Semi-solid antiperspirant compositions are disclosed. These compositions do not leave a significant white residue on the skin of the user and exhibit good skin feel when applied. In addition, the compositions allow for the incorporation of free water into the formulation without deactivating the antiperspirant active. This is particularly useful in the incorporation of solutions of natural botanical components into the antiperspirant composition. The semi-solid antiperspirant compositions of the present invention comprise from about 5% to about 35% of a particulate antiperspirant active; from about 10% to about 60% of a volatile solvent; from about 2% to about 15% of a thickening agent; from about 1% to about 10% of an ester wax; and from about 0.5% to about 10% water.

The present invention relates to a topical composition which, when applied to the human body, provides an antiperspirant benefit to the user. Particularly, the present invention relates to an antiperspirant composition in semi-solid form, such as a soft solid, gel or cream.
Antiperspirant and deodorant products are widely used throughout the world today. Their primary benefit, of course, is their ability to suppress perspiration and/or odors on the body of the user. Since such compositions are generally applied topically to the skin, it is important, when formulating antiperspirant compositions, to make sure that they do not irritate the skin, that they do not leave an unsightly residue on the skin or clothes (i.e., that they are xe2x80x9cnon-whiteningxe2x80x9d) and that they provide good skin feel to the user. A product which leaves a white residue on the skin or clothes, or which feels cold, sticky or slimy when applied to the skin may be purchased once, but will not generally be re-purchased by the consumer. In the past, formulating a non-whitening product has been accomplished using mechanical processing means for the composition or through the use of butylene glycol in the composition. The utility of mechanical processing is limited since high shear mixing can only achieve a certain level of non-whitening on the skin. While butylene glycol is effective as a non-whitening agent, it tends to be sticky and tacky to the touch and, therefore, tends to result in undesirable skin feel properties for the compositions which incorporate it.
In the past, water or water-based extracts or additives have not been incorporated into antiperspirant compositions because they interact negatively with the antiperspirant active. Thus, when water is added to a conventional antiperspirant composition, the water and active form a precipitate which settles out of the anhydrous system, causing both cosmetic and efficacy problems.
The present invention permits the use of water in an antiperspirant semi-solid composition, as well as allowing the formulation of these compositions such that they are non-whitening on the skin while at the same time having good skin feel, through the incorporation of an ester wax material.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,069, Shin, issued Jun. 26, 1990, describes a substantially anhydrous semi-solid antiperspirant composition consisting essentially of 1-50% of an antiperspirant active powder; 2-6% of a fumed silica thickening/suspending agent (such as Cab-O-Sil(copyright)); 2-6% of a thickening/solid emollient (such as stearyl alcohol or hydrogenated castor oil); 2-15% of a nonvolatile liquid emollient/plasticizer (such as PEG-100 stearate, glyceryl stearate or PEG-20 sorbitan isostearate); and 30-70% of a volatile emollient (such as cyclomethicone). Water or water-based components are not incorporated into the disclosed compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,082, Cashin, et al., issued May 26, 1998, relates to cosmetic sticks (which are defined to include soft solid antiperspirant compositions) comprising 24-60% of a volatile silicone (such as cyclomethicone), 3-25% of a wax (such as stearyl alcohol or hydrogenated castor oil), and 10-40% of a gel component which comprises mineral oil or (butylene or propylene)/ethylene/styrene copolymers. Disclosed compositions include very low levels of PEG-25 propylene glycol stearate (0.15%) and water (0.5%).
International Patent Application WO 99/51192, Colgate-Palmolive Company, published Oct. 14, 1999, relates to low residue cosmetic compositions (for example, antiperspirant compositions) which include an active ingredient, a silicone gel material comprising an elastomer composition, and at least one surfactant having an HLB value of from 8-16. Emollients such as PEG-25, PEG stearate, glyceryl stearate, and PEG-100 stearate may be included in the disclosed compositions. The compositions are taught to exhibit reduced or eliminated film formation when applied to the skin, together with increased availability of the active ingredient.
The present invention relates to semi-solid antiperspirant compositions which comprise:
(a) from about 5% to about 35% of a particulate antiperspirant active;
(b) from about 10% to about 60% of a volatile solvent, such as cyclomethicone D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane);
(c) from about 2% to about 15% of a thickening agent, for example a solid emollient material such as stearyl alcohol or hydrogenated castor oil;
(d) from about 1% to about 10% of an ester wax, such as ester waxes having a total carbon content of from about 12 to about 40 carbons (examples include glyceryl stearate and sorbitan isostearate); and
(e) from about 0.5% to about 10% of water or a water-containing component, such as a water-based botanical extract (e.g., ginger extract).
These compositions not only provide effective antiperspirant performance to the user in an aesthetically acceptable semi-solid formulation (such as a soft solid composition, a gel or a cream), but also minimize the amount of skin whitening and provide acceptable skin feel to the user. In addition, from a formulational point of view, the antiperspirant compositions of the present invention allow for the incorporation of water or water-based components (such as botanical extracts) into an otherwise anhydrous antiperspirant system, without resulting in the deactivation of the antiperspirant active material.
All percentages and ratios given herein are xe2x80x9cby weightxe2x80x9d unless otherwise specified.
All patents and publications noted in this application are incorporated herein by reference.
The semi-solid antiperspirant compositions of the present invention include a particulate antiperspirant active, a volatile solvent, a thickening agent component, an ester wax and water, and may optionally contain additional components conventionally found in topical antiperspirant compositions. Each of those components, as well as the methods of making and using the compositions of the present invention, will be discussed in detail below.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9csemi-solid compositionxe2x80x9d is intended to encompass compositions which typically have a penetration force value of at least about 100 grams, as measured at 27xc2x0 C., 15% relative humidity, using conventional devices, for example a TA-XT2 texture analyzer, manufactured by Text Technology Corp., Scarsdale, N.Y. The penetration force value is not so high as to define a solid composition. Examples of semi-solid compositions include soft solid sticks, gels, and creams. The viscosities of the semi-solid compositions lie between those of liquids (on the low end) and solid sticks (on the high end).
The present composition contains from about 5% to about 35%, preferably from about 15% to about 26%, by weight of a particulate antiperspirant material. These weight percentages are calculated on an anhydrous metal salt basis (exclusive of glycine, the salts of glycine, or other complexing agents). The particulate antiperspirant material preferably has a particle size ranging about 1 to about 100 microns, more preferably from about 1 to about 50 microns. They may be impalpable or microspherical in form and, preferably, have a high bulk density (for example, greater than about 0.7 g/cm3). Any particulate antiperspirant materials known in the art may be used in the present invention. Such materials include, for example, many aluminum or zirconium astringent salts or complexes. Examples of useful antiperspirant materials are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,544, Franklin, et al., issued Sep. 11, 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,543, Fletcher, et al., issued Jul. 17, 2001; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,301, Scavone, et al., issued Feb. 13, 2001; all incorporated herein by reference.
Aluminum salts of this type include aluminum chloride and the aluminum hydroxyhalides having the general formula Al2(OH)xQy.XH2O where Q is chlorine, bromine or iodine; where x is from about 2 to about 5, and x+y=about 6, and x and y do not need to be integers; and where X is from about 1 to about 6. Aluminum salts of this type can be prepared in the manner described more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,692, Gilman, issued Jun. 3, 1975, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,904,741, Jones and Rubino, issued Sep. 9, 1975, incorporated herein by reference.
The zirconium compounds which are useful in the present invention include both the zirconium oxy salts and zirconium hydroxy salts, also referred to as the zirconyl salts and zirconyl hydroxy salts. These compounds may be represented by the following general empirical formula:
ZrO(OH)2xe2x88x92nzBz
wherein z may vary from about 0.9 to about 2 and need not be an integer, n is the valence of B, 2xe2x88x92nz is greater than or equal to 0, and B may be selected from the group consisting of halides, nitrate, sulfamate, sulfate, and mixtures thereof. Although only zirconium compounds are exemplified in this context, it will be understood that other Group IV B metal compounds, including hafnium, could be used in the present invention.
As with the basic aluminum compounds, it will be understood that the above formula is greatly simplified and is intended to represent and include compounds having coordinated and/or bound water in various quantities, as well as polymers, mixtures and complexes of the above. As will be seen from the above formula, the zirconium hydroxy salts actually represent a range of compounds having various amounts of the hydroxy group, varying from about 1.1 to only slightly greater than 0 groups per molecule.
Several types of antiperspirant complexes utilizing the above antiperspirant salts are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,068, Luedders et al., issued Feb. 12, 1974, incorporated herein by reference, discloses complexes of aluminum, zirconium and amino acids such as glycines. Complexes such as those disclosed in the Luedders et al. patent and other similar complexes are commonly known as ZAG. ZAG complexes are chemically analyzable for the presence of aluminum, zirconium and chlorine. ZAG complexes useful herein are identified by the specification of both the molar ratio of aluminum to zirconium hereinafter xe2x80x9cAl:Zrxe2x80x9d ratio) and the molar ratio of total metal to chlorine (hereinafter xe2x80x9cMetal:Clxe2x80x9d ratio). ZAG complexes useful herein have an Al:Zr ratio of from about 1.67 to about 12.5 and a Metal:Cl ratio of from about 0.73 to about 1.93.
Preferred ZAG complexes are formed by:
(A) co-dissolving in water
(1) one part Al2(OH)6xe2x88x92mQm, wherein Q is an anion selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and iodide, and m is a number from about 0.8 to about 2.0;
(2) x parts ZrO(OH)2xe2x88x92aQa.nH2O, where Q is chloride, bromide or iodide; where a is from about 1 to about 2; where n is from about 1 to about 8; and where x has a value of from about 0.16 to about 1.2;
(3) p parts neutral amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, dl-tryptophane, dl-xcex2-phenylalanine, dl-valine, dl-methionine and xcex2-alanine, and where p has a value of from about 0.06 to about 0.53;
