The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition or medical device comprising a fucoidan and at least one compound of formula A or B:

The present invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical compositions, medical devices and cosmetic compositions.
More particularly the present invention relates to the prevention and treatment of cutaneous angiofibromas, especially occurring with the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and the unsightly manifestation thereof.
Tuberous sclerosis (or TSC for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, or also known as Bourneville's disease) is an orphan disease linked to a genetic defect of the mTOR pathway: it is an autosomal dominant mutation linked to TSC1 and TSC2 genes that encode tumor regulating molecules; deficiency of these genes leads to activation of the mTOR pathway which is involved in the cellular homeostasis.
The pathophysiology of TSC is characterized by an abnormal vascularization and an abnormal cell migration and differentiation; the disease includes cutaneous, cardiac, brain and kidney disorders; the prognosis depends on the visceral and the neurological development of the disease.
Dermatological signs of TSC appear early and are typical of the disease:                The first skin symptoms correspond to pigmented spots acquired or present in the first months of life. Then, facial angiofibromas ("adenoma sebaceum", a rash of reddish spots or bumps) appear on the nose and cheeks in a butterfly-form distribution. They consist of blood vessels and fibrous tissue. This socially embarrassing rash starts to appear during childhood and can be removed using dermabrasion or laser treatment.        Periungual fibromas: also known as Koenen's tumors, these are small fleshy tumors that grow around and under the toenails or fingernails and may need to be surgically removed if they enlarge or cause bleeding. These are very rare in childhood but common by middle age. They can be induced by nail-bed trauma.        Angiofibromas which are benign tumors of fibrous tissue containing numerous dilated vascular blood vessels.
Cutaneous hamartomas of TSC (angiofibromas and periungual fibromas) are composed of clusters of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Despite recent advances in the genetic mechanisms of the TSC, the molecular mechanisms explaining the anomalous behavior of cells that leads to tissue changes such as hamartomas, are still not known. Whereas the diagnostic has significantly improved, it is not the same for the TSC treatment which remains symptomatic. Cutaneous manifestations are treated by laser sessions on the affected areas. These treatments are not permanent and skin lesions reappear a few months. US 2013 0225630 discloses the use of rapamycin by topical application for treating facial angiofibromas but there remains a need for developing other pharmaceutical compositions or medical devices, especially as some physicians consider that topical application of rapamycine is undesirable, particularly on children face.
To date, there is no cream or skin composition on the market intended for the treatment of the cutaneous manifestations of TSC. It thus remains a great need for developing alternative treatments for preventing and/or treating cutaneous disorders resulting from excess of angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as angiofibromas and periungual fibromas especially occurring with TSC or similar disorders.
The purpose of the present invention is the development of a pharmaceutical composition or medical device for use in the treatment or prevention of a disorder of cutaneous angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, particularly in the treatment or prevention of a cutaneous disorders involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis.
The invention particularly aims to provide a pharmaceutical composition or medical device for use in the treatment or prevention of skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
The invention also aims to provide a cosmetic composition for use in the treatment of an unsightly manifestation of skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
The inventor has discovered that a combination of fucoïdan and dimethylmethoxy chromanol inhibits angiogenesis and/or fibrosis in case of a disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis.
The inventor has discovered that a combination of fucoïdan and dimethylmethoxy chromanol provide an aesthetic benefit to subjects presenting a disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis.
The present invention thus relates to a pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprising:
at least one fucoidan,
at least one compound of formula A or B:
wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of OH, —CH3, —CF3CH2O— and CH3O.
In one preferred embodiment said compound of formula B is dimethylmethoxy chromanol. Dimethylmethoxy chromanol (INCI name) is also named 2,2-dimethyl chroman or named lipochroman-6 having the general formula:
This compound is described in the prior art as an anti-oxidant such as free radical scavenger, as an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation and as a protector of cells against damage induced by peroxynitrite.
It has been discovered according to the present invention that a dimethylmethoxy chromanol inhibits collagen-I expression, especially in fibroblasts, and more particularly in conditions simulating a cutaneous disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as in skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Advantageously, dimethylmethoxy chromanol inhibits over-expression of collagen, and more particularly of collagen-I. Such inhibition of collagne-I over-expression may be assayed by in situ immunolabelling in fibroblasts stimulated by vitamin C and TGF-beta.
It has been discovered according to the present invention that dimethylmethoxy chromanol also inhibits pseudotube formation in endothelial cells and/or fibroblasts. Pseudotube formation is evaluated advantageously by the number of branching points observed within the pseudotube network in a culture of endothelial cells stimulated for example by an inducer of pseudotube formation such as for example VEGF. Accordingly, dimethylmethoxy chromanol is considered to inhibit neovascularization observed in case of a skin disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as in skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Dimethylmethoxy chromanol is for example marketed under the trade name Lipochroman-6 of Lipotec SA.
Dimethylmethoxy chromanol is preferably present in the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition in a total amount of in the range of from 0.001 to 10%, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, and for example from 0.1 to 5%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
It has been discovered according to the present invention that a fucoidan, inhibits pseudotube formation in endothelial cells and/or fibroblasts. Accordingly, a fucoidan, is considered to inhibit neovascularization observed in case of a skin disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as in skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Fucoidan designates a group of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs). Fucoidan generally has a backbone containing (1→3)-linked α-l-fucopyranosyl units or alternating (1→3)- and (1→4)-linked α-l-fucopyranosyl units, but also include sulfated galactofucans with (1→6)-β-d-galacto- and/or (1→2)-β-d-mannopyranosyl units with fucose or fuco-oligosaccharide branching, and/or glucuronic acid, xylose or glucose substitutions. In one embodiment, the fucoidan possesses from 5 to 25 percent by weight sulfur. It is commonly to be found in two forms: F-fucoidan, which comprises more than 95% sulfated esters of fucose, and U-fucoidan, which is approximately 20% glucuronic acid. Other forms may be obtained. For example, it is reported that fucoidan manufactured by Sigma Chemical Co. is divided into 13 molecular species [Carbohydrate Research, 255, 213-224 (1994)]. Fucoidan is in one embodiment a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown algae or brown seaweed such as mozuku, kombu, bladderwrack, wakame, and hijiki.
In one embodiment, the fucoidan is of algal origin. In a preferred embodiment, the fucoidan is derived from the genus Fucus or Laminaria. Exemplary fucoidans are those derived from Fucus vesiculosis or from Laminaria japonica or other sources including, but not limited to Undaria pinnitifada and Ascophyllum nodosum.
A particular source of fucoidan is a polar extract (preferably butylene Glycol and water extract) of Undaria pinnatifida Extract.
In a preferred embodiment, the fucoidan according to the present invention inhibits pseudotube formation by endothelial cells.
In a preferred embodiment, fucoidan is marketed under the trade name PHYTELENE EG 755 BG Wakame by Greentech, France.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises an amount of fucoidan in the range of from 0.001 to 10%, preferably from 0.01 to 8%, and for example from 0.1 to 8%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
In one embodiment the composition of the invention comprises an amount of fucoidan in the range of from 1 to 5%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
It has been discovered according to the present invention that a combination of a fucoidan, and dimethylmethoxy chromanol inhibits pseudotube formation in endothelial cells and/or fibroblasts. Accordingly, a combination of a fucoidan and dimethylmethoxy chromanol is considered to inhibit neovascularization observed in case of a skin disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as in skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Accordingly the invention also relates to the use of a combination of a fucoidan and dimethylmethoxy chromanol for inhibiting pseudotube formation in endothelial cells and/or fibroblasts. More particularly, the invention also relates to the use of a combination of a fucoidan and dimethylmethoxy chromanol for the treatment and/or prevention of a skin disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as in skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
In one specific embodiment, the invention also relates to the use of a combination of a fucoidan and dimethylmethoxy chromanol for inhibiting neovascularization observed in case of such a disorder.
The invention may comprise one or more other active ingredients.
Advantageously, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises resveratrol.
Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural phytoestrogen showing antiinflammatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties.
Resveratrol is notably found in the skin of red grapes and in other fruits; it is also produced by chemical synthesis and by biotechnological synthesis (metabolic engineered microorganisms). Resveratrol is preferably trans-resveratrol.
In one embodiment, the resveratrol is a polar (preferably a glycolic extract) of grape grape (Vitis vinifera).
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises an amount of resveratrol in the range of from 0.001 to 10%, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, and for example from 0.1 to 0.5%, by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.
It has also been discovered according to the present invention that a combination of a fucoidan and resveratrol inhibits pseudotube formation in endothelial cells and/or fibroblasts. Accordingly, a combination of a fucoidan and resveratrol is considered to inhibit neovascularization observed in case of a skin disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as in skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Accordingly the invention also relates to the use of a combination of a fucoidan and resveratrol for inhibiting pseudotube formation in endothelial cells and/or fibroblasts. More particularly, the invention also relates to the use of a combination of a fucoidan and resveratrol for the treatment and/or prevention of a skin disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as in skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
In one specific embodiment, the invention also relates to the use of a combination of a fucoidan and resveratrol for inhibiting neovascularization observed in case of such a disorder.
