The present invention provides methods of treating coagulation disease, including hemophilia and von Willebrand disease by administering recombinant von Willebrand Factor alone or in combination with Factor VIII.

Coagulation diseases, such as von Willebrand Disease (VWD) and Hemophilia, generally result from a deficiency in the coagulation cascade. "von Willebrand Disease" refers to the group of diseases caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor. Von Willebrand factor helps blood platelets clump together and stick to the blood vessel wall, which is necessary for normal blood clotting. Hemophilia A refers to a deficiency of Factor VIII activity, whereas Hemophilia B refers to a Factor IX deficiency. Current treatment for these coagulopathies includes a replacement therapy using pharmaceutical preparations comprising the normal coagulation factor.
Replacement therapy in VWD and Hemophilia A patients involves the repeated administration of preparations containing normal coagulation factors via intravenous infusion, which can constitute a heavy load on the life of these patients, particularly when venous access is difficult to achieve. It would be advantageous if the frequency of infusions could be reduced. One potentially viable therapy is to stabilize Factor VIII through its association with a second molecule, such as von Willebrand Factor (VWF), with the result that plasma half-life of Factor VIII is increased.
VWF is a glycoprotein circulating in plasma as a series of multimers ranging in size from about 500 to 20,000 kD. The full length of cDNA of VWF has been cloned; the propolypeptide corresponds to amino acid residues 23 to 764 of the full length prepro-VWF (Eikenboom et al (1995) Haemophilia 1, 77 90). Multimeric forms of VWF are composed of 250 kD polypeptide subunits linked together by disulfide bonds. VWF mediates the initial platelet adhesion to the sub-endothelium of the damaged vessel wall, with the larger multimers exhibiting enhanced hemostatic activity. Multimerized VWF binds to the platelet surface glycoprotein Gp1bα, through an interaction in the A1 domain of VWF, facilitating platelet adhesion. Other sites on VWF mediate binding to the blood vessel wall. Thus, VWF forms a bridge between the platelet and the vessel wall that is essential to platelet adhesion and primary hemostasis under conditions of high shear stress. Normally, endothelial cells secrete large polymeric forms of VWF and those forms of VWF that have a lower molecular weight arise from proteolytic cleavage. The multimers of exceptionally large molecular masses are stored in the Weibel-Pallade bodies of the endothelial cells and liberated upon stimulation by agonists such as thrombin and histamine.
That FVIII pharmacokinetics are a function of VWF levels is supported by several previous observations. Reduction of FVIII binding activity in von Willebrand Disease (VWD), due to either reduced VWF protein levels or lowered FVIII binding affinity, results in reduced steady-state levels of endogenous FVIII (summarized in Castaman et al., Disorders of Hemostasis 88(1):94-108 (2003), and improving survival of VWF has been proposed as a viable strategy for improving FVIII stability (Denis et al., Thromb Haemost. 2008 February; 99(2):271-8; Turecek et al., Blood, 2006, 108(11): Abstract 1002). Among severe Hemophilia A patients, a correlation between pre-infusion VWF levels and the half-life of infused FVIII has been demonstrated by Fijnvandraat and colleagues (Fijnvandraat, et al., Br J Haematol. 1995 October; 91(2):474-6). In that study, patients with 200-300% of average VWF levels were seen to have a FVIII half-life of 15-29 hours compared to a mean of 12.5 hours in patients with normal VWF levels. In another study, patients with blood group O were demonstrated to have significantly lower VWF levels and shorter FVIII half-lives (15.3 hours) compared with those with blood group A (19.7 hours) (Vlot, et al. Thromb Haemost. 2000 January; 83(1):65-9). Chemically modified VWF has been shown to prolong survival of rFVIII (Turecek et al., J. Thromb. Haemost. 2007 Jul. 9; 5(2) abstract available at: http/www.blackwellpublishing.com/isth2007/abstract.asp?id=64898). As such, co-administration of rVWF and rFVIII is a viable strategy for the treatment of coagulation diseases such as von Willebrand Disease and Hemophilia A.

