sequences available. Therefore, the eight training sequences are reused between the BSs in the GSM network.
The development in 3GPP GERAN, aiming at improved utilization of radio resources, has resulted in the development of orthogonal sub-channels under a VAMOS work item. This multiplexing method is defined in 3GPP TS 45.002 V9.2.0 (2009-11) 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network; Multiplexing and multiple access on the radio path; General description (Release 9). VAMOS allows multiplexing of transmissions of two users simultaneously on the same radio resource in orthogonal sub-channels. Transmissions of two users in the same radio resource in orthogonal sub-channels need a pair of different training sequences. Consequently, in a VAMOS sub-channel pair, the number of training sequences used by one radio channel is doubled. When VAMOS is applied with the existing training sequences to non-VAMOS handsets, the re-use of eight possible training sequences is more frequent. This reduces the distance between neighbouring base stations that employ the same training sequences. Consequently, the possibility of simultaneous transmissions of the same training sequence in the same time slot and frequency increases.
The number of reference signals may be limited also in other radio network technologies. In Long Term Evolution (LTE) developed by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), enhanced Node-Bs (eNBs) may operate using the same frequency with limited number of reference signals. The number of so called Zadoff-Chu root sequences in the LTE uplink may be limited to 30 sequence groups, which can be circularly extended in a frequency domain to obtain a larger number of sequences. The use of Multi-User Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology will also multiply the need for reference signals at the same time in the same eNB. The number of pilot signals may be mostly constrained, when the narrowest bandwidth option (1.4 MHz) is linked with a high number of antenna ports. Consequently, the distance between neighbouring eNBs employing the same reference signal may be small also in LTE, and reference signals may cause interference to neighbouring eNBs.
Requirements set for training sequences used in communications systems may include for example Constant Amplitude and Zero Autocorrelation (CAZAC), which reduces the number of possible training sequences that can be used in communications systems. Accordingly, increasing the number of available training sequences in the networks may be difficult.

Employing reference signals in communications


A pivotally mounted kitchen appliance including a mounting bracket for mounting flush with a flat surface, the bracket defining a recessed area and at least two mounting members that extend therefrom, a housing including a can opener and having an upper portion pivotally mounted between the mounting members for pivotal movement between a lowered position wherein the housing extends substantially perpendicular to the flat mounting surface and a raised position wherein the housing extends substantially parallel to the flat mounting surface and is partially concealed within the recessed area, and at least one keyed pivot pin on either the housing or the mounting members for releasably retaining the housing in the lowered and raised positions.

The invention relates generally to kitchen applications and more specifically to a kitchen appliance which is adapted to be mounted pivotally to a kitchen cabinet.
Most portable kitchen appliances, such as automatic motorized can openers, require a fairly heavy and enlarged base to provide stability and safety for the user. Unfortunately, even the smallest of these electric appliances tends to be inconvenient because they occupy counter space in the kitchen. To save limited counter space and to alleviate some of the inconvenience involved in storing and retrieving various appliances, manufacturers have attempted to mount such appliances on walls or to cabinets. Various appliances such as coffee makers, can openers, toaster ovens and knife sharpeners have been modified for such mounting. Various prior art patents show some of these configurations.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,092 discloses a pivotably mounted can opener which utilizes a U-shaped bracket. The can opener can be positioned to show a decorative face or an operating face. The disclosed can opener uses cantilevered detents to lock the can opener in various positions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,849 also discloses a pivotally mounted can opener. This patent discloses a box-shaped housing pivotably secured to a mounting means for mounting to the underside of a kitchen cabinet. The housing is pivotable along a plane running parallel to the underside of the cabinet. Another patent is U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,476, which discloses a multi-purpose kitchen appliance which is, mountable to a removable, rigid bracket. The bracket can mount various interchangeable appliances.
The various shortcomings of these previous units also include a lack of compactness and hideability, a displeasing appearance, and overly complex mounting hardware.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved kitchen appliance which can be mounted to the underside of a cabinet in a relatively simple manner.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cabinetmounted kitchen appliance which pivots to effectively conceal or enclose a portion of the appliance.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a mountable kitchen appliance which exhibits improved stability in both the raised and lowered positions.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


Disclosed is a connector, comprising a base including one or more supports extending from the base, a diverter that is offset from the base via the one or more supports, and a passage defined in the base having a size that is substantially the same as a size of the diverter. The diverter is configured to extend through a layer in a climate control device. The diverter restricts the layer from obstructing the passage.

A support device can be any device that supports an occupant. For example, a support device can be a recliner, a chair, a couch, a bed, a seat, and/or the like. Support devices can be found virtually anywhere, such as in an automobile, a train, an airplane, and/or in a home or office. Recently, climate control devices have been added to various portions of support devices, such as a seating portion, a backrest portion, armrests, headrests, floor panels, side panels, etc., or a combination thereof. Climate control devices may enhance the comfort of an occupant using a support device by passing air towards the occupant; removing air from the vicinity of the occupant; or both. The air passed towards the occupant can be ambient air, warm air, cool air, or a combination thereof.
As can be imagined, attaching a climate control device to a support device can be desirable; however, once attached, some challenges exist in ensuring that the climate control device functions properly. For example, some climate control devices are designed to move air between an air mover and an air distribution structure. Typically, an air distribution structure comprises a spacer layer, a spacer layer attached to a cushion or portion of the support device, such as the seating portion; or a spacer layer attached to a cover layer, which together may form a bag structure. During use, air can be moved from the air mover to the spacer layer, the air distribution structure or both, which may require the flow path of the air to abruptly change directions. Abrupt changes in the flow path may undesirably cause backpressure in the system. Moreover, during use, when an occupant is seated in the seating portion, the weight of an occupant may cause the seating portion to compress and collapse onto the climate control device, which may undesirably block the passage or flow of air between the air mover and the air distribution structure. Moreover, securely attaching the air mover to the spacer layer, the air distribution structure, or both can be challenging, and maintaining a secure connection therebetween over the life of the support device can be especially challenging.
What is needed, therefore, is a connector that can address at least one of the aforementioned issues. For example, it would be attractive to have a connector that can prevent blockages in the passage or flow of air between the air mover and the spacer layer or the air distribution structure when a portion of the support device is compressed, such as by the weight of an occupant. It would be attractive to have a connector that can avoid abrupt changes in the direction of airflow from the air mover to the spacer layer or the air distribution structure. That is, it would be desirable to have a connector that can smoothly transition the flow of air therebetween to reduce turbulent airflow. It would be attractive to have a connector that can easily and securely connect an air mover to a spacer layer or an air distribution structure. It would be desirable to have a connector that can maintain a connection between an air mover and a spacer layer or an air distribution structure over the life of the climate control device, the support device, or both. It would be desirable to have a connector that is lightweight, can be manufactured relatively inexpensively, and can be easily installed.