In one particular embodiment, one or more other active ingredients are selected from the group consisting of algae flavonoids, algae oligosaccharides, for example oligosaccharides of entenomorpha, Tea tree (e.g. Melaleuca alternifolia) extract (cyclodextrine) optionally vectorized, flavonoids and polyphenols of green tea extract, EGCG, curcumin, one or more essential oil selected from the group consisting of cardamom (cardamomum), perilla (Perilla frutescens), common St.-John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), lemongrass (Cymbopogon), compact oregano (Origanum compactum), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans—without safrole), frankincense (olibanum), holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Curcuma (Curcuma), and any mixture.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), also known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is the ester of epigallocatechin and gallic acid, and is a type of catechin. EGCG is the most abundant catechin in tea and is a potent antioxidant that may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of many disorders.
The term "EGCG" as used herein denotes (−)-epigallocatechin gallate and/or one or more of its derivatives (e. g. esterified forms, glycosides, sulphates) thereof. Especially preferred is (−)-epigallocatechin gallate itself.
Especially preferred is also an aqueous green tea extract containing EGCG in an amount of at least 95%, based on the total amount of the extract, as e.g. and preferably obtained by any of the processes described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,392, EP 1 103 550 and EP 1 077 214.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises an aqueous green tea extract containing EGCG.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises an amount of EGCG in the range of from 0.001 to 10%, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, and for example from 0.1 to 5% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, Curcuma longa which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The other two curcuminoids are desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin. The curcuminoids are polyphenols and are responsible for the yellow color of turmeric. Curcumin can be isolated from the de-oiled turmeric by solvent extraction. Suitable solvents for this purpose include acetone, hexane, ethyl acetate, dicholoroethane, chloroform, etc. The extraction is conveniently carried out at moderate temperatures (about 40° C. to about 55° C.) and the solvent is partially removed to yield a concentrate containing 30-60% solids. This solution is cooled to obtain crystals of curcumin which are isolated by any suitable method such as filtration or centrifugation; such a process leads to a product containing 95% of curcumin.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises an amount of curcumin in the range of from 0.001 to 10%, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, and for example from 0.1 to 5% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises other pharmaceutically active ingredients.
The pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition may for example comprise one or more active ingredient selected from the group consisting of: essential oil of cardamom (cardamomum), perilla (Perilla frutescens), common St.-John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), lemongrass (Cymbopogon), compact oregano (Origanum compactum), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans—without safrole), frankincense (olibanum), holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Curcuma (Curcuma), and any mixture thereof.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises excipients acceptable for human, and more specifically acceptable excipients for skin.
According to one particular aspect, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition of the invention is a topical dermatological composition.
According to a specific embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition comprises a fucoidan, dimethylmethoxy chromanol, and resveratrol, acceptable excipients for skin, and optionally other pharmaceutically active ingredients.
Advantageously, this composition is formulated in a form which is acceptable for skin, notably in a form selected from the group consisting of a solution, which is aqueous or oily, a cream or an aqueous gel or an oily gel, notably in a pot or in a tube; a milk; an emulsion, a microemulsion or a nanoemulsion, for example an oil-in-water or water-in-oil or multiple or silicone-containing emulsion; a lotion, notably in a glass bottle, a plastic bottle, a measure bottle, an aerosol, or a spray; an ampoule; a liquid soap; a dermatological bar; an ointment; a foam; and an anhydrous product, preferably which is liquid, pasty or solid, e.g. in a form of a stick, notably in a form of lipstick.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition is cream, lotion, a serum, a balm, a gel for topical application.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition is a food supplement, for example in the form of a solid formulation, for example tablet, effervescent tablet, sublingual tablet, orally-disintegrating tablet, capsule, granule, powder, paste, or the like, or in the form of a liquid formulation, for example syrup, solution, emulsion, suspension, or the like.
According to preferred embodiments, the composition of the present invention presents a stable color. Such composition may avoid the presence of a green tea extract.
The invention also relates to a composition and method for limiting skin redness in a patient in need thereof.
In one particular embodiment, the invention relates to a composition and the cosmetic use, treatment or method for limiting skin redness, comprising applying such composition on skin area affected by a cutaneous disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis in a subject in need thereof.
In one particular embodiment, the invention relates to a composition and the cosmetic use, treatment or method for limiting skin redness in a patient with TSC in need thereof.
The invention also relates to a composition and the cosmetic use, treatment or method for limiting skin redness in a patient in need thereof.
In one particular embodiment, the invention relates to a foundation perfector composition and the cosmetic use, treatment or method comprising applying such composition on skin area affected by a cutaneous disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis in a subject in need thereof.
In one particular embodiment, the invention relates to a composition and the cosmetic use, treatment or method for perfecting foundation in a patient with TSC in need thereof. In one embodiment,
In one particular embodiment, the invention relates to a composition and the cosmetic use, treatment or method for correcting immediately skin imperfections and/or providing a mattifying effect.
The invention also relates to a method of therapeutic treatment comprising co-administering, concomitantly or in sequence, at least one fucoidan and at least one compound of formula A or B:
wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the present invention.
In one embodiment, resveratrol is also co-administered, concomitantly or in sequence.
Co-administration includes administration in which the compounds of the present invention are in the same formulation; kits in which the compounds of the present invention in separate formulations provided in the same package, generally with instruction for co-administration; or kits with instruction for concomitant or sequential administration of compositions wherein the compounds of the present invention are packaged separately. "Compounds of the present invention" includes active compounds described or claimed in the present specification.
One or more ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition of the invention may be advantageously encapsulated. Materials for encapsulating one or more active ingredients include for example microspheres, microcapsules, nanospheres, nanocapsules and combination thereof. Materials for encapsulating one or more active ingredients include for example simple and multiple-encapsulating materials (multi-layer encapsulation), including double encapsulating materials (double-layer encapsulation).
Advantageously, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition of the invention comprises encapsulated fucoidan.
Advantageously, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition of the invention comprises encapsulated resveratrol.
Advantageously, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition of the invention comprises fucoidan and resveratrol encapsulated in the same or different encapsulating materials. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition of the invention comprises fucoidan and resveratrol encapsulated in different encapsulating materials, preferably encapsulated in different double-layer encapsulating materials, for example encapsulated in double-layers microcapsules.
The pharmaceutical composition or medical device or cosmetic composition of the invention can also contain usual adjuvants and additives, such as preservatives/antioxidants, fatty substances/oils, water, organic solvents, silicones, thickeners, softeners, emulsifiers, sunscreens, antifoaming agents, moisturizers, aesthetic components such as fragrances, surfactants, fillers, sequestering agents, anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphoteric polymers or mixtures thereof, propellants, acidifying or basifying agents, dyes, colorings/colorants, abrasives, absorbents, essential oils, skin sen-sates, astringents, antifoaming agents, pigments or nanopigments or any other ingredients usually formulated into cosmetic compositions. Such ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry which are suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention are, e.g., described in the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition (1992) without being limited thereto.
The present invention also relates to a topical composition, such as a cosmetic composition. Such composition comprises ingredients as described for the pharmaceutical composition or medical device of the invention. The present invention thus relates to a cosmetic treatment comprising applying such a cosmetic composition onto the skin of a subject.
The pharmaceutical composition or medical device of the invention is notably for use in the treatment or prevention of a cutaneous disorder, especially a skin disorder.
The pharmaceutical composition or medical device of the invention helps to prevent or lessen the appearance of angiofibromas of the face, common in the TSC and consequently to avoid or delay a laser procedure. This composition is of major interest for children, adolescents and young human adults.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device is for use in the treatment or prevention of diseases comprising a defective TSC pathway in a subject.
A "defective TSC pathway' includes deregulation of the TSC pathway that results in a biological effect that causes adverse effects on a cell or tissue, typically: phenotypically, genetically, biochemically, and molecularly, manifesting in tuberous sclerosis disease. A defective TSC pathway may be identified as known in the art.
Accordingly, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device of the invention is useful for the treatment of other cutaneous disorders involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device is for use in the treatment or prevention of a cutaneous disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis.
In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device is for use in the treatment or prevention of skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas. Advantageously, the composition of the invention is used for the prevention and/or the treatment of angiofibroma.
In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device is for use in the treatment or prevention of skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus.
In one preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition or medical device is for use in the treatment or prevention of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, or in the treatment or prevention of skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to the treatment of a patient with TSC.
Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear clearly to the person skilled in the art upon reading the explanatory description which makes reference to the Examples which are given simply as an illustration and which in no way limit the scope of the invention.
The Examples make up an integral part of the present invention, and any characteristic which appears novel with respect to any prior state of the art from the description taken in its entirety, including the Examples, makes up an integral part of the invention in its function and in its generality.
Thus, every example has a general scope.
Furthermore, in the Examples, all percentages are given by weight, unless indicated otherwise, temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius unless indicated otherwise, and the pressure is atmospheric pressure, unless indicated otherwise.