Treatment of coagulation disease by administration of recombinant VWF


In a retro-focus type lens divided into three lens units by the widest air spacing and the next widest air spacing, a first lens unit is disposed on a long conjugate side and has negative refractive power, and includes a negative lens and a lens provided with an aspherical surface, a second lens unit is disposed subsequently to the first lens unit and provided with a positive lens block, and a third lens unit is disposed subsequently to the second lens unit and has positive refractive power, and includes a negative lens and a positive lens.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a retro-focus (reverse telephoto) type lens, and particularly to a retro-focus type lens suitable, for example, as a projection lens for a color liquid crystal projection TV set designed such that a plurality of images having different kinds of color information are synthesized by a synthesizing mirror and thereafter enlargedly projected onto a screen surface.
2. Related Background Art
There have heretofore been proposed various color liquid crystal projection type TV sets designed such that images being displayed on a plurality of color liquid crystals (liquid crystal light bulbs) are optically superposed one upon another and projected onto a screen surface by a projection lens.
FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings shows an assembly of the essential portions of a color liquid crystal projection TV set in which images formed on popular color liquid crystals are projected onto a screen surface S.
In FIG. 9, the reference numeral 1 designates a white light source emitting a collimated light beam. The reference characters 2a, 2b and 2c denote liquid crystal display elements for red, green and blue, respectively. Projected images are displayed on these liquid crystal display elements. The reference characters 3a and 3b designate ordinary mirrors, and the reference numeral 4 denotes a red reflecting dichroic mirror. Red light illuminates the liquid crystal display element 2a for red. The reference numeral 5 designates a green reflecting dichroic mirror. Green light illuminates the liquid crystal display element 2b for green.
The liquid crystal display element 2c for blue is illuminated by blue light passed through the red reflecting dichroic mirror 4 and the green reflecting dichroic mirror 5. The reference numeral 6 denotes a blue transmitting dichroic mirror. The reference numeral 7 designates a projection lens.
In FIG. 9, the white light from the white light source 1 is color-resolved into red, green and blue color lights by the dichroic mirrors 4 and 5, the liquid crystal display elements 2a, 2b and 2c for red, green and blue are illuminated by these red, green and blue color lights, respectively, and the images of the liquid crystal display elements 2a, 2b and 2c based on these color lights are superposed on the screen surface by the projection lens 7, whereby a color image is obtained.
From the necessity of disposing various kinds of optical members such as reflecting mirrors and dichroic mirrors between the last lens surface to the liquid crystal display elements (the back focal length), a retro-focus type lens having a long back focal length is often used as the projection lens in such a construction.
Generally, a retro-focus type lens comprises a lens construction in which a lens unit of negative refractive power is disposed on the object side (the conjugate point side having a long distance) and a lens unit of positive refractive power is disposed on the image plane side (the conjugate point side having a short distance). This leads to the feature that a relatively long back focal length can be easily obtained.
However, the lens construction is asymmetrical, and this leads to the tendency that asymmetrical aberrations such as distortion and astigmatism are much created.
Where a retro-focus type lens is used in a color liquid crystal projection TV set, a color resolving dichroic mirror is disposed on the image plane side as shown in FIG. 9 and therefore, to eliminate color irregularity and effect the color reproduction of the entire picture plane well, it is necessary that the angle of incidence of the light beam onto the dichroic mirror be made substantially equal over the entire picture plane. That is, it is necessary that the lens system be brought into a state approximate to that of a so-called emergence telecentric system in which a chief ray emerging to the image plane side becomes substantially parallel to the optical axis.
However, if the lens system is made into an emergence telecentric system, the off-axial light beam will come to enter the lens unit of positive refractive power on the image plane side at a high position from the optic axis. This gives rise to the problem that barrel type (negative) distortion and flare are much created and it is very difficult to obtain a good projected image.
So, the applicant has previously proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-286058 (Laid-Open No. 3-145613) a retro-focus type lens having a lens construction approximate to an emergence telecentric system suitable as a projection lens for a color liquid crystal projection TV set in which the lens construction is set appropriately, whereby the above-mentioned aberrations such as distortion and flare are corrected well.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 54-139725 is known as a retro-focus type photographic lens provided with an aspherical surface.

Zoom lens having a long back focal length


The present invention relating to a method of manufacturing an AMOLED panel. The method comprises providing a substrate, forming a TFT on the substrate, forming an inter-layer insulator layer, forming a plurality of via holes, forming a metal layer which electrically contacts a source and a drain, forming a transparent electrode, a pixel define layer and a LED. Because the present invention omits a passivation layer, the cost decreases and the process is simpler.