Connector for a climate controlled support device

GENTHERM AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS (CHINA) LTD.


An after-burner system comprises an exhaust passage of an engine, a catalyzer to purify Hydrocarbon and located into the exhaust passage, a temperature sensor located in the catalyzer, a spark gap located in the exhaust passage at an upper stream side of the catalyzer, an ignition plug used for an ignition, and a central controller having an igniting controller controlling an ignition at the ignition plug and an after-burner controller controlling an electric discharge at the spark gap, wherein while the temperature sensor outputs a logical HIGH signal, the electric discharge is generated at the spark gap.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an after-burner system and more particularly to an after-burner system for an exhaust emission control system of an engine to reduce Hydrocarbon in exhaust gas.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a severe emission control has been needed for an engine to protect the Earth environment from pollution. Particularly, it is necessary to reduce Hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbon is contained in unburned mixture which is generated by an imperfect burning in the engine. A catalyzer to purify Hydrocarbon is located in an exhaust pipe of the engine. Much Hydrocarbon is released from the exhaust pipe to the atmosphere when the engine temperature is cold, since the catalyzer does not act sufficiently when the catalyzer temperature is cold. That is, the catalyzer acts sufficiently when the catalyzer temperature is in a certain high temperature region (ex. over 200 degrees Celsius).
For example, to increase the catalyzer temperature, the catalyzer is heated by an after-burner system. A conventional after-burner system 800 for an engine 801 shown in FIG. 10, is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 63(1988)-68714. Here, the engine 801 has an intake passage 802 and an exhaust passage 803. A catalyzer 804 is inserted into the exhaust passage 803. Both ends 805,806 of a bypass passage 807 are connected with the exhaust passage 803 at an upper stream side of the catalyzer 804. A switching vale 808 is located at a connecting point between the exhaust passage 803 and the end 805. The switching valve 808 is controlled by a control unit 809 which has input thereto a signal from a temperature sensor 810. An adsorbent 811 is inserted into the bypass passage 807. A fuel reforming device 812 is inserted into the exhaust passage 803 at an upper stream side of the switching valve 808. The fuel reforming device 812 has an input passage 813 and an output passage 814. One end of the output passage 814 opens into the exhaust passage 803 at an upper stream side of the catalyzer 804. A filter 815 is inserted into the output passage 814. A passage 816 connects the filter 815 with the intake passage 802.
In the after-burner system 800, when the engine 801 is cold, the catalyzer 804 is also cold. At this time, the fuel reforming device 812 reforms fuel (ex. methyl alcohol) into Hydrogen and other components. Hydrogen separated at the filter 815 is only supplied to the catalyzer 804 via the output passage 814. A the catalyzer 804, Hydrogen is burned and the catalyzer 804 is heated. Here, an igniting device (not shown) requires a strong igniting power for rapid heating of the catalyzer.


An electrical power distribution apparatus for a bicycle comprises a housing adapted to be mounted to the bicycle, a regulator supported by the housing to receive power from a power supply, and an output disposed on the housing to supply regulated power provided by the regulator to a plurality of electrical components external to the housing.

The present invention is directed to bicycles and, more particularly, to an apparatus for providing electrical signals to bicycle components.
In recent years, bicycles have been equipped with a number of electrical devices in order to meet various user requirements. Examples include lights, display devices, cell phone chargers, and the like. Such devices have different power needs, so it is necessary to supply different predetermined levels of power to each of the devices. One possibility is to use a separate battery for each device. However, such batteries add to the bulk and weight of the various components and also create the inconvenience of having to replace the batteries periodically. One solution to this problem is to supply each of the electrical components with its required power from a dynamo. However, since each electrical component has its own power needs, it has been necessary to provide a separate dynamo on the bicycle for each electrical component. For example, where a light and a cell phone charger are installed on a bicycle, both a dynamo for the light and a dynamo for the cell phone charger also must be installed on the bicycle. Of course, as the number of electrical components increases, the number of dynamos that must be mounted to the bicycle increases accordingly. Thus, as a practical matter, the number of electrical components that a rider can use on a bicycle is limited. Also, since a dynamo uses rotation of the bicycle wheel to generate electricity, adding dynamos correspondingly increases the pedaling effort on the rider. This can create unstable operation of the bicycle as well as unstable levels of power provided to the electrical components.

Apparatus for providing electrical signals to bicycle components


A method and compositions using a first ferrous iron containing solution with the iron concentration in excess of theoretical requirements to treat a contaminated site to reduce hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium and coprecipitate trivalent chromium with other heavy metals and using a second solution of silicate containing a destabilizing salt to form a relatively impermeable gel in the contaminated site thereby fixing metals and organics to the extent that there should be no detectable ground water contamination.