Composition for prevention or treatment of cutaneous disorder

Abstract: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of —OH, —CH3, —CF3CH2O—, and CH3O—. Such pharmaceutical composition or medical device is notably useful for the treatment and/or prevention of a skin disorder involving excessive angiogenesis and/or fibrogenesis, such as in skin fibrosis, angiofibromas, hamartomas and periungual fibromas, skin manifestation occurring with rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, and especially of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and skin manifestation occurring with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.


Disclosed are a cyber or real community scheduler system and a scheduling method in a cyber or real community which can automatically implement meeting scheduling in a cyber or real community. A cyber or real community scheduler system includes a member information management server for distinguishing a plurality of cyber or real communities established in an SNS site from one another and managing and storing information on members of the cyber or real communities and an SNS server for providing SNS to the members of each of the cyber or real communities based on the information on the members of the cyber or real communities.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a cyber or real community scheduler system and a scheduling method in a cyber or real community and, more particularly, to a cyber or real community scheduler system and a scheduling method in a cyber or real community which are capable of automatically implementing meeting scheduling in a cyber or real community.
2. Description of the Related Art
Lots of community type web sites are recently being constructed which provide a place for communication between limited friends and a place known to people who have a common topic on the Internet. Service for providing the places is called social networking service and has recently been developed in recent several years.
The outline of Social Networking Service (hereinafter referred to as 'SNS') is described below. A web site that provides SNS (hereinafter referred to as an 'SNS site') is characterized in that people can exchange various pieces of information interactively in real time through the web site like a bulletin board or a diary.
A common bulletin board or a weblog like a diary is problematic in that a number of anonymous and slanderous comments are posted. In contrast, a number of SNS sites have introduced a system in which a specific person cannot participate in the SNS sites if the existing member does not introduce the specific person. An SNS site is being developed into a tendency that the exchange of opinions or interchange from a responsible standpoint is performed by opening names or titles to each other in principle.
Accordingly, an SNS site can be used safely because anonymous and slanderous comments can be prevented from being posted. A type in which a person takes part in a community established in this SNS site (hereinafter referred to as a 'cyber community') includes a closed type in which a person cannot be registered with an SNS site if there is no introduction from the existing member and an open type in which a person can be freely registered with an SNS site. In either type, in order for a person to participate in a cyber community, the person's request for the participation has to be received so that the cyber community can approve the participation.
In participation in most cyber communities, however, a meeting at which only a few members can take part in a cyber community can be organized through a mutual dialogue, such as one-to-one or one-to-many for the purpose of friendship, association, and interchange. However, a meeting at which all the members of a cyber community can take part in the cyber community cannot be organized by a current SNS form.
Furthermore, in the organization of a common offline meeting, a manager who actually supervises a meeting and invites participants must check whether each person will participate in the offline meeting or not and the time when the person can participate in the offline meeting by asking persons through a telephone, e-mail, and/or a text message one by one because the manger cannot check pieces of information related to the appointed times of most people in advance.

Cyber or real community scheduler system and scheduling method in cyber or real community


The present invention intends to enable light path length to be kept the same between sample measurement and reference measurement and thereby improve measurement accuracy, and is an optical analyzer that analyzes a sample flowing through a pipe having translucency. In addition, the optical analyzer includes: a light source unit that has a light source and a condenser lens; a light detection unit that detects light of the light source unit; and a support mechanism that movably supports the light source unit and the light detection unit. Further, the support mechanism moves the light source unit and the light detection unit between a sample measurement position and a reference measurement position.

As disclosed in Patent Literature 1, there has been conventionally considered an optical analyzer that moves an optical system to thereby switch between reference measurement for acquiring a reference light intensity signal and sample measurement for acquiring a sample light intensity signal.
This optical analyzer has a pair of reflective mirrors that reflect light from a light source, and is configured to, with the light source and a light detector fixed, enable the pair of reflective mirrors to be moved between a sample measurement position to irradiate a measurement cell with light and a reference measurement position not to irradiate the measurement cell with light.


Methods and arrangements for video delivery preparation. A video, being accessible online, is displayed at an interface in response to a user request. A relative probability of video access by the user with respect to at least two other online-accessible videos is qualitatively determined. An ordered prediction set is created with respect to the other videos. The other videos are prepared incrementally based on the prediction set, so that the user is able to access and view the videos. The preparing includes preparing a first one of the other videos over a first time period and a second one of the other videos over a second time period, wherein at least a portion of the first time period is coincident with at least a portion of the second time period. An element is displayed at the interface which provides a connection to at least one of the other videos.

Online video streaming has become extremely popular for users, allowing them to view high-quality video content on a desktop computer, laptop/tablet computer or other mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone such as a smart phone). Attempts are often made to anticipate a user's access to, or desire to access, one or more videos at a future timepoint. For instance, users may often surf video sites through reference (or recommendation) links, inasmuch as a content provider offers such links alongside a video that a user has already chosen and may be watching.
It is often recognized that there is a much greater likelihood of a user viewing a video suggested or offered through such links as opposed to one that would need to be accessed through another mechanism (e.g., typing out another search string). However, such video objects pointed to by the recommendation links are usually brought about through a standard and non-customized protocol, and considerable resources can be ultimately wasted if indeed one or more users choose not to view videos that are accessible from such links.

Incremental preparation of videos for delivery

International Business Machines Corporation


The present application relates to a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine. It is an object of the present application to prevent an excessive reaction of a throttle valve when the opening of the throttle valve is controlled on the basis of a plurality of required torques. The control apparatus includes: required torque consolidation means for calculating an after-consolidation required torque; first torque control means which causes an actual torque to follow variation of the after-consolidation required torque by changing the opening of the throttle valve in accordance with the variation of the after-consolidation required torque; and second torque control means which fixes the opening of the throttle valve and causes the actual torque to follow variation of the after-consolidation required torque.

A technology disclosed in JP-A-2000-97073 relates to a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine and prevents an excessive throttle valve reaction to a small change in a target torque in a region where a throttle opening greatly changes in response to a change in the target torque. In the above region, the control apparatus calculates the throttle opening from an accelerator opening. In a region other than the above region, however, the control apparatus calculates the throttle opening from the target torque.    Patent Document 1: JP-A-2000-97073    Patent Document 2: JP-A (PCT) No. 527518/2003

Control apparatus for internal combustion engine


A safety sling secures an upper mold section of a tire press. The safety sling includes a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link. The second link is connected to the first link by a first strap section. The third link is connected to the second link by a second strap section. The fourth link is connected to the link ring by a third strap section. The fourth link is also connected to the first link by a fourth strap section to define a quadrilateral configuration. The first link is connected to a link ring by a fifth strap section. The second link is connected to a sixth link by a sixth strap section. The third link is connected to a seventh link by a seventh strap section. The fourth link is connected to an eighth link by an eighth strap section such that the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth links are secured to the tire press for allowing the safety sling to catch the upper mold section in the event the upper mold section becomes otherwise unsecured from the tire press.