1. Field of the Invention
A method of manufacturing a TFT panel, and more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a LTPS TFT OLED panel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general, low temperature poly crystalline silicon thin film transistor (LTPS TFT) array manufacturing needs about six to nine photo-masks to process a photolithograph etching process, which is more complex than five photo-masks required to manufacture the hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin film transistor (α-Si:H TFT). In addition, the active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) needs seven to ten photo-masks, because of the need to manufacture an LTPS TFT array and a pixel define layer (PDL).
Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of a traditional OLED TFT structure. In the prior art, a glass substructure 102 is provided, with an insulator layer 104 and amorphous silicon film (not shown) deposited on the glass substructure 102. The amorphous silicon film then re-crystallizes to polycrystalline silicon after an excimer laser annealing (ELA) process. Then, an active layer 106 pattern is etched on the polycrystalline silicon, and a gate insulator layer 108 is deposited on the active layer 106 and the insulator layer 104.
Moreover, a gate metal 110 is etched by a metal etching process, a second mask, and a second PEP. The gate metal 100 is a self-alignment mask and the boron ion doping process proceeds on the active layer 106, forming a source 103 and a drain 105 on the corresponding sides of the gate metal 110. In the prior art, a capacitance (Cst) 113 is formed on a poly silicon lower panel 107, the gate insulator layer 108 and a metal upper panel 111 by the above-mentioned first PEP and the second PEP individually. Then, an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) 112 is deposited on the glass substructure 102 to cover the gate metal 110, the metal upper panel 111, and the gate insulator layer 108. The particle ILD and the gate insulator layer 108 of the source 103 and the drain 105 are then removed by a third photo-mask and a third PEP to define a corresponding via hole 115. Furthermore, a metal forming process is performed utilizing a fourth photo-mask, and the fourth mask etches a data line and a drain metal on the via hole 115 of metal layer 114 for electrically contacting the source 103 and the drain 105. A flat passivation layer 116 is forming on the metal layer 114 and the ILD 112 using a fifth photo-mask and a fifth PEP, and the passivation layer 116 on the metal layer 114 which electrically contacts the drain 105 is removed. An ITO transparent electrode film (not shown) is formed on the passivation layer 116, and a sixth photo-mask and a sixth PEP are used to define a suitable shape for the transparent electrode 118. Then, a pixel define layer (PDL) 120 is doped and is etched by a seven photo-mask and a seven PEP. Finally, a LED (not shown) is formed on the transparent electrode 118 to complete the traditional OLED panel 100.
In the prior art, seven photo-masks are needed to complete the above-mentioned OLED. The process is complex and the use of too many masks increases the cost and increases the misalignment, thereby decreasing the yield. That is why decreasing the number of the photo-masks is an important issue in the monitor manufacturing industry.


A direct-current to direct-current conversion (DC/DC) apparatus includes a control circuit having an error amplifier for voltage control, basing the conversion on a pulse width modulation control using an output of the error amplifier. The error amplifier inputs a voltage signal corresponding to an output voltage of a DC/DC result and a plurality of reference voltage signals. The DC/DC apparatus also includes a soft start capacitor to provide one of the plurality of reference voltage signals. The error amplifier amplifies a difference between the voltage signal corresponding of the output voltage of a DC/DC result and a voltage signal of a lower potential among the plurality of reference voltage signals and carries out the pulse width modulation control. Furthermore, the control circuit includes a circuit for discharging charges corresponding to the output voltage of the DC/DC result when a power supply to the control circuit is turned off.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a power supply circuit used in various kinds of electronic apparatuses. More particularly, it relates to a circuit for controlling a direct-current to direct-current conversion so as to keep constant a voltage or voltages used in an electronic apparatus, and to a direct-current to direct-current conversion apparatus using the same. Note that, in the description below, "direct-current to direct-current conversion" is simply abbreviated as ""DC/DC"".
2. Description of the Related Art
A portable electronic apparatus such as a so-called hand-held type personal computer is equipped with a battery as its power source. Since the voltage of a battery is generally lowered as the battery discharges, a DC/DC apparatus is incorporated into the electronic apparatus so as to keep constant the output voltage of the battery.
On the other hand, the power source used in an electronic apparatus usually requires a plurality of power supplies, not a single power supply. To this end, a plurality of DC/DC apparatuses are provided for the plurality of power supplies. In this case, if turn-n/turn-off sequences between the respective power supplies are not fully taken into consideration, a drawback occurs in that a latch-up phenomenon is caused in semiconductor devices used in the electronic apparatus and thus some devices are burned out. Accordingly, some ideas are required for controlling power turn-on/turn-off sequences.
In one example of the prior art, the DC/DC apparatus is provided with a special logic circuit for controlling such power turn-on/turn-off sequences. However, this leads to a problem in that the scale of the entire circuit becomes large and the circuit constitution also becomes relatively complicated.
Also, where respective power supplies are simultaneously turned on with respect to a plurality of DC/DC apparatuses, it is substantially impossible to control respective rise characteristics of output voltages of the DC/DC apparatuses since the rise characteristics depend on lightness or heaviness of respective loads of the DC/DC apparatuses. A similar problem also occurs in the case where respective power supplies are simultaneously turned off.
The problems encountered in the prior art will be explained later in detail in contrast with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

DC to DC converter producing output voltage exhibit rise and fall characteristics independent of load thereon


A spray device for a printing press includes a liquid inlet orifice for receiving a liquid, a gas inlet orifice for receiving a gas disposed downstream from the liquid inlet orifice, and an exit orifice disposed at a distance from a surface of the printing press. In addition, a method for applying a liquid to a surface of a printing press, includes the steps of providing a liquid to a liquid inlet orifice of a spray device, providing a gas to a gas inlet orifice of the spray device; and spraying a mixture of the liquid and gas onto the surface of the printing press.