Both government and industry are in need of better, lower cost remediation of contaminated land sites. Objectives of the invention include a single composition of fix heavy metals and organics by injection without requiring soil mixing for sites with minimal contamination and for heavily contaminated sites injection of a first composition to precipitate heavy metals and a second composition to fix the precipitate to prevent leaching. Prevention of migration, isolation through impermeable barriers and containment of organics, inorganic metals and salts and radionuclides are desirable. The subject invention covers reduction of chromium from a valence of 6, Cr VI, to a valence of 3, Cr III, to allow precipitation as an hydroxide along with other heavy metals and immobilization in situ of the precipitate to prevent migration. Containment of organic compounds such as PCB, polychlorinated, biphenyls, would be expected with the same treatment. We found in the laboratory that a dual solution treatment allows use of a first solution for reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium which then co-precipitates in calcarious type soils, or soils with pH adjusted about 8.5, as an hydroxide along with other heavy metals comprising cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc and lead. For most effective heavy metal co-precipitation we have found a large excess of iron salt over stoichometric amount for chromate reduction is necessary. Further, we have found that a second solution containing approximately from one-half to seven and one-half percent sodium silicate and approximately 0.2 to one percent sodium aluminate when injected or mixed into the contaminated soil following the first solution treatment forms a gel to most effectively contain heavy metals. We would expect that such a gel would also contain most any organic or metallo-organic compounds in soil that is non-saturated with these contaminates. More limited laboratory data indicates that with chromium contaminant at about 30 ppm in soil that a single step solution treatment reduces and precipitates chromium while also reducing soil permeability.
In the absence of chromate in the heavy metal contaminated soils a first solution containing ferric iron salt is used to co-precipitate as hydroxides the heavy metals with the iron. Co-precipitation has been shown in previous work by the inventor to reduce each of the other heavy metals to lower level than would be attained by hydroxide precipitation of one metal alone. Use of soluble treating compositions allows simple injection in the soil to permeate and precipitate heavy metals and use of a second gelling or stabilizing solution to re-saturate the soil to form a gel to reduce the leaching rate or permeability to the point of being almost impermeable.
Actual containment of heavy metals and/or organics in the contaminated soil will be a function of soil permeability or aqueous flow-through rate and concentration of the heavy metals or organics that may be leached out of the gel. Using known equations and data from soil samples after treatment with the iron solution and after formation of the stabilizing gel, calculations indicatate that to replace one volume of the liquid saturating the contaminated soil with an aqueous leaching agent should require over 250 years. This assumes continued stability of the gel structure. At any rate since we would expect the gel structure to be renewable so as an effective remediation method is indicated.
The prior art that we find that is closet to the subject invention is European Patent application, Publication No. 0 352,096 A2 which is application number 89307329.6 filed Jul. 19, 1989 by Lapat Industries. The process in the application is aimed at treating sludge, soils and slurries and requires mixing a reducing agent such as ferrous salt or sodium sulfite with the material being treated to reduce chromate VI to chromate III and addition of sodium silicate primarily to form metasilicates with anions and secondarily to form a silicate shell. In all cases calcium or magnesium oxides are used. Our invention is based on a different chemical approach; that is, to co-precipitate heavy metals in place as hydroxides, at the same time and with the same iron salt used to reduce chromium VI to chromium III. We have found co-precipitation as hydroxides more completely precipitates metals than single hydroxide precipitation. Further, we use only soluble components in our sodium silicate addition in order that we may saturate soils in place to achieve the most economical treatment.

Composition and process for organic and metal contaminant fixation in soil


After forming a resist film including a hygroscopic compound, pattern exposure is performed by selectively irradiating the resist film with exposing light while supplying water onto the resist film. After the pattern exposure, the resist film is developed so as to form a resist pattern.

The present invention relates to a pattern formation method for use in fabrication process and the like for semiconductor devices.
In accordance with the increased degree of integration of semiconductor integrated circuits and downsizing of semiconductor devices, there are increasing demands for further rapid development of lithography technique. Currently, pattern formation is carried out through photolithography using exposing light of a mercury lamp, KrF excimer laser, ArF excimer laser or the like, and use of F2 laser lasing at a shorter wavelength is being examined. However, since there remain a large number of problems in exposure systems and resist materials, photolithography using exposing light of a shorter wavelength has not been put to practical use.
In these circumstances, immersion lithography has been recently proposed for realizing further refinement of patterns by using conventional exposing light (M. Switkes and M. Rothschild, "Immersion lithography at 157 nm", J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B19, 2353 (2001)).
In the immersion lithography, a region in an exposure system sandwiched between a projection lens and a resist film formed on a wafer is filled with a solution having a refractive index n, and therefore, the NA (numerical aperture) of the exposure system has a value n·NA. As a result, the resolution of the resist film can be improved.
Now, a conventional pattern formation method using the immersion lithography will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A through 7D.
First, a positive chemically amplified resist material having the following composition is prepared:
Base polymer: poly((norbornene-5-methylene-t-  2 gbutylcarboxylate) - (maleic anhydride)) (whereinnorbornene-5-methylene-t-butylcarboxylate:maleicanhydride = 50 mol %:50 mol %)Acid generator: triphenylsulfonium nonaflate0.06 gSolvent: propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate  20 g
Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, the aforementioned chemically amplified resist material is applied on a substrate 1 so as to form a resist film 2 with a thickness of 0.35 μm.
Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, while supplying water 3 onto the resist film 2, pattern exposure is carried out by irradiating the resist film 2 with exposing light 4 of ArF excimer laser with NA of 0.65 through a mask 5. Although a projection lens for condensing the exposing light 4 having passed through the mask 5 on the surface of the resist film 2 is not shown in FIG. 7B, a region sandwiched between the projection lens and the resist film 2 is filled with the water 3. Thus, an exposed portion 2a of the resist film 2 becomes soluble in an alkaline developer because an acid is generated from the acid generator therein while an unexposed portion 2b of the resist film 2 remains insoluble in an alkaline developer because no acid is generated from the acid generator therein.
After the pattern exposure, as shown in FIG. 7C, the resist film 2 is baked with a hot plate at a temperature of 110° C. for 60 seconds, and the resultant resist film is developed with a 2.38 wt % tetramethylammonium hydroxide developer (alkaline developer). In this manner, a resist pattern 6 made of the unexposed portion 2b of the resist film 2 and having a line width of 0.09 μm can be obtained as shown in FIG. 7D.
As shown in FIG. 7D, however, the resist pattern 6 formed by the conventional pattern formation method is in a defective shape.
Although the positive chemically amplified resist material is used in the above-described conventional method, also when a negative chemically amplified resist material is used instead, the resultant resist pattern is in a defective shape.
When a resist pattern in such a defective shape is used for etching a target film, the resultant pattern is also in a defective shape, which disadvantageously lowers the productivity and the yield in the fabrication process for semiconductor devices.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A lighted catheter device employing an optical fiber having a core and a cladding, the cladding providing internal reflection, the fiber being substantially without the cladding at an end portion to permit light to escape laterally thereat, for illumination in a catheter device. A lighted carotid shunt, a lighted occluder incorporating the fiber and lateral illumination method are described.