A conventional segmented mold for curing pneumatic tires utilizes upper and lower mold sections, with the upper mold section being vertically movable with respect to the bottom mold section between a raised open position and a lower closed position. The interior of the top and bottom mold sections are bowl-shaped and each contain a plurality of arcuate tread segments arranged in a circular pattern. The tread segments are each formed with radially inward extending tread groove-defining lugs. When the upper mold section is in its open raised position, the tread segments of the mold section are arranged radially outward of the outer diameter of the uncured, or "green," tire to be vulcanized and molded. When the top mold section is moved to its closed lower position, the tread segments of both the top and bottom mold sections are automatically cammed radially inward by the sloping sides of the bowls of such mold sections so that the tread-defining lugs of die segments engage the uncured crown of the green tire for curing of the green tire. As the tread segments of the lower mold section move radially inward, they travel downwardly along the sloping sides of the lower mold section bowl. When the tire has been cured, the top mold section is raised and the upper and lower tread segments automatically move outwardly from the cured tire so that such tire can be withdrawn from the bottom mold section.
The top and bottom mold sections of a conventional segmented mold are generally formed of steel while the tread segments are formed of aluminum, steel, or iron. The tire curing operation requires that the mold sections be heated to a high temperature, with heat from the mold sections being transferred to the tread segments. The outer surface of the tread segments have a curvature that match the inner arcuate surface of the upper and lower mold sections only when the tread segments have traveled inwardly to their closed tire molding position. When the tread segments are arranged in their open position, the curvature of their outer surface is less than the curvature of the inner surface of their respective mold sections. Accordingly, the contact area between the rear outer surface of the tread segments and the inner surface of the bowl of the mold sections varies as the tread segments travel vertically towards their fully closed position within the bowls of the upper and lower mold section bowls. Such contact area is narrow at the open position of the tread segments and about equal to the width of the tread segments when the tread segments are at their closed position.
As the tread segments slide vertically along the sloping sides of the bowls of the upper and lower mold sections, the lugs engage the uncured circumferential area of the green tire thereby causing the uncured rubber of the green tire to force the tread segments radially outward with considerable pressure. Simultaneously, vertical travel of the tread segments creates a radially inward directed force upon the tread segments causing the tread segments to generate considerable friction as they slide along the inner surface of the steel bowls of the open lower mold segments. Where the tread segments are formed of aluminum, such friction can often result in an instantaneous binding of a small area of the aluminum material on the outer surface of a tread segment to the inner surface of the steel material of the mold segment bowl. This binding can effect instantaneous tearing of a portion of the tread segment aluminum material out of the outer surface of such tread segment.
When this occurs, particles of the aluminum material will be torn away from the rear surface of the tread segments so as to define a vertically extending groove in the outer surface of the tread segment as the tread segment undergoes vertical travel towards its closed position. The aluminum particles torn out of the groove may ball-up in the space between the outer surface of the tread segment and the inner surface of the mold bowl, so as to wedge the affected tread segment radially inward away from contact with the bowl thereby creating a gap between the outer surface of the tread segment and the inner surface of the bowl. Such gap blocks the flow of heat from the mold section into the damaged tread segment whereby the temperature of the tread segment adjacent the gap is reduced to the extent that undercuring of the tire can occur adjacent the gap.
Also, since the damaged tread segment is forced radially inward away from the bowl, the tire may assume an out-of-round shape when it is being cured. It then becomes necessary to remove the affected tread segment from the mold bowl, file off the balled-up tread segment material, apply new lubricant to the rear surface of the tread segments, as well as the inner surface of the mold section bowl, and replace the repaired tread segment in the bowl. These corrective operations, as well as others, are lengthy and labor intensive and also preclude use of the mold to cure tires during such corrective operations. If the tread segments are formed of steel, such segments may also fuse to the bowl as they slide along the inner surface of the bowl.
As a result, it is possible that the upper mold section may be in the open, raised position for an extended period of time while operators work underneath the raised mold section. Any safety measure for ensuring that the upper mold section is more secure during such maintenance would be desirable.


An electrical plug-type connector is proposed with latching elements arranged on opposite sides of the connector for mechanical locking of the connector. The latching elements extend over not more than half the side of the connector and are arranged diagonally opposite one another such that when contact is made between complementary connectors, the respective latching elements along the sides of connectors are arranged adjacent to each other in a non-interfering manner.

Electrical plug connections enjoy a wide variety of applications. It must initially be distinguished between A electrical plug connections for connecting individual devices via a direct connection or via a cable-attached connection. In the first case, direct connection, the devices to be brought into contact are done so directly via suitable plug connections; they are therefore in direct contact with one another and do not require a cable. Such direct connections find application for example in so-called docking stations, with which a portable computer can be integrated into a stationary computer system. In the second case, cable-attached, the devices to be in contact have suitable connectors such as plugs or sockets and are connected to each other via one or more cables.
Plug connections must be further classified as those with a security mechanism to protect against mechanical separation of the connection and those without such a mechanism. In the case of plug connections without a security mechanism, the mechanical grip of the connectors is effected primarily by friction between the connectors, but it is not protected from intentional or unintentional separation of the connection. In the case of connections with a mechanism safeguarding against mechanical separation of the connection, there is an intentional mechanical locking between the connecting elements themselves, in addition to a mechanical engagement of the connectors. This can be effected for example by threading, clamping, or latching.
Finally, in the case of plug connections with a mechanism to prevent mechanical slippage, distinction must be made between those with a fixed connection and those with a pull-apart separation function, for example when a tensile load exceeding a certain threshold is exerted. The former are effected primarily with screws, while the latter preferably have spring-loaded latching contacts that--with no tensile load--engage one another and, when a certain tensile load is applied, disengage and release the connection.
Electrical plug connections with a locking function are used almost exclusively for cable-attached connections and find only limited application in direct connections such as in a docking station. In particular, mechanical locking mechanisms with a pull-apart function under tensile load are not suited to use in direct connections, since it is usually undesirable to pull apart the devices connected by the plug connection in order to effect mechanical unlocking. Therefore, for a direct connection or cable-attached connection with integrated separation function under tensile load, different plug connections must be provided to prevent interference of the locking mechanisms.
FIG. 1 shows a prior art electrical plug connection. A plug 10 (male) is to be connected to a corresponding, complementarily shaped socket 20 (female). The plug 10 has contact elements 30 in a housing 40, a cable 50, and latching elements 60A and 60B. Socket 20, which for example can be built into a housing, has contact elements 70 complementary to the contact elements 30, a contact body 80, and latching elements 90A and 90B. When plug 10 and socket 20 are interconnected, latching elements 60B and 90B as well as 60A and 90A engage one another. This produces an integrated pull-apart function under tensile load exerted for example on cable 50, whereby the maximum tensile load, which leads to separation, depends on the geometric design of the latching elements 60A, 60B, and 90A, 90B, and in particular on the shape of any undercut 95A, 95B, as well as on the material used in this case.
When using socket 20 for a direct connection, the latching elements 90A and 90B are typically omitted.

Electrical security plug-type connection for direct and cable-attached connecting


This disclosure relates to the use of one or more proteins (e.g., globular proteins) having a low isoelectric point and/or a limited number (e.g., zero) of modifying groups in nucleic acid polymerization and/or amplification reactions such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Many widely known recombinant nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA) techniques involve polymerizing and/or amplifying DNA. One such example is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). During PCR, the reaction cycles repeatedly between at least two temperatures, a low and a high temperature (e.g., 55° C. and 95° C.) in the presence of a thermostable DNA polymerase enzyme. The total period of time spent at the high temperature over the course of the reaction depends upon the total number of cycles, the duration of the high temperature step of each cycle, and the ramp speed (i.e., the rate at which the thermocycler changes from one temperature to another). Although the DNA polymerases used in PCR are highly thermostable, they tend to become inactive at high temperatures over time. Furthermore, these polymerases may also become inactive by being introduced into reaction mixture environments with sub-optimal concentrations of cofactors, or that have sub-optimal pH levels, or that include the presence of chemical or biological inhibitors.
One way of stabilizing an enzyme under such conditions is to add a stabilizing agent, such as a surfactant. Surfactants, such as detergents, are surface-active compounds that stabilize the interface between the active form of an enzyme and its liquid environment. For example, the activity of Taq DNA polymerase has been stabilized by the addition of nonionic detergents, such as NP-40 or Tween® 20 (Bachmann, et al. Nuc. Acids Res. 18(5): 1309 (1990)). In some applications, however, detergent-stabilized (e.g., Tween® 20) DNA polymerases have low efficiencies of amplification or lead to the amplification of non-specific products. There is a need, therefore, for reagents and methods that improve the efficiency and/or stability of thermostable DNA polymerases in solution during polymerization and/or amplification reactions.

Polymerization of nucleic acids using proteins having low isoelectric points


A transfer device includes a pair of transfer frames, a belt member, a pair of transfer roller levers which are respectively arranged on inner sides of the transfer frames pivotably, a transfer roller which is provided between first ends of the transfer roller levers rotatably, a pair of first urging members, which are respectively provided on second ends of the transfer roller levers to energize the transfer roller toward the belt member, and a pair of transfer pressure controlling members which are respectively provided on the transfer frames movably to control urging power of the first urging members.