The present invention relates generally to printing presses and more particularly to a spray device on a printing press for spraying a surface of the press.
Spray devices have been used in conjunction with offset printing machines, especially web offset printing machines, to apply liquid to a cylinder surface. A plurality of spray devices are typically mounted on a spray bar, which holds the spray devices at a distance from a surface of the cylinder. Spray devices are used to dampen the plate cylinder with water or a fountain solution as part of the printing process. Typically, the spray devices spray the liquid directly onto a surface of a dampening cylinder. A train of two more dampening cylinders is then used to spread the liquid into a continuous film and to transport the liquid to the plate cylinder. The liquid adheres to the hydrophilic areas on the surface of the plate cylinder to resist the deposition of ink on those areas. Spray devices may also be used for other applications on the printing press, for example, to clean and/or cool other surfaces of the printing press.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,400 discloses an elongated spray bar for cooling rollers in a metal rolling machine. The spray bar assembly includes a plurality of nozzles mounted in a bottom plate of the spray bar and independent fluid passageways are defined in the intermediate and top plates of the spray bar.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,058 discloses a water pulse spray dampening system for a printing press. The dampening system includes a plurality of spray nozzles disposed on a spray bar. Solenoid valves associated with each nozzle are cycled to open and close the flow of liquid through the nozzles, for example, at a rate of 350 pulses per minute at a full press speed, with the fluid pressure being maintained at 40 psig.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,390 discloses a spray bar assembly for a printing press having at least one nozzle and means for selectively opening and closing flow of a liquid through the nozzle. A pair of opposed side walls housing the nozzle help to control the spray of liquid.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,951 discloses a printing machine spray device for moistening surfaces of a printing press. The spray device enables small amounts of water to be distributed uniformly over a large surface by moving sprayers of the device relative to the surface as they are spraying.


An all solid-state secondary battery having a positive electrode active material layer; an inorganic solid electrolyte layer; and a negative electrode active material layer in this order, in which at least one layer of the positive electrode active material layer, the inorganic solid electrolyte layer, or the negative electrode active material layer includes a crosslinked polymer of a cyclic compound having a siloxane bond; and an inorganic solid electrolyte which includes a metal belonging to Group I or II of the periodic table and has an ion-conducting property respectively, an electrode sheet for a battery, a method for manufacturing an electrode sheet for a battery, a solid electrolyte composition, a method for producing a solid electrolyte composition, and a method for manufacturing an all solid-state secondary battery.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an all solid-state secondary battery, an electrode sheet for a battery, a method for manufacturing an electrode sheet for a battery, a solid electrolyte composition, a method for producing a solid electrolyte composition, and a method for manufacturing an all solid-state secondary battery.
2. Description of the Related Art
At present, lithium ion batteries which weigh little and have a high energy density are being used as middle and large-sized storage batteries that are used in electric vehicles, domestic storage batteries, and the like. In lithium ion batteries, an organic electrolytic solution is used as an electrolytic solution, and thus there has been a risk of liquid leakage or ignition, and there have been a variety of improvements made regarding this point. In recent years, studies have been underway regarding all solid-state secondary batteries in which a combustible organic electrolytic solution is substituted into an incombustible inorganic solid electrolyte from the viewpoint of ensuring stability or reliability. Examples of the inorganic solid electrolyte include sulfide-based solid electrolytes and oxide-based solid electrolytes. In sulfide-based solid electrolytes, an ion conductivity in the order of 10−3 S/cm, which is the same as that of organic electrolytic solutions, is realized at room temperature.
All solid-state secondary batteries have a structure in which an inorganic electrolyte is sandwiched by electrodes. Electrodes are obtained by adding a binder and a solvent to an electrode active material made of a mixture such as a powder-form active material, a solid electrolyte (SE), or a conduction aid so as to produce a slurry and applying this slurry onto the surface of a collector into a film shape. An inorganic electrolyte layer can be prepared using a method in which a coated film-shaped SE layer is produced by adding a binder to SE powder. The binder needs to have favorable binding properties to electrode active material particles or favorable adhesiveness to collectors while not impairing ion conduction. Furthermore, when a binder having excellent flexibility is used, it is possible to wind electrodes or SE layers which have been produced into a sheet shape in a roll shape, which leads to excellent mass producibility.
Electrodes in all solid-state secondary batteries can be produced by mixing and molding a powder-form solid electrolyte and a powder-form electrode active material. However, since a powder-form mixture is used as a raw material, there has been a problem in that a number of defects are generated in ion conduction pathways and electron conduction pathways and battery performance degrades. Additionally, there has been another problem in that electrodes expand and contract as a whole due to the repetition of the charge/discharge cycle, the worsening contact between particles generates grain boundary resistance, and the charge/discharge characteristics degrade.
As binders having favorable binding properties to electrode active material particles or favorable adhesiveness to collectors while maintaining flexibility, JP2013-45683A proposes a silicone resin in which a part of a silicone structure is substituted with a polar group.
Meanwhile, inorganic solid electrolytes have a problem with the ion conductivity being degraded due to a reaction with moisture in the air, and thus there is a demand for binders capable of hydrophobilizing the surfaces of inorganic electrolyte particles and favorably preventing the infiltration of moisture in the air while not impairing ion conduction. For example, JP2009-117168A proposes an all solid-state battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a sulfide solid electrolyte sandwiched by the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a liquid-phase substance (insulating oil) that coats the sulfide solid electrolyte. According to this all solid-state battery, it is possible to prevent hydrogen sulfide from being generated due to a reaction with moisture in the air while ensuring conductivity using the sulfide solid electrolyte.