This invention relates to a catheter device for use in a blood vessel, particularly such a device employing a light source by which to illuminate the blood vessel.
There are presently a multitude of means by which catheter devices have been provided a light source for illumination of a blood vessel. Such means typically employ one or more optical fibers, for transmitting light of a selected frequency, the optical fibers terminating within the catheter at a predetermined position, the area around which it is desired to illuminate.
Because optical fibers are designed to guide light from one end of the fiber to the other, by causing the light to internally reflect, the light typically exits the fibers in substantially the direction along which the fiber is aligned. In a catheter device, this direction is typically also aligned with the blood vessel, owing to the need to maintain compact lateral dimensions. Thence, light leaving the fiber is generally not available for lateral illumination of the vessel walls unless the end of the fiber is treated in some manner to alter the course of light traveling therethrough from a generally forward direction to a lateral direction.
There are a number of references that treat or adapt the tip of an optical fiber in various ways to project light laterally onto a surface to be viewed. Examples are Ishibashi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,156 ("Ishibashi"), employing angled exit end faces of a fiber; Heller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,882 ("Heller"), employing a prism or bifurcated emitter portion of a fiber; Ector, U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,816 ("Ector"), employing a hemispherical tip formed on the end of a fiber; Mackin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,738 ("Mackin"), employing diverging optical fibers; Sugiyama et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,834 ("Sugiyama"), employing a lens in close proximity to the end of a fiber; and Kozawa et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,648 ("Kozawa"), employing a mirror member arranged at the outgoing end of a fiber.
All of the aforementioned approaches have drawbacks, however. Ishibashi requires a multitude of fibers having faces angled in different directions to project light laterally over a wide area. Requiring a large number of specially treated fibers is costly and demanding of valuable space, especially in a catheter device. Heller and Sugiyama require the cost and assembly complexity associated with an additional, precision part. Ector requires the manufacturing complexity and cost of forming a hemispherical end on a fiber. Mackin requires the manufacturing complexity and cost of creating a diverging optical fiber, as well as demands the space within the catheter to permit the divergence. Kozawa, as well, requires the cost of an additional part, complex assembly, and valuable space. All of the foregoing approaches require a relatively precise manufacturing process to achieve their aims.
Therefore, there is a need for a novel lighted catheter device and method for use and manufacture thereof that does not require precise manufacturing or complex assembly, and which requires minimal space.

Lighted catheter device and method for use and manufacture thereof


A device for delivering biological agents includes a cannula for insertion into tissue having a distal end with a notch formed therein. A flexible membrane extending across the cannula notch has a surface for supporting a quantity of a biological agent. A displacement member is disposed within the cannula for displacing the support surface of the membrane laterally with respect to the cannula to deliver the biological agent with precision to a tissue site or body cavity.

Much effort has been expended in recent years to find an effective and superior way of administering drugs to patients' bodies. Products such as the transdermal patch and once-a-day orally administered pills that more precisely deliver drugs have been developed. Such products are a boon to patients for they boost the effectiveness of the drugs and limit side effects by precisely controlling how quickly drugs are released in the body; by keeping drugs at a constant level and by delivering them exactly where needed.
One such development is the injection or implantation of drugs in the form of in microscopic particles or pellets at a disease site. The drugs are encapsulated in polymers or fatty compounds, such as liposomes which permit slow release of the encapsulated drug over time thereby potentially lowering the drugs toxicity.
In addition, there are times when it is desirable to deliver a biological agent that is in a non-conventional form to a disease site such as a drug in a loose particulate form, or a quantity of cells, cell clusters or cellular extracts in a biocompatible solution. A particulate biological agent can be in a granular, powdered, or microsphere form. The problem with biological agents in these forms is that they are difficult to properly deliver to a diseased tissue site.


The invention relates to a device for filtering contaminants, such as particulates and vapor phase contaminants, from a confined environment such as electronic or optical devices susceptible to contamination (e.g. computer disk drives) by providing an improved reduced fiber filter.