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using electrophotography such as a copying machine, a printer or a facsimile.
Also, the present invention relates to a toner transporting device which transports waste toner removed from an image bearing member by using a metal spiral member, and an image forming apparatus having the toner transporting device.
As an image forming apparatus, there is a type in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on an image bearing member such as a photoconductor, this electrostatic latent image is developed with toner. Then, a toner image is subjected to a first transfer onto an intermediate transfer belt. By repeating the above process each time the intermediate transfer belt rotates, multi layer transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer belt, and thereafter a full color image of four colors is subjected to a second transfer on a sheet material.
In this type image forming apparatus, when the toner image on the image bearing member is subjected to the first bias transfer on the intermediate transfer belt, the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt by a bias applied to a transfer roller. At this time, it is necessary to keep appropriate and uniform a transfer pressure for pressing the transfer roller on the image bearing member through the belt. This reason is that: if the transfer pressure is too high, a hollow defect is produced in the toner image after transfer; and if the transfer pressure is too low, poor transfer is caused. Therefore, a type in which a transfer pressure controlling unit for pressing a first bias transfer roller is provided has been known (refer to JP-A-2001-194932).
However, JP-A-2001-194932 does not disclose how to attach the transfer pressure controlling means for the transfer roller to a frame of the intermediate transfer belt. Further, since a belt retreat mechanism and a belt tension mechanism are generally provided on the frame of the intermediate transfer belt, it is difficult to provide the transfer pressure controlling unit simply.
Further, waste toner removed from an image bearing member is transported to a discharge port by a toner transporting screw arranged in a waste toner transporting path (refer to JP-A-2001-228771). The screw has two types wound spirally, of which one is made of plastic, and of which the other is made of metal. The type in which the metal is wound has the following characteristics.
Since the waste toner can be uniformly transported to the discharge port little by little, clogging of the waste toner near the discharge port is difficult to occur.
Since the metal screw is more elastic than the plastic screw, resistance is difficult to be produced from a shape of the waste toner transporting path and a surface thereof.
The metal screw having such the characteristics includes problems of an unstable posture and vibration. Therefore, until now, the metal screw rotates while its both ends are fixed thereby to prevent the problems of the unstableness and the vibration.
Conventionally, using such the characteristics, the waste toner is transported. Regarding transportation of the waste toner, it is not preferable that the waste toner remains in the transporting path. Particularly, in a case that the waste toner remains near the discharge port (on the opposite side to a screw drive side), there are the following problems.
Clogging near the discharge port due to the residual waste toner.
Stain due to flying of the waste toner in exchange of a waste toner bottle or in cleaning in a cleaner.
Further, also in case that the waste toner remains near the drive side, the following problem is thought.
Waste toner leakage from a bearing part by drive vibration.
Since the above problems are caused, it is necessary to make the clearance amount between the screw and the transporting path side surface minimum thereby to reduce the residual toner in the transporting path as much as possible.
However, in a case that the clearance amount is small, the screw may rub strongly against the side surface of the transporting path at its both ends, which causes abnormal sound. As a cause of the strong rubbing, there are the following two factors.
Off-centering of screw in a nozzle (cap part of screw extending from a cleaner case to the outside.
Slack of screw produced by friction power between the off-center screw and the transporting path side surface.
A center position of the screw is determined by a center axis in the nozzle and the bearing without allowance (play). Therefore, in a case that decentering of the screw in the nozzle is produced by rotation of the screw, the pressure generated by the decentering is applied onto the transporting path side surface and the screw rubs against the transporting path side surface, so that the abnormal sound is generated. Further, the slack of the screw is caused by decentering, whereby the screw rubs against the transporting path side surface, so that the abnormal sound is generated. Since the screw is essentially decentered, in a case that the metal screw is used, it is necessary to take some measures for the factors of decentering.
Further, in an intermediate transfer system of an electrophotographic process, a toner image formed on a photoconductor is multi-layer transferred on an intermediate transfer medium (first bias transfer). A belt supported by plural roller or an intermediate transfer drum is used as the intermediate transfer medium. After transfer (second bias transfer) is performed from the intermediate transfer medium onto a transfer material, toner (residual toner) which is not transferred completely remains on the intermediate transfer medium. In a case that the transfer material is jammed because of any reason, a large amount of the toner remains on the intermediate transfer medium. In order to remove this residual toner, generally a blade or a brush is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer medium to scrape off the toner. The scraped-off toner is fed to a waste toner tank for storing the waste toner by a spiral rotator for transporting the waste toner which is located under the blade or the brush (JP-A-2001-228771).
However, in the constitution of the related example, under the blade or the brush, or at the inside of a cleaner which is a transporting path of the waste toner, the waste toner that has not been completely removed by only rotation of the spiral rotator remains. When the apparatus is violently moved in carriage under a state where the waste toner remains, the residual toner inside the cleaner flies up, so that the toner scatters inside the apparatus. This scattering is produced more severely by collision in the toner transporting path between the spiral rotator and the transporting path due to the vibration. In order to prevent this scattering, the blade or the brush comes into contact with the intermediate transfer medium when the apparatus stops, whereby the toner leakage can be prevented. However, in this case, the blade or the brush causes permanent strain, so that there is a problem that cleaning performance worsens. Further, when the severe vibration is forecasted, the intermediate transfer medium and the cleaner part may be detached from the apparatus body to perform cleaning. However, in this case, the operation becomes troublesome, so that there are also problems that cleaning cannot be performed sufficiently, the unit is broken with the detachment, and the intermediate transfer medium surface is stained by contact.

Transfer device, with transfer pressure control


An ink composition for inkjet printing is disclosed herein. The ink composition includes a self-dispersed carbon black pigment with alkali metal counter ions, polyurethane, and an aqueous carrier. The aqueous carrier includes water, at least one water-soluble organic solvent, and at least one surfactant. In one embodiment, the aqueous carrier further includes an additive having a polar head group and a C8-C18 hydrocarbon tail.

Inkjet printing is a non-contact printing process in which droplets of ink are ejected from an ink pen equipped with printhead nozzles onto a media substrate (e.g. paper) to form an image. Inkjet inks may be dye-based or pigment-based and are characterized by certain required properties such as color, jettability, drying time, long term storage stability, decap time (the amount of time a printhead can be left uncapped and idle and can still fire ink droplets properly), etc.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A probing system that checks a pattern formed by a plurality of features of an object. The system includes an input device that receives an ideal position and an ideal set of dimensions of each of the plurality of features, as well as an acceptable tolerance for the plurality of features. The input device generates a first signal. A probe device is electrically connected to the input device to receive the first signal, and in response, directs a probe to a location of samples. The probe device outputs a second signal indicative of a measured location of each of the samples. A processor is electrically connected to the probe device and the input device, and performs the operations of receiving and storing in memory the first signal indicative of the ideal position and tolerance of each of the plurality of features, receiving and storing in the memory the second signal indicative of the measured location of each of the samples from the probe device, and calculating a measured position of each of the plurality of features based on the measured location of each of the samples. The processor also offsets the stored ideal position of each of the plurality of features by a predetermined value of variance to an adjusted ideal position of each of the plurality of features, and determines whether the measured position of each of the plurality of features falls within the acceptable tolerance of the respective adjusted position of each of the plurality of features.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for probing a component using a numerically controlled device, and, more particularly to a method and apparatus for probing specific features on a component to determine their pattern on the component.
2. Background Information
The present invention relates to a Numerically Controlled (NC) device. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, an NC device 400 often includes a platform 402 which uses support devices, shown here as stand-offs 404a-c, to hold a component 406 in a fixed position. The NC device 400 also has a chuck 408 attached to an articulating head 410 capable of pivoting about a "b" axis, as shown in FIG. 1a, as well as an "a" axis and a "c" axis, as shown in FIG. 1b. The NC device 400 moves the chuck 408 along the X-axis and the Y-axis utilizing movement of an arm 412 that travels along tracks (not shown). The chuck 408 can be repositioned along the X axis and the Y axis allowing the formation of a plurality of features, some of which can be positioned on the component 406 in a predetermined pattern. The arm 412 is also capable of moving the position of the chuck 408 along the Z-axis using a vertical track 414, shown in FIG. 1b. The chuck 408 may hold a drill, a milling tool, as well as a number of other tools typically used in precision machining. Accordingly, the NC device 400 is capable of performing a machining operation at a number of positions on the component 406 to form a predetermined pattern.
As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the NC device 400 includes an input device 416 for inputting "high level" instructions designating the precise locations for machining each of the features, including those of a pattern, on the component 406. These instructions are transmitted to a post processor 418. The post processor 418 is in communication with a machine control unit (MCU) 422 of the NC device 400. The post processor 418 adapts the "high level" instructions of the input device 416 to the specific requirements of the NC device 400 and its MCU 422, and outputs a work piece instruction understandable to the MCU 422. The instructions from the post processor 418 are stored in a memory 420. The memory 420 can either be part of the NC device 400, as is the case when the NC device 400 is a computer numerical control (CNC) device having its own dedicated individual computer, or the memory 420 can be located remote from the NC device 400, as is the case when the NC device 400 is a direct numerical control (DNC) device. In the case where the NC device 400 is a DNC device, a remote computer such as a mainframe or UNIX.RTM. workstation will hold the instructions from the post processor 418 in a separate memory until accessed by the MCU 422.
To operate the arm 412 and the articulating head 410 of the NC device 400, shown in FIG. 1a, the MCU 422 sequentially accesses work piece instructions from the memory 420 and then translates these instructions into signals directly actionable by the NC device 400. For example, if the instruction is to move the chuck 408 to a first hole location of a predetermined pattern at a position some n number of units along the X-axis, then the MCU 422 will apply a voltage to at least one of motors 424a-424e to drive the arm 412 along the track (not shown) on the platform 402, until it has moved the designated number of n units. In an open loop system, a known amount of travel will be performed by the motors 424a-424e, preferably stepping motors, when a given voltage for a given duration is applied to the motors 424a-424e. On the other hand, in a closed loop system, the MCU 422 will apply the signal voltage until a sensing device (not shown) determines that the arm 412 has traveled the designated number of units. Thus, in a closed loop system, the articulating head 410 moves in response to instruction from the MCU 422 and then the sensing device (not shown) indicates to the controller 422 when the desired position has been reached.
The movement of the chuck 408 some n number of units along the Y-axis is accomplished by the MCU 422 in the same manner as was the X-axis. Once the position of the first hole has been located along the X-axis and the Y-axis the MCU 422 applies a voltage to at least one of the motors 424a-424e to drive the chuck 408 along the vertical track 414 to a desired depth within the component 406. The MCU 422 repeats this process for each feature in the pattern.
Once the NC device 400 has completed a plurality of operations to form various features within the component 406, including the formation of at least one predetermined pattern, the accuracy of each of the operations must be checked. Then, the predetermined pattern formed on the component 406 must be compared with the composite tolerances of the pattern to determine if the pattern was formed within acceptable limits.
One method of ensuring that the features, as well as the predetermined pattern, machined on the component 406 are in tolerance is to remove the component 406 from the stand-offs 404a-404c and transfer the component 406 to a coordinate measurement machine (CMM) (not shown). However, when the component 406 is large, such a transfer becomes exceedingly difficult and may cause the component 406, and thereby the pattern on the component 406, to permanently distort by warping or drooping. Further, the CMM tends to be expensive to purchase and operate, so there are usually only a few available at a manufacturing facility. This causes long queues and delays before the component 406 can be checked. When using the CMM (not shown) to determine if a pattern on the component 406 is within tolerance, an offset is chosen to compensate for machining variations and axial differences before comparing ideal pattern dimensions with measured pattern values. Once the offset has been determined, each feature is sequentially probed, and then the dimensions and center of the feature are calculated. The data indicating the center of each feature are then offset by the amount chosen. The features in the ideal pattern as offset are then compared with the measured pattern values. If one of the features, such as a hole, is found to be out of tolerance, then a new offset is chosen, and the CMM probes each hole all over again. The center values of the new probing are then offset with the new value to determine if the pattern is in tolerance. This lengthy procedure is repeated over and over until all features are found to be tolerance or until all reasonable offset values have been tried. Thus, if the first few offsets calculated lead to poor tolerance measurements of at least one of the features, then each time a new offset is calculated, every single feature in the pattern on the component 406 must be physically re-measured. Further, if every attempt to obtain acceptable tolerances using different offsets fails, the CMM has no way to determine which offset yielded the best results, i.e., the offset yielding the least number of features in the pattern that were out of tolerance.
For the foregoing reason, there is a need for an apparatus and a method that can determine if a pattern machined onto a component is within tolerance without requiring the resampling of data once it has been acquired. Further, the apparatus and method should provide the best pattern data available, even if some features of the pattern are out of tolerance. The probe technology should accomplish the above objectives by utilizing a plurality of data to determine if the component 406 is acceptable. Finally, the apparatus and method should allow the probing of the component 406 to be conducted by the NC device that machined the component, to forego the delays and distortions caused when the component is transferred to a CMM.