All solid-state secondary battery, electrode sheet for battery, method for manufacturing electrode sheet for battery, solid electrolyte composition, method for producing solid electrolyte composition, and method for manufacturing all solid-state secondary battery


An architecture comprising laser sub-modules may be used to reach the optical output powers desired for projection display for 2D and 3D viewing. Monitoring and control of the laser sub-modules within the architecture may be performed to achieve desired performance metrics.

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, also known as laser, refers to the emission of light from excited atoms. Laser light sources are narrow-band light sources, or in other words, provide colored light. Laser light sources may be desirable because of their long lives, high intensity, and superior collimation. Lasers have a variety of applications, such as laser engraving, laser bonding, laser pointers, photolithography, lighting, LIDAR, surveying, barcode reading, and laser surgery.


The present invention relates to a genotyping kit for diagnosing patients infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), and a method for diagnosis of HPV infection by genotyping specimen DNA isolated from the patients using the said kit. The genotyping kit of the invention comprises a DNA chip with probes that have nucleotide sequences complementary to DNA of HPV, primers for amplifying the DNA of a sample by PCR, and means for labeling hybridized sample DNA with the DNA chip. The method for diagnosis of HPV infection comprises the steps of amplifying DNA obtained from a sample using the primers of the kit, applying the amplified DNA to the DNA chip and hybridizing the amplified DNA and the probes of the DNA chip, and detecting DNA bound on the surface of the DNA chip by labeling hybridized DNA. In accordance with the invention, the genotyping kit may be practically applied to the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, since the kit can easily diagnose HPV infection, and can exactly determine the genotype of the HPV.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a genotyping kit for diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, more specifically, to a genotyping kit for detecting human papillomaviruses from clinical samples of infected patients using a DNA chip, and a process for preparing the said DNA chip and a method for diagnosis of HPV infection using the said genotyping kit.
2. Background of the Invention
Uterine cancer includes cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma and the like. For cervical cancer, approximately 450,000 new cases occur worldwide each year and approximately 6,000 in Korea. Since the occurrence of cervical cancer (including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) occupies 22.1% of total cancer cases in Korean women, the highest incidence with the second highest death rate, the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer are regarded as the most important issue in women's health.
Cervical cancer progresses through a precancerous stage, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) known to be mainly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Especially, infection by particular types of HPV raises the possibility of developing invasive disease. Over 70 genotypes of HPV have been identified since the recognition of HPV as the main etiological factor for cervical cancer. Certain HPV genotypes were selectively found in the lesions of specific location or progression stage, which rendered the biological diversity of HPV infection realized. Among the HPV genotypes detected in the anogenital area, over 10 genotypes have been classified as the high-risk group that are associated with an elevated risk for developing cervical cancer. Based on these findings, characterization of the biological differences of HPV infection is considered to be of significant importance to the diagnosis and prevention of cervical cancer.
For the diagnosis of cervical cancer at its early stage, Pap smear test has been most commonly used which is a cytological test performed as follows: old cells removed from the outermost layer of cells from the surface of the cervix are stained and examined for histopathological characteristics of HPV infection including koilocytosis, formation of perinuclear halo in the epithelial cells. However, due to the low diagnostic efficiency (1-15%) of Pap test together with other limitations, additional methods such as colposcopy are necessary for more dependable diagnosis. Colposcopic screening can detect HPV infection up to 70% but has disadvantages including high cost of the equipment, the need for skilled interpreters, and incapability of determining HPV genotypes to distinguish between the high-risk and low-risk infection. Therefore, efforts have been made continuously to develop techniques for the detection of HPV and identification of HPV genotypes to supplement conventional screening methods for cervical cancer and its precursors including Pap test.
The methods for detection of HPV and identification of HPV genotypes can be classified into two groups, i.e., direct detection of HPV DNA and detection of amplified HPV DNA. The methods for direct detection of HPV DNA include liquid hybridization (HYBRID CAPTURE® kit by Digene Diagnostics, Silver Spring, Md., USA), Southern blot and dot blot with HPV type-specific probes, filter in situ hybridization (FISH) and the like, and the methods for the detection of amplified DNA include type-specific PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and general-primer PCR. In particular, genotype analyses of amplified HPV DNA by general primer sets are commonly performed by employing dot blot hybridization, microtiter plate hybridization, or line probe assay. Among these methods, liquid hybridization by HYBRID CAPTURE® and line probe assay following general-primer PCR have been considered most suitable for diagnostic purposes. The line probe assay can detect about 20 different HPV genotypes by immobilized oligonucleotide probes on a nitrocellulose membrane, however, it lacks reliability due to low sensitivity and difficulties in data interpretation. Commercialized HYBRID CAPTURE® kit can detect HPV DNA in clinical samples without PCR amplification and distinguish between high-risk and low-risk HPV groups. However, the fact that HYBRID CAPTURE® kit cannot identify the genotypes of infecting HPV limits accurate risk determination since the risk factor amongst the high-risk HPV is not the same, in other words, intermediate-risk types are included in the high-risk group Moreover, the use of RNA probe may pose low stability of the kit, and also possibility of contamination cannot be excluded.
Under these circumstances, there have been strong reasons for exploring and developing a simple and accurate method for detection of HPV infection and identification of the genotype of infecting HPV.