Many enclosures that contain sensitive instrumentation must maintain very clean environments in order for the equipment to operate properly. Examples include enclosures with sensitive optical surfaces or electronic connections that are sensitive to particles and gaseous contaminants which can interfere with mechanical, optical, or electrical operation. Other examples include data recording devices such as computer hard disk drives that are sensitive to particles, organic vapors, and corrosive vapors. Still others include enclosures for processing, transporting or storing thin films and semiconductor wafers. Also included are electronic control boxes such as those used in automobiles and industrial applications that can be sensitive to particles, moisture buildup, and corrosion as well as contamination from fluids and vapors. Contamination in such enclosures originates from both inside and outside the enclosures. For example, in computer hard drives, damage may result from external contaminates as well as from particles and outgassing generated from internal sources. The terms "hard drives" or "hard disk drives" or "disk drives" or "drives" will be used herein for convenience and are understood to include any of the enclosures mentioned above.
One serious contamination-related failure mechanism in computer disk drives is static friction or "stiction". Stiction results from the increased adhesion of a drive head to a disk while the disk is stationary plus increased viscous drag parallel to the head-disk interface. Contaminants on the disk change the surface energy and the adhesive forces between the head and disk; this also causes stiction. Vapors that condense in the gap between the head and disk can cause stiction. High-density disks are more sensitive to contamination-caused stiction because they are smoother and only thin layers of lubricants are present. Further exacerbating these effects are the newer lower energy, lower torque motors being used in smaller disk drives for portable computers and consumer applications.
Another serious contamination-related failure mechanism in computer disk drives is head crashes. Head crashes can occur when particles get into the head disk interface. High density drives may have less than 30 nanometer flying heights or spacing between the head and disk during operation and typically have disks rotating 7200 revolutions per minute or greater. Even submicron-sized particles can be a problem, causing the head to crash into the particle or the disk after flying over a particle, bringing the drive to an abrupt failure mode. Particles can also adversely affect data integrity and mechanical reliability of a drive, sometimes referred to as thermal asperity.
Internal particulate filters, or recirculation filters, are well known. These filters are typically pieces of filter media, such as expanded PTFE membrane laminated to backing material such as a polyester nonwoven, or "pillow-shaped" filters containing electret (i.e., electrostatic) filter media. They may be pressure fit into slots or "C" channels and placed in the active air stream such as near the rotating disks in a computer hard disk drive or in front of a fan in electronic control cabinets, etc. Alternatively, the recirculation filter media can be framed in a plastic frame. In very small drives, these small standup recirculation filters are so very small and the air being circulated by the very small disks is so low, that the filter effectiveness of these filters is minimal at best.
Internal adsorbent filters are also well known. A sorbent filter may be constructed of powdered, granular or beaded sorbent or sorbent mixture encapsulated in an outer expanded PTFE tube. Such a filter is manufactured by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, Md., and is commercially available under the trademark GORE-SORBER® module. A second well known internal adsorbent assembly incorporates a layer of adsorbent, such as activated carbon/PTFE composite, between an encapsulating filter layer and layer of pressure sensitive adhesive that helps encapsulate the adsorbent as well as provides a means of mounting the adsorbent assembly on an interior wall in the enclosure.
A third internal adsorbent assembly incorporates a layer of adsorbent such as activated carbon/PTFE composite between two layers of filter media or is alternately wrapped in a layer of filter media and can be installed between slots or "C" channels much the way a recirculation filter is installed. These filters have minimal airflow through the filter.
All of these internal adsorbent filters adsorb vapor phase contaminants well, but they do not filter particulates very well. They can collect particles by some impaction of particles onto the filter (i.e., by having the larger particles impacting or colliding with the adsorbent filter as particle-laden air speeds around the filters) or by diffusion of particles onto the filter. However, they do not perform nearly as well as standard recirculation filters that work by a combination of sieving (mechanically capturing particles too large to pass through the pore structure of the filter), impaction (capturing particle too large to follow the bending air streams around filters or the fibers of the filter), interception (capturing particles that tend to follow the air streams, but are large enough to still intercept a filter fiber or in other words those particles with a diameter equal to or less than the distance between the fiber and the air stream line), and diffusion (capturing smaller particles buffeted about by air molecules in a random pattern and coming into contact with a filter fiber to become collected).
A multifunction filter providing a breather filter and a recirculation filter with optional; adsorbents can solve many of the problems associated with the previous filters. A multifunction filter is described in U.S. Pat. No 6,395,073 to Dauber. This is an adequate solution when the space can be found for placing such a combination filter.
Disk or shroud Filters are also known. Such filters are placed under the disk, or in close proximity to its perimeter. Because typically carpet and shroud filters use fibrous media. It is difficult to position this fibrous media very near the computer disk, because the fibers can extend from the filter and contact the computer disk. This may cause more particles to be generated and deposited onto the hard disk, which can lead to a catastrophic failure of the hard drive.
However, the limited space in smaller drives often necessitates that these filters be placed either directly over or under the disks. Moreover, particularly in smaller drives where the disks are very close to the top cover and base plate, these filters can perform better in these locations than in standard upright locations traditionally used in larger drives. In multifunction filters installed within small drives, or within any drive where the clearance between the filter and the drive components is small, fibers protruding from the filter present problems. The clearance between a hard disk and the filter may be less than 0.5 mm and a filter must fit within this thickness as well as leave clearance for the disks to spin without possible contact with the filter.
What is needed is a recirculation filter material with low fiber height to permit the material to be used as a carpet or shroud filter.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a reduced fiber carpet/shroud filter material that can filter the air of particles to prevent fibers from contacting and interfering with any moving parts within the enclosure. The invention also provides a carpet or shroud filter with reduced fiber height.
The invention may optionally include adsorbents to filter gaseous contaminants from the enclosure.