(B) co-drying the resultant mixture to a friable solid; and
(C) reducing the resultant dried inorganic-organic antiperspirant complex to particulate form.
A preferred aluminum compound for preparation of such ZAG type complexes is aluminum chlorhydroxide of the empirical formula Al2(OH)5Cl.2H2O. Preferred zirconium compounds for preparation of such ZAG-type complexes are zirconyl hydroxychloride having the empirical formula ZrO(OH)Cl.3H2O and the zirconyl hydroxyhalides of the empirical formula ZrO(OH)2xe2x88x92aCl2.nH2O wherein a is from about 1.5 to about 1.87, and n is from about 1 to about 7. The preferred amino acid for preparing such ZAG-type complexes is glycine of the formula CH2(HN2)COOH. Salts of such amino acids can also be employed in the antiperspirant complexes. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,599, Rubino, issued Apr. 12, 1977, incorporated herein by reference.
A wide variety of other types of antiperspirant complexes are also known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,258, Siegal, issued Sep. 2, 1975, discloses a zirconium aluminum complex prepared by reacting zirconyl chloride with aluminum hydroxide and aluminum chlorhydroxide. U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,510, Rubino, issued Sep. 7, 1976, discloses an antiperspirant complex formed from certain aluminum compounds, certain zirconium compounds, and certain complex aluminum buffers. U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,896, issued Sep. 21, 1976, discloses an antiperspirant complex prepared from an aluminum polyol compound, a zirconium compound and an organic buffer. U.S. Pat. No. 3,970,748, Mecca, issued Jul. 20, 1976, discloses an aluminum chlorhydroxy glycinate complex of the approximate general formula [Al2(OH)4Cl][H2CNH2xe2x80x94COOH]. All of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.
Of all the above types of antiperspirant actives, preferred compounds include the 5/6 basic aluminum salts of the empirical formula Al2(OH)5Cl.2H2O; mixtures of AlCl3.6H2O and Al2(OH)5Cl.2H2O with aluminum chloride to aluminum hydroxychloride weight ratios of up to about 0.5; ZAG-type complexes wherein the zirconium salt is ZrO(OH)Cl.3H2O, the aluminum salt is Al2(OH)5Cl.2H2O or the aforementioned mixtures of AlCl3.6H2O and Al2(OH)5Cl.2H2O wherein the total metal to chloride molar ratio in the complex is less than about 1.25, the Al:Zr molar ratio is about 3.3, and the amino acid is glycine; and ZAG-type complexes wherein the zirconium salt is ZrO(OH)2xe2x88x92aCla.nH2O wherein a is from about 1.5 to about 1.87 and n is from about 1 to about 7, the aluminum salt is Al2(OH)5Cl.2H2O and the amino acid is glycine.
Preferred particulate antiperspirant materials include inorganic or organic salts of aluminum, zirconium or zinc, as well as mixtures of those materials. Aluminum chlorhydrate (ACH) actives and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine complex are particularly preferred antiperspirant actives for use in the present invention, with the aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine complex being particularly preferred.
Volatile hydrocarbon solvents (such as dodecene) and volatile silicone solvents are well known for use in cosmetic and deodorant sticks and may be used herein. Volatile silicones known for use in deodorant sticks are preferred for use in the present invention. The volatile silicone material is preferably either a cyclic or a linear polydimethylsiloxane and is present at a level of from about 10% to about 60%, preferably from about 20% to about 50%, of the composition.
The cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes preferably include from about 3 to about 7 silicon atoms, more preferably from about 4 to about 5 silicon atoms. The general formula for such siloxanes is wherein n is from about 3 to about 7. The linear polydimethylsiloxanes contain from about 3 to about 9 silicon atoms and have the general formula (CH3)3Sixe2x80x94O[Si(CH3)2xe2x80x94O]n-Si(CH3)3, wherein n is from about 1 to about 7.
Silicones of the above type are commercially available, for example, from Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning 344, 345 and 200 fluids), Union Carbide (Silicone 7207 and Silicone 7158), and Stauffer Chemical (SWS-03314), as well as from General Electric Specialty Chemicals.
The linear volatile silicone materials generally have viscosities of less than about 5 centistokes at 25xc2x0 C., while the cyclic materials have viscosities less than about 10 centistokes. xe2x80x9cVolatilexe2x80x9d means that the material has a measurable vapor pressure. A description of volatile silicones is found in Todd and Byers, xe2x80x9cVolatile Silicone Fluids for Cosmeticsxe2x80x9d, Cosmetics and Toiletries, 91:27-32 (1976), incorporated herein by reference.
Cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes, and particularly cyclomethicone D-5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane) and D-7 (tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane), are preferred for use in the compositions of the present invention.
The thickening agent component is present in the compositions of the present invention at from about 2% to about 15%, preferably from about 2% to about 10%, of the total composition. Thickening agent materials must be appropriate for topical administration, compatible with other ingredients in the composition, and have composition thickening properties. Conventional topical thickening agents for human use, such as silica and clays, may be used in the compositions herein. However, preferred thickening agents are solid emollient materials which have a melting point of at least about 40xc2x0 C.; these materials are generally selected from high melting point and low melting point waxes, and mixtures of those materials, although other well-known materials may be used. Examples of these preferred solid emollient materials useful in the present invention include C14-C40 fatty alcohols, polyethylenes, alkyl (C18-C45) methylsiloxanes, jojoba ester waxes, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and mixtures thereof. High melting point waxes (66-101xc2x0 C.) include such materials as beeswax, montan, ozokerite, ceresin, paraffin, hydrogenated castor oil, and C26-C40 linear alcohols. Low melting point waxes (40-65xc2x0 C.) include such materials as C14-C25 fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty amides, particularly stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, and polydimethylsiloxanyl beeswax. C16-C22 fatty acids and fatty alcohols are preferred low melting point waxes. Preferred thickening agent/solid emollient materials include stearyl alcohol, hydrogenated castor oil, and mixtures of stearyl alcohol and hydrogenated castor oil. Other examples include mineral oil and petrolatum.
The compositions of the present invention also include from about 1% to about 10% of a hydrophobic organic ester wax material. Although the identity of the specific ester or combination of esters is not especially critical, it has been found that suitable esters include at least about 10 carbon atoms, and preferably the ester includes from about 12 to about 40 carbon atoms. For example, suitable esters encompass those comprising an alcohol or polyol including from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms and a carboxylic acid including from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, or conversely an alcohol or polyol including from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms with a carboxylic acid including from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable esters include glycerol or sorbitol esters of C14-C30 fatty acids, with particularly preferred esters being glyceryl stearate, sorbitan isostearate, and mixtures of those materials.
Although semi-solid antiperspirant compositions typically are anhydrous (i.e., they do not contain free water), since the water tends to negatively interact with the antiperspirant active unless used in a carefully designed formulation, the compositions of the present invention contain from about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 8%, more preferably from about 3% to about 8%, of water. The presence of the other components in the present compositions, particularly the ester waxes, allows the introduction of water without deactivating the antiperspirant active material. As used herein, the term xe2x80x9cwaterxe2x80x9d is intended to encompass both free water itself, and water used as a solvent in a water-based component, such as a botanical extract. The water will typically be added to the composition in the form of a solvent for a water-soluble component, although it may be added as free water as well. Examples of a material which may be added to the composition of the present invention as a water solution include botanical or natural plant extracts, such as ginger extract, which may be added to achieve aesthetic or skin treatment benefits.
Examples of botanical extracts which may be included in the compositions of the present invention as aqueous solutions include ginger rhizome, almond, birch, clove, rose hip, white birch, gambi, burnet, hiba, willow herb, Phellodendron Amurense, Coptis Chinesis, clove oil extract, tea tree oil, olive leaf extract, rosemary extract, fennel seed, phytoplenolin, sericin, K2 glycerrizinate, capsaicin, menthol and menthyl lactate. Preferred materials include ginger extract, burnet extract, and mixtures of those materials. A particularly preferred material is ginger root extract (Zingiber Officinale), which can reduce the diameter and length of underarm hair and therefore decrease the amount of shaving required by the user.
The compositions of the present invention may also contain optional components conventionally used in antiperspirant or deodorant compositions which modify the physical characteristics of the semi-solid antiperspirant composition or components of that composition or serve as xe2x80x9cactivexe2x80x9d component when deposited on the skin in addition to the particulate antiperspirant material. Examples of such additional actives include bacteriostats and fungistats. Optional components useful herein are described in the following documents, all incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 4,049,792, Elsnau, issued Sep. 20, 1977; Canadian Patent 1,164,347, Beckmeyer et al., issued Mar. 27, 1984; European Patent Specification 117,070, May, published Aug. 29, 1984; and Geria, xe2x80x9cFormulation of Stick Antiperspirants and Deodorantsxe2x80x9d , Cosmetics and Toiletries, 99:55-60 (1984); all incorporated herein by reference.
The specific nonactive components that may be used in the present invention will depend upon the characteristics desired for the particular semi-solid antiperspirant compositions. These components are used at their art-established levels to achieve their art-established benefits. Such components include, for example, emollients, colorants, perfumes, emulsifiers, surfactants, preservatives, and skin feel enhancers. Although the present compositions may also contain fillers and particulate materials (such as talc, starch and silica (fumed and nonfumed, as well as mixtures thereof)) in addition to the antiperspirant active described above, such particulates may adversely affect the perceived low residue benefits of the present invention and, therefore, they should be used carefully with their levels appropriately minimized.
The antiperspirant compositions of the present invention may be manufactured using methods known in the art. Typical procedures are described in the examples given below.
The low residue semi-solid antiperspirant compositions of the present invention are used in a conventional manner. Specifically, the compositions may be used to prevent and/or control perspiration wetness by topically applying, one or more times a day, an effective amount of the composition to areas of the body particularly prone to perspiration (for example, the underarm or axillary area).

Semi-solid low residue water-containing antiperspirant composition


A method and a mobile device configured to obtain position information from a position broadcast system, the position broadcast system comprising a plurality of transmitters that each broadcast a respective signal containing position information for the respective transmitter. The method comprising: measuring signal strengths of signals from a plurality of the transmitters of the position broadcast system; and determining that the mobile device is out of range of the position broadcast system if the measured signals strengths satisfy at least one out of range criterion.

Position broadcast systems, either terrestrial or satellite based, are used to provide location information to user devices. Examples of such systems include: GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONAS, Galileo, and WAAS or extended GPS.
Some mobile devices are now being made with the ability to obtain position or location information from such systems. For example, many mobile devices have GPS receivers. Applications on such mobile devices or on servers supporting the mobile devices can integrate the position information obtained. For example, a mapping application may use the information to display a map showing a mobile device's current position.
GPS uses a plurality of satellites, presently approximately 30. Devices with GPS receivers can typically see 12 to 16 satellites at any one time. A device needs to be able to see or receive signals from at least three satellites to lock on to a position. To calculate latitude, longitude and altitude, signals from at least four satellites are required. Each satellite continuously broadcasts messages, in the form of packets, containing an identifier, timing signature, ephemeris data and almanac data. Almanac data indicates where in the sky the satellite is located. Ephemeris data contains information to account for distortions in the position and time data.
Strength of signals from GPS satellites at a GPS receiver's location will depend on many factors, such as where in the sky the respective satellite is located, obstacles blocking the signal and atmospheric conditions. Signals from GPS satellites are difficult to receive while the GPS receiver is inside a building because the structure of the building block or distort the signals. Often, when a GPS receiver enters a building it is no longer able to lock onto a position. Sometimes, if the GPS receiver has a lock and it enters a building a lock can be maintained, if only temporarily. However, if the lock is lost, for example, if the device enters an elevator, then it is difficult or impossible to obtain a lock again within the building.
GPS receivers' power consumption is at its highest when searching for satellites for the purpose of locking on to a position. Some user devices have procedures for a cold start, a warm start and a hot start. For a cold start, a user device will instruct its GPS receiver to search for every satellite in the sky. For a warm start, the user device will instruct the GPS receiver to search for satellites from a narrower range of satellites based on the user devices last known position. A hot start, an even narrower range is used. For a cold start uses more power than a warm start or a hot start.
Many devices with GPS receivers will continue to search for satellites when the device is out of range of those signals, for example inside a building. Continuously searching for satellites is very power intensive and can have a dramatic effect on length of time a battery in a mobile device maintains its charge.

Method and device to determine out of coverage for mobile devices


A reverse rotational number of a binding wire feed mechanism is set such that a binding wire is completely pulled back regardless of a boldness or flexibility of the binding wire, a diameter of a reinforcing bar or the like. A driven gear 14 having a V groove of the binding wire feed mechanism is brought into elastic contact with a main drive gear 13 having a V groove by a spring and the binding wire is fed by pinching the binding wire by the main drive gear 13 having the V groove and the driven gear 14 having the V groove. After feeding out the binding wire to form a loop around the reinforcing bar and clamping a front end of the binding wire by a twist mechanism, the binding wire feed mechanism is rotated reversely and the binding wire is pulled back to be wound around the reinforcing bar. After stopping the binding wire, the main drive gear 13 having the V groove and the driven gear 14 having the V groove are slipped relative to the binding wire to rotate idly and continue to rotate reversely until a predetermined rotational number.

There is known a reinforcing bar binding machine having a binding wire feed-mechanism for feeding out a binding wire and hanging the binding wire around a reinforcing bar and a binding wire twist mechanism for twisting the binding wire wound around the reinforcing bar to bind for carrying out binding operation of 1 cycle by successively executing binding ire binding operation and binding wire twisting operation by trigger operation. Further, as disclosed in, for example, JP-A-08-034406 (claim 2, paragraph No. 0022, paragraph No. 0055), there is proposed a reinforcing bar binding machine for pulling back a binding wire after binding wire feed operation, bringing a loop of the binding wire into close contact with a reinforcing bar to start twisting operation. According to the reinforcing bar binding machine, by pulling back the binding wire, a line length thereof is adjusted in accordance with a diameter of the reinforcing bar to thereby promote finishing and also save to reduce an amount of consuming the binding wire.
In the case of constituting the reinforcing bar binding machine such that the binding wire is pulled back after the binding wire feeding operation and the twisting operation is started in a state of bringing the binding wire into close contact with the reinforcing bar, setting of a pull back tension poses a problem. When a feeding force of the binding line feed mechanism is weak, time is taken in pulling back the binding wire or the binding wire cannot be pulled back. Further, when the feeding force is conversely excessively large, there is a concern of cutting the binding line.
As a means for preventing such a drawback from being brought about, it is conceivable to provide electric control means for setting a motor torque to a degree of being sufficient for pulling back the binding wire and stopping a motor by detecting an increase in a drive current by a rapid increase in a pull back resistance in finishing to pull back the binding wire. However, a flexibility of the binding wire significantly differs by a kind of the binding wire or an environmental condition of an outside air temperature or the like and a width of varying the pull back resistance is wide and therefore, a width of changing the current is not constant, a peak value of the current in stopping the binding wire is significantly varied also by a remaining capacity of a power source battery and therefore, it is difficult to control to stop the motor stably without being influenced by these factors. Further, when there is constructed a constitution of setting a threshold value of the current of stopping the motor at each time for pertinently pulling back the binding wire, the operation becomes complicated and practical performance is deteriorated. Further, there also poses a problem that cost is increased by providing a control circuit including a current detecting circuit or the like.


An inverted pendulum seismometer mechanism has a massive boom (20) mounted in friction free crossed leaf spring pivot bearings (24) clamped in V grooves 28 on a frame (10). To lock the boom for transport, without straining the bearings, a camshaft (70) turns and, sequentially, cams (72) lift pivot clamping levers (30), guide webs (80) embrace the boom, and a cam (74) lifts the boom off the V grooves until probes (56) on adjustable locking screws (54) in the frame top cross beam (14) engage recesses (58) in the top end of the boom. Further rotation of the camshaft reverses the sequence to reconnect the boom to the frame in an operative state.

The invention is particularly concerned with sensitive precision instruments of the kind in which a mass which is sufficiently great to constitute an inertial frame of reference is suspended so as to be free to move, by rotation or by translation, with respect to the instrument as a whole, so that motion of the instrument can be detected or measured. For ease of reference, such instruments as a class will be referred to herein as pendulum instruments. Pendulum instruments include accelerometers, velocimeters, displacement meters including inclinometers, gravity meters, and some kinds of inertial navigation instruments, as well as seismometers of the kind in which a mass is suspended in a frame which is intended in use to contact, and be moved by, the surface of the earth (or any other body whose seismic vibrations are to be measured). In principle, the vibrations cause the frame to move, and the mass is sufficiently freely suspended and sufficiently massive to form its own frame of reference, and the relative motion between the mass and the frame is detected and measured.
By limiting the degrees of freedom relative to the frame in which the mass can move, the seismometer can be set up to measure movement on one particular axis. This may be rectilinear motion, and this is approximated to in many pendulum-type seismometers by arcuate motion, when a long pendulum moves in a short arc.
In general, therefore, the invention is concerned with pendulum instruments in which a mass is prevented from moving in undesired directions, but is allowed to move as freely as possible in one or more other directions. The invention is specifically concerned with such instruments in which there is a mechanical linkage by which the mass is suspended and constrained with respect to the frame.
In instruments of this kind, the design of the suspension can be critical to the performance of the instrument. The suspension must be strong enough to reliably support the mass and prevent its movement in unwanted directions, yet be stable, smooth and substantially free of friction.
Given that the suspension must be resistant to movement of the mass off its intended axis, but compliant to movement of the mass in a direction in which the desired seismic disturbances are to be detected, and considering the magnitude of the mass involved and the desired sensitivity of the instrument, it is clearly desirable to provide means for locking the mass against movement with respect to the frame, so that the instrument can be transported and handled safely, without risk of damaging the delicate components. In practice, this poses problems, because it is extremely difficult to manufacture a locking mechanism that perfectly engages the mass without exerting unwanted stresses on the suspension. Indeed, it is common for suspension components to be stressed and ultimately to fracture after repeated locking and unlocking cycles.

Clamping mechanism for inertial pendulum instruments


A wearable aroma emitting device housing a refillable, removable atomizer spray bottle. The device comprising a circular tubular housing that can be impregnated with aromatic substance and emanate therefrom. An elastic band with an attached pocket is located within the chamber of the tubular housing. Alternatively, the tubular housing can be made of elasticized material. The pocket houses the atomizer spray bottle which can be filled with fragrance or scent. The pocket opening is covered with overlapping elasticized material attached to the tubular housing, which allows easy access to the atomizer spray bottle. The aroma device can be worn on the wrist; when the atomizer spray bottle is removed, it can be worn in the hair for scent. In another embodiment of the present invention, an ornamental three dimensional stuffed structure is located on a portion of the tubular housing. The atomizer spray bottle is housed within the stuffed structure.

Human beings have five basic senses; touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste. Of these five senses, the sense of smell is very powerful. The ability to smell can be critical, in that it may alert us to danger in the event of smoke, harmful chemicals, and even spoiled foods; and when we experience unpleasant smells, we use favorable scents to help eliminate or cover up the foul odor. We also use the ability to smell to help provide aid in our mental and physical wellness with the use of certain therapeutic scents. There are also certain familiar and pleasant smells that may contribute to us feeling good, recalling precious moments and aid in sexual attraction. Some of our everyday choices are considered due to our sense of smell because, for the most part, we all want to feel, look and smell good.
The home air freshening sector and fragrance such as perfumes, colognes and body sprays are multi-billion dollar industries because the ability to smell, strongly affects all aspects of our lives. We live in a society where not only do we want to smell good, but we also have a desire for a pleasant smelling environment, which causes us to spend money on various scent devices such as scented candles and oils, we use in candle warmers and diffusers. We use scented plugins for our electrical outlets and automatic scent sprayers for our table tops and walls. These devices to name a few helps to enhance or cover-up the unpleasant smells in our homes and workplaces. We also use essential oil diffusers, vent clip-ons and decorative air fresheners that hangs off the rearview mirrors in our automobiles.
When we leave our pleasant smelling environment or scent controlled area and venture out into the general public where we are at the mercy of whatever odors awaits us. Fouls odors are inevitable. We may have to experience crowded stuffy rooms, long customer service lines cascaded with a variety of scents and smells due to body odors, and at some point in time, we may have too endure a smelly public restroom.
We are also at the mercy of the air quality when we travel in confined spaces such as by car, air, train, bus or by ship. Whatever the reason or circumstances, unpleasant odors are a part of life that affects many of us.
It would be beneficial to have a wearable aroma emitting device which could transform an individual's immediate personal space into their own pleasant oasis wherever they are, tailored with their favorite personal fragrance or scent.
The wearable aroma emitting device can be used in a variety of ways. It can be sprayed with the wearer's personal fragrance, or any aroma substance of their choosing, so the wearer could just sniff the wearable aroma emitting device when trying to avoid a foul or pungent odor. The wearable aroma emitting device is configured as a wristband, so a pleasant aroma, at anytime, is literally at arms length.
The wearable aroma emitting device can be sprayed in partial or saturated with the wearer's favorite scent or fragrance so that it permeates strongly throughout their immediate personal space, filling their area with a pleasant aroma.
The wearable aroma emitting device is also very convenient because it houses a atomizer spray bottle that is literally at the wearer's fingertips. The wearer does not have to search around in their purse or pocket to find a bottle or container of their favorite cologne, perfume, body spray, or any preferred scent; having a wearable aroma emitting device makes it easy for the wearer to discreetly spray perfume on their person for a blast of scent, or in the air.
A wearable aroma emitting device is great for kids, especially preteens. They could enjoy fun and creative custom scents such as vanilla creme cookies, root beer float, or cinnamon candy apple. These custom scents, to name a few can be sprayed on their person or in the air to enjoy the aroma.
There are related jewelry type devices that emit scent such as the aromatherapy diffuser bracelet which works by adding drops of essential or fragrance oil on a small felt or cotton pad and placed inside the bracelet locket. A disadvantage of using pure essential oils (if used) must be properly diluted are it can be harmful if used topically. Also, diffuser bracelets only uses a small surface to carry the scent; whereas the entire surface area of the present invention can be uses for receiving scent or fragrance, and can be used topically without a mixture calculation. In addition, the present invention houses a atomizer spray bottle, that comes with added benefits of allowing the wearer to spray their person for additional scent, spray their immediate personal space for aroma or to spray in order to avoid a foul odor.
Another related jewelry type device that emit scent is the lava bead bracelets which also uses essential or fragrance oils. Lava beads have porous surfaces and the oils are absorbed to give off scent. The same advantages and disadvantages in comparing this related jewelry device to the present invention would be the same as to the diffuser bracelet, with the small exception to the essential or fragrance oils that are used can be applied to the entire surface area of the lava bead bracelet.
There are also jewelry pieces such as rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches that are design to emit perfume or the preferred scent of the wearer. These particular jewelry pieces houses a porous material which liquid scent is applied, allowing the jewelry to emit a scent. The present invention also emit perfume, but it also has the advantage of allowing the wearer to spray fragrance on their person, in the air for aroma or to spray to avoid a foul odor.
Some other related examples would be in the prior art of the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. D605,276S1 describes an aromatherapy elastic band having a pocket for a aromatherapy pad. This prior art design looks similar to the present invention, but is different in many ways. The present invention has a pocket attached to a elastic band within the inner chamber of the tubular housing, accessible through a opening in the tubular housing. The pocket houses a atomizer spray bottle that holds a aromatic substance such as fragrance or scent. The wearer can utilize the atomizer spray bottle and spray scent on their person or in the air for aroma. Also, the prior art is designed to work with essential oils whereas the present invention primarily uses fragrances such as perfumes, cologne, body sprays and other scents that can be used topically, and without being diluted.
Another prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,598A which describes a scented hair accessory that can also be worn on the wrist, having a pocket that can house scent material. Some aspects of this prior art is similar to the present invention such as the tubular housing and the elastic band within the inner chamber of the tubular housing. The present invention is different in that the elastic band within the inner chamber has an attached pocket that houses a atomizer spray bottle that can be filled and refilled with aromatic substance such as fragrance and scent for spraying on the wearer or in the air. Also, the ornamental three dimensional stuffed structure which houses a atomizer spray bottle as described in the present invention is quite different when comparing it to the ornamental structure of the prior art.
Another prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,837A which describes a wearable article carrier. A band that can be worn on the body, and a pouch member detachably connected to the band. This prior art may have similar components in comparing it to the present invention, but the overall usage and design is very different. The prior art is described as something designed to hold and carrier items. The present invention was designed to emit and house aromatic substance, with the use of a atomizer spray bottle.
While there are numerous wearable storage devices, and wearable scent emitting devices published and on the market that may have similar elements or characteristics to the present art, the over all present art is unique in its combined functions, and also in some individual features and purposes.
The advantages of the present invention is that a wearable aroma emitting device could provides a simplistic and unique way of enhancing the wearer's present body scent. It also allows the wearer to be able to discreetly spray aroma in their immediate personal space. The wearable aroma emitting device also houses a refillable and removable atomizer spray bottle that can be filled and refilled with the wearer's favorite perfume, cologne, body spray, or any scent of the wearer's choosing.
The outer tubular housing of the wearable aroma emitting device, is made of porous material that can hold and emanate scent. When the wearable aroma emitting device is sprayed with scent, it can help the wearer avoid foul odors in their immediate personal space by just sniffing the wristband and enjoying the fragrance or scent until the unpleasant odor has subsided or until the wearer has cleared the area. When the wearer choose to use the atomizer spray bottle, only the pump head is exposed, so that the wearer can discreetly spray aroma into the air for pleasure, or in the air to avoid a foul odor. The wearer can also spray on their person for a stronger blast of scent or fragrance when needed.
If the wearer is sensitive to perfumes and can not have direct skin contact with perfumes and the like, the wearable aroma emitting device can be partially sprayed with their favorite scent, allowing the wearer to still experience the benefits of the present invention.
For the wearer who is extremely skin sensitive to fragrance and the like. They have the option not to spray the wearable aroma emitting device and only use the removable and refillable atomizer spray bottle to spray their immediate personal space when a foul odor is present or just to enjoy a pleasant aroma. The wearable aroma emitting device can be stylish and fashionable due to all the possible fabric patterns, materials and colors that can be used in constructing the wearable aroma emitting device, accentuating the wearer's wardrobe.
When the wearable aroma emitting device is sprayed it will retain scent over a period of time for the enjoyment of the wearer until the scent is washed out.
The wearer also has the option to spray the wearable aroma emitting device for scent and remove the refillable spray bottle from the pocket, and use the wearable aroma emitting device to pull back the wearer's hair into a ponytail, bringing the wearer's favorite scent to their hair.
Therefore, a need exist for the present invention. It provides a way to discreetly intensify or boost the pleasant smelling aroma of the wearer's perfume, cologne, body spray or any scent of their choosing. The present invention would also be beneficial for wearers who may have skin sensitivity to perfumes and the likes. The wearer could use only the atomizer spray bottle and spray aroma in the air, avoiding skin contact with the perfume.
The wearable aroma emitting device provides the convenience of being able to inconspicuously spray scent when needed, either on the wearer's person to enhance their body fragrance or the wearer can spray scent in their immediate personal space when a foul odor is present.
The wearable emitting device can also be partially sprayed or completely saturated with the scent or fragrance of the wearer's choosing, amplifying the aroma in their immediate personal space.
The wearable emitting device houses a refillable and removable atomizer spray bottle that can be filled and refilled with the wearer's favorite scent or fragrance.
The wearable aroma emitting device could accessorize any wardrobe due to the variety and unlimited fabric material that can be used to construct the present invention such as the use of solid colors, prints, and patterns, the wearable aroma emitting device can be quite fashionable.


A cruise control arrangement for a vehicle includes a cruise control speed function, a cruise control brake function and at least one selectable economy level, having a set maximum speed value corresponding to a maximum allowed vehicle speed, a set brake speed value corresponding to a brake cruise speed and a set cruise speed value corresponding to a cruise speed, where a temporary brake speed value replaces the set brake speed value as the actually used brake speed value, and where the temporary brake speed value is dependent on the selected economy level. The behavior of the cruise control of a vehicle can be adapted to take account of economy, which makes it possible to optimize the fuel consumption of the vehicle.

The present invention relates to an arrangement and a method for adapting a cruise control system of a vehicle. The invention further relates to a computer program adapted to perform such a method in a cruise control system when said program is run on a computer, and a computer program product comprising such program code means stored on a computer readable medium. The arrangement is suitable gear vehicles of different kinds which are provided with economy driving settings.
Modern vehicles are often provided with a cruise control system in order to improve the comfort of a driver. Some cruise control system are provided with further functions, such as an adaptive control system that uses distance measuring equipment to monitor the distance to a vehicle in front of the own vehicle, in order to be able to adapt the cruise speed to the speed of the vehicle in front. Such a system will improve the safety of the cruise control system since a minimum distance to the vehicle in front will be maintained. Some systems will also brake the vehicle if the minimum distance is not maintained, or if the distance to the vehicle in front decreases at a certain rate. The cruise control system may be adapted to maintain a set speed by using only the accelerator, or by also using the brakes of the vehicle. This is especially common in heavy vehicles which are equipped with auxiliary brakes, such as engine brakes and retarders. A further function of the cruise control system of the vehicle may be an economy dove setting, in which the regulating parameters of cruise control system are ruled by economy.
The cruise control system has a regulating range in which the actual speed value is maintained. For a system using only the accelerator to maintain the speed, an excessive speed of a few percent may be allowed. Typically, the speed ma in this case vary between e.g. 68 to 72 when the speed is set to 70 km/h. It may be possible to set the maximal allowed excessive speed value for the vehicle. In this way, the system can allow the vehicle to travel at an excessive speed at certain occasions, e.g. when travelling on a slight descent.
When the brake system is also used to maintain the speed of the vehicle, referred to as a brake cruise system, a specified excessive speed can also be allowed for a vehicle rolling down a fairly steep downhill slope. An allowed excessive speed may help to preserve energy by using the momentum of the vehicle. The limit for the allowed excessive speed must of course be set to a value that does not endanger other vehicles.
There are however situations in which the traditional regulating method of the cruise control system does not work in a fuel efficient way. Such situations may e.g. be when the vehicle travels in ascents and descents or when a sudden change in pace is required. In an ascent, a cruise control system of the kind mentioned above will try to maintain a speed of 68 km/h regardless of the steepness of the ascent. This may lead to the vehicle travelling up an ascent with full throttle. In the same way, the speed of the vehicle travelling down a descent is maintained at 72 km/h by engaging the brakes.
There is thus a need for an improved cruise control system that is more energy efficient.
It is desirable to provide an improved cruise control arrangement for a vehicle, where the cruise control operation is adapted to an economy setting. It is also desirable to provide an improved method for adapting the operation of a cruise control system of a vehicle.
In a cruise control arrangement for a vehicle, where the cruise control arrangement is provided with a cruise control speed function, a cruise control brake function and at least one selectable economy level, where the arrangement has a set maximum speed value corresponding to a maximum allowed vehicle speed, a set brake speed value corresponding to a brake cruise speed and a set cruise speed value corresponding to a cruise speed, the problem is solved in that a temporary brake speed value replaces the set brake speed value as the actually used brake speed value when an economy level is selected, where the temporary brake speed value is dependent on the selected economy level.
By this first embodiment of the cruise control arrangement, the arrangement replaces the set brake speed value with a temporary brake speed value depending on a selected economy level. The set brake speed value is kept, and the temporary brake speed value is used as the actual brake speed value as long as the selected economy level is selected. If another economy level is selected, a new temporary brake speed value will be used depending on the selected economy level. If the economy function is switched off, the set brake speed value will be used again as the actual brake speed value. In this embodiment, a cruise control function that is more energy efficient is obtained, in that the allowed speed offset from the set cruise speed is adapted in dependence of the selected economy level. By selecting an economy level, a greater difference between the set cruise speed and the used brake speed is obtained, as compared with no economy level. For a system having several economy levels, the selection of a higher economy level will generate an even greater difference between the set cruise speed and the used brake speed. A greater speed difference between the set cruise speed and the used brake speed will allow the vehicle to preserve more momentum when travelling down a hill, which will save fuel. The set brake speed value is kept as the default brake speed value. The set brake speed value is used together with an offset speed value corresponding to the selected economy level to obtain the temporary brake speed value.
In an advantageous development of the inventive arrangement, the temporary brake speed value is not allowed to be greater than the set maximum speed value. If the sum of the set brake speed value and the offset speed value is equal or larger than the set maximum speed value, the temporary brake speed value is set equal to the set maximum speed value. In this way, it is guaranteed that the maximum speed of the vehicle is held within the predefined limits.
In an advantageous development of the inventive arrangement, the set cruise speed value can also be replaced with a temporary cruise speed value. The temporary cruise speed value is dependent on the selected economy level and the temporary brake speed value. Since the temporary brake speed value gives a larger difference between the used brake speed value and the set cruise speed value, it may be necessary to replace the set cruise speed value with a temporary cruise speed value in order to obtain the desired difference between the used brake speed value and the used cruise speed value. This is the case when the temporary brake speed value is set equal to the set maximum speed value. In this case, the temporary cruise control speed is selected such that the speed interval between the temporary cruise control speed and the set maximum speed value is the same as the speed interval between the set cruise control speed and the sum of the set brake speed value and the offset speed value.
In an advantageous development of the inventive arrangement, the temporary cruise speed value is used as the actual cruise speed value until the economy level is changed to a level where the speed interval between the set maximum speed value and the temporary cruise speed value corresponds to the speed interval between the set cruise speed value and the offset speed value added to the set brake speed value. Further, the set cruise speed value is used as the actual cruise speed value when the speed interval between the set maximum speed value and the set cruise speed value is smaller than the speed interval between the set cruise speed value and the offset speed value added to the set brake speed value. In this way, the original settings of the cruise control systems remains untouched and can be used by the driver when the economy level is switched off without having to re-enter the settings again. This will enhance the safety of the system since the driver is not exposed to any surprises when it comes to the cruise control settings.
In a method for changing the reference brake speed value in a cruise control arrangement for a vehicle comprising a cruise control speed function, a cruise control brake function and at least one selectable economy level, having a set maximum speed value, a set brake speed value and a set cruise speed value, the steps of adding an offset speed value corresponding to a selected economy level to the set brake speed value and using the sun of the offset speed value and the set brake speed value as a temporary brake speed value are comprised.
With the inventive method, an optimized behaviour of the cruise control system of a vehicle can be obtained, in which the cruise control system is adapted to the road characteristics. In this way, the fuel consumption can be lowered compared with a cruise control using nominal set parameters to regulate the operation of the vehicle.

Arrangement and method for adapting a cruise control system in a vehicle


An eyewear apparatus and method for attaching various eyewear frame components together to form a single front frame unit where the components are formed from different material such as metals and plastics. Right and left eye members define right and left eye openings wherein a pair of lenses are inserted. A bridge component has a central portion with four arms radially extending from the central portion. Lugs are provided at the end of at least two, but preferably all four arms of the bridge component which align with lugs provided on the eye members which extend toward the respective eye opening thereof. Securing members are passed consecutively through each lens and aligned pair of lugs on the eye members and bridge component. A pair of tabbed projections are also provided on the eye members which extend into opposite ends of a channel extending laterally through the central portion of the bridge component, thereby establishing a total of six attachment points between the bridge, eye members and lenses.

The present invention relates to eyewear frames, and more particularly relates to a novel front frame construction for eyewear.
Eyewear styles basically include a front frame for holding one or two lenses and a pair of temples pivotally connected to either side of the front frame. The front frame may comprise more than one component, for example, bridge, brow bar, nose pad and eyewire components which are fit together to form a single front frame unit. The individual frame components may be formed of any desired material or combinations thereof (e.g., metal and plastics). There are a variety of known techniques for securing various eyewear components together. For example, in a metal front frame, it is common to form a pair of eyewires which are each split and include a groove traversing the inside edge thereof To insert a lens, the eyewire is temporarily spread apart and the beveled lens edge is inserted into the inner eyewire groove. The free ends of the eyewire are then brought together and secured, usually with a screw and barrel element called a "rim lock" in the art. In this way, the eyewire secures the lens to the front frame. A bridge element extends between and joins the eyewire pair to form a full front frame.
Combining a metal front frame with additional frame elements (e.g., a bridge which extends between the right and left eye members) formed of a different material (e.g., plastic) may be aesthetically desirable, but difficult to manufacture due to a lack of mechanical affinity between the different materials which have different rates of thermal expansion, for example. Further, eyewear must be able to withstand a variety of stresses, both mechanical and environmental in nature. It is thus very important to secure the various components of an eyewear together in a precise and mechanically reliable manner. When using two or more different materials, the manner of attaching the components together becomes even more critical due to the factors enumerated above.


A method and system of establishing communications between at least two independent software modules is provided. The design comprises providing a media connection between software modules, wherein the software modules employ a communications protocol and participate in a bi-directional master-slave relationship between a master module and a slave module. The design further comprises sending arbitrary data between the master and slave modules, wherein the arbitrary data is used by the master module to control and obtain status from the slave module, and sending arbitrary data further enables the slave module to return data and status information to the master module. The design also employs a communications watchdog between the master and slave modules, wherein the communications watchdog monitors communications quality between the master and slave modules and impairs functionality in the master and slave modules when communications quality degrades. The bandwidth efficient communications protocol comprises bytes transmitted using a packet consisting of a start indication, a message identifier, an optional service identifier, a class identifier, an optional length of data pertinent to the medical device, a checksum, and a checksum complement.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the art of communications, and more specifically to employing protocols to manage data communications between multiple independent subsystems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many systems deployed in a variety of scenarios are constructed as a collection of two or more independent modules or subsystems. Constructing a suite of independent modules affords the ability to create and deploy subsystems that perform specific functions that are a subset of functions of the complete device or system.
Designs that take advantage of allocating functions to a plurality of specialized modules must include a communications mechanism to enable the modules to interact with each other. Modules may share or communicate control and status information between each other to realize the entire system functionality. These communications are typically realized using a communications protocol that specifies a uniform or consensus format that the modules or subsystems use to transmit and receive information to each other.
Many types of computing and communication systems and devices transmit control and status signals between subsystems over a fixed wire or cable using a standard cable interface, such as Universal Serial Bus, Ethernet, etc. These products frequently employ a variety of standardized communications protocols. Some of the most frequently used protocols include: XModem, ZModem, Kermit, MNP, and CCITT V.42. However, each of these currently available protocols exhibits limitations and restrictions that make them unacceptable in the design of specific systems, such as safety critical systems where a communications failure can induce a tragic event such as damaging a system, design, or even a person. Each of the foregoing protocols may exhibit excessive overhead, high bandwidth, lack of system integrity, limited error detection and error correction, and/or a need for excessive processing resources to execute the protocol.
Current standardized communications protocols are problematic in that they require excessive overhead or additional information that must be transmitted with the original data to facilitate control of the protocol by the sending and receiving modules or subsystems. Excessive communications protocol overhead, or poor protocol efficiency, can require additional transmission media (i.e. fixed wire or cable) bandwidth to realize exchange of control and status information between modules. In addition, the excessive overhead requires additional significant processing resources (i.e. CPU cycles, memory, etc.) to execute the protocol. Moreover, this increase in required bandwidth and processing resources adds to cost and complexity to deliver each module.
A major commercial problem with respect to the above mentioned known communications protocols is the lack of a reliable communications watchdog mechanism. A communications watchdog can effectively trigger a control system to switch to a safe state when a module or subsystem exhibits a fault that may result in a dangerous overall system behavior, that is, loss of control of the device and potentially severe or catastrophic harm resulting from the failure. Without the benefit of a communications watchdog, current designs do not provide a sufficient level of system integrity for safety critical systems. Overall systems integrity is paramount to designing and deploying safety critical systems. Thus, today's designers are faced with a difficult and complex implementation challenge to ensure constant communication between independent modules to provide the required level of safety in various safety critical environments.
Based on the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a communications protocol for use in systems such as safety critical systems that overcomes the foregoing drawbacks present in previously known protocols.


The present invention relates to compositions and methods of using same to direct an immune response thereby enhancing the efficacy of an antigen containing vaccine by combining a chemokine in conjunction with the vaccine, wherein the choice of the chemokine directs the immune response in either the Th1 or Th2 direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to compositions and methods of using same to direct an immune response thereby enhancing the efficacy of an antigen containing vaccine by combining a chemokine in conjunction with the vaccine, wherein the choice of the chemokine directs the immune response in either the Th1 or Th2 direction.
2. Background of the Related Art
Immunization procedures often are made more effective by delivering immnunogens along with empirical preparations defined as adjuvants. These preparations have the effect of enhancing immune response by improving antigen presentation, essentially by inducing local innate immune responses, that in-turn increase expression of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokines that stimulate T cells growth and differentiation and recall antigen-presenting cells at the site of immunization. In recent times several investigators have tried to enhance antigen presentation by introducing immuno-stimulatory cytokines along with the immunogen [1], [2] and [3]. A similar approach has been attempted to manipulate T helper response towards cellular (Th1) or humoral (Th2) immunity [3]. These studies reflect the intent to rationally induce and modulate immune response in a targeted, rather than in an empirical manner. Chemoattractant cytokines, or chemokines (CC), function as immunologic mediators by attracting specific subsets of leukocytes to either sites of inflammation (inflammatory cytokines) or, when involved in homing processes, to lymphoid organs, (constitutively expressed cytokines) [4]. Therefore, chemokines are relevant to the pathogenesis of many diseases such as chronic infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and cancer [5], [6] and [7]. Further, chemokines and their receptors are also involved in the selective induction of both Th1 and Th2 responses [4].
In early studies, RANTES was found to enhance immunity to HIV in DNA vaccines [8] and [9] whereas MCP-1 DNA appeared to be an effective means of boosting immune responses against experimental tumors [10]. In addition, chemokines and antigens have been linked to create new, more potent immunogens [11] and [12]. However, studies comparing the effects of different chemokines on immune response profiles to a specific antigen have not been conducted. DNA immunization is presently being developed as an inexpensive and safe means for providing immunizations to large numbers of people. One of the shortcomings of this approach is the relatively weak immune response triggered by DNA vaccines. The present invention provides for the administration of select chemokines to enhance the immune response to DNA vaccines.
Because of their ability to attract discrete sub-populations of leukocytes to sites of inflammation and antigen presentation, chemokines are key agents in eliciting immune responses. In addition, chemokines reportedly can influence the T helper response towards a Th1 (i.e. cell mediated) or Th2 (i.e. humoral) profile, according to the differential distribution of receptors on target cells.
Therefore, the use of chemokines in immunization may contribute a tailored adjuvant-like effect. In addition, since some diseases are known to significantly alter the Th profile of the immune response, vaccination programs in areas endemic for such diseases can be hampered by the prevalence of a skewed immune response. The use of chemokines in adjuvant preparation has the potential to rebalance the immune response, thus, improving the success rate of a vaccination program in this context.

Directional induction of immune response by co-administration of antigens with chemokines


A susceptor for a semiconductor wafer to be placed on during deposition of a layer on a front surface of the semiconductor wafer by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), has a gas-permeable structure with a porosity of at least 15% and a density of from 0.5 to 1.5 g/cm3. There is also a semiconductor wafer having a back surface and a front surface which has been coated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and a polished or etched back surface. The nanotopography of the back surface, expressed as the height fluctuation PV (=peak to valley), is less than 5 nm. There is a process for producing the semiconductor wafer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor wafer having a back surface and a front surface which has been coated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and a polished or etched back surface, and to a process for producing the semiconductor wafer. The invention also relates to a susceptor for a semiconductor wafer to be placed on during deposition of a layer on a front surface of the semiconductor wafer by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
2. The Prior Art
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD), in particular deposition of an epitaxial layer on a silicon substrate wafer which has been polished on both sides, involves, inter alia, confronting two phenomena known as "autodoping" and "halo". In the case of "autodoping", dopants pass from the back surface of the semiconductor wafer via the gas phase into the deposition gas which is passed over the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. They are then incorporated in the epitaxial layer predominantly in the edge region of the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. This will thereby cause a more or less pronounced, undesired radial fluctuation in the conductivity of the epitaxial layer.
The term "halo" is to be understood as meaning a scattered light effect which is caused by light-scattering structures on the back surface of the semiconductor wafer and manifests itself when the back surface of the semiconductor wafer is irradiated with a focused light beam. The structures mark transitions on the back surface of the semiconductor wafer at which regions with a native oxide layer adjoin regions where an oxide layer of this type is not present. The likewise undesired transitions occur if the removal of the native oxide layer during a preheating phase known as the "prebake" prior to the actual deposition phase was incomplete.
To avoid problems with autodoping, it is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,047 to provide slots in the base of the pocket of the susceptor which receives the semiconductor wafer. These slots are arranged at the outer edge of the base. Dopants which diffuse out from the back surface of the semiconductor wafer can be removed from the reactor through the slots without first passing to the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. According to US 2001/0037761 A1, there are small bores in the entire base of the susceptor for the same purpose. Moreover, the removal of the dopant which diffuses out from the back surface of the semiconductor wafer is assisted by sweeping with a purge gas. Both measures also act against halo formation, since they facilitate the removal of the native oxide layer on account of the fact that gaseous reaction products which are formed during dissolution of the native oxide are likewise conveyed away through the holes in the base and with the assistance of the stream of purge gas.
However, the use of the susceptor described is not altogether without problems, since the holes have an effect on the temperature field on the back surface and the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. If the diameter of the holes in the base of the susceptor exceeds a certain size, this has an adverse effect on the nanotopography of the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. The term nanotopography is used to describe height fluctuations in the nanometer range, measured over a lateral area of from 0.5 to 10 mm. The temperature fluctuations caused by the holes, during deposition of the epitaxial layer on the front surface of the semiconductor wafer, lead to locally differing deposition rates and ultimately to the abovementioned height fluctuations. To avoid this problem, it is proposed in US 2001/0037761 A1 to limit the diameter of the holes and to make the temperature field more uniform by adapting the power of the lamp heating.
However, these measures are only effective with regard to the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. As the inventors of the present invention have established, the nanotopography values of the back surface of the semiconductor wafer even become worse the smaller the diameter of the holes in the susceptor is selected to be. The presence of the holes means that the temperature field on the back surface of the semiconductor wafer remains so uneven that local etching, caused by purge gas, such as for example hydrogen, and local deposition, caused by deposition gas reaching the back surface of the semiconductor wafer, occur. Both phenomena have an adverse effect on the nanotopography of the back surface, which cannot be tolerated since even unevenness on the back surface of the semiconductor wafer can cause focusing problems for the stepper during fabrication of electronic components on the front surface of the semiconductor wafer.

Coated semiconductor wafer, and process and device for producing the semiconductor wafer


An apparatus for applying pressure to an edge surface comprises a frame, a first roller, a second roller, a rotation-control member, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The first roller and the second roller are coupled to the frame and are rotatable relative to the frame. At least one of the first roller or the second roller is translatable relative to the frame. The rotation-control member is movable relative to the frame, controlling rotation of the first roller and the second roller relative to the frame. The first biasing member is coupled to the frame and is configured to operate in tension. The second biasing member is positioned, in compression, between the frame and the rotation-control member.

Applying pressure to edge surfaces of workpieces often requires a specialized clamping apparatus, which supports the workpiece to apply pressure to the edge surface of interest. However, some workpieces are too large to be supported by a clamping apparatus. Furthermore, conventional hand-held clamps are generally not suitable for applying edge pressure to large workpieces by virtue of their design.

Apparatuses and methods for applying pressure to edge surfaces


A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, adult incontinent brief, shield, insert, pad, etc., with significantly improved leakage control, particularly for loose fecal matter. The article includes a barrier panel secured to at least the back waist portion of the article. The barrier panel includes a body-friendly pressure sensitive adhesive, which is arranged to be selectively exposed, if desired, to enable the adhesive to be releasably secured to the skin of the wearer. This securement forms a liquid resistant barrier to the egress of loose fecal material from the waist portion of the article. The body-friendly adhesive is arranged to be covered when its use is not desired.

This invention relates generally to disposable absorbent articles, e.g., diapers for infants and incontinent adults, and more specifically to disposable absorbent articles which include selectively operable means for providing a level of protection from waste matter leakage in the waist region of the garment heretofore not achieved.
A principle function of absorbent articles, such as infant diapers and adult incontinent briefs, is to absorb and contain body waste. Such articles are designed to prevent body waste from soiling, wetting, or otherwise contaminating clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come in contact with the wearer. A common mode of failure for such products occurs when body waste leaks out of the gaps between the article and wearer""s waist to adjacent clothing due to the fact that it is not immediately absorbed within the article. This is most evident with loose fecal material that is not easily absorbed by the absorbent article.
Fecal waste, even in liquid form, usually has a higher viscosity versus urine and contains a certain degree of solids. The solids tend to block the small pores of the nonwoven coverstock and reduce penetration to the absorbent core underneath. In addition, the absorbent core is mainly designed to absorb urine and not solids. As a result, fecal material tends to xe2x80x9cremainxe2x80x9d on top of the coverstock. When the article is in a horizontal position, as in the case of the subject lying in a prone position, the combination of bodily pressure on the article and geometric position may force it out of the article, primarily out through the back waist region.
Infant diapers and adult incontinent briefs have significantly improved in the property of bodily waste containment; however, most developments have been in the area of urine containment. Liquid or solid fecal waste leakage is still a significant problem to the consumer. This type of messy leakage is more of a problem to the consumer than urine leakage. In most cases, more work and time is needed to soak, wash and clean soiled clothing as a result of fecal waste leakage. A significant improvement in this area would be greatly valued by the consumer.
Various disposable absorbent articles exist today for absorbing waste material of infants and adults. One of these is a disposable diaper that is fitted on the baby by the mother or caretaker. How tightly the diaper is wrapped around the baby""s waist depends on the mother or caretaker. However, no matter how tight the mother or caretaker may attach the diaper on the infant, a perfect seal is not formed at the back waist area of the diaper to prevent fecal waste from leaking out. This is especially so if the infant is laying on his/her backside and the fecal waste that is emitted is fluid in nature and significant in volume.
Other waist barrier features have been identified for disposable diapers, such as elastic waistcaps for reducing the leakage of body exudates from the diaper waist region. Examples of such diapers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,677 (Foreman) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,364 (Robertson).
Disposable diapers containing pockets or waist flaps are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,646 (Enloe), U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,160 (Igaue et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,543 (Drier et al.).
The concept of utilizing waist elastic to contain bowel movement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 (Buell et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,255 (Curro et al.).
The use of additional absorbent material at the waist area of disposable absorbent articles is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,545 (Glaug et al.).
The use of adhesives that attached to the body in sanitary napkin designs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,627 (Mizutani et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,648 (Jackson), U.S. Pat. No. 2,742,903 (Lightner), and International Publication No. WO 97/28773, issued Aug. 14, 1997.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,847 (Puletti et al.) discloses a hot melt adhesive waste barrier, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,512,713 (Cahill) discloses a rectal bandage.
While the prior art disposable absorbent articles may be generally suitable for their various intended purposes, there still exists a need for a disposable absorbent article, e.g., an infant diaper, adult incontinent brief or shield, etc., that is both effective and efficient in containing fecal waste (primarily in liquid form) from leaking out the waist opening of the article. In this regard, prior art disposable articles focus on either improving the elastic gathering at the waist area (waistband) or adding a pocket (waist flap) with elastic means to contain fecal waste, neither of which has solved the problem of liquid fecal leakage sufficiently well. In this regard, the prior art elastic waistbands have not eliminated or significantly reduced liquid fecal waste leakage for several reasons. In particular, elastic tension at the waist cannot be tightened high enough to eliminate leakage (too high elastic tension will cause significant discomfort to the user and red marking/irritation to the body). Also, elastic memory will reduce over time, especially under high stress conditions (loss in elastic memory will allow gaps to form in which fluid or liquid mass can leak out). Further still, elastic gathering of materials creates corrugations within the material that could allow fluid or liquid mass to pass through the small openings and cracks.
The addition of pockets or waist flaps have not eliminated or significantly reduced liquid fecal waste leakage for disposable absorbent articles either. In particular, these pockets may catch a portion of the fecal waste that is expelled, however the majority of it bypasses this type of barrier system. This is especially true if the fecal waste is in liquid form, is under high pressure or stress (e.g., the absorbent article is squeezed against the body), is significant in volume and is rapidly expelled or ejected from the body.
Accordingly, a need still exists for a disposable absorbent article which is resistant to leakage of liquid or loose fecal matter at the waist area.
It is a general object of this invention to provide a disposable absorbent article which addresses the needs of the prior art.
It is an another object of this invention to provide a disposable absorbent article that is secured to the body in the waist region to form a containment barrier to loose fecal matter.
It is an another object of this invention to provide a disposable absorbent article that is adhesively secured to the body in the waist region without sacrificing wearing comfort.
It is another object of this invention to provide an disposable absorbent article with preselected segments of the inner waist region having portions which may be selectively used, if desired, to adhesively attach the article to the wearer""s body and thereby form a waste barrier thereat.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a disposable garment with a pocket in the waist region wherein the pocket is formed by a flap section attached to the inner surface of the diaper and wherein preselected segments of the flap are adhesively attached to the wearer""s body, thereby forming a dual functioning containment barrier.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a disposable garment with a preselected area comprising a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive covered with a soft, absorbent pliable release liner.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for attachment of disposable garments to the body of the wearer, wherein the means is in the form of a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive to establish an adhesive bond with the skin and which is maintained under hot, moist conditions, yet is readily and easily peeled away upon removal of the garment for disposal.
A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, an absorbent shield, an absorbent insert, etc., arranged to be worn by a living being to trap and collect loose or liquid waste products of the being. The disposable absorbent article basically comprises a flexible chassis or body member, a first barrier panel, and a first exposable skin-friendly adhesive.
The chassis is absorbent and has an inner surface, an outer surface, a pair of side portions, a front waist portion, a rear waist portion, and a crotch portion. The chassis is configured to be worn so that the crotch portion is between the legs of the being, and with the inner surface of the chassis directed toward the being""s skin, e.g., the front waist portion being disposed adjacent the being""s lower abdominal region and it""s rear waist portion being disposed adjacent being""s lower back region.
The first barrier panel is mounted on the inner surface of the chassis at the,rear waist portion. The first selectively exposable, skin-friendly adhesive is located on the first barrier panel and is arranged to be selectively exposed, if desired, to enable it to engage the adjacent skin of the being. When this has occurred, the first barrier panel and the first selectively exposable, skin-friendly adhesive form a liquid-resistant seal with the being""s skin to thereby impede the egress of the loose or liquid waste from the rear waist portion of the disposable absorbent article.
In one preferred embodiment the first barrier panel is in the form of a flap having an inner surface and an outer surface. The flap is secured to the inner surface of the body member so that the inner surface of the flap confronts the inner surface of the body member. The first selectively exposable, skin-friendly adhesive is located on the inner surface of the flap. The flap is movable to an operative position, wherein the inner surface of the flap is exposed to enable the first selectively exposable, skin-friendly adhesive to be brought into engagement with the skin of the being for releasable attachment thereto.
In another preferred embodiment the first barrier panel is secured to the inner surface of the body member at the back waist portion to form a pocket. The pocket has an outer surface on which the first selectively exposable, skin-friendly is located. A removable cover strip, e.g., a multi-layer member having a skin-friendly outer surface and a peelable inner surface, is releasably mounted on the first selectively exposable, skin friendly adhesive.
The disposable absorbent article may include a moisture pervious inner or top sheet, a liquid absorbent core, and a liquid impervious outer cover. In addition, it may include a second barrier panel located at the front waist portion and on which a second selectively exposable skin-friendly adhesive is located. The second selectively exposable, skin-friendly adhesive is also arranged to be selectively exposed, if desired, to enable it to engage the adjacent skin of the being, whereby the second barrier panel and the second selectively exposable, skin-friendly adhesive form a liquid-resistant seal with the being""s skin to thereby impede the egress of the loose or liquid waste from the front waist portion of the disposable absorbent article.

Disposable absorbent article with waist barrier including skin-friendly adhesive