Method and apparatus for numerically controlled pattern determination


The present disclosure is related to obtaining and using sulfobetaine and hydroxysultaine-based geminal zwitterionic liquids as wettability modifiers for rocks such as limestone, dolomite, sandstone, quartz or heterogeneous lithologies, under the presence of brines having high content of divalent ions as calcium, magnesium, barium and strontium, at high temperature and high pressure conditions for enhanced oil recovery processes to increase the oil production. The geminal zwitterionic liquids of the present disclosure have also the property of acting as corrosion inhibitors of ferrous metals used in pipelines and equipment for crude oil extraction, production, transport and storage operations. A further advantage shown by zwitterionic liquids derived from their molecular structure is they can be dissolved in distilled water, brine, hydrocarbon solvents, aromatics and alcohols.

Geminal zwitterionic liquids (1) are a family that is characterized by having hydrocarbon chains (A), a bridge (B) and two polar zwitterionic groups (C).

The Geminal zwitterionic liquids are neutral compounds that contain formal positive (2 cations) and negative charges (2 anions) at different atoms of the same molecule. They are molecules capable of adapting to different media and therefore they can be designed so that they respond efficiently according to pollutants and operating conditions where they are expected to work.
Below, there are some examples of chemical structures of zwitterionic liquids sulphonate-base, that are reported in the literature (2) [Chemistry Letters, 2004, 33 (12), 1594-1595; Latvian Journal of Chemistry, 2010, (1-4), 102-113; Monatshefte für Chemie, 2008, 139, 799-803].

For the particular case of the increase in the hydrocarbons production after primary and secondary recoveries, the oil reservoir still contains 50-80% of crude oil originally in place. This is due to that the primary and secondary recovery methods efficiency is limited by two factors:                At pore scale, the crude oil can reach such a residual saturation sufficiently low to be found in the form of discontinuous globules trapped by capillary forces.        At reservoir scale, there exist certain areas in which the injected fluid for the secondary recovery does not penetrate, as a result of the low permeability of these zones.
The currently proposed enhanced oil recovery methods are aimed at the solution of the above mentioned problems. The use of wettability modifiers surfactant chemicals is one of the methods most widely used, within these surfactants are cationic, anionic, non-ionic and zwitterionic or mixture of these chemicals.
A wettability modifier is defined as a surfactant that is able to change favorably the reservoir rock affinity. The wettability is a measure of the interaction among the phases presents in the reservoir and is a function of the interfacial chemistry of these phases and determines the tendency of a fluid to move forward or remain adhered to a solid surface in the presence of other immiscible fluids. The rock wettability can be modified naturally by the adsorption of polar compounds, the organic material deposits formation that were originally in oil or by different external agents. Wettability changes affect the capillary pressure, relative permeability, residual oil saturation and irreducible water saturation.
Despite of the continued progress in chemical wettability modifiers development, currently there exist reservoir sites very quiet difficult to handle, mainly because they are naturally fractured reservoirs, which have low matrix permeability, heterogeneous lithologies, high temperatures, above 90° C., high salinity, greater than 60,000 ppm as sodium chloride, and a high content of divalent ions, mainly calcium and magnesium, more than 5000 ppm.
As a result of the just mentioned above, the characterization of the reservoir type of rock, as well as the composition of adsorbed crude oil and its surrounding environment, it is of the utmost importance in designing new wettability modifiers and even to propose molecular structures tolerant to salt and divalent ions saturated brine, mainly calcium and magnesium; those chemicals ought to possess a good diffusion through the medium, generally composed of brine, oil which contains moieties with polar groups with affinity for the rock able to favorably modify the wettability from oil-wet to water-wet.
Globally there are a variety of specific cases of chemicals that have been successfully used to solve those problems, for example anionic surfactants such as sodium alkyl sulfonates or cationic surfactants like alkyl ammonium chlorides, but unfortunately their application is not universal, because of the conditions present in Mexican reservoirs are quite different from other countries, for this reason, the development of more versatile chemicals is of utmost importance, they have to be used in the most adverse known conditions, and they ought to be able to simultaneously solve the greatest number of problems, as for example the corrosion that is directly associated with the use of sea- or connate-water normally used as the solvent of the wettability modifier chemical, that in order to minimize implementation costs to be injected into the reservoir.
In order to increase the crude oil recovery factor, they have been developed wettability modifiers chemicals such as those cited below:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,580 (Oil Recovery Process for use in fractured reservoirs) protects an enhanced oil recovery process that involves the injection in the reservoir a Wettability modifier that consisting of a mixture of different types of surfactants like alkyl sulfonate type and chrome salts derived from fatty carboxylic acids.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,951 (Enhanced recovery by imbibition process) protects an enhanced recovery process that involves the injecting in the reservoir of a Wettability modifier that consisting of a mixture of different types of products, Within Which are ammonium salts, hydroxides of alkalis metals, alkyl tripolyphosphates and carbonates and bicarbonates of alkali metals.
US. Patent Application 2009/0023618 A1 (Method of Oil Recovery) protects an enhanced recovery process that involves the injecting to the reservoir of a Wettability modifier consisting of a mixture of different types of organophosphorus compounds.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,065 (Oil Recovery Process using a Wettability modifying cyclic process) protects an enhanced recovery process that involves the injecting to the reservoir of Wettability modifier that consisting of a mixture of different types of ethoxylates alcohols.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,738 (Control of wettability in oil recovery process), protects a process that it allows the change of Wettability through the use of mixtures of petroleum sulfonates.
MX patent 318024 refers to a geminal zwitterionic liquid composition, amino acid-base with wettability modifying properties in enhanced oil recovery processes with structural formula:

It should be noted that the zwitterionic liquids of said application differ from the present invention because they are sulfobetaine and hydroxysultaine type.
In relation to the use as corrosion inhibitors with application in hydrocarbons exploitation and transportation processes the specialized literature mentions that the main families of chemicals that have been used are: 1) 1-heteroalkyl-2-alkyl Imidazolines (Patent MX 254565, Corrosion Inhibitory Composition for Ferrous Metals in Acid Media, MX Patent 260049, Corrosion Inhibitory Composition and Hydrogen Ampoulement to Ferrous Metals in Basic Media) 2) Alkyl Amide Amines (Journal of Chemical Society of Mexico 2002, 46, 4, 335-340, Carbon Steel Corrosion Control in Hydrogen Sulfide Environments by 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-2-Alkyl-Imidazolines and their corresponding Amide Precursors; Applied Surface Science 2006, 252, 6, 2139-2152, Surface Analysis of Inhibitor Films Formed by Imidazolines and Amides on Mild Steel in an Acidic Environment), 3) Polyalkylene polyamines (U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,458, Polyalkylenepolyamines as Corrosion Inhibitors; U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,744, Derivatives of Polyalkylenepolyamines as Corrosion Inhibitors) 4) Acetylenic alcohols (U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,210, Corrosion inhibitors), 5) Diacetylenic alcohols (U.S. Pat. No. 4,039,336, Diacetylenic Alcohol Corrosion inhibitors), 6) Quaternary Ammonium Salts (U.S. Pat. No. 6,521,028, Low Hazard Corrosion Inhibitors and Cleaning Solutions Using Quaternary Ammonium Salts), 7) Bis-imidazolines (MX Patent 246603, Multifunctional, Biodegradable and Low Toxicity Corrosion Inhibitors) and 8) Bis-Quaternary Ammonium Salts (U.S. Patent Application 2006/0013798, Bis-Quaternary Ammonium Salt Corrosion Inhibitors).
Also, due to the impact of corrosion phenomenon in the oil industry when there are high salinities and divalent ions concentrations, at international level different institutions and companies have been working on the development of new chemical structures with improved properties, for example U.S. Pat. No. 8,105,987 (Corrosion Inhibitors for an Aqueous Medium) and U.S. Patent No. 2011/0138683 (Gemini Surfactants, Process of Manufacture and Use as Multifunctional Corrosion Inhibitors).
From the above, it is important to remark that in none of the aforementioned references, is referred the use of geminal zwitterionic liquids, hidroxisultaine and sulfobetaine-based neither it is suggested their obtaining process. Nor their use as wettability modifiers with corrosion inhibiting properties, which alter the rock wettability favorably in enhanced oil recovery processes a wide range of rocks such as limestone, dolomite, sandstone, quartz or heterogeneous lithologies, where these zwitterionic liquids may be exposed to brines with high content of divalent ion as they are calcium, magnesium, barium and strontium (150,000 ppm), temperatures up to 220° C.; pressures up to 300 kg/cm2; and they prevent and control the corrosion in pipeline of crude oil production in enhanced oil recovery processes.

Hydroxysultaine- and sulfobetaine-based geminal zwitterionic liquids, method for obtaining same, and use thereof as wettability modifiers having corrosion inhibiting properties


A method for printing a web page is provided. The method includes requesting for printing a web page of a web site connected to a web server after a user executes a web browser, downloading a web printing exclusive viewer on a personal computer of the user from the web server of the corresponding web site after requesting for printing the web page, and operating the web printing exclusive viewer, thereby generating from the web page an initial web page image to be sent to the printer and printed on the printing paper by the printer, wherein a size of the initial web page is adjusted such that an entire width of the initial web page image fits into a width of the printing area of the printing paper.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for printing a web page, and more particularly, to a method for printing a web page by automatically adjusting the size of the web page to be fitted into a printing area of a web browser, or a portion of contents of the fitted web page.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a widely used web printing method, a specific web page is printed on a predetermined printing paper by default by selecting a printing menu provided from the web browser connected to the specific web page of a web server after a user executes the web browser.
However, when the size of the web page exceeds a printing area of the printing paper in the web browser, there is a problem that a specific area of the web page (e.g. a right end portion of the web page) is printed on the printing paper with a cut portion since the web page is printed on a printing paper in the portrait mode by default regardless of the size of the web page. Thus, the printing paper can be wasted and it is also quite frustrating for the user.
Actually, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a home page of the printed Yahoo portal site (http://www.yahoo.com/) is printed on two A4 papers with a right portion cut using the printing menu provided from a Microsoft Internet Explorer (web browser).
On the other hand, the above problem of cutting a portion of the specific web page when printing can be resolved by switching from a portrait mode, which is set by default, to a landscape mode or changing the printing area of the printing paper in the portrait mode.
However, it is cumbersome to change the printing paper direction and the printing area (e.g. reducing a right margin) by selecting the printing menu each time printing the web page. Moreover, when the printing paper in the portrait mode is changed to the printing paper in the landscape mode, there is a still problem that a right end portion is cut when printing the web page with a width longer than that of the printing paper.
In the conventional method for printing the specific web page by selecting the printing menu, it is cumbersome for the user to copy corresponding contents from the web page, paste them on an additional word processor (e.g. MS word or Hangeul 2002), and print them when the user wants to print a necessary portion in the entire contents of the web page.


A method for a video call in a terminal for performing the video call includes receiving at least one of a video of another party user side or a video of a terminal user side; determining whether a preset capture condition is satisfied based on the received video; capturing an image satisfying the preset capture condition; determining whether the video call is terminated; and displaying at least one of the captured images on a display unit when the video call is terminated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method and an apparatus for a video call in a communication system, and more particularly, to a method of capturing video call videos according to a preset condition during a video call through a terminal to easily provide the captured video call videos to a user, and an apparatus thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
A call between users according to the related art has a characteristic to provide only a voice call through exchange of a voice. With the continued development of communication technology, bandwidth has been increased and performance of a terminal has also been developed such that a video call is now widely used. In recent years, types of terminals which can provide the video call have been increased. In a case of the video call, unlike the voice call according to the related art, various information can be transferred through a call, and user convenience can be increased.
However, although the type of information which can be exchanged through the video call has been increased, methods that enable a user to easily call based on video call, or can improve user convenience by providing available information, are insufficient for users. Further, when storing a moving image, a large storage space is required as compared with the voice call to store call contents. Hence, a method for solving the above problem is required.
Accordingly, there is a need for a method and an apparatus capable of improving user convenience based on such video call.

Method and apparatus for video call in communication system


A sleeve 1 is fixed on a base. Radial dynamic-pressure generating grooves 1A and 1B are provided on an inner surface of the sleeve 1. A thrust plate 4 hermetically seals a lower opening end of the sleeve 1. A shaft 2 is inserted inside the sleeve 1, being allowed to revolve. A flange 3 is fixed at the bottom end of the shaft 2, and its lower surface is placed close to an upper surface of the thrust plate 4. Thrust dynamic-pressure generating grooves 3A and 3B are provided on the surfaces of the flange 3. Gaps A–H among the sleeve 1, the shaft 2, the flange 3, and the thrust plate 4 are filled with a lubricant 5. Hollows 1C–1F are provided on the inner surface of the sleeve 1. The gaps A and C over the thrust dynamic-pressure generating grooves 3A and 3B and their vicinities are narrower than the surrounding gaps B and D (A<B, A<D, C<B, and C<D), and the surrounding gaps B and D are narrower than the gap H in the upper opening end of the sleeve 1 and its vicinity (B<H and D<H). The gaps E and G over the radial dynamic-pressure generating grooves and their vicinities are narrower than the surrounding gaps D and F (E<D, E<F, G<D, and G<F), and the surrounding gaps D and F are narrower than the gap H in the upper opening end of the sleeve 1 and its vicinity (D<H and F<H).