Reduced fiber disk/shroud filter for removing contaminants from an enclosure


A device for filtering fluid includes a hollow housing (10) having a fluid inlet (26) and a fluid outlet (28). A filter element (50) formed of fluid permeable material is disposed within the housing (10) for filtering fluid entering the fluid inlet (26), the fluid passing through the element (50) and out the fluid outlet (28). The element has a generally cylindrical configuration with the permeable material forming a plurality of elongated, radially extending pleats (98). The pleats are supported by spacers (81) having a plurality of blades (102) attached to a web (106) with channels (104) therebetween. The element (50) is used as a septum for supporting a diatomaceous earth precoat. A regeneration piston (76) creates fluid flows within the filter that cause the element (50) to flutter, thereby displacing the diatomaceous earth precoat from the septum for regeneration.

Various fluid filtering devices have been proposed over the years, the more common types employing a porous filter media which is penetrable to the fluid to be filtered but substantially impenetrable to contaminants to be filtered out. A flow of fluid is directed through the media such that contaminant particles which do not pass through the pores of the filter media are retained on or in the media on the upstream side. Purified fluid passes through the media and on to its end use downstream. The pore size of the media determines the fineness of filtration or, conversely, the size of the contaminant particles which pass through the media and are not filtered out. After a period of filtration, contaminants collected on the upstream side of the media plug or clog the media such that fluid flow through the media is reduced and/or the pressure differential between the fluid on the upstream side of the media and the fluid on the downstream side is increased to an unacceptable level. Decreased flow translates to a reduction in purified fluid output, whereas an increase in differential pressure generally signifies greater strain on the fluid systems producing the fluid flow to the filter, such as pumps, piping and seals, accelerating their wear and consuming more energy. For this reason, fluid filtration systems typically have some provision for unclogging the filter media at regular intervals. This may take the form, inter alia, of reverse flushing the media to waste, replacing the media with new media, subjecting the media to some form of mechanical cleaning process such as scraping or brushing, or a combination of the foregoing methods, depending upon the media employed.
There are numerous kinds of filter media, with each type having its advantages and disadvantages with respect to filtering efficiency, backwashing/cleaning effectiveness and cost. For example, cartridge filters typically employ a filter element fabricated from a fibrous or woven sheeting material, such as a paper, felt, fiberglass, woven fabric or screen-like material surrounding a central, perforated core cylinder and capped with end plates. Cartridge filters are light in weight, compact and effective at removing small particulates. Fluid flow is commonly directed from the outside of the cartridge element, which usually approximates a cylindrical shape, to an inside core cylinder. The fluid permeable sheeting typically serves as the filter media itself and may be backflushable. In order to increase the filter media surface area, it is known to fold the media sheet in a continuous zig-zag or accordion pattern. Cartridge filters have certain inherent drawbacks, such as becoming clogged by fine particulates or organics that resist backflushing. Cartridges also tend to collapse as the flexible media sheet experiences greater pressure differentials. This collapse may take the form of a general deformation of the overall cylindrical shape of the cartridge or the collapse of the peripheral folded zig-zag pattern such that the surface area advantage provided by the folding is defeated. Cartridge collapse has been remedied in the past by the inclusion of a parallel metal screening bent in the same shape as the media sheeting. Solutions for the latter problem of the pinching down of the folds have been proposed in the form of corrugated fold separators made from rigid plastics as shown, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,075,106 to Yamazaki and 4,560,477 to Moldow. Because cartridge media becomes blocked under certain circumstances, the only remedy to restore the media is replacement, which is both expensive and inconvenient, in that the cartridges are the products of rather complex fabrication methods and to replace them, the filter must be disassembled.
As an alternative to filtering media in the form of woven or flocked sheeting, many filtering systems use a granular or particulate media, such as sand or diatomaceous earth, hereinafter "DE", as the primary media for collecting contaminants. The primary media is prevented from entering the fluid flow by an element which is porous to the fluid to be filtered yet impenetrable to the granular media, e.g., a fine mesh screen or a sintered filter block. The granular media collects the contaminants from the fluid stream thereby protecting the media-impenetrable element from becoming clogged by contaminants. That is, the fluid to be filtered passes through a filter bed or cake of granular media and then through the media-impenetrable element, on to its final use downstream. For example, a DE filter typically contains at least one septum which is a porous, fabric-like element that is penetrable to the fluid to be filtered but not to DE. The septum has pores with dimensions which preclude the DE from entering the filter stream in significant amounts after a precoating of DE has been deposited thereon. Usually, the pore size of the septum is larger than the particle size of the DE to promote flow and to insure that the finest filtration takes place in the DE precoat. Even though the primary media has particles which are smaller than the septum pores, unacceptable leakage of primary media through the septum is avoided due to the interlocking and agglomeration of DE particles to form groups which are larger than the pores in the septum. In this manner, the DE precoating or filter cake protects the fine pores of the septum from blockage by dirt. It is therefore desirable, for any given grade of DE, that the septum holes be significantly larger than the DE particle size. Septum pores that are too large however, result in unacceptable leakage of DE past the septum and prolonged periods of time for establishing a precoat. DE is deposited upon the septum by introducing it into the fluid stream, typically in a slurry, such that it is deposited upon the septum by fluid flow therethrough forming a filter cake or layer of DE on the septum. The septums of DE filters may take various forms and are frequently disposed about a spacer of some sort which internally supports the septum as, e.g., shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,774,772 to Yeths (arcuately-shaped), and 3,100,190 to Hobson. Jr. (tube-shaped).
The use of granular filter media like DE and sand has certain benefits, e.g., both are relatively inexpensive materials and tend to pack quite closely giving fine filtration results. As with all filters, however, after a period of use, contaminants and dirt accumulate on the upstream side of the granular filter media. Granular media typically has a range of particle sizes and shapes, thus giving rise to a spectrum of pore sizes in any given sample. Smaller dirt particles have a greater tendency to penetrate the surface of the granular media bed or cake until being trapped by a smaller pore below the surface. This gives rise to a contaminated band of media extending from the surface into the depth of the media. Eventually, the accumulation of dirt causes a resistance to flow and an increase in operating pressure indicating a need to change the filter media or to clean the accumulated dirt therefrom in order to permit a resumption of normal flow rates. A common method for cleaning dirt from DE filters is by backwashing, wherein a reverse flow of fluid is directed through the septum to dislodge accumulated dirt, as well as, the DE filter cake from the septum. The reverse backflushing flow, with dirt and DE filter media included, is directed to waste, such that there is a loss of fluid and DE associated with a removal of dirt from the filter. In this day of ever increasing eco-consciousness, the disposal of DE in the course of backflushing filters, e.g., on swimming pools, has received increased negative scrutiny.
As an alternative to backflushing, it has been recognized that the DE filter media may be given extended filtering life by reorienting the filter cake on the septum without backflushing or disposing of the DE. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,461 to Drori discloses a DE filter with a centrally located piston for creating reverse flows for dislodging DE filter cake from the exterior surface of a laminated disk filter element. Similar piston arrangements are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,156,651 to Mehoudar and 1,994,656 to Liddell. U.S. Pat. No. 3,735,872 to Anderson discloses apparatus for regenerating the DE precoat using the resiliency of foam septum elements underlying the precoat, by scraping and by classifying the dislodged DE into a precoat of graduated particles. Even without the affirmative step of classifying, reorienting "opens up" the filter cake by breaking up the surface coating of dirt that clogs the DE filter cake. Reorienting disperses the dirt throughout the DE layer taking advantage of the improbability that the filter cake and dirt will reassume an orientation of particles packed so closely together as to unduly restrict fluid flow therethrough. The step of reorienting the DE without backflushing involves a cessation of filter operation, disturbing the DE filter cake and filtered dirt from the septum in some manner, and resuming filtering operation, such that the DE and the dirt are redeposited upon the septum in a new orientation. Reorientation will typically result in some portion of the DE and some portion of fine dirt which is smaller than the pores in the septum being introduced into the filtered fluid stream unless the fluid flow is directed to waste upon restarting.
Another limitation associated with DE filters is the tendency for the DE to coat the septum unevenly, wherein some portions are not coated sufficiently and other portions are coated excessively. This is due to the "bridging" of DE between adjacent surfaces of the filter element or "drifting" of the DE creating areas of the septum where a thick impervious layer of DE has been deposited due to the septum shape and its interaction with the hydrodynamic flows within the filter.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid filter having an element which exhibits an increased filtering surface area that is resistant to collapse or reduction of filter surface area under high differential pressures. It is a further object to provide a diatomaceous earth filter which avoids bridging and is provided with apparatus to regenerate the DE precoat without backwashing.


A medical device has a rotatable drive shaft, a rotary body that includes a cutting edge for applying a cutting force to a stenosed site, and that is disposed on a distal side of the drive shaft so as to be rotated in conjunction with rotation of the drive shaft, a switching portion whose distal end is disposed at a position protruding from the cutting edge, and a holding portion that holds the switching portion so as to move the switching portion on the same plane as the cutting edge or to a position away from the stenosed site beyond the cutting edge in accordance with a pushing force, when the switching portion is pushed against the stenosed site.

Treatment using a balloon catheter or an indwelling technique of a stent has been used in the related art as a method of treating a stenosed site formed inside a blood vessel such as a coronary artery. However, a therapeutic effect is less likely to be obtained over a long period of time merely by using a balloon to widen a vascular lumen. It is known that stent indwelling causes a new stenosis. In addition, when a complicated lesion develops, as in a case where a plaque of the stenosed site is calcified and hardened, or in a case where the stenosed site appears in a branched portion of the blood vessel, the therapeutic effect cannot be sufficiently obtained merely by performing a treatment using a balloon catheter or stent.
On the other hand, as the treatment for extending patency of the blood vessel or for contributing to an improved treatment outcome in the complicated lesion, there is known atherectomy for extracorporeally removing an object such as a plaque, a calcified lesion, or a thrombus which may cause the stenosis.
As a medical device for the atherectomy, for example, JP-T-2014-533147 has proposed a medical device having a rotary body provided with a cutting edge (blade surface) for applying cutting force to the stenosed site disposed in a distal portion of an elongated catheter. In the treatment using this medical device, work for pushing the cutting edge against the stenosed site is carried out in a state where the rotary body is rotated.
It is desirable that the medical device used for the treatment of the stenosed site formed inside a biological lumen is provided with various functions which enable suitable treatment depending on a property, a size, a shape, or a forming site of the stenosed site. For example, in order that the medical device is suitable for the particular characteristics of an object (stenosed site) serving as a treatment target site, the medical device is provided with the ability to selectively switch the state of the cutting edge. In this manner, not only it is possible to smoothly and quickly perform a medical procedure, but also it is possible to improve the therapeutic effect.
However, the medical device disclosed in JP-T-2014-533147 is not configured so that the distal portion (distally located end) having the cutting edge can be switched depending on the characteristics of the object serving as the treatment target site. Therefore, the treatment cannot be progressively performed while various functions of the medical device are switched therebetween during the medical procedure. For example, in a case where the treatment is performed by switching various functions therebetween, an operator has to temporarily remove the medical device out of a living body, replace the medical device itself with another medical device, or replace a member such as the rotary body. Consequently, the medical procedure takes a longer time, thereby increasing a burden on a patient.
The disclosure herein is made in view of the above-described problems, and aims to provide a medical device and a treatment method, in which a medical procedure can be smoothly and quickly performed and an improved therapeutic effect can be realized by enabling a state of a cutting edge to be switched while inside a biological lumen.


A system which allows a person to easily access an automobile roof rack attachment for holding and carrying a bike or other object such as a canoe employing a telescoping mechanism for moving the carried object out beyond the roof line of the vehicle wherein the system also has a parallelogram mechanism allowing the user to also lower the system carrying the bike or other object parallel to the ground during its movement into a locked position beyond the roof line of the vehicle. By manually pulling downwardly on the parallelogram mechanism the system is lowered to a comfortable level. Once in this position the person attaches the bike or other equipment to the system, the system is unlocked, and the raises up manually to the rooftop level and then pushed inward toward the center of the automobile into its resting and locked position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally involves the field of technology pertaining to a device to be used in conjunction with an automobile roof rack carrying device which carries a bike, ski, snowboard, kayak, canoe, etc. Essentially, the device comprises a mechanical mechanism which telescopes for moving a roof rack carrier outwardly of the vehicle, beyond the roof line of the vehicle, and towards either the driver or passenger side door. That same system is also a parallelogram which, in addition to the foregoing, also allows the operator to not only move the mechanism outwardly but also allows the operator to lower that same rack system to an easily accessible level by manually pulling it down. Still further, the entire roof rack system can be moved downwardly to ground level and then into a locked position.
In that position, the roof rack is loaded, the operator unlocks the system, the device is manually raised, and then the operator pushes the system back to its original position at the center of the vehicle into a resting and locked position.
The entire mechanism disclosed herein is housed within a rectangular tube and wherein the rectangular tube has a channeled top.
The device disclosed herein attaches to a standard automobile bar rack such as a THULE.RTM. by way of bar clamps to be more fully described. In turn, mounting brackets attach a THULE.RTM. Fork Mount to the device described herein.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A search of the prior art has uncovered the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 3,452,893 to K. C. Heflin; U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,796 to Dubach; U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,244 to Stokkendal; U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,919 to Gerber, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,791 to Henriquez, et al.
The patent to Heflin U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,893 appears to be the most relevant and relates to a "Cargo Carrying and Loading Apparatus for use on a Vehicle Roof". In this patent extension tracks have a curvilinear portion adjacent at top ends which sideably receive roof tracks and extension tracks. These extension tracks are merely coupled to the roof tracks when it is desired to place a load on a dolly which is moveable along a track system between a loading and unloading position at the ground adjacent to the automobile.
The Dubach U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,796 which discloses a roof rack equipped with two parallel tracks having a roof section and a pivotal auxiliary section. In this patent, similar to the Heflin patent described above, the roof section and the auxiliary section form a continuous track for the carriage wherein the only movement during loading is the relative movement between the carriage and the track.
The patent to Stokkendal, U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,244 is a Combined Roof Rack for a Car and Two-Wheel Cart. In this patent it is stated that "It is thus not necessary to lift heavy or unmanageable parcels up onto a car rack which is permanently attached to the car top. Bringing the rack onto the car top is quite simple and easy. One lifts the rack up at an incline, inwards over the car top, with an appropriate lifting motion using a straight back."
The patent to Gerber, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,919 relates to a Bicycle Carrier for Automobiles and does not disclose a device for moving the rack either horizontally or vertically which, is the essence of the invention contained herein.
The patent to Henriquez, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,791 relates to a Vehicular Ladder Rack having a "stationary mounting frame" and a pair of transverse frame members affixed to the roof of the vehicle.
Finally, the patent to Koop, U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,611 is a Car Top Carrier for a Wheelchair. That is its only function. Structurally and mechanically there is no relevancy between this patent and the invention disclosed herein.
It would appear that the closest references are the patents to Heflin and Dubach, but neither reference taken by itself nor combined with each other disclose the instant invention.
None of the above references teaches or even suggests the use of the unique combination of a telescopic mechanism for moving a roof rack accessory out beyond the roofline of a vehicle in combination with a parallelogram mechanism which allows the user to also lower the roof rack system to a comfortable level by manually pulling it down and which also allows the user to lower the roof rack accessory system perpendicular to the ground throughout its movement into a locked position.


An optical-based sensing apparatus and method are provided. A sensing apparatus (10) may include a tube (30). An optical fiber (12) may be encased in the tube. A buffering layer (14) may be interposed between the optical fiber and the tube. The buffering layer and/or the tube may be selectively configured to form along a length of the apparatus a plurality of optical sensing zones (16, 18, 20) spatially arranged to sense parameters involving different parameter modalities.

Certain types of structural assets, such as may be used in industry for the transportation of a commodity through a pipeline, may extend over relatively long distances (e.g., hundreds of kilometers or more). Since such structural assets may be subject to variable physical conditions (e.g., temperature, mechanical stress, pressure) or may develop malfunctions (e.g., ruptures) anywhere along its length, it is desirable to provide the ability to reliably and cost-effectively monitor/sense various parameters along the length of the asset. Other industrial assets which may require monitoring of variable physical conditions may be deployed at multiple sites over a relatively large geographical area, such as subsea locations, wind energy farms, solar farms, etc. Notwithstanding of advances which have been made in this technical field, there continues to be a need for improved apparatus and/or techniques useful for reliably and cost-effectively monitor/sensing various parameters along the length of the asset.

Fiber optic sensing apparatus and method for sensing parameters involving different parameter modalities