An apparatus and method for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations comprises an elongate dilation member which receives an elongate expansion member in an axial lumen thereof. The dilation tube includes a tubular braid which usually comprises a mesh of non-elastic filaments which are radially expandable from a small diameter configuration to a large diameter configuration and which is optionally covered by a removable sheath. The dilation tube is percutaneously introduced to a target site within a patient""s body, usually within the abdomen in a laparoscopic procedure. The sheath (if present) is then removed, and the tubular braid thereafter radially expanded by axial insertion of the expansion member through its lumen. The tubular braid is anchored by axial shortening of the mesh and remains in place to permit subsequent exchange of dilation members to provide for different diameter access lumens. Trocar valves may be removably attached to the proximal end of the expansion member to permit the apparatus to be used as a trocar system in laparoscopic. procedures where the patient""s abdomen has been insufflated. An anchoring means may optionally be provided at the distal end of the expansion member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for providing percutaneous access to an internal operative site during a surgical procedure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a trocar system which can be percutaneously introduced while in a narrow diameter configuration and which after introduction can be radially expanded to accommodate passage of larger diameter surgical instruments.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures rely on obtaining percutaneous access to an internal surgical site using small-diameter access tubes (typically 5 to 12 mm), usually referred to as trocars, which penetrate through the skin and which open to the desired surgical site. A viewing scope is introduced through one such trocar, and the surgeon operates using instruments introduced through other appropriately placed trocars while viewing the operative site on a video monitor connected to the viewing scope. The surgeon is thus able to perform a wide variety of surgical procedures requiring only several 5 to 12 mm punctures at the surgical site. Patient trauma and recovery time are thus greatly reduced.
Particular minimally invasive surgical procedures are often referred to based on the type of scope used to view the region of the body which is the operative site. Thus, procedures in the abdominal area, which rely on a laparoscope for viewing, are referred to as laparoscopic procedures. In such laparoscopic procedures, the patient""s abdominal region is typically insufflated (filled with pressured carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas) to raise the abdominal wall and create sufficient operating space to perform a desired procedure. The trocars used in laparoscopic procedures must therefore include a valve at their proximal end to allow passage of the scope or surgical instruments while inhibiting leakage of the insufflating gas. It has also been proposed to perform laparoscopic procedures by mechanically expanding the abdomen rather than using insufflation.
Other minimally invasive surgical procedures include thoracoscopic procedures performed in the region of the chest, arthroscopic procedures performed in body joints, particularly the knee, gynecological laparoscopic procedures, and endoscopic surgical procedures performed in various regions of the body, typically with a flexible scope. These latter procedures do not normally employ pressurization and the trocars used generally do not include pressure valves at their proximal ends.
The design of suitable trocars must fulfill many requirements, particularly for those used in laparoscopic procedures in a pressurized environment. All trocars should be introducible to the patient with minimum trauma and with minimum risk of injury to internal organs. The trocars used in laparoscopic procedures should be readily sealable to inhibit the leakage of gas form the abdomen, and in particular should be designed to inhibit leakage in the region surrounding the external periphery of the trocar which passes through the abdominal wall. It is further desirable that trocars have means for anchoring within the percutaneous passage, and it would be particularly desirable if a single trocar could accommodate instruments having a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes.
Heretofore, trocar designs have met the above listed requirements with mixed results. The accommodation of various sized instruments has been met by providing trocars having different fixed diameters. Often, a surgeon will introduce the largest sized trocar, usually 10 to 12 mm, which can then accommodate most or all instruments (which are sized within this maximum) using a rubber adapter. While such an approach is feasible, the introduction of larger sized trocars exposes the patient to greater trauma and risk of injury than would be the case if smaller trocars were used.
External sealing about the periphery of the trocar has also not been adequately addressed. Certain trocar designs employ a tapered helical thread about their periphery. The thread is useful for anchoring, but greatly enlarges the trocar puncture in order to seal against the loss of pressurized insufflation gas. Other anchors, such as malecot structures have been employed on the distal end of the trocars, and are effective for anchoring but provide little sealing against the loss of pressure.
For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide trocars suitable for use in laparoscopic and other minimally invasive surgical procedures which can be easily introduced to the patient via a relatively small puncture (preferably less than 5 mm), which can then be radially expanded (and optionally subsequently reduced) to accommodate a wide variety of instrument sizes, and which provide for improved sealing about the trocar periphery and anchoring within the target site of the operative procedure.
2. Description of the Background Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,464, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, describes a radially expandable dilator including an elongate dilation tube which receives an elongate expansion tube. European Patent Application 385 920 describes a variable diameter braid structure intended for capturing and removing stenotic material from blood vessels. U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,122, describes a trocar sleeve having a malecot structure at its distal end. Trocars for use in laparoscopic procedures are commercially available from suppliers such as United States Surgical Corp., Norwalk, Connecticut; Endomed division of Cooper Surgical, Inc., Shelton, Connecticut; and Dexide Inc., Fort Worth, Tex.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,666, describes an expandable catheter having an external sheath which is perforated to facilitate removal as the catheter is being expanded. U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,713, describes a variable diameter catheter having an inflatable retention balloon at its distal end. The catheter is introduced with an internal stylet which holds the catheter in a collapsed (reduced diameter) configuration. Removal of the stylet allows the catheter to expand. U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,364, describes an expandable endotracheal tube which is inserted in a collapsed configuration and springs back to an expanded configuration when air is introduced. Inflatable dilator apparatus are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,589,868 and 2,548,602. Catheters having expandable structures are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,986,830; 4,955,895; 4,896,669; 4,479,497; and 3,902,492.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,266, describes a dilator/sheath assembly that may be passed over an in-dwelling guide wire in order to enlarge an access hole, with entry of the sheath further enlarging the hole. U.S. Pat. No. 1,213,001, describes a trocar and cannula assembly which includes an intermediate tube to form a three-piece structure. U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,958, discloses a cannula having an axial slot to allow the cannula to be stripped from a working catheter which has been introduced through the cannula. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,888,000; 4,865,593; 4,581,025; 3,545,443; and 1,248,492, each describe devices suitable for percutaneous penetration of a body cavity, blood vessel, or solid tissue. The disclosures of each of the U.S. Patents cited in this paragraph are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,729, describes an expansible cannula which includes a coiled conical sheath which can be percutaneously introduced and thereafter expanded by advancing an internal cylinder. U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,901 discloses an expandable trocar (not including a trocar valve) comprising a pair of opposed components having sharpened distal tips and covered by an elastic sleeve over a proximal portion thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,791, describes a multi-lumen catheter which includes an elastic outer sleeve and an internal divider which, when inserted, expands the sleeve. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 668,879; 3,789,852; 4,411,655; 4,739,762; 4,798,193; 4,921,479; 4,972,827; 5,116,318; and 5,139,511, which were made of record in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,464, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
A dilator assembly including a guide member having an anchor at its distal end is described in copending application Ser. Nos. 07/616,122 and 07/913,129, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. A peel away sheath is described in copending application Ser. No. 07/967,602, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
According to the present invention, improved apparatus and methods for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations into target locations within a patient""s body are provided. The apparatus comprises an elongate dilation member including a radially expandable tubular braid and an elongate expansion member which is received in an axial lumen of the elongate dilation member to radially expand the braid and provide an enlarged access lumen therethrough. The elongate dilation member further includes a puncturing means near its distal end, typically being an elongate penetrating element having a sharpened distal tip which is removably received in and extends distally from the axial lumen of the braid. The elongate dilation member may thus be percutaneously introduced by puncturing the skin. The penetrating member is then removed to permit introduction of the elongate expansion member. The elongate expansion member includes a fixed-radius tubular element having an axial lumen which defines the desired access path.
The expanded braid of the elongate dilation member provides both an anchoring function and a sealing function. The tubular braid, which is preferably in the form of a mesh formed from non-elastic polymeric, stainless steel, or other filaments, shortens as it is radially expanded, causing the braid to tighten or clamp on the tissue with which it is in contact. Such tightening of the braid, when combined with the radial expansion, prevents separation of the tissue layers, provides excellent anchoring of the elongate dilation member within the percutaneous penetration, and enhances the peripheral sealing to inhibit loss of insufflation pressure utilized in laparoscopic procedures. A further advantage of the tubular braid in the elongate dilation member is that it will remain in place as the elongate expansion member is withdrawn therefrom. Thus, elongate expansion members having different cross-sectional areas and geometries can be introduced and withdrawn into the lumen of the tubular braid, thus allowing the cross-sectional area of the access lumen to be changed as desired. Tissue over the exterior of the braid will be able to stretch or relax, as appropriate, to accommodate such changes in diameter of the braid.
In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the elongate dilation member further comprises a removable protective sheath formed over the braid to facilitate the initial percutaneous introduction. After the elongate dilation member is in place, the protective sheath can be removed, either before, during, or after expansion of the tubular braid. In an exemplary embodiment, the removable sheath is axially split as the tubular braid is radially expanded, and the split portions of the sheath removed after expansion.
In a second preferred aspect of the present invention, the elongate expansion member further includes a rod having a tapered distal end removably received in the axial lumen of the fixed-radius tubular element. The tapered end extends distally from the tubular element, thus facilitating introduction of the expansion member through the axial lumen of the tubular braid. The rod can be withdrawn from the tubular element after it has been introduced through the braid, leaving the lumen of the tubular element available as the desired percutaneous access path.
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the elongate expansion member will include means for attaching a trocar valve at its proximal end. Typically, the trocar valve will be removably attached to the expansion member, permitting the same trocar valve to be used on different elongate expansion members having different cross-sectional areas, as they are exchanged during a procedure.
In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the elongate penetrating element is a needle having a retractable obturator at its distal end. The obturator retracts as the needle is penetrated through skin, and extends forwardly as soon as the needle enters the patient""s body, thus helping to protect the patient against accidental injury from the needle. The exemplary needle is a Veress needle of a type commonly used in insufflation devices.
The present invention further provides an improved radially expandable dilator of the type including a radially expandable dilation member and an elongate expansion member which is insertable through an axial lumen of the dilation member. The improvement comprises an expandable dilation member including a radially expandable tubular braid covered by a removable sheath. The tubular braid preferably comprises an open mesh composed of a non-elastic polymeric or metallic filaments, whereby the braid will shorten as its radius is increased.
The present invention still further provides an improved trocar of the type having a fixed-radius tubular element and a trocar valve disposed at a proximal end of the tubular element. The improvement comprises providing a plurality of tubular elements having different fixed diameters and interchangeable means at their proximal ends for securing a trocar valve thereto. The trocar further comprises means defining a radially expandable axial lumen for selectively receiving and conforming to particular ones of said plurality of tubular elements, whereby the defining means may be percutaneously introduced to provide an access lumen for introducing and interchanging tubular members, with the trocar valve being selectively attached to the tubular element after it has been introduced. Preferably, the defining means comprises an elongate radially expandable tubular braid having means at its distal end for puncturing tissue as the braid is percutaneously advanced.
The method according to the present invention comprises penetrating an elongate dilation member through a body surface to a target location within a patient""s body. Optionally, a cover may be removed from the dilation member to expose a radially expandable tubular braid having an axial lumen which extends from the body surface to the target location. A first fixed-radius tubular element is then inserted through the lumen of the tubular braid, whereby the tubular braid is expanded to anchor itself within the percutaneous penetration. The tubular element thus provides an access lumen having an enlarged cross-sectional area. Optionally, the method further comprises removing the first fixed-radius tubular element and inserting a second fixed-radius tubular element having a lumen with a different cross-sectional area than that of the first tubular element. In this way, access lumens having a desired cross-sectional area can be introduced at the same location while causing the patient minimum trauma. Tissue abrasion is reduced or eliminated by sliding the second tubular element through the tubular braid, and there is no need to form new percutaneous penetrations.


A fullerene derivative represented by the following formula (1):

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fullerene derivative, a method of manufacturing a fullerene derivative and a solar cell.
2. Description of the Related Art
Fullerenes, prepared first in 1985, are a third carbon allotrope in which 60 or more carbon atoms are bonded in a spherical shape. Fullerenes, typically as C60, C70, C76, C78, C82, C84 or the like, have been marked as new functional materials for electronic components, drugs, cosmetics or the like because of their specific molecular shapes.
For methods of manufacturing fullerenes, arc discharging, resistance heating, laser vaporization, a combustion method, thermal decomposition or the like are known. By any methods, soot including fullerenes are generated. The fullerenes capable of being dissolved in organic solvent such as C60, C70, C76, C78, C82, C84 or the like are obtained by extracting the soot by the organic solvent. Further, by chemically-modifying these fullerenes to obtain fullerene derivatives, it is possible to improve solubility of the fullerene derivatives to organic solvent or water.
Conventionally, fullerene derivatives modified with a substituent group such as a hydrocarbon group or the like have been reported. Among these, fullerene derivatives modified with an amino group are very interesting materials expected to be applicable for various materials because they have a high solubility to organic solvent or the like and it is possible to directly control an electron accepting function of the fullerene.
Patent Document 1 disclose a method of manufacturing fullerene derivatives modified with amino groups by adding amine compounds to a fullerene. However, according to the method disclosed in non Patent Document 1, a fullerene derivative added with six amino groups and six hydrogen atoms is obtained. Further, according to the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, only a fullerene derivative modified with four amino groups and one epoxy group, and a fullerene derivative modified with five amino groups and one hydroxyl group are obtained.
It has been difficult to selectively add one amino group to a fullerene derivative. When fullerene derivatives are used for diodes for organic thin film solar cells or the like, the number of substituent groups may be two in order to retain original characteristics of fullerenes such as an electron accepting function or an electron transporting function. Further, it is desirable to introduce not only an amino group but also another substituent group to fullerenes in order to precisely control the electron accepting function of the fullerenes.
Patent Document 2 discloses a method of manufacturing a fullerene derivative including a phenyl group and a phenylamino group by applying aniline to fullerenol as a source material. However, the obtained fullerene derivative includes an aryl group such as a phenyl group, a tolyl group or the like. Generally, the fullerene derivative substituted by the aryl group has a low solubility. Thus, it was difficult to form a thin film of a fullerene derivative using a solution process such as a printing method or the like for an organic thin film solar cell or the like.
Patent Document 3 discloses a method of manufacturing a fullerene derivative including an alkyl group and an amino group. However, the alkyl group and the amino group are limited to be provided at 1,2 position and it was impossible to manufacture a fullerene derivative in which the alkyl group and the amino group are provided at 1,4 position. It means that a degree of freedom in a molecular design was limited. As will be explained later, 1,4-difunctionalized fullerene derivatives possessing two identical or unsymmetrical functional groups on 1,4-position of a fullerene core such as C60 or the like are expected to offer various functional properties.

Fullerene derivative, method of manufacturing fullerene derivative and solar cell

Abstract: wherein “FLN” represents a fullerene core, R1 represents an optionally substituted C1-C24 alkyl group or an optionally substituted C7-C24 aralkyl group, R2 and R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C1-C24 hydrocarbon group but excluding a case where both of R2 and R3 are hydrogen atoms, and R2 and R3 may combine together to form a ring.


A SAW filter is fabricated at a wafer level for providing desirable temperature characteristics. The filter includes a piezoelectric substrate bonded to a carrier substrate, wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion of the carrier substrate is less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the piezoelectric substrate. Interdigital transducers are formed on the piezoelectric substrate so as to form a SAW composite die structure. A cap substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the carrier substrate is bonded to the SAW composite die structure for enclosing the interdigital transducers. Plated vias form signal pad interconnects to input and output pads of the interdigital transducer and a sealing pad formed on the surface of the piezoelectric substrate bonds the SAW composite die structure to the cap substrate.

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices, on account of their small size, low cost and ease of mass production, have been widely accepted in many applications such as cellular phones, wireless LANs, and cellular base stations. Typically, a SAW device includes transducers and/or reflectors disposed on a surface of a piezoelectric substrate. FIG. 1a illustrating a typical SAW resonator filter comprising transducers and reflectors. The transducers, composed of metalized interdigitated electrodes, are used for the generation and detection of surface acoustic waves. The electrode widths and spacing determine the frequency characteristics of the SAW filter. Lithium Tantalate and Lithium Niobate piezoelectric substrates are commonly used for the manufacturing of SAW devices. The strong coupling characteristics of these piezoelectric substrates provide a very desirable substrate for which low insertion loss and large fractional bandwidth SAW filters can be designed. However, both substrates exhibit high temperature drift by way of example, a 64° YX cut Lithium Niobate would typically exhibit about 70 ppm/° C. shift while a 46° cut Lithium Tantalate (LT) would shift about 50 ppm/° C. Thus, for a PCS hand phone that operates at a center frequency of about 1.9 GHz and over a temperature range of 100° C. would result in a frequency shift of about 14 MHz for Lithium Niobate and 9.5 MHz for Lithium Tantalate. This high frequency drift would preclude some of the SAW applications that may require a very steeply shaped frequency response. A proven technique for limiting the temperature drift of a SAW filter is to bond a thin layer of Lithium Tantalate or Lithium Niobate to a low coefficient thermal expansion carrier substrate like Si or Glass as disclosed by Taguchi et al in U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,907. The combined structure of the SAW metallized pattern on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate mounted on a carrier substrate (also designated as surrogated substrate) is referred to as a "composite SAW die." FIG. 1b illustrates a composite SAW die in which the piezoelectric wafer is bonded directly on carrier substrate while FIG. 1c depicts a composite die structure with the piezoelectric substrate bonded to the carrier through a catalytic bonding layer. Si has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of about 2.6 ppm/° C. and that of Lithium Tantalate is about 16 ppm/° C. The relatively low CTE silicon constrains the high CTE Lithium Tantalate during thermal excursions thus limiting the temperature drift of the filter response. The composite bonded die structures typically are mounted in packages using conventional chip and wire methods as illustrated in FIG. 2a. Bonded wires form the electrical interconnects from the SAW device pattern to the signal pads of the package. Signal pads are connected either to the input transducer, output transducer or ground pad of the SAW device. Chip and wire SAW packages have a disadvantage in that they require a certain amount of space clearance for bonding wire to the package signal pads. In quest of miniaturization, the SAW die can be mounted in a flip chip configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2b. Here, the die is mounted in a face down manner connecting the SAW pattern structure directly to the signal pads of the package, thereby eliminating the need for wire bonding. Typically, flip chip SAW devices exhibit a much lower height and smaller size profile than the chip and wire SAW devices and thus are generally preferred.
FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate, by way of example, temperature characteristics of an 1880 MHz SAW composite filter for a chip and wire ceramic package and a flip chip type package respectively. The three curves represent the frequency responses approximately at −20° C., 25° C. and 70° C. respectively. FIG. 1 identifies an average temperature drift of the conventional (no temperature compensation) and composite (temperature compensated) SAW filters for both package types. It is clear from the table of FIG. 1 that the composite SAW device for both the chip and wire and flip chip are significantly improved compared to the conventional SAW filters. Typically, for conventional non-temperature compensated SAW filter, it is expected that the temperature drift for the flip chip SAW filter behaves better than that of the chip and wire device as is shown in the Table. Thus, it is expected that the flip chip composite SAW filter exhibit better temperature characteristics than the composite chip and wire device.
However, an unexpected result was discovered. The flip chip composite SAW filter exhibits a higher temperature drift than that of the composite chip and wire device. In particular, the temperature drift at the lower 8 dB frequency point shows approximately 8 ppm/° C. worse and the 20 dB frequency point shows approximately about 3 ppm/° C. worse. By way of example, for mobile telephone applications, a 3 ppm/° C. would translate into an additional frequency drift of approximately greater than 0.5 MHz which is very significant. It was discovered that a key disadvantage of a flip chip package attaching these bonded composite structures to ceramic packages is that the intermediate CTE of the ceramic (7 ppm/° C.) reduces the amount of temperature compensation created by the silicon. Basically, the bonded die structure is rigidly attached to the ceramic package during flip-chip assembly. Since the ceramic expands at a greater rate than the silicon, the temperature compensation created by the thermal constraint of the silicon on the Lithium Tantalate is lower than expected. This is in direct contrast to chip and wire applications in which a low stress adhesive is typically used to attach the bonded die structures to the high temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) ceramic package. The adhesive effectively decouples the silicon from the HTCC and allows the silicon to properly constrain the planar expansion of the Lithium Tantalate during thermal excursions.
Thus, it is highly desirable to obtain a composite SAW die device that will exhibit low height profile and small size that can maintain good temperature characteristics of the temperature compensation of the composite SAW die. The composite SAW device should preferably be bond wire free. It is desirable to provide the teaching of techniques for packaging a composite SAW die bonded directly to a substrate that exhibits a low coefficient of thermal expansion. It is also desirable that the composite SAW device be capped by a substrate whose coefficient is very similar to that of the carrier substrate of the composite SAW die.

Wafer-level surface acoustic wave filter package with temperature-compensating characteristics


Techniques are described for filtering a list of data objects based on a user selection of one or more filter icons. Embodiments provide an interface including a plurality of filter icons in a graphical user interface, with each of the filter icons associated with at least one respective class of data objects. A selection of at least one of the filter icons is received. In response to the received selection, embodiments output a portion of the list of data objects that contains only data objects from the classes of data objects that are associated with the selected at least one filter icon.

Embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to human-computer interfaces and, more particularly, to techniques for filtering a list of data objects using filter icons.
Computer systems and computerized devices are increasingly a part of everyday life. At the same time, the amount of data being created and stored by these computers is rapidly increasing. While advancements in storage technology have made it possible to store massive amounts of data for a relatively low cost, these advancements have presented new challenges as well. One such challenge is that, as the amount of data grows, it is becoming increasingly difficult to effectively organize and present this data to users without overloading the users with information. For instance, a particular user may wish to view only a list of saved email messages within a portion of the file system, rather than the entire list of files in the file system. This challenge is particularly prevalent in shared environments (e.g., a content management system), where a substantial number of users can each create numerous data objects that may be accessible by the other users within the environment.
One technique for sorting through large numbers of data objects is for each user to manually create search queries specifying particular criteria describing data objects the user wishes to view. However, one disadvantage to such a technique is that creating search queries can be a time consuming process. For example, to view a list of saved email messages within a portion of a file system, the user would need to first determine a list of known file extensions used for saving email messages. Additionally, such a technique may not be suitable for less sophisticated users who are not familiar with various file extensions used for the storage of email messages or even the syntax of the query languages. Furthermore, even a properly crafted search for known file extensions may miss data objects were improperly labeled.

International Business Machines Corporation


A surgical tool holder comprises a shank having first driveable end and second coupling end, the second end comprising a coupling device having interfaces for mating with corresponding structures on the inside of a hollow surgical tool, a first interface mating with a centering structure near a base end of the tool and a second interface mating with a second structure adjacent to a forward end of the tool, the tool being held in functional assembly to the shank by a releasable locking mechanism comprised of a locking sleeve slideably disposed about the shank, a spring biased against the coupling device by the locking sleeve, and a connection device retaining the locking sleeve in a fixed position during use, whereupon release of the connection device enables quick disassembly of the locking sleeve, spring and coupling device for cleaning and component sterilization.

This invention relates to surgical tool holders, and more particularly, to holders of rotary surgical cutting tools.
Surgical tools and their respective holders have to be kept clean and sterile before any use in a hospital environment in order to minimize risk of transfer of disease or infection from patient to patient following the emergence of certain "prions" that are not killed by normal hospital sterilization and thus need to be physically removed through washing and rinsing. A surgical tool, for example for preparing for the fitting of a hip prosthesis, works in a medium which causes considerable soiling of the tool and of the tool holder. Despite the importance of doing so, the thorough cleaning of these devices is difficult. Surgical tool holders of the prior art are designed such that, in certain cases, washing and rinsing is generally not an effective way of cleaning the tool as some of the more resilient bugs are not destroyed. This is due to the small spaces left between component parts which allow only minimal access by cleaning agents.
Further, small diameter surgical cutting tools of the prior art are generally of solid construction. When cutting, such tools do not provide for the collection of bone chips for use in grafting.
What is needed therefore is a surgical tool holder which is quickly and simply disassembled for cleaning and sterilization. Still further, what is needed is a small diameter hollow tool that provides for the collection of bone chips for grafting.

Hollow small diameter tool holder for surgical use


An antenna connected to a circuit portion and configured to effect transmission and reception of information by radio communication, the antenna including a driven meander line portion which has a feed section connected to the circuit portion and which is a line conductor formed in a meandering pattern, and a parasitic meander line portion which does not have a feed section connected to the circuit portion and which is a line conductor formed in a meandering pattern and positioned relative to the driven meander line portion, so as to influence an input impedance of the driven meander line portion. Also disclosed is a radio-frequency identification tag including the antenna.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to improvements of an antenna suitably used for a radio-frequency identification tag capable of writing and reading information in a non-contact fashion.
2. Description of Related Art
There is known an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) communication system wherein a radio-frequency tag communication device (interrogator) reads out information, in a non-contact fashion, from small-sized radio-frequency identification tags (transponders) on which desired information is written. In this RFID communication system, the radio-frequency tag communication device is capable of reading out the information from the radio-frequency identification tags, even where the radio-frequency identification tags are contaminated or located at positions invisible from the radio-frequency tag communication device. For this reason, the RFID communication system is expected to be used in various fields, such as management and inspection of articles of commodity.
One of fundamental needs to be satisfied regarding the RFID communication system is to reduce the size of the radio-frequency identification tags. To reduce the size of the radio-frequency identification tags, it is particularly required to accommodate an antenna of each radio-frequency identification tag in a surface area as small as possible, while maintaining characteristics of the antenna desired for radio-frequency transmission and reception of information. An example of a structure of the antenna takes the form of a planar meander line structure. JP-2004-228797A discloses an example of a planar antenna for television reception. This planar antenna has a planar meander line structure which includes line conductors formed in a meandering or zigzag pattern so that the antenna can be accommodated in a surface area as small as possible, while maintaining the desired characteristics such as a longitudinal dimension.
However, the size reduction of the radio-frequency identification tag has a problem specific to its construction. Namely, the size reduction of the radio-frequency identification tag results in reduction of an input impedance of its antenna, and an increase of a degree of mismatch between the input impedance of the antenna and an input impedance of an IC circuit portion connected to the antenna, so that there is a risk of deterioration of the characteristics of the antenna such as its sensitivity value and communication distance. Therefore, there have been a need for developing a small-sized antenna which has a good impedance match with the IC circuit portion and which maintains desired communication characteristics, and a need for developing a radio-frequency identification tag provided with such a small-sized antenna.

Antenna, and radio-frequency identification tag


The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a C3 convertase effector domain, a C5 convertase effector domain and optionally a terminal complex inhibitory effector domain which is resistant to deregulation by physiologic FHR-Proteins and has a dimerization motif, and to its therapeutic use.

The complement system is an integral part of the innate immunity and contributes to the recognition and elimination of pathogens, clearance of apoptotic cells or immune complexes and modulation of the adaptive immune response (Ricklin et al. 2010, Carroll et al. 2011). Complement is composed of a number of plasma proteins produced mainly by the liver, normally circulating as zymogens or as membrane proteins and operates in plasma, in tissues, or within cells. The activation of the three complement pathways the classical (CP), the lectin (LP) or the alternative pathway (AP) each results in the formation of C3 convertases (C4b2a in the CP, LP or C3bBb in the AP) which catalyzes the cleavage of the central component of the complement system, C3, into the activation product C3b and the anaphylactic peptide C3a. Subsequently and in a cascade-like triggered reaction, pathogens are marked for destruction and a series of inflammatory responses is induced recruiting immune cells to fight infection and maintain homeostasis (reviewed in (Merle et al. 2015)). Both, inefficient activation or inefficient regulation of complement may be causative for or contribute to a number of infections or non-infectious diseases, including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, thrombotic microangiopathy, graft rejection as well as renal and retinal diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 Glomerulopathies (C3G) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Holers 2008).

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Polypeptides for inhibiting complement activation


Virtual notes are provided that enable virtual communications between users. A user is enabled to input content into a note using an electronic device. The user is enabled to associate a virtual representation of the note with an entity to generate a virtual note. The user is enabled to position the virtual representation of the virtual note in a virtual space superimposed on the entity. The user is enabled to configure at least one attribute associated with the virtual note. The generated virtual note is transmitted to a notes database. Subsequent users can view and otherwise interact with the virtual note by interacting with the entity associated with the virtual note. For example, the subsequent users can interact with the virtual note by approaching the entity, or by viewing the entity on a map displayed by an electronic device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic communications through entity-associated electronic messages.
2. Background Art
Various ways exist for persons to provide messages to other persons. For example, email has become a very popular manner for people to communicate in both business and social contexts. With email, a user composes a message using an email tool, selects one or more recipients to receive the message, enters an email address for each recipient, and sends the email. The email is transmitted over a communications network, such as the Internet, and is stored in the mailbox of each recipient. At some point in time, each recipient accesses the received email in their corresponding mailbox.
Text messaging has also become very popular in recent years. Text messaging, or "texting," is the sending of short amounts of text (e.g., 160 characters or less) from a first person at a first electronic device, such as a cell phone, to a predefined recipient at a second electronic device. Text messaging is available on many digital mobile phones and other electronic devices configured for wireless communications.
Both email and text messaging communication techniques are direct person-to-person communication techniques, where a message is sent directly to one or more predefined recipients. Further ways are desired to perform communications that enable messages to be generated and provided to recipients in a less direct manner, such as in a manner based on a context of the sender and recipients, rather than merely transmitting each message directly to each predefined recipient.


A portable musculature exerciser designed to be mounted against a door provides a pair of parallel bars jutting out from the face of the door as well as a horizontal chin-bar for use in a variety of exercises. The back of the door provides a dorsal support in the performance of some of those exercises. The device comprises a generally U-shaped grab-bar suspended by a triple-strap yoke to a ribbon-like tail. The tail has a series of protrusions spaced apart along its length. When the tail is swung over the top of a door and the door is closed against its frame, one of the protrusions caught between the top edge of the door and its lintel prevents the tail from slipping out. The grab-bar can be knocked down into three elongated parts that can be conveniently stored in a briefcase or similar enclosure.

Some of the most popular musculature developing and fitness exercises such as pull-ups, dips, pushups and chin-up exercises usually require a variety of equipment such as parallel bars, pull-bars that are seldom seen outside of gymnastic clubs and similar institutions. Combination exercise machines for home use which can be used for those exercises are relatively bulky and expensive.
For beginners, handicapped or elderly persons, some of these exercises such as dips and pull-ups are difficult to perform without some sort of dorsal support. Conventional parallel bars and pull-up bars do not provide such a support.
The invention results from an attempt to devise a compact and inexpensive set of combination pull-bar and dip-bar that can be quickly and conveniently installed in any home environment and can be stored in a minimal storage space.


The present invention is directed to golf balls having at least one layer formed from a saturated polyurethane composition. The polyurethane is the product of a reaction between an H12MDI/PTMEG-based prepolymer and a polycaprolactone curing agent. Golf balls of the present invention include one-piece, two-piece, multi-layer, and wound golf balls. The composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.

Polyurethanes are known to be useful in forming golf ball layers. However, the use of polyurethanes for particular golf ball applications is limited. For example, conventional polyurethanes having a material hardness of greater than 52 Shore D exhibit a loss of shear resistance and/or impact durability. Thus, in golf ball applications wherein a composition having a material hardness of greater than 52 Shore D is desired, golf ball producers are generally limited to ionomeric materials, such as Surlyn® ionomers, due to their superior shear and impact resistance.
A desire remains in the golf ball industry for shear resistant polyurethane compositions having a material hardness of greater than 52 Shore D. The present invention describes such compositions and the use thereof in a variety of golf ball intermediate and cover layers.

Saturated polyurethane compositions and their use in golf balls


The misalignment between light reception lenses and light reception elements in a lens integrated light reception element for converting a plurality of optical signals with different wavelengths into electric signals is easily inspected. The lens integrated light reception element includes one or more light reception lenses that receive the optical signals, one or more light reception elements each disposed on a main axis of the light reception lens and converting the optical signal into the electric signal, one or more inspection pinholes through which illumination light passes, and one or more inspection lenses each including a main axis parallel to the main axis of the light reception lens and converging the illumination light having passed through the inspection pinhole.

In one known structure for achieving a light receiver that converts a fast optical signal into an electric signal, a semiconductor substrate where a light reception element is formed and an optical substrate where an optical component such as a light reception lens is formed are bonded to each other to form a lens integrated light reception element (Patent Literature 1).
Other known structures of light receivers that convert wavelength division multiplexed optical signals collectively into electric signals include a structure in which a semiconductor substrate where a plurality of light reception elements are formed and an optical substrate where a plurality of light reception lenses are formed are bonded to each other in order to convert a plurality of optical signals spatially separated by a wavelength demultiplexer into electric signals, and a structure in which a plurality of light reception lenses and a plurality of light reception elements are integrated monolithically on a single semiconductor substrate (hereinafter referred to as monolithic lens integrated light reception element) (Patent Literature 2). In these structures, one light reception element is assigned for one light reception lens, and an optical signal having entered from the light reception lens is converted into the electric signal by the corresponding light reception element.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of a conventional lens integrated light reception element 500. In the structure of the lens integrated light reception element 500 in FIG. 5, the lens integrated light reception element 500 is manufactured by bonding a semiconductor substrate 550 where a plurality of light reception elements 510 are formed and an optical substrate 540 where a plurality of light reception lenses 520 are formed. Here, in order to explain the positional relation between the light reception elements 510 and the light reception lenses 520, a surface of the semiconductor substrate 550 where the light reception elements 510 are formed is defined as "a front surface" of the lens integrated light reception element 500. Then, the light reception lenses 520 provided to the optical substrate 540 are disposed on "a back surface" of the lens integrated light reception element 500.
The light reception elements 510 formed on the semiconductor substrate 550 and the light reception lenses 520 formed on the optical substrate 540 can be manufactured using a semiconductor exposure device. The semiconductor exposure device has high accuracy in accordance with the high positioning accuracy of a wafer stage in the semiconductor exposure device about the positioning in a direction where the semiconductor substrate 550 and the optical substrate 540, which are approximately flat plates, extend, that is, in a horizontal direction in FIG. 5 in the manufacture of the light reception elements 510 and the light reception lenses 520. Therefore, the light reception elements 510, which are manufactured by the semiconductor exposure device, are manufactured with high positioning accuracy in the horizontal direction on the semiconductor substrate 550, and similarly the light reception lenses 520 are manufactured on the optical substrate 540 with high positioning accuracy in the horizontal direction.

Lens-integrated light-receiving element and method of examining same

NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION


The device includes a tubular body, superiorly closed by a cover, having a truncoconical transversal section and a vertical lie, internally of which a separator wall is housed, for collecting liquid, having an inlet mouth and a drainage channel. The device includes a rotating organ for separating polluting substances, which rotating organ is closed internally of elements for collecting and percolating the polluting substances.

The invention relates to a device for removing foam and polluting light solid substances with high surface tension.
The device is applicable as a separator of foam and polluting solid substances found in freshwater, brackish and salt water environments, generally quite shallow, such as for example ponds or small lakes, either closed or semi-closed, in which processes of oxygenisation or mechanical mixing of waters is done, which operations generate foamy suspensions, or where there might be solid polluting substances, such as for example feathers, or twigs, or algae, or leaves, which remain in the water as the environment is a closed one.
The prior art teaches a patent application, Italian patent RE2002A000015, entitled "A Device for Foam Removal", filed by the same applicant and concerning a device having a like aim to that of the present application.
The above application, having been installed in appropriate environments, has displayed a number of drawbacks connected with both the conformation and the positioning, internally of the device, of a rotating organ, acting as a means of separation of the liquid foam, both in relation to the presence of solid polluting substances, or feathers, twigs, algae or leaves, which mix up with the foam to be removed, and the impossibility of visually observing the state of repair and efficiency of the invention. The conformation of the known rotary separator organ is somewhat like the drum of a washing machine, or an upturned drinking beaker having perforated lateral walls terminating radially to configure a circular-crown recess.
The drum, which is located internally of the bearing structure, faces the inlet conduit of the polluting substances at a height at which the lateral walls which delimit the drum surround the outlet of the inlet conduit. The conformation of the drum and its positioning have a first disadvantage of trapping polluting solid substances inside the drum. The solid substances trapped within the drum can cause obstructions of the perforated lateral walls with a negative effect on the separation performance of the device, to a point where, following an excessive accumulation of the substances, imbalances in the rotation can lead to stress fatigue of the drum shaft.
The stage performed after breaking up the foam is their evacuation, through a drainage channel which uses the force of gravity to discharge, or might be provided with an outlet conduit which discharges by mechanical aspiration.
A further disadvantage of the above device of the prior art, in relation to the location of the drum internally of the bearing structure, is that it is not possible to keep a real-time check on the efficiency of the machine. Consequently, the noting of any faults might occur after the machine has stopped and the drum cover has been removed.
The main aim of the present invention is to realise a device that enables direct vision of the machine performance, i.e. the efficiency of the foam separation from the liquid.
A further aim of the invention is to adopt a rotary element which does not trap polluting solid elements, safeguarding the correct functioning of the machine.
A further aim is to realise a machine which enables maintenance and cleaning operations to be carried out on the rotary organ without having to laboriously strip the machine down.
These aims and advantages and more besides are all achieved by the invention as it is characterised in the appended claims.


Human ICE LAP-7 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such ICE LAP-7 and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such ICE LAP-7 for the treatment of a susceptibility to viral infection, tumorogenesis and to diseases and defects in the control embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis, and the nucleic acid sequences described above may be employed in an assay for ascertaining such susceptibility. Antagonists against such ICE LAP-7 and their use as a therapeutic to treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, sepsis, stroke, chronic inflammation, acute inflammation, CNS inflammation, osteoporosis, ischemia reperfusion injury, cell death associated with cardiovascular disease, polycystic kidney disease, apoptosis of endothelial cells in cardiovascular disease, degenerative liver disease, MS, ALS, cererbellar degeneration, ischemic injury, myocardial infarction, AIDS, myelodysplastic syndromes, aplastic anemia, male pattern baldness, and head injury damage are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and altered concentrations of the polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting mutations in the polynucleotides encoding the interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme apoptosis proteases and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide in a host.

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death (PCD), is a genetically regulated mechanism with a central role in both metazoan development and homeostasis. (Raff, 1992; Steller, 1995). The cell death machinery is conserved throughout evolution (Vaux et al., 1994) and is composed of several distinct parts including effectors, inhibitors and activators (Chinnaiyan and Dixit, 1996; Steller, 1995). Invertebrate model systems have been invaluable in identifying and characterizing the genes that control apoptosis. (Hengartner, 1996). While numerous candidate genes have been identified, how they interact to execute the apoptotic program is poorly understood.
It is becoming apparent that cysteine proteases related to the Caenorhabditis elegans cell death gene ced-3 represent the effector components of the apoptotic machinery. The first mammalian homolog of CED-3 identified was interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme (ICE). (Yuan et al., 1993). Overexpression of ICE or CED-3 in Rat-1 fibroblasts induced apoptosis, suggesting that ICE was functionally, as well as structurally, related to CED-3. (Miura et al., 1993). However, such evidence is only a correlation, as ectopic expression of a number of proteases, including chymotrypsin, proteinase K and trypsin, cause significant apoptosis. (Williams and Henkart, 1994).
Further studies suggested that proteases related to ICE, rather than ICE itself, may play a more important role in the apoptotic mechanism. First, a number of cell types stably secrete mature IL-1.beta. without undergoing apoptosis. Second, ICE-deficient mice, although unable to generate active IL-1.beta., fail to exhibit a prominent cell death defective phenotype,(Kuida et al., 1995; Li et al., 1995). Third, in an in vitro model of apoptosis, condemned phase extracts prepared from chicken DU249 cells failed to cleave the primary substrate of ICE, pro-IL-1b. (Lazebnik et al., 1994). Instead, a proteolytic activity in these extracts, termed prICE, cleaved the DNA repair enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) into signature apoptotic fragments. (Lazebnik et al., 1994). Purified ICE failed to cleave PARP (Lazebnik et al., 1994; Tewari et al., 1995), suggesting that prICE was distinct from ICE.
To date, seven homologs of CED-3 and ICE have been characterized and include Nedd-2/ICH1. (Kumar et al., 1994; Wang et al., 1994), Yama/CPP32/apopain. (Fernandes-Alnemri et al., 1994; Nicholson et al., 1995; Tewari et al., 1995), Tx/ICH2/ICE rel-II. (Faucheu et al., 1995; Kamens et al., 1995; Munday et al., 1995), ICE rel-III. (Munday et al., 1995), Mch2. (Fernandes-Alnemri et al., 1995a), ICE-LAP3/Mch3/CMH-1 . (Duan et al., 1996a; Fernandes-Alnemri et al., 1995b; Lippke et al., 1996) and ICE-LAP6. (Duan et al., 1996b). Ectopic expression of these ICE/CED-3 homologs in a variety of cells causes apoptosis. Only Yama and ICE-LAP3 have been shown to be proteolytically activated by apoptotic stimuli (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996a; Duan et al., 1996a; Schlegel et al., 1996). Future studies will delineate which family members have an important role in the apoptotic mechanism.
Although it is clear that CED-3-like proteases are distal effectors of the cell death pathway, the proximal components that mediate their activation remain to be identified. Two cell surface cytokine receptors, CD95 (Fas/APO-1) and TNFR-1, have been shown to trigger apoptosis by their natural ligands or specific agonist antibodies. (Baglioni, 1992; Itoh et al., 1991; Trauth et al., 1989). Both death receptors are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/ nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor family which also include TNFR-2, low-affinity NGFR, CD40 and CD30 among others,(Smith et al., 1990; Tewari and Dixit, 1995). While family members are defined by the presence of cysteine-rich repeats in their extracellular domains, CD95 and TNFR-1 also share a region of homology, appropriately designated the "death domain", required to signal apoptosis. (Itoh and Nagata, 1993; Tartaglia et al., 1993). This shared "death domain" suggests that both receptors interact with a related set of signal transducing molecules that, until recently, remained unidentified. Using the two-hybrid system, three death domain-containing molecules, TRADD, FADD/MORT1 and RIP, were isolated. (Boldin et al., 1995; Chinnaiyan et al., 1995; Cleveland and Ihle, 1995; Hsu et al., 1995; Stanger et al., 1995). Subsequent studies showed that endogenous FADD associates with CD95 in an activation-dependent fashion. (Kischkel et al., 1995), while similarly, endogenous TRADD and RIP were found complexed to activated TNFR-1 (Hsu et al., 1996a; Hsu et al., 1996b). It has been postulated that TRADD acts as an adaptor molecule for TNFR-1. (Hsu et al., 1996a), mediating the interaction of TNFR-1 with FADD, while, by contrast, RIP may be involved in NF-kB signaling. (Hsu et al., 1996b). A dominant negative version of FADD (FADD-DN) blocks TNF- and CD95-induced apoptosis, suggesting that FADD functions as the common signaling conduit for cytokine-mediated cell death. (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996a; Hsu et al., 1996a).
The first evidence for the involvement of ICE-like proteases in CD95- and TNFR-1 signaling came with the discovery that the poxvirus gene product CrmA blocks cell death triggered by both receptors,(Enari et al., 1995; Los et al., 1995; Tewari and Dixit, 1995b). In vitro, the serpin CrmA interacts only with the active forms of ICE and ICE-like proteases (Ray et al., 1992; Tewari et al., 1995). Yama and ICE-LAP3, two of the ICE-like enzymes most related to CED-3, are expressed as zymogens that are proteolytically activated upon ligation of CD95 or TNFR-1 (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996b; Duan et al., 1996a). However, both Yama and ICE-LAP3 remained as proenzymes in anti-CD95 treated CrmA-expressing cells, suggesting that CrmA inhibits an ICE-like protease upstream of Yama and ICE-LAP3 (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996b). The mechanism by which the death receptors engage the cytosolic apoptotic proteases is of central importance to cell death research.
Activation of CD95 initiates association with at least four proteins designated CAP, for cytotoxicity-dependent APO-1-associated proteins. (Kischkel et al., 1995). CAP1 and CAP2 were identified as alternate forms of serine phosphorylated FADD, while the identity of the other CAPs, CAP3 and CAP4, remains to be determined. The four associating proteins, along with the oligomerized receptor, have been termed the CD95 death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). (Kischkel et al., 1995). Later studies demonstrated that a dominant negative version of FADD, missing the N-terminal death effector domain (DED), functions by blocking the recruitment of CAP3 and CAP4 to the DISC. (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996a). Thus, these results strongly suggest that CAP3 and CAP4 are downstream components of the CD95 signaling cascade.
Recently, the method of protein sequencing using electrospray (Fenn et al., 1989), in combination with tandem mass spectrometry. (Hunt et al., 1986), was refined to allow sequencing of femtomole quantities of proteins directly isolated from silver stained gels (Wilm et al., 1996). The peptide sequence tags (Mann and Wilm, 1994) generated can then be used to screen sequence databases to obtain matching sequences leading to isolation of full-length clones for functional characterization. In its first reported use, an anti-angiogenic factor derived from mycoplasma was characterized using this technique. (Wilm et al., 1996).
To identify CAP3 and CAP4, we took advantage of the above technology of nano-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (nanoES MS/MS). CAP4 is a novel cysteine protease of the ICE/CED-3 family which contains a pro-domain homologous to FADD and has therefore been designated FLICE (for FADD-Like ICE) or ICE LAP-7. CAP3 was identified as the pro-domain of FLICE likely generated during CD95-induced proteolytic activation. In vitro, the DED of FADD can directly bind FLICE. Thus, these results suggest that CD95 utilizes the adaptor protein FADD to physically engage FLICE, the apical component of a proteolytic cascade made up of other ICE/CED-3 -like proteases.
Results
Identification of FLICE (CAP4/CAP3)
At least four endogenous proteins, CAP 1-4 (for cytoxicity-dependent APO-1-associated proteins), associate with activated CD95 to form the DISC. (Kischkel et al., 1995). CAP1 and CAP2 were identified as different forms of the previously isolated FADD/MORT1. (Kischkel et al., 1995). Subsequent dominant negative studies established that endogenous FADD is essential for the recruitment of CAP3 and CAP4 to the CD95 DISC (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996a). To identify CAP4, we utilized nano-electrospray mass spectrometry. (Mann and Wilm, 1995; Wilm and Mann, 1996) to generate peptide sequence from gel-isolated protein. The CAP4 spot contained approximately 0.5 pmol of protein. The complete sequence of 5 peptides covering a total of 41 amino acid residues and two partially sequenced peptides which could be used as sequence tags were determined (FIG. 1A). Homology searches against a comprehensive non-redundant database (NRDB, maintained by C. Sander, EMBL) revealed no matches to known proteins. However, when the Human Genome Sciences cDNA database was searched, a 3.0 kb cDNA was identified and found to contain a 1437-base pair open reading frame that encoded a novel protein with a predicted molecular mass of 55.3 kDa and a pI of 4.91, consistent with the size and the pI of CAP4 as determined by 2-D gel analysis. The putative initiator methionine (AAGATGG) was in agreement with the consensus Kozak's sequence for translation initiation. A BLAST search of the GenBank protein database revealed that the novel cDNA, designated FLICE, had substantial homology to both FADD and the ICE/CED-3 family of cysteine proteases. CAP3 was also subjected to nanoES MS/MS. Two peptides were sequenced, both being identical to two peptides (T2 and T4) found in the sequencing of the total tryptic digest of CAP4 (FIG. 1A). Therefore, CAP3 represents an N-terminal fragment of FLICE.
FLICE has Homology to the DED of FADD
The association of CD95 with FADD is mediated by their respective C-terminal death domains. (Boldin et al., 1995; Chinnaiyan et al., 1995). A truncated derivative of FADD (FADD-DN), which contains the death domain but lacks the N-terminus, functions as a potent dominant negative regulator of CD95-induced apoptosis. (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996a). By contrast, the 117 N-terminal amino acids of FADD are capable of triggering apoptosis and, therefore, this segment has been termed the death effector domain (DED) (Chinnaiyan et al., 1995). Interestingly, FLICE contains two N-terminal stretches of approximately 60 amino acids which are homologous to the DED of FADD (FIGS. 1B, 2A). A BLAST search revealed that residues 7-75 and 101-169 of FLICE matched the DED of FADD (residues 4-76) and shared 39% identity (55% similarity) and 28% identity (55% similarity), respectively. Another protein, designated PEA-15, was also identified as a DED-containing protein by BLAST search. PEA-15 is an astrocytic phosphoprotein of unknown function (H. Cheneiweiss, unpublished; accession number S55384).
FLICE is a Novel Member of the ICE/CED-3 Family
While the N-terminus of FLICE contains the FADD homology domains, the remainder of the protein is highly homologous to the ICE/CED-3 family, particularly in the regions corresponding to the active subunits of ICE (FIGS. 2B-1 and 2B-2). Phylogenetic analysis of the ICE/CED-3 gene family showed that FLICE is a member of the CED-3 subfamily which includes Yama/CPP32, Mch2, ICE-LAP3, and ICE-LAP6 (FIG. 2C). Like C. elegans CED-3, FLICE contains a long N-terminal putative pro-domain, but in this case, importantly, the pro-domain shares homology to the DED of FADD. It is likely that CAP3 represents this pro-domain since its estimated MW (26 kDa) by 2D gel analysis corresponds exactly with the calculated MW of the putative FLICE pro-domain (aa1-220). There was no DED homology present in any of the other ICE/CED-3 family members.
Based on the x-ray crystal structure of ICE. (Walker et al., 1994; Wilson et al., 1994), the amino acid residues His.sup.237, Gly.sup.238, Cys.sup.285 of ICE are involved in catalysis, while the residues Arg.sup.179, Gln.sup.283 and Arg.sup.341 form a binding pocket for the carboxylate side chain of the P.sub.1 aspartic acid. These six residues are conserved in all ICE/CED-3 family members thus far cloned as well as in FLICE. However, residues that form the P.sub.2 -P.sub.4 binding pockets are not widely conserved among family members, suggesting that they may determine substrate specificity. Interestingly, FLICE contains a unique pentapeptide QACQG instead of the QACRG shared by most other family members (FIGS. 2B-1 and 2B-2) with the exception of the recently cloned ICE-LAP6, which contains a QACGG pentapeptide (Duan et al, 1996b).
Tissue Distribution of FLICE
Northern blot analysis revealed that FLICE is constitutively expressed in many fetal and adult human tissues, but not in the fetal brain. Interestingly, there was relatively higher expression of FLICE in peripheral blood leukocytes which is consistent with the important role of CD95 signaling in lymphocyte homeostasis (Nagata and Golstein, 1995). The mRNA transcript was approximately 3.0 kb.
FLICE Associates with the DED of FADD
Previous studies showed that FADD-DN (missing the DED) blocked the recruitment of CAP4 to the DISC, suggesting that the DED was an essential component. (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996a). To determine whether FLICE can directly bind FADD and whether the DED of FADD is necessary for this binding, in vitro transcribed/translated FLICE was precipitated with His.sub.6 -tagged FADD and His.sub.6 -tagged FADD-DN immobilized onto Ni.sup.2+ beads. As predicted, FLICE bound full-length FADD but not FADD-DN. Further confirmation was obtained by using 293T cell-generated proteins. In this case, 293T cells were transiently transfected with C-terminal tagged FADD-AU1 and .DELTA.FADD-AU1, in which the 18 N-terminal amino acids of the DED are deleted. Cell lysates were then immunoprecipitated with anti-AU1 antibody and protein G-coupled sepharose. The beads were subsequently incubated with .sup.35 S-labeled FLICE or Yama/CPP32, a related ICE/CED-3 family member. Consistent with the results, FLICE, but not Yama, bound full-length FADD.
Granzyme .beta.-activated FLICE Cleaves PARP
Members of the ICE/CED-3 gene family are synthesized as pro-enzymes and activated by proteolytic cleavage at specific aspartate residues to form heterodimeric enzymes. In ICE, this cleavage removes the pro-domain and produces a heterodimeric complex consisting of p20 and p10 subunits. (Thornberry et al., 1992). Similarly, activated Yama is comprised of two subunits, p17 and p12, which are derived from a 32 kDa pro-enzyme. (Nicholson, 1996). Recent studies on granzyme B suggest that cytotoxic lymphocytes may utilize this secreted serine protease to directly activate members of the ICE/CED-3 family. It has previously been demonstrated that granzyme B can proteolytically activate pro-Yama, generating an active enzyme capable of cleaving the death substrate PARP into characteristic fragments. (Darmon et al., 1995; Quan et al., 1996). By contrast, ICE, although cleaved by granzyme B, fails to be activated. (Quan et al., 1996).
Thus, we determined whether FLICE can serve as a substrate for granzyme B, and more importantly, whether FLICE can function as a cysteine protease. In vitro transcribed/translated FLICE and Yama were incubated with purified granzyme B. (Hanna et al., 1993). After 4 hrs at 37.degree. C., FLICE and Yama were proteolytically processed, generating a putative active p20/p10 and p17/p12 subunits, respectively. Next, we assessed whether granzyme B-mediated cleavage of FLICE generates an active enzyme by assaying for PARP cleavage. PARP is proteolyzed during many forms of apoptosis and the enzyme(s) responsible likely belong to the ICE/CED-3 family. (Nicholson et al., 1995; Tewari et al., 1995). To exclude the possibility of direct cleavage of PARP by granzyme B, granzyme B-processed FLICE and Yama were incubated with a selective inhibitor of granzyme B (anti-GraB) as previously described (Quan et al., 1996). Importantly, both granzyme B-processed Yama and FLICE were active as determined by their ability to cleave PARP. Therefore, unlike ICE, FLICE and other members of the CED-3 subfamily are able to cleave PARP into signature apoptotic fragments. (Tewari et al., 1995).
Overexpression of FLICE Induces Apoptosis which Is Abrogated by ICE Family Inhibitors
To study the functional role of FLICE, we transiently transfected MCF7 breast carcinoma cells with an expression vector encoding the FLICE protein and subsequently assessed for apoptotic features. We chose MCF7 cells since they are easily transfectable and are sensitive to CD95-induced killing. (Tewari and Dixit, 1995b). Like the other ICE/CED-3 family members, overexpresion of FLICE causes apoptosis (FIG. 3). The FLICE-transfected cells displayed morphological alterations typical of adherent cells undergoing apoptosis, becoming rounded, condensed, and detaching from the dish. FLICE-induced cell death was inhibited by the broad spectrum ICE inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. (Fearnhead et al., 1995; Pronk et al., 1996). (FIG. 3), which is also a potent inhibitor of CD95-induced apoptosis. Like the peptide ICE family inhibitor, CrmA blocked FLICE-induced cell death (FIG. 3), suggesting that FLICE may be a physiologic target for this poxvirus serpin. Alternatively, FLICE may activate a downstream CrmA-sensitive protease.
Discussion
The Physical Link Between The Death Receptors and the Apoptotic Proteases
Prior to this study, the link between activators and effectors of the cell death machinery was unclear. Here we demonstrate that a cell surface death receptor (CD95) uses an adaptor molecule (FADD) to physically engage a cytosolic apoptotic protease termed FLICE. The death domain is an important signaling motif shared by both CD95 and TNFR-1 and oligomerization of this domain recruits cytosolic adaptor proteins to assemble a signalling complex (DISC) (Peter et al., 1996). The assembly of a DISC is essential for CD95 signal transduction. Upon activation, the death domain of the receptor binds to the death domain of the adaptor molecule FADD (CAP1,2) and thereby recruits it to form part of the DISC. The complete DISC is created when FADD, in turn, binds and recruits the ICE/CED-3-like protease FLICE (CAP4) or ICE LAP-7.
While the main activity of CD95 is to trigger cell death, TNFR-1 can signal a diverse range of activities including fibroblast proliferation, resistance to intracellular pathogens including chlamidiae, and synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (Tartaglia and Goeddel, 1992). Likewise, TNFR-1 recruits a multivalent adaptor molecule termed TRADD, which, like FADD, contains a death domain required for receptor association (Hsu et al., 1995). TRADD has been shown to bind a number of signaling molecules including FADD, TRAF2 and RIP. (Hsu et al., 1996a; Hsu et al., 1996b). A dominant negative version of FADD blocks TNF killing. (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996a; Hsu et al., 1996a), while dominant negative versions of TRAF2 and RIP block TNF-induced NF-KB activation. (Hsu et al., 1996a; Hsu et al., 1996b). This indicates the existence of a signaling bifurcation dictated by the nature of the associated adaptor molecules. Regardless, TNFR-1 indirectly uses FADD to engage the death protease FLICE and thereby unites the death pathways that emanate from CD95 and TNFR-1.
Emphasizing the evolutionary conservation of the apoptotic machinery, the Drosophila death protein Reaper shares weak homology to the death domain motif. (Golstein et al., 1995) and, like CD95 and TNFR-1, is capable of initiating the apoptotic program. (White et al., 1994; White et al., 1996). Reaper mediates its actions by activating ICE/CED-3-like proteases as both z-VAD-fmk and the baculovirus ICE-family inhibitor p35 block Reaper-induced cell death. (Pronk et al., 1996; White et al., 1996). Given our data on death domain receptors, it is tempting to speculate that Reaper may exert its actions by directly or indirectly engaging ICE/CED-3-like proteases in a manner analogous to FADD and CD95, respectively.
FLICE is Homologous to FADD and is a Cysteine Protease of the ICE/CED-3 Family
FLICE is a molecule with homology to both FADD and the ICE/CED-3 family. The pro-domain of FLICE is homologous to the DED of FADD, which is a critical motif required for engaging the death pathway. Phylogenetic comparison of FLICE with other ICE/CED-3 family members classify this cysteine protease in the CED-3 subfamily along with Yama/CPP32, ICE-LAP3, ICE-LAP6, and Mch2 (FIG. 2C). FLICE clearly represents the most upstream enzymatic activity in the CD95 pathway and it will thus be important to determine which ICE/CED-3 family members are proteolytically activated by FLICE, leading to amplification of the death signal. Though activated FLICE cleaves PARP well, this is unlikely to be the physiologic substrate for FLICE and was only used as a readout to monitor the generation of proteolytically competent FLICE by granzyme B. Physiologic PARP cleavage is more likely mediated by the downstream enzymes Yama and ICE-LAP3. (Fernandes-Alnemri et al., 1995; Lippke et al., 1996; Nicholson et al., 1995; Tewari et al., 1995).
Importantly, the Asp specific pro-apoptotic serine protease granzyme B proteolytically activates FLICE in a manner similar to Yama/CPP32. (Darmon et al., 1995; Quan et al., 1996). By contrast, ICE is processed, but not activated by granzyme B (Quan et al., 1996). Secretion of granzyme B, in combination with the pore-forming protein perforin, is one of two mechanisms by which cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) trigger apoptosis of susceptible target cells, the other being engagement of CD95 on the target cell surface. (Berke, 1995). Thus, granzyme B likely mediates apoptosis by directly activating the target cell's death effector machinery, which is composed of an arsenal of intracellular, CED-3-like cysteine proteases. FLICE and other members of the CED-3 subfamily (K. Orth, A. M. C., unpublished observation) are almost certainly activated during both granzyme B- and CD95-mediated apoptosis, suggesting the convergence of distinct apoptotic pathways involved in cell-mediated immunity.
Identity of CAP3
CAP3 likely represents the N-terminal pro-domain of FLICE consistent with the finding that the predicted molecular weight and pI of the N-terminal 220 amino acids of FLICE correspond to CAP3. Like CAP4, CAP3 was only found associated with the activated CD95 receptor requiring full-length FADD for binding (Chinnaiyan et al., 1996a). It is conceivable that CAP3 is generated by proteolytic activation of FLICE during CD95 ligation, but retained in the DISC by virtue of its ability to still bind the DED of FADD. The active dimeric p20/p10 subunits of FLICE are likely liberated from the DISC and are free to cleave and activate downstream apoptotic proteases. If this scenario is correct, CAP4 represents the inactive zymogen form of FLICE, which during CD95-signaling gets activated, generating a free, active heterodimeric enzyme and a pro-domain that is still retained by the DISC (CAP3).
How is FLICE activated?
Taken together, our data enables us to propose a model for FLICE activation. In the latent state, the two DEDs of FLICE may bind to each other preventing FLICE activation. CD95 stimulation and resultant trimerization causes binding of FADD. This may trigger a conformational change in the DED of FADD allowing it to bind one of the corresponding DEDs of FLICE. By disrupting the self-association of the FLICE DEDs, the ICE/CED-3 homology domain of FLICE may be free to undergo autocatalytic activation. The active p20/p10 protease is liberated from the DISC and subsequently ignites a proteolytic cascade composed of other ICE/CED-3 family members. The FLICE pro-domain (CAP3) remains bound to the receptor.
Conclusions
The CD95-mediated apoptotic cascade is initiated by the direct physical association of the death receptor CD95 with the adaptor molecule FADD and the effector protease FLICE, a novel member of the ICE/CED-3 family. The assembly of this signaling complex occurs in a hierarchical manner upon receptor activation. The death domain of the receptor binds to the death domain of the adaptor molecule FADD, which, in a manner that remains to be determined, binds and activates FLICE to generate the most apical enzymatic component of a death cascade composed of other ICE/CED-3 family members. For the first time, the essential components of an apoptotic cascade have been elucidated.
Clearly, there is a need for factors that are useful for inducing apoptosis for therapeutic purposes, for example, as an antiviral agent, an anti-tumor agent and to control embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, and the roles of such factors in dysfunction and disease. There is a need, therefore, for identification and characterization of such factors that are interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme apoptosis proteases, and which can play a role in preventing, ameliorating or correcting dysfunctions or diseases.
The polypeptide of the present invention has conserved residues of interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme apoptosis proteases, and have amino acid sequence homology to known interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme apoptosis proteases.

Interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme like apoptotic protease-7

The Regents of the University of Michigan


Some embodiments include a system, that includes an electric motor coupled to propel an electrical vehicle, a battery coupled to power the motor, a preheating system coupled to preheat the battery, a battery temperature comparator to compare a temperature of the battery to a target preheated temperature and to provide a battery below temperature signal when the battery temperature is below a specified temperature, a control circuit to determine the time remaining prior to a scheduled drive start time and to provide a preheating enable signal during a target time interval prior to the scheduled drive start time and a further control circuit to operate the preheating system in response to the battery below temperature signal and the preheating enable signal.

There are a number of negative aspects to burning fuel in an internal combustion engine to provide for transportation, such as cost, pollution, and the unnecessary depletion of natural resources. Vehicles having electric or partially electric propulsion machinery address some of these problems, but users seek more flexibility in how they use them.

System and method for battery preheating


A polymer ion exchange membrane for acidic electrolyte flow battery. The membrane is nitrogen heterocycles aromatic polymer, especially polybenzimidazole type polymer. A nitrogen heterocycles in the membrane interact with acid in the electrolyte to form donor-receptor proton transport network, so as to keep the proton transport performance of the membrane. The preparation condition for the membrane is mild, and the process is simplicity. The preparation method is suitable for mass production. The membrane is used in acidic electrolyte flow battery, especially in vanadium flow energy storage battery. The membrane has excellent mechanical stability and thermostability. In vanadium redox flow battery, the membrane has excellent proton conduct performance and excellent resistance to the permeation of vanadium ions.

Flow batteries with an acidic electrolyte is a new technology in the field of electrochemical energy storage. The advantages include high conversion efficiency, flexible system design, large storage capacity, flexibility in site selection, deep discharge, safe and environmentally friendly, and low maintenance cost, etc. It is one of the preferred technologies for the large scale and high efficiency energy storage. In particular, since the vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) has the advantages of high security, strong stability, high efficiency, long operating life (above 15 years) and low cost, etc., it has been considered as the most promising and representative among flow batteries.
The ion exchange membrane is the key component in a flow battery. It separates the positive and negative electrolytes while serves as the conduit for transporting ions between the positive and the negative electrolyte. Therefore, the ion exchange membrane is required to have a high ionic conductivity, ion selectivity and good chemical stability. After evaluating some commercial membranes, Skyllas-kazacos et al. found that with the exception that the comprehensive property of some perfluorosulfonic polymers is stable enough, other membranes (such as Selemion CMV, CMS, AMV, DMV, ASS and DSV etc.) are not stable enough in acid vanadium solution (J. Appl Electrochem, 2004, 34 (2): 137). However, studies found that even though the commercial perfluorosulfonic polymer possesses high mechanical strength and chemical stability, the permeation rate of vanadium ions when used in VRB is high. There is also obvious water migration between the anode and cathode during charge-discharge cycles. Moreover, the complex production technology, severe preparation conditions and high cost in making perfluorosulfonic polymers have severely limited the application and commercialization of VRB.
Since the aromatic polymer ion exchange membrane with nitrogen heterocycles has excellent mechanical stability, thermal stability and chemical stability, it has received wide-spread attention in different fields.

Aromatic polymer ion exchange membranes, its composite membrane, and its application in acidic electrolyte flow battery


The present invention provides a molded article comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene resin (A) and a thermoplastic resin (B) having a melting point of not lower than 100° C. but lower than 322° C., wherein the maximum peak temperature of the endothermic curve appearing on the crystal melting curve of the above polytetrafluoroethylene resin (A) as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter is higher by at least 3° C. than the maximum peak temperature of the endothermic curve appearing on the crystal melting curve of the above polytetrafluoroethylene resin (A) after heating to a temperature of not lower than 340° C. as measured by the differential scanning calorimeter.

For products for high-frequency signal transmission, for example for coaxial cables, cables for LAN and printed wiring boards, the dielectric loss of the insulating material is an important factor.
The dielectric loss is a function of the permittivity (∈) and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ). The smaller that loss is, the more preferable the insulating material is.
Polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE] is known as a material for insulators low in permittivity and dielectric loss tangent. PTFE has so far been molded by heating at above the melting point for effecting sintering.
With the recent advances in high-frequency signal transmission technology, high levels of transmission characteristics have become needed. For lowering the permittivity (∈) and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) to thereby reduce the dielectric loss, it has been proposed that PTFE be used in a non-sintered or semi-sintered condition. However, non-sintered or semi-sintered PTFE had a problem in that it is poor in mechanical strength.
High-frequency transmission cables such as coaxial cables are sometimes subjected to terminal processing comprising cutting off the end portion of the coating in the lengthwise direction, with core wires being left as they are. The use of non-sintered or semi-sintered PTFE as an insulating coating material for coating core wires produces a poor terminal processability problem; namely, upon terminal processing, fiberization occurs at the cut end.
For maintaining the permittivity and dielectric loss tangent of the insulating coating material of coaxial cables at levels as low as possible and improving the mechanical strength thereof, it has been proposed that the sintering degree in an insulating coating material composed of non-sintered PTFE and sintered PTFE be inclined in the radial direction so that the sintering degree on the outer surface side of PTFE may be increased (cf. e.g. Patent Document 1: Japanese Kokai Publication H11-31422).
For improving the terminal processability of insulating coating materials, it has been proposed that the terminal portion alone, which is to be subjected to terminal processing, be made of fully sintered PTFE and the other portion be made of non-sintered PTFE or semi-sintered PTFE so as to give a gradient in sintering degree in the lengthwise direction of the core wires (cf. e.g. Patent Document 2: Japanese Kokai Publication H11-283448).
These insulating coating materials are lower in dielectric loss tangent than those made of sintered PTFE alone as the resin but still have a problem: they have a portion constituted of non-sintered PTFE and, therefore, insufficient in mechanical strength and/or terminal processability.
It has also been proposed that a mixture of PTFE (a) with a number average molecular weight of 10±5×105 and PTFE (b) with a number average molecular weight of 45±10×105 is sintered at a temperature not lower than the melting point of PTFE (a) but lower than the melting point of PTFE (b) to give an insulating coating material comprising semi-sintered PTFE (cf. e.g. Patent Document 3: Japanese Kokai Publication 2001-357729). This insulating coating material is low in permittivity and dielectric loss tangent and improved in terminal processability. However, higher levels of mechanical strength and terminal processability are now required.
In this way, various investigations have been made concerning the sintering degree, among others, of PTFE as an insulating coating material for high-frequency signal transmission products. As for other fluororesins than PTFE and other resins, however, they are higher in both permittivity and dielectric loss tangent than PTFE, so that they have not yet been made targets of investigation as materials of insulators.

Molded object process for producing the same product for high-frequency signal transmission and high-frequency transmission cable


A grate apparatus for covering a pit defined in a floor of a vehicle wash facility includes a plurality of rigid rung pieces having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The rigid rung pieces are secured in generally parallel and spaced apart fashion by a plurality of flexible strap members. The flexible strap members are secured to each of the rung pieces by a plurality of fasteners. The grate apparatus is moveable between an unwound position where the first end of each of the plurality of rigid rung pieces rests on one of a pair of spaced apart rails located adjacent the pit and the second end of each of the plurality of rung pieces rests on the other of the pair of spaced apart rails and a wound position wherein the plurality of rung pieces and the plurality of flexible straps are oriented in generally coiled position around a centerline.

Grate apparatuses and methods for covering and opening pits located in the floors of vehicle wash facilities are generally known in the vehicle wash industry. These pits are typically formed in the floor of a vehicle wash facility and can house a conveyor system for a vehicle wash system. These pits are also located generally beneath a path of vehicle travel. Due to their location, a covering is generally employed to close off an upper opening of the pit. As these pits are known to collect dirt and debris that are removed from vehicles during the vehicle wash process, they require cleaning. Due to the configuration of prior grate apparatus, this process can be time consuming and very cumbersome, which can result in the pit being cleaned less frequently than needed.
An example of one such prior art grate apparatus 10 and pit is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. As is generally known, multiple grate apparatus are required to fully cover the pit from one end of the vehicle wash facility to the other. As exemplarily shown, prior grate apparatus are typically formed of a metal material and are supported over the mouth of the pit by rails 12 located on either side of the pit. The rails 12 are generally configured to extend along the length of pit such that they could support multiple grate segments end to end in order to cover the entirety of the pit. As shown, each of these prior art grate segments can be generally rectangular in shape and can include a solid metal border 14 consisting of side portions 16 that can rest on each of the side rails 12 and end portions 18 that extend between the side portions. As shown, a plurality of cross-pieces 19 can extend between the side portions and the end portions to form an open mesh portion that is encapsulated by the solid border. The mesh portions can include openings that allow water and dirt to flow through the grate structure into the pit.
Such prior art grate apparatuses suffer from certain drawbacks as the grate segments tend to be relatively heavy and bulky due to their rigid construction, making it difficult and time consuming for one or more vehicle wash technicians to remove the grate segments from over the mouth of the pit to expose the pit for cleaning. Also, to expose the pit, the grate segments need to be lifted and moved to a location adjacent the pit or on top of other grate segments still in place. This is particularly problematic for technicians assigned the task of cleaning the pit as it is generally desirous to quickly open and close the pit to prevent lost operation time of the vehicle wash. Further, once such grate segments have been removed from the pit during such a cleaning operation, the grate segments tend to disadvantageously take up a large amount of space in the vehicle wash facility, which tends to have limited available storage room. Replacing these grate segments can also be difficult due to the requirements that they be physically aligned. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved grate apparatus in the vehicle wash industry that is easier for technicians to remove from and position over top of a pit in a vehicle wash facility that is more compact for storage purposes, constructed of lighter weight and easier to manipulate.

Grate apparatus and method for covering and opening a channel in a vehicle wash


A downhole crystal-based clock that is substantially insensitive to the factors that cause frequency deviation. The clock may be maintained at a predetermined temperature using a temperature sensing device and a heating device, where the predetermined temperature corresponds to the temperature at which the crystal experiences only slight frequency deviation as a function of temperature. A microprocessor may monitor the clock and compensate for long-term aging effects of the crystal according to a predetermined algorithm. The predetermined algorithm may represent long-term aging effects of the crystal which were derived by comparing the crystal clock to a more accurate clock (e.g., an atomic clock) prior to placing the clock downhole. In this manner, the crystal-based clock may be substantially free from the factors that cause frequency, and therefore time variations.

1. Field of the Invention
The preferred embodiments relate to well logging. More particularly, the preferred embodiments relate to generating a downhole clock for improving data measurements taken during logging.
2. Description of the Related Art
Modern petroleum drilling and production operations demand a great quantity of information relating to parameters and conditions downhole. Such information may include characteristics of the earth formations traversed by the wellbore, along with data relating to the size and configuration of the borehole itself. The collection of information relating to conditions downhole, which commonly is referred to as "logging," may be performed by several methods.
In conventional wireline logging, a probe or "sonde," housing formation sensors, may be lowered into the borehole after some or all of the well has been drilled. Once in the borehole, the sonde may be used to determine characteristics of the borehole, and the characteristics of formations traversed by the borehole. The upper end of the sonde may be attached to a wireline that suspends the sonde in the borehole. Power may be transmitted to the sensors and instrumentation in the sonde through the wireline. Similarly, the instrumentation in the sonde may communicate information to the surface by electrical signals transmitted through the wireline.
An alternative method of logging involves the collection of data during the drilling process. Collecting and processing data during the drilling process eliminates the necessity of removing or tripping the drilling assembly to insert a wireline logging tool. Accordingly, drilling techniques may be modified during drilling in order to optimize performance while minimizing down time. Designs for measuring conditions downhole including the movement and location of the drilling assembly contemporaneously with the drilling of the well have come to be known as "measurement-while-drilling" techniques, or "MWD." Similar techniques, concentrating more on the measurement of formation parameters, commonly have been referred to as "logging-while-drilling" techniques, or "LWD." For the purposes of this disclosure, the term LWD will be used with the understanding that this term encompasses both the collection of formation parameters and the collection of information relating to the movement and position of the drilling assembly.
Sensors or transducers may be located at the lower end of the drillstring in LWD systems. During drilling, these sensors may continuously or intermittently monitor drilling parameters and formation characteristics. In some circumstances, energy sources for measurements, such as acoustic energy sources, may be located proximate to sensors on the drillstring. In other circumstances, the energy sources may be located elsewhere, such as seismic sources at the surface or within other boreholes. In order to retrieve useful information from received signals, it may be necessary to measure the elapsed time between when the signal emanates from the source, and reception by the downhole sensor. Thus, each datum received may be associated with an instant of time—i.e., time-stamped—based on a downhole clock in LWD operations. If the source energy originated from downhole, the transmission time and arrival time may be correlated by the same clock; however, if the energy originates from the surface (or other location), a second clock may also be used, which presents difficulty in synchronizing the two clocks to determine propagation time of the interrogating signals.

Method and system for downhole clock having compensation