The present invention relates to hydrodynamic bearings and disk recording/reproducing apparatuses equipped with them.
Disk recording/reproducing apparatuses include magnetic disks and magnetically or optically perform reading and writing of data for the magnetic disks while revolving the magnetic disks. Further increases in capacity and speedups of data transfers are required of disk recording/reproducing apparatuses. Accordingly, it is desired that revolutions of the magnetic disks become still faster and are stabilized with still higher precision. Hydrodynamic bearings are suitable for such high-speed and high-precision rotary drive systems.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of conventional hydrodynamic bearings. The top end of a shaft 31 is fixed on the center of a hub 36. A flange 33 in an annular shape allows the bottom end of the shaft 31 to pass through its inside and is fixed at the bottom end of the shaft 31. Thrust dynamic-pressure generating grooves 33A and 33B are provided on surfaces of the flange 33. An outer surface of a sleeve 32 is fixed on a base 35, and an inner surface 32A of the sleeve 32 surrounds the shaft 31. The flange 33 is then placed in a hollow 32D formed by a bottom surface of the sleeve 32 and an inner surface of the base 35. A thrust plate 34 is fixed on the base 35 and closes the lower side of a space surrounded by the sleeve 32 and the base 35. The upper surface of the thrust plate 34 is then opposed to the lower surface of the flange 33. In this hydrodynamic bearing, in particular, the thrust plate 34 completely cuts off gaps among the flange 33, the sleeve 32, and the base 35 from the outside space. Radial dynamic-pressure generating grooves are provided on one or both of a side of the shaft 31 and an inner surface of the sleeve 32. Radial dynamic-pressure generating grooves are usually provided on two regions, a first region 32B near the flange 33 and a second region 32C near the upper opening end of the sleeve 32 (see broken lines shown in FIG. 6.) The thrust dynamic-pressure generating grooves 33A and 33B and the radial dynamic-pressure generating grooves 32B and 32C are, for example, herringbone-shaped grooves. Gaps among the shaft 31, the sleeve 32, the thrust plate 34, and the base 35 are filled with oil 42. Magnetic disks 39 are fixed on the outer surface of the hub 36, being concentric with the shaft 31. Generally, several sheets of the magnetic disks 39 are installed. The spacers 40 are installed between inner radii of the magnetic disks 39, and the clamper 41 further presses down the inner radii of the magnetic disks 39 from the top. Thereby, the magnetic disks 39 are fixed on the hub 36. Magnets 38 are installed on the inner surfaces of the hub 36. On the other hand, stators 37 are installed on the base 35 and opposed to the magnets 38.
The above-described hydrodynamic bearing operates as follows. Rotating magnetic fields occur when the stators 37 are energized. The hub 36 undergoes a torque from the rotating magnetic fields through the magnets 38. Thereby, the shaft 31, the hub 36, and the magnetic disks 39 revolve in a body around the shaft 31. During the revolution, the oil 42 flows along the radial dynamic-pressure generating grooves and is concentrated in each central part of the first region 32B and the second region 32C. As a result, pressure in the radial direction of the shaft 31 is enhanced in those central parts. This pumping effect maintains stable spacing between the shaft 31 and the sleeve 32, and thereby the rotation axis of the magnetic disks 39 does not substantially shift in the radial direction of the shaft 31. Similarly, the oil 42 flows along the thrust dynamic-pressure generating grooves 33A and 33B and is concentrated in each central part of regions where the thrust dynamic-pressure generating grooves 33A and 33B are provided. As a result, pressure in the axial direction of the shaft 31 is enhanced on surfaces of the flange 23. This pumping effect maintains stable spacing between the flange 33 and the sleeve 32 and stable spacing between the flange 33 and the thrust plate 34. Therefore, the rotation axis of the magnetic disks does not substantially tilt from the axial direction of the shaft 31. Thus, the above-described hydrodynamic bearing maintains the high-speed revolution of the magnetic disks 39 stable with high precision.
In such a conventional hydrodynamic bearing as the above-described one, the above-described pumping effects are fully exerted under the condition with the oil 42 covering the whole of the radial dynamic-pressure generating grooves 32B and 32C and the whole of the thrust dynamic-pressure generating grooves 33A and 33B. However, an abundance of minute air bubbles (microbubbles) intrudes into the oil 42, for example, after a time lapse of use. The microbubbles accumulate particularly in spaces where pressure is low among gaps filled with the oil 42, and then agglomerate into large air bubbles there. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing positions where the air bubbles tend to appear. The air bubbles 43 tend to accumulate in the intermediate region 32E between the first region 32B and the second region 32C, the perimeter of the flange 33, and their vicinities, as shown in FIG. 7. When those air bubbles are large and many, or when those swell with variations of outside air pressure or temperature rises of the oil 42, the oil 42 is pushed and shifts by the pressure of the air bubbles. Thereby, the oil 42 tends to escape outward from the gap between the top of the shaft 31 and the upper opening of the sleeve 32 (see droplets 42A shown in FIG. 7.) Furthermore, a so-called lack of oil film, that is, a condition that the oil 42 fails to cover the whole of the radial dynamic-pressure generating grooves and the thrust dynamic-pressure generating grooves, occurs when the amount of leakage of the oil 42 is excessive. In that case, the above-described pumping effects become insufficient, and this increases, for example, the risk of excessively hard contact between the shaft 31 and the sleeve 32 or between the flange 33 and the thrust plate 34 resulting in serious wear of them.

Hydrodynamic bearing and disk recording/reproducing apparatus

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


The system for treating effluent water coming out from the desalter in accordance with the present invention comprises a slop oil separator 1 for removing oil components in the effluent water from the desalter; a WSR separator 2 for further removing emulsion type oil components using naphtha; a water stripper 4 for removing gas components such as H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3 in the effluent water discharged from the WSR separator; a reaction tank 5 for reacting organic and/or inorganic impurity matters such as phenols and suspended solids in the effluent water discharged from the water stripper with activated charcoal; and a settling tank 6 in which an agglomerating agent is introduced, thereby precipitating sludge in the lower part of the settling tank. A buffering tank 3 may be installed between a desalter (not shown in FIG. 1) and an oil separator 1 or between a WSR separator 2 and a water stripper 4 to play a role as a buffer for safety in case of an accident in the process. Activated charcoal is introduced into the reaction tank 5. An agitator 14 is installed to mix physically the effluent water containing activated charcoal in the reaction tank. Alternatively, an air supply device 15 is installed to mix the effluent water containing an activated charcoal by supplying air into the reaction tank.

Generally, crude petroleum contains various salts such as NaCl, MgCl.sub.2, CaCl.sub.2 and the like. Such salts in the crude petroleum should be removed in a desalter of an oil refinery process. In order to remove the salts in crude oil, a lot of degassed water is employed in the desalter. In other words, the degassed water removes the salts from the crude petroleum in the desalter, and discharges from the desalter. The water discharging from the desalter is called as effluent water. The effluent water still contains oil components, phenols, gas components such as H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3, as well as salts. Accordingly, the effluent water shows a high level of COD. In order to discharge the effluent water to the sea, the effluent water should be treated. In general, the effluent water should be sent to a wastewater disposal plant for a biochemical treatment. As the amount of the effluent water coming out from a petroleum refinery process is about 30 to 60% of the total wastewater from all of the processes, the treatment of effluent water requires a large scale of treatment equipment and costs a lot.
One of the systems for treating effluent water has been developed by Nippon Oil Eng. Construction Co., and the system comprises a slop oil separator and a whole straight run ("WSR") separator (hereinafter, "NECC system"). It is possible to remove oil components in the effluent water by means of the NECC system, whereas COD components or gas components such as H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3 in the effluent water may not be removed perfectly in the NECC system.
Accordingly, the present inventors have developed a system for treating effluent water coming out from a desalter so as to remove all the contaminating components, to lower the COD lcvel of the effluent water, and finally to discharge the effluent water to the sea directly or to recycle the effluent water for other purposes.

System for treating desalter effluent water


A method for assembling a stone on a setting support, the stone being cut to exhibit a table, a crown, a girdle and a pavilion, including the steps of: providing a substrate coated with a pattern including an electrically conductive layer covered with a resin layer, the pattern having an inner contour delimiting a hole through the coated substrate and an outer contour corresponding to the outer contour of the desired setting support; removing the resin layer; after dissolution of the resin layer, positioning the stone in the through hole, the stone resting on the electrically conductive layer; and electrodepositing a metal layer on the electrically conductive layer to form the setting support, in order to make the stone integral with the metal layer.

It is known to set precious, semi-precious or synthetic stones by means of prongs, beads or channels. The conventional setting method of assembling a natural stone, such as a diamond or emerald, in a jewel setting by means of claws generally requires dimensional control of close to 5/100 mm of the stones. For this reason, this type of setting method is not compatible with that of mass-produced, low-cost set stones using higher precision stones, close to 1/100 mm, such as synthetic diamond, zircon and ruby.
EP Patent No. 0900533 concerns a hollow jewel including an ornamental stone inserted into a jewel setting and then coated with an electrodeposited material, the stone being secured by said electrodeposited material which surrounds the setting and the stone.
EP Patent No. 2432632 concerns a method for manufacturing an article provided with a precious stone, wherein the precious stone is arranged in or on a retention device and wherein plastic material is injected behind the stone by means of an injection moulding machine. The retention device includes a support sheet on or via which the precious stone is held during the injection moulding process.
EP Patent No. 2421714 concerns a decorative item comprising two substantially parallel plates which are arranged at a distance from one another and at least one of which is partially permeable to visible light. A plurality of precious stones is arranged between the plates. A device intended to fix the precious stones in a specific position is located between the plates. The positioning device includes compartments inside which is arranged a precious stone. At least one of the plates directly adjoins the compartments.
EP Patent No. 3024351 concerns a method for securing a precious stone in a shell made of fusible material, wherein the shell has a hole inside which the precious stone is arranged. The precious stone touches the shell at at least one point. The precious stone is heated by a heat source until the shell changes into an at least partially molten state in the point of contact area, so that a rigid connection can be established between the precious stone and the case after cooling.

The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd