Various systems including brackets and associated wires are disclosed for suspending fixtures from ceilings and the like. The systems improve over the prior art in several ways. Attachment of the wire to the bracket is faster and easier. The attachment can be made more rigid. Several different components can be combined to adapt to different suspension requirements. Brackets can be provided with structure to make more stable connections to cement and masonry.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to mechanical fasteners. More particularly, the invention relates to mechanical fasteners suitable for suspending fixtures such as acoustic tile ceilings, pipes, lighting fixtures, electrical cables, HVAC equipment etc.
2. State of the Art
Current practice in the construction trade and building industry is to suspend fixtures with wires which are fastened to a wall or ceiling. An example of a state of the art apparatus for suspending fixtures is illustrated in prior art FIG. 1. The apparatus generally includes an angle bracket 10 having two holes 12, 14, a fastener 16 (typically a nail or a screw), and a length of wire 18 (often six to eight feet long). The method for using the apparatus includes attaching the wire 18 through one of the holes 14, inserting the fastener 16 through the other hole 12, and fastening the fastener 16 to a wall or ceiling 20. An exemplary bracket and fastener are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,503 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,923.
The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is often used to suspend fixtures from cement, stone, or other masonry material ceilings, typically in commercial buildings. The wires 18 are attached to ceiling tile grids, pipe brackets, HVAC ducts, lighting fixtures, etc. Because a relatively large variety of equipment is hidden above a suspended acoustic tile ceiling in a commercial building, the wires 18 are often six to eight feet long.
The fastener 16 is usually pre-fit into the hole 12 of the bracket 10 during manufacture. However, the wire 18 (usually 12 gauge galvanized steel) must be manually attached to the bracket 10 by inserting a free end of the wire through the hole 14, looping the wire onto itself and twisting it as shown in FIG. 54. This is often done by hand with a pair of pliers or may be done with the aid of a hand operated (or drill operated) crank such as the "wire tying fixture", item number 00052075, sold by Hilti, Inc., Tulsa, Okla. These methods of attaching the wire to the bracket present several disadvantages.
The most apparent disadvantage is the cost of labor for the labor intensive task of twisting the wire. In order to be reasonably secure and satisfy some municipal codes, approximately eight inches of the wire must be twisted eight to ten turns about itself. In practice, many workers only twist the wire three or four times about itself. Still, the work is time consuming. The best productivity is not much more than about 300 pieces per hour and after about 500 pieces the worker needs to rest.
Another disadvantage is that this method of connecting the wire to the bracket is not very secure. Under a stress of about 50 lbs., the wire loop stretches and under a stress of about 210 lbs. the wire untwists.
Still another disadvantage is that the connection between the wire and the bracket is loose. Under normal circumstances, gravity provides tension between the wire and the bracket. However, in the case of an earthquake or a fire, the loose connection between the wire and the bracket allows vibration and movement of the fixtures supported by the wire. This can result in fixtures falling onto emergency workers and other similar hazards.
Yet another disadvantage is that if the bracket becomes damaged, the wire attached to it is usually wasted. For example, many brackets are manufactured with fasteners pre-attached so that the bracket may be installed quickly without holding both the bracket and fastener in place. If the fastener detaches from the bracket after the wire is attached but before the bracket is installed, or if the fastener fails to fasten properly, the bracket with the attached wire is typically discarded, thus wasting the wire.
It is estimated that the annual sale of brackets and wires is in excess of one hundred million. It is also estimated that the failure rate is 12-20%. The average wire length is six feet. Thus, approximately 72-120 million feet of wire goes to waste.
My first prior application, referenced above, discloses an angle bracket with a hole for a fastener and a flange for coupling a wire to the angle bracket. The flange is lanced and it is coupled to the wire by crimping. According to a first embodiment, the flange is provided with two horizontal lances. According to a second embodiment, the flange is provided with at least three alternating horizontal lances. According to a third embodiment, the flange is provided with a horizontal lance and a vertical lance. According to a fourth embodiment, the flange is provided with a vertical lance in the shape of a hook and an eyelet is provided for connecting the wire. According to a fifth embodiment, the flange is wrapped to form a slotted cylinder. The wire is inserted into the slotted cylinder which is then compressed and crimped onto the wire. According to a sixth embodiment, the angle bracket is provided with two wire connecting flanges. A seventh embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment with features of the second embodiment. A kit is also disclosed which includes a plurality of lanced angle brackets, a plurality of pre-cut lengths of wire, and a combined crimping and testing tool.
My second prior application, referenced above, discloses an angle bracket with a hole for a fastener and a flange with a hole for receiving a wire and a wire with a deformation or attachment at one end which prevents it from passing completely through the hole in the flange of the bracket. Six embodiments of a bracket are disclosed. Eight embodiments of a wire are disclosed. The wires may be used with prior art brackets with little or no modification to the bracket. An unmodified prior art bracket is shown in conjunction with wires according to the invention and a slightly modified prior art bracket is shown with a wire according to the invention.
Although the methods and apparatus disclosed in my prior applications are improvements over the prior art, it is my intention to provide yet additional methods and apparatus which overcome disadvantages of the prior art.

Methods and apparatus for suspending fixtures


A known fuel injection apparatus, in which fuel and foreign matter outside the fuel injection valve can not flow past the injection valves because a flow opening is disposed between fuel supply conduit and fuel outlet conduit and of which degassing of the fuel takes place before it enters the injection valve, any foreign matter entrained in the fuel will not give rise to malfunctions in a pressure regulation. The penetration of foreign matter into the pressure regulator is prevented by means of an appropriate choice of the dimensions of the flow opening, which is provided between a filter element of the fuel injection valve and the wall of a receiving bore. The fuel injection apparatus is employed in fuel injection systems for mixture compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.

The invention is based on a fuel injection apparatus as defined hereinafter. Bosch Technical Instruction Mono-Jetronic, 1st ed. (June 1991), p. 24, describes an already known fuel injection apparatus that has at least one flow opening embodied between the fuel supply conduit and the fuel outlet conduit, outside the fuel injection valve, by means of which fuel flows and by means of which for example one degassing of the fuel to be supplied occurs before entry into the fuel injection valve; however, foreign matter entrained in the fuel, which arises for example on assembly of the fuel lines, cannot be prevented from flowing by means of the flow opening and the fuel outlet conduit, and reaching the pressure regulator, where it can give rise to malfunctions in the pressure regulation.


Playground device, for example a swing or a see saw, having a ground supported, movable part and at least one motion sensor configured for sensing the motion of the movable part. The motion sensor is functionally connected to a sound signal feedback generator that is configured for converting the signals from the motion sensor into a sound feedback in response to the motion of the movable part. The sensors are mechanically connected only to the movable part in order to provide system with a large number of variations of embodiments.

Swings, see-saws, ropeways, and suspension bridges are classical devices on children playgrounds. Despite the popularity of electronics in the everyday life of children, such classical playing devices are still an attraction for children. An advantage is it to combine such classical playground equipment with electronic effects to even increase the popularity. Such a combination can have an increased attraction on children that are fascinated in the electronic play world and rather would stay indoor instead of using the body on an outdoor facility.
On the Internet page www.tati.dk/eng/frame/hel.html is disclosed a swing in a room shown at an exhibition in Copenhagen in 2004. The swing—being only in an experimental stage not yet mature for commercialisation—is provided with a bend sensor measuring the bending of the rope holding the seat of the swing, such that the back and forth movement of the swings bend the sensor relatively to the stationary frame, the bending of which is translated by a computer into a sound picture. Though, being a combination of a swing and an electronic sound feedback system, this device has not been matured to be a practical solution suitable for customer's demands on versatile solutions that are easily implemented in a variety of existing devices.

Playground device with motion dependent sound feedback


A vehicle anti-theft device uses a rigid bar removably set between a turned vehicle wheel and the wheel well to block movement of the vehicle and prevent its theft. The anti-theft device consists of a rigid rod attached to a bracket by a locking pin locked through mating transverse aperatures in the rod and bracket. The bracket is mountable in the wheel well of the vehicle.

The number of vehicle thefts in the United States and indeed around the world continues to increase despite efforts by manufacturers and after-market businesses to alarm vehicles and even disable them in the event of attempted theft. Devices, which rely on electronics often, foil the owner of the car as well as the would-be thief. Mechanical devices, such as steering wheel bars which prevent rotation of the steering wheel sufficient to steer the vehicle, can be overcome by sawing through the steering wheel, or freezing and breaking the device or its lock mechanism.


A disk reclaimer, having spring mounted harrow and carrier teeth, is described. The spring loaded teeth are less subject to binding or breakage when reclaiming highly cohesive bulk materials such as phosphate shales.

1. field of the Invention
This invention relates to a disk reclaimer. More particularly, the invention pertains to a disk reclaimer having modified teeth for improved blending and moving of cohesive bulk materials.
2. Discussion of the prior Art
In certain types of industrial operations involving the handling and processing of large quantities of bulk material, undesirable variations in the composition of the material can arise. For instance, the assay of ore specimens usually changes over the course of mining the ore deposits. As a consequence, when the ore is stacked, the resulting ore pile will not be entirely homogeneous. Such fluctuations in ore make-up can lead to inconsistent performance of the smelter furnace, even to decreased output. Accordingly, the ore is preferably subjected to some form of mixing treatment to render it more uniform in composition prior to use.
One technique for the blending and moving of large quantities of bulk materials make use of the disk reclaimer in a commercial process commonly referred to as reclaiming. Stated briefly, a disk reclaimer consists essentially of a spoked wheel of large diameter up to about 30 meters and having attached perpendicularly to the spokes, in a comb-like arrangement, a series of rod-like teeth.
The disk reclaimer is rotatably suspended from a horizontal supporting beam by means of a bearing located on the underside of the beam. The side of the disk containing the projecting teeth faces downward. Means are provided for turning the beam on its horizontal axis thereby allowing for the disk to be tilted. Linear travel of the entire assembly is provided by bogies on which rest the ends of the supporting beam.
The bulk material to be reclaimed is stacked in a continuous longitudinal pile situated within a trench. Along the sides of the trench are parallel tracks which engage the bogie under carriage of the supporting beam thereby enabling the disk and its supporting structure to traverse the length of the trench.
The reclaiming operation begins by advancing the disk assembly along the tracks until the disk reclaimer contacts the end of the pile, and the teeth on the spokes penetrate into the pile material. At the same time, the disk is set to rotating, the peripheral speed being generally about 1 meter per second. The tilt angle of the disk depends on pile height and the angle of repose of the bulk material.
In effecting disk reclaiming, three functional elements of the disk come into play. These elements comprise the harrow teeth, the carrier teeth and the rim. The harrow teeth occupy the inner circular regions of the disk which takes up most of the total disk area. The harrow region comprises the spokes and horizontal cross members connecting the outer ends of the spokes. Viewed from above, the harrow area of the disk resembles a polygon the periphery or perimeter of which is defined by the horizontal cross members constituting the sides of the polygon. Between the periphery of the harrow region and the disk circumference is the circular carrier area, generally about two feet in width, in which the carrier teeth are located. The disk circumference is surrounded by a flat wall-like rim.
The reclaiming process involves interaction of these functional elements. As the reclaimer disk rotates, the harrow teeth in the large inner area of the disk, agitate the pile face causing material to flow down to the outer circular band containing the carrier teeth. These teeth perform a similar digging function to that of the harrow teeth. In addition, the carrier teeth blend the material and carry it forwards and upwards by the raking action of the teeth to a side wall from where the material falls onto an outgoing conveyor belt and is transported to hopper or mill.
The harrow teeth are spaced far enough apart so as not to impede the movement of the loosened material as it tumbles down the pile face toward the outer carrier region. The carrier teeth, on the other hand, are spaced sufficiently close whereby material builds up ahead of the teeth as it is carried forward by the rotating disk.
As the reclaiming proceeds, a fresh pile of material is stacked in the trench. On reaching the end of the first pile, the disk is swung around on its horizontal axis into position against the new pile, this time rotating in the opposite direction.
Bulk materials generally fall within two categories commonly referred to as granular and cohesive.
Granular bulk materials are characterized by the presence of particles which do not deform nor bond together after compaction. Granular materials are not normally sticky and do not tend to cling to objects they come in contact with. Examples of granular bulk materials include sand, gravel, crushed stone, coal, etc.
A cohesive bulk material, with which the present invention is concerned, is one which can be tightly compacted resulting in high bulk density which remains unchanged even after removal of the compactive force. Cohesive materials contain many very fine, deformable particles, often clays, which cling together and to anything else they come into contact with.
When cohesive material freezes, especially after compaction, it forms a much more solid mass than a granular material. The cohesive material, with its finer particle size and particle deformation has a much greater particle contact area than granular material.
Phosphate shale, used in the production of phosphorus, is an example of a moist cohesive material having a high clay content. It also contains various amounts of rocks. As the shale is placed in the stockpile, the rocks roll to the bottom of the sides. As a consequence, of its own weight, the pile is compacted. During cold weather, the upper, exposed side and sloped faces of the pile freeze to a depth of up to 30 inches.
Although disk reclaiming is effective for blending of granular bulk materials, when the technique is applied to cohesive bulk materials, various problems are encountered. The basic cause of these problems can be attributed to the rigid mounting system of attaching the teeth to the spokes in presently designed disks.
In the case of the harrow section of the disk, the rigidly mounted racks of harrow teeth perform satisfactorily provided the pile material does not offer undue resistance to the movement of the teeth. For instance, when reclaiming phosphate shale in freezing temperatures, the slow forward motion of the reclaimer allows it to cut very thin layers of shale from the face of the frozen crust. The harrow racks can withstand the forces arising from this normal operation. However, contact of the harrow teeth with rocks embedded in the compacted pile face or frozen crust can generate resistive forces of sufficient magnitude to cause breakage of the harrow racks, their mounts or even the spokes of the disk.
In the case of the carrier section, problems associated with rigid mounting of the teeth are more numerous and complex than in the harrow region.
These problems can be described as follows:
1. Rocks and foreign matrix of transported material often catch between the carrying teeth and the face of the pile. Rocks in a cohesive bulk material create unique problems versus those which would be experienced in a granular material. In a granular material, rocks can displace material in the pile face ahead of the carrying teeth as they are transported in the bulk of carried material. In a cohesive shale, these same rocks cannot sufficiently compress or displace material in the already compacted pile face, so high forces are transmitted to the teeth, causing them to either bend or break.
2. In the original design, carrier teeth of triangular steel tubing were welded to a mounting tube in groups of five. Hard, wear resistant tips were epoxy glued into the end of each tooth. When tips were glued in place, the glue had to set for 24 hours before the tooth could be used. Field replacement of individual carrier teeth or tips was not possible. Whenever a tooth or tip needed work, a full rack of teeth had to be removed, and taken to the shop for repair.
3. A further problem with the rigid carrier teeth was that rocks of a certain size trapped in the flow patterns of the carrying zone became caught between teeth, providing a surface which carried shale and rocks past the discharge point and dropped it ahead of the disk. This is called forward spillage or carryover.
4. Compounding the forward spillage of shale is the tendency of the moist shale to compact on, and cling to the teeth. Loose shale "rides" on the clinging material, again spilling past the discharge point. Cold temperatures greatly aggravate the sticking material problem, increasing the forward spillage. Cleaning of the original carrier teeth to reduce carryover was not successful, because they were rigid, and many were always bent.

Disk reclaimer for use with cohesive bulk materials


A method for the treatment of air pollution control (APC) residues comprising the steps of washing the residues at least one time in an alkaline solution maintained at a pH not lower than about 11.5, separating the alkaline washed residues from the alkaline solution. The present method further comprises an optional step of verifying whether the alkaline washed residues are substantially devoid of metal components. When the alkaline washed residues are not substantially devoid of metal components, the alkaline washed residues are washed at least one time in an acid solution maintained at a pH between about 2 and about 4.5 and the acid washed residues are separated from the acid solution so as to produce residues substantially devoid of metal components. The APC residues obtained in application of the methods according to the present invention constitute non-hazardous material/waste.

The present invention relates to a method for removing metals from air pollution control residues. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a method for removing metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury from air pollution control residues.
The growing production of domestic and industrial wastes in industrialised countries causes serious disposal problems. A largely used technique for managing these wastes is incineration. Incineration produces ashes and hot gases. The hot gases generally contain volatilised metals and metals adsorbed on particles. These toxic metal components are produced during the combustion of wastes containing inert forms of these metals. Most incinerators contain air pollution control (APC) devices meant to treat hot gases and limit environment contamination.
Municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI), for instance, may comprise three types of APC devices operating in sequence. The hot gases are first directed to boiler tubes wherein a portion of the metals contained in these gases precipitate and become adsorbed on fly ashes particles to produce boiler fly ashes. The residual gas stream travels through an electrostatic precipitator which traps a further portion of the remaining metal contaminants and forms electrostatic precipitator fly ashes. Finally, what remains of the gas stream travels through an injection of dry or semi-dry lime which retains acids and metals. Each of these devices thereby produces high metal content APC residues, namely and respectively boiler fly ashes, electrostatic precipitator fly ashes and used lime.
Thus, MSWI produce two main types of residues: bottom ashes and APC residues. The bottom ashes constitute between 20 and 35% of the initial waste mass and generally does not have a high content in toxic metals. They are generally therefore not considered hazardous. The APC residues constitute 2 to 3,5% of the initial waste mass and constitute hazardous wastes.
Various attempts have been made to treat APC residues in order to convert them into non-hazardous material. Attempts have been made to adapt techniques used for treating coal APC residues to MSWI APC residues. Coal APC residues are commonly mixed with coal combustion bottom ashes and used as fill material in building products such as brick, cement or road fill. These techniques however are not adequate for MSWI APC residues which contain much higher concentrations of toxic substances, namely heavy metals. See, Theis and Gardner in Environmental Assessment of ash disposal, CRC Reviews in Environmental control, vol. 20 p 21-42, 1990. One of the techniques currently used for MSWI APC residues is the stabilisation of APC residues in cement prior to landfill. Such method has the disadvantage of increasing the volume of APC residues to be landfilled and consequently entailing high costs.
Various techniques comprising the recuperation of valuable elements in the residues and their resale have also been proposed in attempts to reduce their net management costs. Attempts have been made to extract phosphate and metals from sewage sludges incinerators derived bottom and fly ashes. The principal value so extracted was the phosphate. Sewage sludges have a high phosphate content which justifies the costs of this technique. It may not be cost effective for the decontamination of APC residues derived from sources that have lower phosphate contents. For instance, MSWI APC residues contain 5 to 20 times less phosphate.
Others have proposed the extraction of iron and aluminium from fly ash generated during coal combustion methods to produce electricity. The iron and aluminium salts so extracted could be used in wastewater treatment. The extraction was conducted in two steps 1) NaOH (15%) at 90xc2x0 C. and 2) HCl (15%) at 90xc2x0 C. It may not be cost effective for the decontamination of APC residues derived from sources that have lower iron and aluminium content. For instance, MSWI APC residues contain amounts of iron and aluminium that would not justify the use of this technique. Furthermore, the APC residues and salts produced by this method still contain excessive amounts of toxic metals. For this reason, the salts are of low quality and the residues could not be directly landfilled.
A technique involving the extraction of metals from APC residues comprising mixing 5% of APC residues with HCl at pH 3 and NaCI 1 M was also proposed. This method is costly due to its high HCl consumption. Its efficiency is also limited because of the difficulties involved in the technique used for extracting the metals: selective plating of lead, zinc, cadmium, nickel or copper is hindered by the high iron concentration in solution.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,011 involves the extraction of metals which have a high market value (vanadium, chromium, molybdenum, actinides and lanthanides) from combustion wastes from the coal industry. The method describes involves the addition of sodium and potassium carbonate to the combustion waste and heating the mixture at 60xc2x0 C. The combustion wastes are then treated in an acid solution having a pH of between 0 and 1. This method involves the use of a large quantity of alkaline and acid chemicals so that it is not cost effective for treating APC residues that do not contain these rare metals.
Vitrification of APC residues has also been proposed. This method requires that the bottom ashes be mixed with the APC residues so that it has the disadvantage of increasing the volume of wastes to dispose and consequently increasing the costs. Moreover the hot gas generated during the method is difficult to treat.
Other methods suggested use acid leaching techniques to dissolve metals contained in APC residues. U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,257 and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,053,443 by Frey, describe a method that uses the acidic water generated in a wet scrubber to extract metals. The wet scrubber is an APC device wherein the hot gas is put in contact with water thereby increasing its acid content. Wet scrubbers are not common APC devices. The efficiency of this method remains to be established. The fact that treated residues are returned in the combustion chamber for further stabilisation seems to indicate that they could not be directly disposed of and that their metal content remains excessive after the method. Canadian Patent No. 1,242,567 by Vogg, also describes an acid leaching of the APC residues in wet scrubber acid streams.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,049 describes a method that comprises an acid extraction technique at high temperature and pressure to recover nickel and vanadium from fluid coke or fly ash derived from the burning of fluid coke.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,111 describes a method to recover iron, zinc, cadmium and lead from electric arc furnace dust. The dust is first roasted and then treated with an ammonium chloride solution at high temperature (90xc2x0 C.).
International Application No. WO09744500 describes a method by which APC residues are mixed with water to produce a solution having a pH higher than 11.8. This pH is reached without the addition of any alkaline chemical. Alkaline washes of APC residues are generally not sufficient to substantially remove the toxic metals that they contain.
These methods suffer from important drawbacks. Some of them require large quantities of expensive chemicals such as acids or oxidizers or involve extreme conditions requiring costly equipments. Others involve high costs because of the large volume of treated residues produced that needs to be landfilled. Hence, the methods requiring that bottom ashes be mixed with APC residues constitute expensive methods. Finally some of the methods described do not appear to efficiently remove toxic metals or diminish the leaching potential of the APC residues.
The present invention provides a method for the treatment of air pollution control (APC) residues comprising the steps of a) washing the residues at least one time in an alkaline solution maintained at a pH not lower than about 11.5; b) separating the alkaline washed residues from the alkaline solution produced in step a); c) verifying whether the alkaline washed residues obtained in step b) are substantially devoid of metal components. When the alkaline washed residues obtained in step b) are not substantially devoid of metal components, the alkaline washed residues are washed at least one time in an acid solution maintained at a pH between about 2 and about 4.5 and the acid washed residues are separated from the acid solution so as to produce residues substantially devoid of metal components and d) recover these residues.
The present invention provides an alternative method for the treatment of air pollution control (APC) residues comprising the steps of a) washing the residues at least 1 to 6 times in an alkaline solution maintained at a pH of not lower than 11.5 for a period of between about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes for each wash; b) separating the alkaline washed residues from the alkaline solution produced in step a); c) verifying whether the alkaline washed residues obtained in step b) are substantially devoid of metal components. When the alkaline washed residues obtained in step b) are not substantially devoid of metal components, the alkaline washed residues are washed at least 3 to 7 times in an acid solution maintained at a pH between about 2 and about 4.5 so as to produce residues substantially devoid of metal components and d) recover those residues.
The present invention provides an alternative method for the treatment of air pollution control (APC) residues comprising the steps of a) washing the residues at least one time in an alkaline solution maintained at a pH of not lower than about 11.5 for a period of between about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes for each wash; b) separating the alkaline washed residues from the washing solution produced in step a); c) washing the alkaline washed residues from step b) at least 3 times in an acid solution maintained at a pH between about 2 and about 4.5; d) separating the acid washed residues from the washing solution produced in step c) so as to obtain residues substantially devoid of metal components; e) recover these residues and wherein metals may be recuperated from the washing solution produced in steps b) and d).
The alkaline and acidic washing steps can be conducted in different reactors or alternatively in the same reactor operated as a sequential batch reactor.
The method of the present invention can be used to treat APC residues originating from various combustion facilities such as municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI), hazardous waste incinerators, sewage sludges incinerators, coal burning incinerators, medical waste incinerators or metallurgical plants. The method of the present invention is also useful for treating APC residues which have undergone a pre-treatment such as the removal of organic contaminants.
In other specific embodiments of the present invention, the method described herein could be applied to a specific granulometric fraction of the APC residues.
The methods according to the present invention encompass the use of various techniques to concentrate the metals present in the liquid. For instance, the techniques of electrowinning, electroplating, cementation, adsorption of metals on various matrix, etc . . . are appropriate techniques that could be used within the method of the present invention.
The number of washes applied according to the present invention is dependent of the nature and concentration of the metal contaminants.
The method according to the present invention could be performed in a permanent or a temporary plant. It could also be used on a mobile unit installed on water or on land.
Additional steps can be added to the method according to the present invention without departing from its spirit and nature. For instance, after the acid washes the APC residues and/or metal concentrates can be subjected to other treatments to better prepare them for the purpose for which they are intended. For instance, the APC residues may be intended for uses in as construction material (concrete, brick, road fill), in sanitary landfill (as daily covering material), etc.
As provided herein the expression xe2x80x9cair pollution control residuesxe2x80x9d (APC residues) is meant to include boiler fly ashes, electrostatic precipitator fly ashes, used lime or a mixture thereof.
As provided herein, the expression xe2x80x9csubstantially devoid of metal componentsxe2x80x9d means that the level of metal contained is sufficiently low to constitute non-hazardous waste or material. In particular, according to the year 2000 United States norms, residues that leach less than 5 mg/L of lead, less than 1 mg/L of cadmium and less than 0.2 mg/L of mercury during TCLP tests are considered to be substantially devoid of metal components.
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Method for removing metals from air pollution control residues

Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique


A RF system which includes a silicon substrate formed with at least one via-hole filled with conductive material so that both sides of the silicon substrate are electrically connected with one another; at least one flat device formed on one side of the silicon substrate; and at least one RF MEMS device formed on the other side of the silicon substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a RF system implemented on a single silicon-based chip and a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the recent rapid development of communication technologies, there is a need for corresponding development of RF (Radio Frequency) device technologies. In particular, due to multi-functionalization, there is a demand for miniaturization and integration of wireless communication terminals such as mobile phones. For this reason, nowadays, micro-machining of electronic devices through MEMS (Micro Electrical Mechanical System) technologies is performed as practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Individual electronic devices processed in this manner are integrated on a LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic) substrate or a MLB (Multi-Layer Board) substrate formed by laminating plural PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) to implement a RF system. The RF system implemented on such a LTCC substrate or MLB substrate forms a predetermined circuit therein through an inductor, a capacitor or the like implemented in a two-dimensional structure, and various active devices such as a LNA (Low Noise Amplifier), PA (Power Amplifier), or the like and RF MEMS devices such as a filter, switch, duplexer or the like which are three-dimensional devices are formed on top of the RF system.
The above-mentioned RF system is formed with a separate protective film for protecting the three-dimensional RF MEMS devices, in which no device is formed in the protective film. For this reason, there is a limit in integrating and miniaturizing such a RF system.
In addition, there is a disadvantage in that the size of the RF system is increased because various active devices and RF MEMS devices are two-dimensionally arranged on the top side of the LTCC substrate or MLB substrate.
Furthermore, the RF MEMS devices are formed through a silicon process, whereas the LTCC board is formed through a LTCC process in which ceramic and glass materials are mixed and fired. Therefore, in order to implement a RF system on such a LTCC substrate, there is a demand to form RF MEMS devices through a silicon process, to form a LTCC substrate by performing a LTCC process, and then to bond the RF MEMS to the LTCC board. Meanwhile, in order to implement a RF system on a MLB substrate, a MLB process is performed to form a MLB substrate, in which process plural PCBS, each of which is formed with a predetermined circuit pattern, are laminated and then drilled to form interlayer electric interconnections. Then, RF devices formed through a silicon process are bonded to the MLB substrate. Because different kinds of processes are required to implement a RF system, the manufacturing processes of such a RF system are difficult to perform and the manufacturing costs thereof are increased.
For this reason, various research has recently been proposed to implement such a RF system through the same kinds of processes such as a silicon process.

Silicon-based RF system and method of manufacturing the same


Provided herein are anti-MARCO antibodies. Provided are also methods of generating and using anti-MARCO antibodies.

Myeloid populations of the tumor microenvironment prominently include monocytes and neutrophils (sometimes loosely grouped as myeloid-derived suppressor cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells. Although intra-tumoral myeloid populations, as a whole, have long been considered non-stimulatory or suppressive, it has more recently been appreciated that not all tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells are made equal.
Macrophage Receptor with Collagenous Structure (MARCO, also known as SCARA2; See HGNC: 6895 and NCBI: NM 006770.3 as available on May 8, 2020 via the NCBI website; herein incorporated by reference for all purposes) belongs to the class A scavenger receptor family and is expressed on peritoneal macrophages, as well as a subpopulation of macrophages in the spleen and lymph nodes (see Hirano S, PLoS ONE 2015: 10(11): e0142062). Recent studies have highlighted MARCO as a specific marker of TAMs in human cancer (Lavin et al., Cell; 2017: 169(4) 750-765). MARCO mediates macrophage internalization of unopsonized particles and microorganisms, such as bacteria (see Jing J, J Immunol 2013; 190:(12) 6360-6367). Recently, MARCO has been shown to be involved in the TLR-induced gene expression response in dendritic cells and may play a role in the inflammatory immune response (Kissick H T, PLoS oNE 2014; 9(8):2104148).
An unmet need exists for novel cancer therapeutic approaches that involve selectively removing, or re-programming or activating myeloid cells that are ineffective at stimulating immune cell responses (e.g., T-cells or NK cells), thereby enhancing the immune response within the tumor microenvironment.


The invention relates to a method of cloning a target nucleic acid sequence by performing two PCR reactions to generate two PCR products differing in terminal sequences. The PCR products thus obtained are denatured and annealed together to form a heteroduplex, which is ready for ligation and transformation of bacteria without any restriction digestion.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) permits rapid amplification of a nucleic acid having an intervening nucleic acid sequence flanked by known sequences. In PCR, the known sequence information is used to design single-stranded primers which will hybridize to the nucleic acid. After annealing, the primers are extended by a polymerase. The extended products are then removed from the nucleic acid so that a new cycle of annealing and extension can be performed. In performing successive cycles of annealing and extension, the nucleic acid is thereby amplified.
PCR also allows easy cloning of any nucleic acid sequence flanked by known sequences by designing primers which contain restriction endonuclease cleavage sequences. After amplification, the double-stranded PCR product can be digested with the corresponding endonucleases to obtain small 5' or 3' overhang sequences characteristic of the endonucleases. The PCR products are ready for cloning into a vector digested with the same endonucleases. However, this method is limited by the often inefficient cleavage of restriction endonuclease cleavage sites near an end of a double-stranded nucleic acid.


A television power switch for preventing a picture transient phenomenon that is normally produced when the power to the television set is turned OFF. A microcomputer is used to generate a predetermined control signal when a user operates the power switch button. A power input/output section supplies and cuts off an AC power source in response to the control signal from the microcomputer. A mode selecting section converts the mode of a chroma IC between an OSD signal mode and a TV signal mode in response to the operating state of the power input/output section. The chroma IC enters the OSD signal mode when power is turned off, thereby preventing the picture transient phenomenon to be produced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional television power switch, comprising a microcomputer 10 for generating predetermined control signals and a transistor Q1 that is turned on or off by the control signals fed from the microprocessor. A relay RL supplies and cuts off the AC power to each operating section of the television set in accordance with the on or off state of the transistor Q1.
When a user turns on a power switch button (not shown) attached to the housing of the television set, the microcomputer 10 recognizes this and generates a high level signal. This high level signal is applied to the base of the transistor Q1, thereby turning on the transistor Q1. When the transistor Q1 is turned on, a current of more than a predetermined magnitude flows through the relay RL, thereby connecting the two contact points of the relay switch SW. This connection causes AC power to be supplied to each operating section of the television set. The relay RL operates such that when a current of more than a predetermined magnitude (approximately 80 mA) flows through the coil of the relay RL, the relay switch SW is connected and voltage is supplied through the power plug to each operating section. On the other hand, when a current under the predetermined magnitude flows through the coil of the relay, the relay switch SW is cut off.
More specifically, when the transistor Q1 is turned on by a high level control signal generated by the microcomputer 10, a current flows to the coil of the relay from a voltage source Vcc coupled to one end terminal of the coil of the relay RL, thereby connecting the switch SW, so that the AC power is supplied to each operating section. On the other hand, when a low level control signal is applied to a base terminal of the transistor Q1 and the transistor Q1 is turned off, the current does not flow to the coil of the relay RL. Accordingly, the switch SW is turned off and the AC power supply is cut off.
Thus, the conventional power switch only supplies or cuts off the power voltage applied from outside when a user turns on or off the power of the television set. In accordance with the television set provided with this conventional power switch, a predetermined picture transient phenomenon appears when the power is turned off. The picture transient phenomenon represents a particular color that instantaneously stands out in bold relief and is displayed on the screen when the set is turned off. The transient phenomenon may also represent an afterglow like a spark that remains on the screen and then disappears at the moment that the power is turned off. This picture transient phenomenon occurs because a video signal is instantaneously output even though the power supplied to the display section is cut off. This instantaneous power output causes the electron beam to be scattered by the cut off power when the power is turned off. Accordingly, the conventional television power switch only turns ON and OFF the outside power that is applied to each operating section. Thus, the power is cut off while the system is in a TV signal mode whereby a chroma IC outputs a TV video signal. Accordingly, the TV video signal output from the chroma IC is abnormally deflected when the external power is turned off, thereby producing the picture transient phenomenon.

Power switch for multiple operating sections of television set


A terminal for performing at least one of wired and wireless communication is provided. The terminal includes a first antenna configured to recognize a handwriting through a change of an electromagnetic field and a second antenna for a short range wireless communication, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are formed on a same Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a terminal having a plurality of antennas. More specifically, the present invention relates to a terminal having a plurality of antennas and having improved communication performance by virtue of an arrangement of the plurality of the antennas.
2. Description of the Related Art
A plurality of terminals, which communicate by using different frequencies, require different antennas. Here, for arranging the different antennas, the antennas are arranged on at least one of an outside of the terminal, an internal frame of the terminal, an outer battery case, and a surface of a battery. In this case, it is disadvantageous in that, by mounting each antenna, a cost for mounting the antenna is increased and a volume of the terminal is increased. In particular, in a radio communication method in which data is transmitted, received, and recorded without using an external power supply by using electromagnetic induction, an antenna loop having a wide area is needed, and thus, it is difficult to provide an antenna having a wide area if the terminal has a limited volume.
Therefore, a need exists for a terminal having a plurality of antennas without increasing a volume thereof.

Terminal including a plurality of antennas


Methods for making homogenized cosmetic formulations comprising a silicone gel.

The personal care industry thrives on being able to deliver multiple performance products based on mixtures of several components, with each having performance characteristics important to or desirable in the final formulation. One desirable characteristic is the ability to provide a silky initial feel derived from low molecular weight silicones, such as for example, octamethylcyclotetrasilioxane or decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, in the formulation while maintaining a high, but shear-thinnable viscosity. While these low molecular weight silicones provide the desired feel characteristics, they are also low viscosity, highly flowable liquids. Thus they are not easily held in a formulation, preferring rather to separate and flow out of a given container or flow uncontrollably across the skin when used in a specific application. Further, it desirable to achieve an initial silky feel while providing a smooth, low-residue feel upon dry-down. Polymeric silicone gels prepared in volatile silicone have been found to deliver desirable initial feel of volatile, low viscosity silicones to formulations while at the same time provide high viscosity and a smooth silky feel on dry-down, see for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,116, 5,493,041 and 4,987,169.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Cosmetic compositions comprising silicone gels


Communicating a notification to a particular vehicle is provided. A processor: identifies, one or more vehicles within a particular radius to a first vehicle based on one of: WiFi network visibility, a geo-fenced radius with known geo-tags of the one or more vehicles, or scanning for visible Bluetooth devices; receives a selection for a particular vehicle of the one or more vehicles identified based on descriptive wireless tags or line-of-sight selection from a first device in the first vehicle; establishes a connection between the first device in the first vehicle and a second device in the particular vehicle; receives a selection for a predetermined message; receives an image of a problem associated with the particular vehicle; and sends the predetermined message and the image from the first device to the second device.

Drivers of vehicles may notice a problem with another vehicle while driving near the other vehicle. Typically, the driver that noticed the problem waves their arms or honks their horn to notify the driver of a problem. The driver having the problem with their vehicle, however, may not understand the driver or may be hesitant due to safety and trust issues.

Communicating an alert notification to a particular vehicle

International Business Machines Corporation


A disk drive includes a data storage disk rotatably mounted in a housing. An access arm is rotatably mounted in the housing and has an access head at a distal end thereof for travel over the disk to write data thereto and read data therefrom. A pair of counter imbalanced inertia locks are operatively joined between the housing and the access arm for inertia latching the access arm upon shock loading of the access arm to prevent movement thereof over the disk irrespective of combinations of linear and angular shock loading.

The present invention relates generally to computer hard disk drives, and, more specifically, to inertia locks therein.
A typical computer hard disk drive includes a rotating data storage disk which is accessed by a pivoting access arm which includes a read/write access head for magnetically writing data to the disk and reading data therefrom. The access arm is typically elongate and suspends the access head on a slider to float atop the data disk as it travels in operation to access different portions of the data zone on the disk.
The access head is disposed at a distal end of the arm, with the arm having a central pivot about which it rotates over the disk, using a conventional actuator such as a voice coil motor operatively joined to an opposite proximal end of the access arm. The typical voice coil motor includes suitable windings on the arm proximal end which define a rotor, with a pair of permanent magnets being suitably mounted to the disk drive housing sandwiching therebetween the access arm proximal end to define the voice coil motor. The proximal end of the access arm is selectively moved during operation between the permanent magnets for in turn traversing the access head at the opposite distal end of the access arm radially over the data storage disk to read and write data.
When the disk drive is off, the access head is typically parked on a load and unload (L/UL) ramp located at the outer diameter of the disk to prevent inadvertent contact between the access head and the disk surface which could corrupt or damage the surface and data thereon. In an alternate embodiment, the access arm may be parked near the inner diameter of the storage disk at a conventional contact start and stop (CSS) zone for the same safety consideration.
In either design, the disk drive is subject to inadvertent shock loading such as, for example, which might occur if the disk drive is dropped to the floor. Such a shock loading may effect both linear and angular shock loads which can cause the access arm to pivot over the data zone leading to undesirable damage thereof.
In order to lock the access arm in its parked position during non-operating conditions, various types of conventional latches may be used. Some latches rely on magnetic or voice-coil principles for locking the access arm in a stationary, parked position. However, these types of latches are relatively complex and expensive.
A relatively simple and inexpensive latch is conventionally known as an inertial latch which relies on its own inertia to engage a cooperating catch on the access arm during suitable shock loading of the disk drive to prevent flotation of the access arm over the data zone. A typical inertia latch is an elongate member having a central pivot, with a hook at a distal end thereof on one side of the pivot, and a counter balance at a proximal end thereof on an opposite side of the pivot. Typically, a small spring biases the latch away from the catch during normal operation, with a suitable level of angular shock automatically overcoming the restraining spring force for allowing the latch to engage the access arm and prevent its rotation during a shock event.
Although the inertia latch is relatively simple in construction, it requires precise manufacturing tolerances and mass balance. This ensures that its center of gravity is aligned with the axis of the pivot so that only angular shock loads are effective to cause relative rotation between the latch and the access arm to engage the catch and thereby lock rotation of the access arm. Since the individual inertia latches are subject to typical manufacturing tolerances during fabrication, each latch has a statistical amount of imbalance wherein its center of gravity is not perfectly aligned with the center of the latch pivot. The practical significance of even a small amount of latch imbalance is that the latch may be ineffective for locking the access arm in a very small region of the shock envelope depending on the combination of linear and angular shock loads.
Under most combinations of linear and angular shock loading, the latch will engage the catch and lock the access arm from pivoting. However, under the right combination of linear and angular shock, the effect of the off-set center of gravity due to manufacturing tolerances will prevent the latch from engaging the catch which will lead to unrestrained travel of the access arm over the storage disk and possible damage thereto. This renders the typical inertia latch statistically uncertain.
Accordingly, an improved inertia latch is desired for eliminating uncertainty of latch effectiveness due to typical manufacturing tolerances.

International Business Machines Corporation


The invention relates to an arrangement (100) for active alignment control of a contact element (110) of a charging device (104) for a vehicle (1) for driving on an electrical road system (ERS) comprising a charging surface (3) configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle via the charging device. The arrangement comprises the charging device (104) comprising a base (106), a linkage arm (108), and an electrical contact element (110) and a pivot joint (107) arranged for allowing a movement of the contact element around an axis (105). A control unit is configured to activate an actuator module to align said contact element (110) with said trajectory of said charging surface based on trajectory data and an angle between the vehicle heading and the charging surface. The invention further relates to a method and to a vehicle.

Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming a more common sight on roads worldwide, and they offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to the typical combustions engine driven vehicles. Although the electric and hybrid vehicles provides excellent solutions for reducing the impact of transportation on the environment, the need for recharging the batteries in the case of electric vehicles still partly limits the usability.
Recently, electric road systems have been investigated on which the vehicles may charge its batteries while driving. This may provide increased driving range for electrical vehicles, at least on roads which have the electrical system integrated in the road itself. In such an electric road system, a power line may be integrated in the road such that the vehicle may contact the power line while travelling on the road to thereby withdraw electrical energy from the electrical road system.
However, charging of a battery arranged on board of a moving vehicle via a static power line comes with challenges. For example, alignment of a charging unit of the vehicle with the power lines becomes technically problematic due to the relative motion of the vehicle with respect to the power lines.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,199,541 discloses one attempt at aligning contact means to side-tracks for allowing charging of a battery arranged on a vehicle. The contact means are attached to an arm which is pivotally attached to the vehicle. However, the approach suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 9,199,541 only allows for alignment of contact means with respect to the vehicle, thus the alignment with the side-tracks is likely to fail in some situations, for example when the side-tracks are not parallel with the vehicle. Accordingly, there appears to be room for improvement in relation to alignment of charging units for charging of a moving vehicle via a static power line.

Arrangement and method for active alignment control of a contact element


Disclosed are isolated nucleic acid molecules (inducible promoters) capable of directing expression in plant cell. In some embodiments, the promoters include a nucleic acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the promoter is capable of gene expression in plants of an operably linked nucleic acid sequence. Disclosed are transgenic plants or parts thereof, that can include expression cassettes and/or expression vectors, which can be stably incorporated into the genome of the plant. Methods of regulating the expression of a polynucleotide of interest in a plant cell are also disclosed.

Genetic engineering of plants has enabled the production of plants having improved characteristics or traits, such as disease resistance, insect resistance, and herbicide resistance. New genes can be expressed in the plant cell to exhibit the desired phenotype such as a new trait or characteristic.
The proper regulatory signals, such as promoters, must be present and be in the proper location with respect to the coding sequence of a gene in order to obtain expression of a gene product inserted into a plant cell. For endogenous genes, a promoter is a DNA sequence that directs cellular machinery of a plant to produce RNA from the contiguous coding sequence downstream (3′) of the promoter. The promoter region can influence the rate, developmental stage, and cell type in which the RNA transcript of the gene is made.
Expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant host depends in part upon the presence of an operably linked promoter that is functional within the plant host. The promoter sequence chosen is based on when and where within the organism expression of the heterologous nucleotide sequence is desired. Where expression in specific tissues or organs is desired, tissue-preferred promoters can be used. Where expression in response to a stimulus is desired, inducible promoters can be used. An inducible promoter is a promoter that is capable of directly or indirectly activating transcription of one or more DNA sequences or genes in response to an inducer. In the absence of an inducer, the DNA sequences or genes will not be transcribed, or will be transcribed at a level lower than in an induced state.
In the case of pest resistance, it is desirable to have a promoter that is induced by plant pests, including plant insect pests, nematodes or disease agents such as a bacterium, virus or fungus. For example, contact with a pathogen, or some other signal associated with the pathogen, induces activation of transcription, such that a pathogen-fighting protein or nucleic acid will be produced at a time when it will be effective in defending the plant. A pathogen-induced promoter may also be used to detect contact with a pathogen, for example by expression of a detectable marker, e.g., so that the need for application of pesticides can be assessed.
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is the most widely grown legume in the world, providing an important source of protein and oil. Soybean can be used in many ways such as ingredients in the formulation of a multitude of human foods, animal feed, and industrial products. As the dominant oil-seed in world trade, soybean contributes to greater than about half of global oilseed production. Therefore, soybean is considered as one of the most important economic crops both in the U.S. and abroad. Although global soybean production has increased steadily, future demand for soybean still cannot be satisfied due to a growing world population and limited land resources.
During its entire life cycle, soybean may be attacked by many pathogens, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, and suffer many diseases in any tissue. The soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines, SCN) is the pest that causes the most economic damage of soybean in the U.S. SCN is a small plant-parasitic roundworm, and most stages of SCN cannot be seen by unaided eyes. SCN feeds on the soybean roots and robs nutrients from the soybean. When soybean plants are severely damaged by nematodes, they become stunted and turn chlorotic. Controlling SCN in commercial soybean productions remains difficult because SCN has a short life cycle and populations can build rapidly. Frequent changes in population virulence of SCN also contribute to the difficulty in the management of this pest. In addition, the cysts of SCN can survive in the soil for up to nine years and then break to release the eggs under proper conditions, increasing the probability of the nematodes' dispersing via infested soil.
The methods used to control and manage SCN in soybean production include crop rotation, the use of SCN-resistant cultivars, and the application of nematicides, which are often used in an integrated manner. However, these approaches often face economic restrictions, are time-consuming, and use of nematicides can result in environmental problems. Additionally, for some areas, economic factors may limit the use of crop rotation. Considering the long-term demands of soybean, it is critical to manage SCN infestation in soybean production. Thus, in implementing a transgenic approach to pest control, one strategy is to increase the expression of desirable nucleic acids and protein in response to pathogens. Consequently, there is a continued need for the controlled expression of nucleic acids and proteins deleterious to pests, for example in response to plant damage.

Inducible plant promoters and the use thereof

University of Tennessee Research Foundation


A power harvester having a current transformer configured to be inductively coupled to a current conductor and a circuit for delivering power to a load. The transformer core has two sections joined together and separable from one another at interleaved portions, allowing the transformer to be installed around the current conductor. The circuit includes a rectifier coupled to the transformer and a transistor coupled in series between the rectifier and a load. The transistor receives an output current from the rectifier and provides power to the load. A resistor is coupled to the transistor and the load, and the transistor and resistor provide for limiting of the power to the load over a wide range of the conductor line currents.

A power harvester is an essential component of power grid monitoring equipment. Power grid monitoring is increasingly pursued by the power industry to improve grid reliability and to reduce liability related to outages and failures. The power harvester can be used to generate power from the existing utility grid infrastructure in order to provide power to sensors and associated equipment for the grid monitoring.
The power harvester uses inductive transformation of electrical power. Inductive transformers taking advantage of electromagnetic phenomena as described by Maxwell's equations. The most common implementation involves a transformer with a relatively fixed efficiency and thus a constant ratio of input versus output power. In that case, the delivered input (primary) power is automatically coupled to the demanded (secondary) power and this constant ratio can extend from watt to megawatt.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved power harvester, particularly one providing relatively fixed power output over a wide range of primary line currents.

Inductive power harvester with power limiting capability


A cross arm is provided, for use in a support structure for conductors within an electrical grid. The cross arm is made of a cementitious composite and has a rough “C” cross sectional shape. Pairs of the cross arms are attached to utility poles in a parallel position on opposite sides of the utility pole. Alternatively, a single cross arm may be attached to a utility pole. Embedded metal or glass fiber reinforced polymer bars extend along the length of the cross arms.

Cross arms are used throughout the world as structural elements to support electrical power transmission lines above the ground. These transmission cross arms, normally between 6 to 14 m in length, can be made of a variety of materials, the most common of which is timber.
The service life of cross arms is a very important factor. Given the difficulties of reaching and replacing the cross arms (which may be in very remote locations), the cost of replacing a cross arm exceeds that of the cost of the cross arm, itself.
The use of timber cross arms, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, poses certain challenges. Good quality timber for use in the cross arm is becoming increasing difficult to obtain given diminishing old growth forests which is the prime timber source, as well as the impact of modern environmental laws.
Timber cross arms also have a limited life span (typically about 25 years) and decay naturally. Moreover, it can be difficult to detect cracks in timber through visual inspection. Also the moistness and/or temperature of the ambient surroundings of the timber may hide or exaggerate such cracks.
Timber cross are combustible and propagate fire rapidly in forest fires; they are attractive to woodpeckers; and, under certain weather conditions, they can initiate a pole top fire. Timber cross arms also creep (e.g. deflect) under heavy loads sustained for long periods of time.
There have been several attempts to overcome these difficulties by substituting timber with other materials. Despite these attempts, timber remains the primary source of cross arms in the power transmission industry.
Metal, particularly galvanized steel, cross arms have been used. The primary disadvantage of using a metal cross arm is its electrical conductivity, which makes the cross arm very dangerous for transmission line technicians (or linemen) to work with on energized live lines. The galvanized coating of such cross arms has a life expectancy of about 25 years, after which the cross arm is susceptible to corrosion. For these reasons, metal cross arms are not widely used.
Laminated timber has also been used for cross arms, wherein the timber has been coated with a protective coating to prevent moisture penetration to increase the life expectancy of the cross arm. Some coatings are environmentally unfriendly, and may leach into the surrounding environment. Moisture and cracks may cause delamination of the timber. Under many circumstances, such cross arms may have a lower life expectancy than untreated timber.
Fibre reinforced polymer has also been used to make cross arms. These have a glass fibre interior coated with a polymer matrix. Such cross arms lack fire resistance and suffer from delamination if not protected from ultraviolet light.
Concrete, while commonly used as a building material, has not proven suitable for use as a cross arm. Concrete has large capillarity porosity, which allows water to penetrate and can cause the concrete to crack in freezing and thawing cycles. Unreinforced concrete will crack under tension stress. Regular concrete without reinforcement is quite brittle, and lacks ductility, which is a problem when used as a long cross arm. Given the different load conditions in electrical transmission lines (load due to the weight of conductors, insulators, radial ice on conductors, wind on conductors) the cross arm requires ductility, i.e. the ability of the material to plastically deform while continuing to carry loads without fracture, even after micro cracking. Also, concrete is not easily usable with thin sections of a cross arm. A cross arm made of concrete would be large, bulky, heavy and would require steel reinforcement for structural bending capacity and stirrups for shear reinforcement. For the above reasons concrete has not been used for cross arms across the transmission industry.

Cementitious fibre reinforced composite cross arm

BRITISH COLUMBIA HYDRO AND POWER AUTHORITY


A laser beam is irradiated from a pickup head on a disk. Light reflected by the disk is detected by the pickup head. The data is binarized by a data slice circuit, and a synchronizing clock and a synchronizing signal are extracted by a PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit. The center frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator of the PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit continuously changes according to a control voltage. A disk motor control circuit continuously changes the rotation speed of the disk in accordance with a control instruction from a system controller. The disk rotates at the highest rotation speed at which a data read operation is normally performed. The characteristics of the voltage controlled oscillator change in correspondence with the rotation speed of the disk.

The present invention relates to a an improvement of a read apparatus particularly in a CD-ROM drive system or a DVD (digital versatile disc) drive system.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a conventional read apparatus in a CD-ROM drive system.
A pickup head 12 irradiates a laser beam on the surface of a disk 11, detects light reflected by the disk 11, and converts the reflected light into an electrical signal. The output signal from the pickup head 12 is amplified to an RF signal by an amplifier 13. This RF signal is input to a data slice circuit 14.
The data slice circuit 14 has a function of binarizing the RF signal. Data which is binarized by the data slice circuit 14 is called an EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation) signal.
The EFM signal is input to a PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) and synchronizing signal separation circuit 15. The PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit 15 generates a synchronizing signal PFCK, a synchronizing clock CK, and a data signal DATA on the basis of the EFM signal. The data signal DATA and the synchronizing clock CK are input to an error correction circuit 16. The error correction circuit 16 performs error correction processing using a correction RAM 17.
When the data of a disk having a CD-ROM format is being read, the read apparatus is normally operated at a x2 or more speed in many cases.
The corrected data is transferred to a CD-ROM decoder 18. At this time, the clock for controlling the operation of the error correction circuit 16 is the synchronizing clock CK output from the PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit 15.
A clock selector 33 supplies the synchronizing clock CK output from the PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit 15 or a clock output from a clock generator 25 to the error correction circuit 16.
In read access to a CD-ROM, the data can be read at a high speed by operating the error correction circuit 16 with the synchronizing clock CK output from the PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit 15. This technique is described in detail in, e.g., Japanese Patent Application No. 6-339463 (filed on Dec. 29, 1994).
The CD-ROM decoder 18 corrects and buffers the data of the CD-ROM, and then transfers the data to a host computer 28 at a high speed.
When a disk which stores a digital audio signal is being read, the data is input to an audio D/A (Digital/Analog) converter 27, and the audio data is output from the output terminal at a x1 speed. Since the clock selector 33 supplies a crystal system clock generated by the clock generator 25 to the error correction circuit 16, high-quality audio data can be obtained.
The synchronizing signal PFCK extracted from the EFM signal by the PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit 15 is sent to a disk motor control circuit 22 and compared with the clock from the clock generator 25. The disk motor control circuit 22 outputs, on the basis of the comparison result, a driving signal AFC (automatic speed control signal) for rotating the disk.
A driver 23 drives a disk motor 24 on the basis of the driving signal AFC such that the data read rate matches a predetermined rate.
A system controller 29 reads, via a microcomputer interface 26, a correction flag or a compensation flag (error correction flag ECF) obtained by correction processing by the error correction circuit 16.
The system controller 29 confirms the error generation frequency on the basis of the information of the correction flag or compensation flag. If it is determined that too many errors are generated by the high-speed read operation, the system controller 29 performs processing of reducing the data read rate.
A servo system signal read from the pickup 12 is sent to a pickup servo circuit 20 through an amplifier 19 and subjected to equalizing processing by the pickup servo circuit 20. An output signal from the pickup servo circuit 20 is supplied to the actuator of the pickup 12 and a pickup feed motors 21 to control the operation of the actuator and the pickup feed motor.
The system controller 29 controls the CD-ROM decoder 18 and also controls the pickup servo circuit 20 via the microcomputer interface 26.
To change the read rate, generally, the LSI often has an arrangement for realizing a 1/2.sup.n read rate with respect to the reference clock generated by the clock generator 25. More specifically, if the maximum rate is x4, a x2 or x1 read rate can be realized.
A CD system is originally an audio reproduction system. For this reason, a disk is normally rotated at a x1 speed. However, when the CD system is applied to a CD-ROM drive, its data transfer rate is lower than that of the memory medium of a general computer.
It is an important challenge to raise the data transfer rate in consideration of read processing of recent large-capacity moving picture data. Recently, x4 players have become popular, and the transfer rate is further increasing from x4 to x6, and to x8.
In the prior art, however, when the read rate is to be changed, only a read rate corresponding to 1/2.sup.n (e.g., a x4, x2, or x1 rate) the highest frequency can be realized as the disk rotation speed.
In addition, the CD disk standard is generally determined on the assumption of the x1 speed. For this reason, for a disk having an extreme eccentricity or abnormal pit formation, the seek performance is degraded in high-speed rotation at, e.g., a x4 or x6 speed, resulting in erroneous data read.
As described above, for a disk having an eccentricity or abnormal pit formation, the conventional CD system cannot read the data by high-speed disk rotation. The data transfer rate must be extremely (discontinuously) reduced from, e.g., x4 to x2, and to x1.
Accordingly, the seek time becomes long at a low speed, so the characteristics of the CD-ROM drive suitable for the high-speed read operation cannot be completely exhibited.
When the quartz oscillator is exchanged, or a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) is arranged, the disk can be rotated not only at a speed corresponding to 1/2.sup.n the highest frequency but also at an intermediate speed.
However, when a VCO is used to change the data read rate (data transfer rate), and the center frequency of the VCO is fixed, the data transfer rate can be changed only within the range of .+-.50% of the center frequency of the VCO.
Therefore, if the data transfer rate is changed in correspondence with the change in read rate, the higher and lower dynamic ranges with respect to the output frequency of the VCO become nonuniform. In the subsequent seek operation, the PLL loop cannot be stably locked in correspondence with the change in data transfer rate.

Signal processing circuit having a voltage controlled oscillator capable of continuously changing the center frequency in accordance with a control voltage


Approaches for secure configuration of a programmable logic integrated circuit (IC). In one approach, a method includes programming configuration memory of the programmable logic IC with a first configuration bitstream. At least a portion of a second configuration bitstream is encrypted using values stored in a portion of the configuration memory as a key. The second configuration bitstream is input to the programmable logic IC, and the encrypted portion of the second configuration bitstream is decrypted using the values stored in the portion of the configuration memory. The configuration memory is then programmed with each decrypted portion of the second bitstream.

Programmable Logic Circuits are Integrated Circuits (ICs) that are user configurable and capable of implementing digital logic operations. There are several types of programmable logic ICs, including Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), for example. CPLDs include function blocks based on programmable logic array (PLA) architecture and programmable interconnect lines to route and transmit signals between the function blocks. FPGAs may include configurable logic blocks (CLBs) arranged in rows and columns, input output blocks (IOBs) surrounding the CLBs, and programmable interconnect lines that route and transmit signals between the CLBs. In other FPGAs, IOBs are arranged in columns between the columns of other logic. Each CLB includes look-up tables and other configurable circuitry that is programmable to implement a logic function. The function blocks of CPLDs, CLBs of FPGAs and interconnect lines are configured by data stored in a configuration memory of the respective devices.
Designs implemented in programmable logic have become complex. Due to the time and investment required for design and debugging, when the design is going into a system including the programmable logic, it is desirable to protect the design from unauthorized copying.
Many programmable logic ICs use volatile configuration memory that must be loaded from an external device, such as a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), every time the programmable logic is powered up. Since configuration data is stored external to the programmable logic and must be transmitted through a configuration access port, the design can easily be revealed to an attacker by monitoring the data on the configuration access port during configuration.
Other programmable logic ICs, including some FPGAs, include at least some non-volatile configuration memory within the device. However, even when a device is configured with internally stored configuration memory, configuration data can still be accessed if the designer releases configuration data to update the device.
Efforts have been made to encrypt designs, but it is difficult to make the design both secure from attackers and easy to upgrade by legitimate users. Several encryption algorithms, for example, the standard Data Encryption Standard (DES) and the more secure Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithms, are known for encrypting blocks of data. Additionally, a one-time encryption pad may be used as a cipher for encrypting blocks of data by XORing blocks of data with blocks of the one-time pad (OTP). However, a key must somehow be communicated in a secure way to the structure that decrypts the design, so the design can be decrypted before being used to configure the programmable logic. Once the programmable logic has been configured using the unencrypted design, the design must continue to be protected from unauthorized discovery.
A decryption key can be stored in non-volatile memory of a programmable logic integrated circuit. An encrypted bitstream can then be loaded into the IC and decrypted using the key within the programmable logic. This prevents an attacker from reading the bitstream as it is being loaded into the programmable logic IC. However, this structure does not protect the user's design from all modes of attack. A reverse engineering process in which the programmed device is decapped, metal layers are removed, and the non-volatile memory cells are chemically treated can expose which memory cells have been charged and thus can allow an attacker to learn the decryption key. There remains a need for a design protection method that is convenient, reliable, and secure.
The present invention may address one or more of the above issues.

Method and integrated circuit for secure reconfiguration of programmable logic


A storage stable oral composition having a pH of 8 or more which is effective against calculus, the composition containing an orally acceptable vehicle prepared using a sorbitol humectant containing less than about 0.10% by weight of a reducing sugar there being incorporated in the vehicle an effective anticalculus amount a water soluble alkali metal polyphosphate anticalculus salt.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to an anticalculus dentifrice composition and more particularly to anticalculus dentifrice composition which is color stable on storage.
2. The Prior Art
Dental research has developed substantial evidence that beyond the age of 40 years loss of teeth is predominantly the result of periodontal involvement rather than dental caries. An important factor contributing to periodontal disease is the accumulation of dental calculus (e.g., salivary tartar) on the teeth. These deposits contribute to tissue inflammation of the surrounding gingiva, and, as the condition increases in severity, the supporting bone is also affected. These reactions lead to the destruction of the supporting structure and subsequent loss of teeth.
A wide variety of chemical and biological agents have been described in the art for retarding calculus formation or for removing calculus after it is formed. Included in the wide variety of chemical agents disclosed by the prior art as being effective as anticalculus agents are water soluble polyphosphate and pyrophosphate salts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,977 discloses dentifrice composition containing one or a mixture of polyphosphate anticalculus salts such as water soluble alkali metal pyrophosphates, tripolyphosphates and hexametaphosphates, and a fluoride ion source, wherein salivary hydrolysis of P--O--P bonds in the polyphosphate salt is inhibited by the presence of 0.05 to 3 weight % of a polycarboxylate compound. When high concentrations of these polyphosphate salts are present in the dentifrice, e.g., 5-8% by weight, the pH of the dentifrice is in the alkaline range, i.e., in the range of about 8-10. U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,684 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,236 disclose the use of a water soluble alkali metal tripolyphosphate as an anticalculus agent contained in dentifrice compositions. The patent discloses that to be storage stable, the tripolyphosphate salt is incorporated in the dentifrice at a concentration of at least 4% by weight, the dentifrice having an alkaline pH, for example, a pH of 8-10.
In the preparation of the dentifrice compositions of containing high concentrations of polyphosphate anticalculus salts having an alkaline pH, it is desirable that sorbitol, in high concentrations, for example 30% by weight or more be used as a humectant as sorbitol is a relatively low cost material and imparts a desirable sweet flavor to the dentifrice. However, in dentifrice compositions in which the pH is above about 8, a browning discoloration of the dentifrice product is observed when commercially available sorbitol which normally contains 0.3% by weight reducing sugars such as mannitol is used in the dentifrice formulation. In addition to the undesirable discoloration of the product, an unpleasant flavor is imparted rendering the product undesirable for consumer use.


Systems and method are provided for forming an integrated communication network. The network includes a plurality of locally distributed integrated communications modules (ICMs) which are placed at predetermined positions. The ICMs monitor a plurality of roaming communication devices that communicate using both the cellular communication network and the internet. Further, the integrated communication network forms a private database on the roaming sender communication device to allow data communication with a specifically identified roaming communication device.

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for e-commerce, networking, sale processing, and point of sale transactions, sales analysis including sales taking place over public communication systems, and including integration with other communication networks.
With the advent of making cellular phones communication with both internet and other communication media possible, systems and methods have been developed to enable point of sales transactions using cellular telephones and other mobile devices.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,913, to Wang et al., discloses a method and apparatus for approving a transaction request between an electronic transaction system and a portable electronic authorization device (PEAD), carried by a user using an electronic service authorization token. In one aspect of the invention, the method and apparatus include a remote agent server that provides a bridge between the electronic transaction system and the PEAD.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,968, to Pentel, describes a generalized remote ordering apparatus for customer and employee use within a restaurant, auto repair facility, retail store, grocery store, airport, or other service facility, to place orders, determine the status of orders, access information, and allow the customer to pay the bill either by cash or credit card, comprising: (a) an input device having a keypad, a battery, a first memory, a first processor, and a transmitter; and (b) an ordering station unconnected to the input device, the ordering station having a receiver tuned to the transmitter, a second processor adapted to decode information received from the transmitter through the receiver and produce decoded information, a display adapted to display the decoded information, a second memory adapted to store item numbers and prices, and a communications link to a point-of-sale system.
US2007027803 AA to Cantero et al., describes a system and a process for processing payments and transactions between payers and payees associated to the system, using a first server interconnected with telecommunication means with first data storage means containing information on each associated payer consisting of an admissible telephone number, an authorization criterion for authorizing a transaction, and a safety criterion associated to the admissible telephone number, as well as an admissible identification code of each payee; second data storage means that contain a second information referring to the type of digital mobile telephone belonging to each telephone number, selecting means for verifying one of the telecommunication equipments that communicates with the digital mobile telephone identified by the admissible telephone number.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,037, to Kolls, describes a public, private, or cellular phone with access to the Internet for the purposes of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business and for communicating voice and data. In addition the invention relates to a universal advertising and payment system and method for networking, monitoring and effectuating e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business and controlling vending equipment and applications. Vending equipment can be networked to each other through a first network, programmable and accessible by a PC, server, point of sale (POS) system, property or management information system (PMS/MIS), and networked to a second network. The first network and second network can be the same network. Complete control of a vending machine's functionality including usage, control, diagnostics, inventory, and marketing data capture can be effectuated locally or by remote connection to the network. Remote connection to the network includes Internet type connections, telecommunication (telephone, ISDN, ADSL), VSAT satellite, and other wire and wireless transmission.
However, in light of the known POS systems and methods, there is still a need to provide POS systems which are personalized to a user's needs and provide time-saving real time information to the user.
The disclosures of all publications and patent documents mentioned in the specification, and of the publications and patent documents cited therein directly or indirectly, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Integrated network based e-commerce and analysis systems and methods


A transmission unit for a vehicle is provided. The transmission unit includes: a plurality of input shafts, each of the input shafts being provided with a shift driving gear thereon; a plurality of output shafts, each of the output shafts being provided with a shift driven gear configured to mesh with a corresponding shift driving gear; a motor power shaft; first and second motor gears fitted over the motor power shaft; a motor synchronizer disposed on the motor power shaft and between the first and second motor gears; in which the first motor gear is configured to rotate together with one of the input shafts; the second motor gear is configured to rotate together with one of the output shafts. A power transmission system including the transmission unit and a vehicle including the power transmission system are also provided.

To reduce energy consumption, the development and utilization of energy-efficient vehicles have become a trend. As an energy-efficient vehicle, a hybrid vehicle is driven by at least one of an international combustion engine and a motor, and has various operation modes, and consequently may operate with improved transmission efficiency and fuel efficiency.
However, in the related art, the power transmission system in the hybrid vehicle is generally complex in structure, provides fewer transmission modes, and is low in transmission efficiency.

Transmission unit, power transmission system and vehicle comprising the same


Vertical and horizontal sync signals are separated from an NTSC signal inputted from an outside by an external input circuit and a luminance signal (Y) and chrominance signals (B-Y, R-Y) are extracted and converted into RGB data. External RGB data and RGB data formed by a software are processed and the resultant data is supplied to an output converting circuit. The RGB data is converted into analog signals of the luminance signal and chrominance signals of a television signal by using individual system clock signals and outputted. A clock generating circuit generates two kinds of dot clocks which are used for the output converting circuit. The dot clock which is generated from the clock generating circuit and is used for conversion of the luminance signal is phase matched so as to follow a jitter of a horizontal sync signal (H) separated by an external video input circuit.

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a function which can display an image by a television signal of the NTSC or the like and, more particularly, to an information processing apparatus for making it possible to output and display a synthetic image in which an influence by a jitter of a television signal inputted from the outside is suppressed to a minimum value.
Owing to a low price of a personal computer and a development of multimedia goods in recent years, from the conventional personal computer using an RGB monitor as a display medium, there is increasing a request for functions such that a television monitor of a large screen and a high widespread ratio is used as a display medium and video images or the like of a TV or a VTR are fetched and superimposed onto the picture plane of the personal computer and the resultant image is displayed. However, when the display function of the television monitor is realized by an analog circuit, a circuit construction is complicated and such a complication is opposite to the realization of low costs of a system, so that it is necessary to digitize a circuit so as to form an LSI.
FIG. 1 shows an example of an information processing apparatus having a conventional television display function. A video RAM (VRAM) 112 for display is provided for a processor 110. RGB data according to a predetermined format has been stored in the VRAM 112 on a frame unit basis under the control of a VRAM control circuit 114. An NTSC signal from the outside such as television tuner, video deck, or the like is inputted to an external video input circuit 118. The external video input circuit 118 separates a vertical sync signal and a horizontal sync signal from the NTSC signal, extracts a luminance signal (Y) and color difference signals (B-Y) and (R-Y), converts the extracted signals to RGB signals, converts the RGB signals into digital RGB data, and generates the resultant data to an image processing circuit 116. The image processing circuit 116 performs a proper image process to superimpose the RGB data of the NTSC signal from the outside onto the RGB data from the VRAM 112 for display or the like and outputs the processed RGB data to a luminance chroma converting circuit 120. By the digital process, the luminance chroma converting circuit 120 converts the RGB data into chroma data (C) in which the luminance signal (Y) and the color difference signals (B-Y) and (R-Y) as chrominance signals of the NTSC system were two-phase orthogonal modulated by a frequency fsc (=3.58 MHz) of a color subcarrier. Further, the vertical and horizontal sync signals generated by an NTSC sync signal generating circuit 126 are added to the luminance data (Y). A burst signal of fsc (=3.58 Mhz) is added to the chroma data. The luminance data (Y) and chroma data (C) from the luminance chroma converting circuit 120 are converted into analog signals by a D/A converting circuit 122 and are respectively outputted as an NTSC luminance signal (Y) and an NTSC chroma signal (C) to a television monitor. In this instance, a dot clock of a frequency of 4 fsc which is four times as large as the subcarrier frequency of fsc is needed for the conversion to the luminance data (Y) in the luminance chroma converting circuit 120. A dot clock of the frequency of 4 fsc of four times is also similarly needed for the conversion to the chroma data (C). It is necessary to synchronize those dot clocks with the NTSC signal from the outside. The horizontal sync signal separated by the external video input circuit 118 is supplied to a clock analog PLL circuit 128, thereby synchronizing the phase of the dot clocks which are used in the NTSC sync signal generating circuit 126 and luminance chroma converting circuit 120 with the phase of the horizontal sync signal from the outside.
However, in such a conventional information processing apparatus having the television display function, the luminance signal of the NTSC signal from the outside ordinarily has a jitter. For a fluctuation of the phase of the horizontal sync signal due to the jitter, the phase synchronization of the system clock is performed by the clock analog PLL circuit 128. In this case, as for the conversion of the luminance signal to the luminance data by using the dot clocks obtained by frequency dividing the system clocks, even when a phase jump to synchronize the phase is performed to the jitter, there is no problem. However, a continuity of the dot clocks which are used for the chroma conversion is lost by the phase jump to perform the phase synchronization for the jitter, so that there is a problem such that an abnormal color is reproduced.
In order to guarantee the continuity of the dot clocks in the chroma conversion, when the dot clocks which are not transmitted through the clock analog PLL circuit 128 are used, there is no problem in the chroma conversion. However, since the dot clocks to be used to convert the luminance signal to the luminance data don't follow the jitter of the external luminance signal, a fluctuation of a scanning line in the horizontal direction occurs, so that a problem such that a reproducing quality deteriorates occurs.

Information processing apparatus having function capable of displaying image by television signal

Suenaga, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 213

c/o Fujitsu Limited, 1-1, Kamikodanaka 4-chome