Genotyping kit for diagnosis of human papillomavirus infection


The present invention has as its object the provision of a cracking aerosol composition in which, despite containing carbon dioxide, a foam-breaking sound is generated in a viscous flowable discharge by the action of the carbon dioxide and a liquefied petroleum gas.

Conventionally, as a certain type of aerosol composition, there is known a foam-breaking foam-forming aerosol composition in which a foamy discharge that produces a foam-breaking sound is formed (for example, see Patent Literature 1).
Such a foam-breaking foam-forming aerosol composition contains a liquefied petroleum gas, water, a surfactant, an emulsifying aid, and the like, together with components according to the intended use application. The characteristics of the formed foam to break with a foam-breaking sound, that is, the cracking characteristics, the feeling of use in the case of being applied to the human body, and the like greatly vary depending on the types and proportions of the liquefied petroleum gas, the surfactant and the emulsifying aid.
On the other hand, an aerosol composition containing carbon dioxide is known as an aerosol composition by which a foamy (non-foam-breaking foam) discharge is formed.
Such an aerosol composition containing carbon dioxide is suitably used as a hair growth agent, a massaging agent, or the like, since the blood circulation promoting effect by carbon dioxide is expected.
Thus, when the inventors of the present invention attempted to incorporate carbon dioxide into cracking aerosol compositions, it was revealed that sufficient investigation was necessary. More specifically, for example, it has been revealed that the simple incorporation of carbon dioxide into a known cracking aerosol composition causes various disadvantages such as the inability to produce a sufficiently large foam-breaking sound.

Abstract: A cracking aerosol composition of the present invention is a cracking aerosol composition to be filled in an aerosol container including a pressure-resistant container having an aerosol valve, wherein

Abstract: the aerosol composition includes a liquefied petroleum gas, water, a lower alcohol, carbon dioxide, an emulsifier, an emulsifying aid and a thickener; the proportion of the liquefied petroleum gas is 45.0 to 73.0 mass %, the proportion of the lower alcohol is 4.0 to 12.0 mass %, the proportion of the carbon dioxide is 0.1 to 3.5 mass % and the proportion of the emulsifier is 0.02 to 1.2 mass %; and the emulsifier includes two types of nonionic surfactants having different HLB values, and the mass ratio of the two types of nonionic surfactants is 1:10 to 10:1.


An asphalt pavement material comprising an aggregate mixture of asphalt, gravel, sand and a pelletized composite of recycled rubber and thermoplastic material. The pelletized composite has a uniform size, smaller than the gravel and larger than the sand and is configured to fit within interstitial voids between the gravel. Sufficient pelletized composite is added to the asphalt pavement and mineral aggregate mixture (replacing mineral aggregate of comparable size) to substantially fill void spaces between the gravel.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to an aggregate of sand, gravel and asphalt useful for road base or repair material. More particularly, the present invention pertains to compositions of asphalt with aggregate, which further include recycled tire materials and thermoplastics.
2. Prior Art
The challenge of preparing a road surface which is capable of weathering extreme variations in temperature has been and remains formidable. When one considers the fact that ranges in temperature in typical environments can traverse 100 degrees centigrade, with the attendant expansion and freezing of water, it is not surprising that road repair is a major budget item for virtually every state.
Black top or asphalt road base is particularly vulnerable because of the tendency for poor compaction between particles of aggregate. This occurs in part because the nonuniform size and shape of gravel aggregate leaves spaces between aggregate particles which do not totally fill with sand or asphalt binder. Additionally, the intermediate aggregate which functions to fill in spaces between gravel may be nonuniform in size, thereby frustrating good compaction. Water is therefore able to seep into these areas, and upon freezing, expand to open cracks and gaps in the material. The process then repeats itself, further enlarging the cracks and fissures until fragments of pavement break away, leaving pot holes and other road damage.
Recent awareness for the need to recycle discarded tires has prompted their use as an additional composite element to the asphalt aggregate combination. This element comprises shredded tire which is softened or dissolved and serves as a binder with the bitumen component. Examples of this technology are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,253,521; 3,567,660; and 4,166,049. These references teach the benefit of recycling tire material within a road base, but don't indicate any strong advantage associated with prevention of weathering of the road material. The introduction of shredded tire material within the asphalt composite functions more as an ecological solution for disposition of worthless tires, rather than as part of a solution to improve the road base.
Another application of discarded tires has developed in connection with preparation of an intermediate layer which is designed to provide a resilient function to limit damage to the top layer of asphalt composite. This intermediate layer is typically formed of tire material supported in sand. There is no significant relationship of the tire with the bitumen material in these references, which are represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,707,901 and 3,850,537.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,320 illustrates another aspect of asphalt with aggregate in which the bitumen is used to enhance adhesive bonding of silicone or fiber reinforcement as part of a composite. In this instance, the structure of the aggregate is not at issue. Instead, the problem being solved relates to strengthening existing bonding between the filler and bitumen. It does not relate to compaction.
Despite the numerous attempts to find a useful approach for disposing of the millions of pounds of scrape rubber generated by the tire industry, the problem is simply compounding. Ecological concerns are increasing pressure on governments to deal with this disposal problem. This is also true with the increasing use of plastics which are non-biodegradable and have long been recognized as a landfill problem. Nevertheless, a practical solution must include development of a range of benefits that provide financial return, as well logical justification to go to the expense necessary to implement constructive use of recycled tire product in large scale.
The urgency of this problem has prompted the US Government to pass laws in 1991 requiring that at least 5% of the asphalt road composite comprise recycled tire material. This injunction mandating use of tire rubber will undoubtedly enhance commercial interest in techniques for combining these materials, but will not ensure an improved road structure. The fact that in 1966 U.S. Pat. No. 3,253,521 issued teaching multiple techniques for combining asphalt and tire material as a paving composition, evidences that the solution to an effective composition is not a simple matter. If incorporating tire material within asphalt were merely a step of stirring it in, the past 26 years would have seen greater acceptance. The existence of a law requiring this use of tire with asphalt confirms that prior art commercial procedures have failed to develop a product which is an improvement over other prior art paving compositions.
It is interesting to note that the 1966 patent identified the significant issues in preparing this asphalt composite to include the proper selection of particle size for the aggregate and tire scrap. Column 3, lines 18-29 suggest that the rubber particles should have a range of sizes extending from screen size 4 through 80 or 0.01 to 0.25 inches. The range of sizes was suggested to ensure that voids within the paving material would be minimized. This material was then to be formed into blocks which could be laid as a paving composition.
This reference did not contemplate use with mineral aggregate, but appears to be concentrating on the development of a new form of paving composition which is primarily formed of the rubberized bitumen and particulated rubber. This appears to be true generally with the other cited patents, in that they emphasize the formation of a composition which is as much as 20 to 60% rubber composition (U.S. Pat. No. 4,166,049). U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,901 suggests as much as 30 to 60% (volume) vulcanized rubber with an equal amount of mineral aggregate. Clearly, the emphasis has been to load the asphalt paving composition with as much tire material as can be chemically introduced while maintaining acceptable physical properties. Experience suggests that the physical performance of these compositions did not prove adequate. Deformation under heat with subsequent formation of waves in the road surface occurred where excessive organic binder becomes too flowable, perhaps because of the high rubber content. Weatherability of the prior art composites remains a problem.
What is needed, therefore, is a form of paving material which preserves the desirable properties of an asphalt aggregate without compromising those properties for the sake of resolving the ecological problem of scrap tires.


A crystalline (5Z,7E,23S)-26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-trie n-1.alpha.,3.beta.,23,25-tetraol monohydrate has an excellent preservation stability, and is therefore useful as a medicine for treating or preventing bone diseases, tumor or psoriasis.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a crystalline vitamin D derivative useful for treating or preventing a disease due to abnormality in calcium absorption, transportation or metabolism, tumor or psoriasis, a method for preparing the derivative and a medical use thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a stable pharmaceutical composition containing the vitamin D derivative.
2. Description of the Related Art
As one of vitamin D derivatives, (5Z,7E,23S)-26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-trie n-1.alpha.,3.beta.,23,25-tetraol of formula (2): ##STR1## is known to be useful as a medicine for treating or preventing various bone diseases due to abnormality in calcium absorption, transportation or metabolism (for example, rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis), tumor or psoriasis (Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid Open) No. 63-45249 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,626).
Neither Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 63-45249 nor U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,626 specifically disclose a vitamin D derivative hydrate, although they specifically disclose the vitamin D derivative in the form of non-crystal which is amorphous or non-crystalline powder.
In the meantime, it is known that an activated vitamin D is topically administered in the form of an external formulation to treat intractable skin diseases including psoriasis (EP 129003, EP 177920, WO 86/02527 and Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 63-183534).
The vitamin D derivative of formula (2) has such problems as poor preservation stability and difficult handling in preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation.
In general, an activated vitamin D is chemically unstable, particularly under the exposure of light. Thus, when administered in the form of an external formulation, the activated vitamin D is particularly unstable in the therapeutical use.
Accordingly, it is important to provide a pharmaceutical composition containing an activated vitamin D wherein the vitamin D is stable even under the exposure of light after externally administered.

Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Company, Limited


System and methods for improving vehicle survivability. In some embodiments, Mission information may be obtained regarding a mission of at least one vehicle. The mission may comprise a plurality of mission stages, and the mission information may comprise at least one model associated with the at least one vehicle and at least one threat to the at least one vehicle. A potential action of the at least one vehicle may be selected by calculating a numerical measure for the potential action based at least in part on a mission stage of the plurality of mission stages during which the potential action is to be taken and the at least one model.

Military and non-military vehicles moving through a hostile region may encounter multiple threats, such as enemy vehicles, ground troops, and/or artillery systems. Such threats may have weapon systems and may be equipped with multi-spectral sensors for obtaining information about target vehicles. For instance, a threat may be equipped with one or more passive sensors to obtain information about a target vehicle by detecting emissions from the target vehicle. An example of a passive sensor is an infrared (IR) sensor for detecting energy in the infrared band, such as thermal radiation, emitted by a target vehicle. A threat may also be equipped with one or more active sensors to obtain information about a target vehicle by irradiating the target vehicle with electromagnetic waves and detecting those waves that bounce back from the target vehicle. An example of an active sensor is a radar for transmitting and detecting radio frequency (RF) waves.
Threats may be located at known or unknown locations, and may have known or unknown capabilities for detecting and attacking target vehicles. A survivability planning system may analyze known threats prior to the start of a mission to improve vehicle survivability. For example, a survivability planning system may plan a safe route for a vehicle between a starting point and an ending point so as to avoid areas that are within detection and attack ranges of known threats.
Unknown threats, for example, those that "pop-up" during a mission, may be more challenging to defend against because a survivability planning system may lack sufficient time and information to automatically compute an optimal plan before a pop-up threat engages a target vehicle. As a result, conventional vehicles rely on human operators to decide when and where to position and route the vehicles with respect to pop-up threats. Survivability of such a vehicle thus depends directly on the information an individual operator has regarding an area of operation, locations of threats, and each threat's detection and attack capabilities against the vehicle in the specific environment.

Systems and methods for vehicle survivability planning


An access system (10) for earthmoving equipment to allow a person to move from ground level to an elevated position, said access system having an access means (20) mounted to the earthmoving equipment via a pivot, and a retraction mechanism (50) therefor, said pivot allowing the access means to be retracted through a compound angle from a downwardly and outwardly deployed position to a retracted position generally adjacent and aligned beside the vehicle, the access means may be collapsible, such as with steps (30) pivotably mounted to the sides of the access means via secondary pivots (62).

Most earth moving equipment vehicles such as bulldozers generally includes a chassis, a variety of front-mounted blades, protective driver cabin, a hatch and a form of access or access system. The chassis includes all the mechanical parts that form the structural frame of the earth moving equipment vehicle. The driver operates the earth moving equipment vehicle from the protective driver cabin. A hatch is located behind the driver cabin and typically houses many of the important control units of the earth moving equipment vehicle such as hydraulic controls, hydraulic pump, fuse box, electrical circuit breakers etc. The form of access or access devices provides access between the ground level and the cabin. Walkways are provided around the cabin area for an operator to access the hatch located behind the driver cabin of the earth moving equipment vehicle. The access device may be attached to the walkway near the entry door to the cabin.
Retractable access systems of different configurations are presently known and have two final positions namely the deployed position and the retracted position. The major types of access devices are the vertical variable height access system and the swing access system.
The vertical variable height access system would generally be used for large excavators and earth moving equipment. In the vertical variable height access system, the ladder or stairs would be operated vertically and would remain vertical both in the deployed position and retracted position. In the swing access system the ladder or stairs when operated will swing up or down to reach either the retracted position or deployed position respectively.
The basic constituents of any access system include a ladder or stairs and a mechanism to actuate the ladder or stairs. The ladder or stairs are generally made of metal such as steel or aluminium. The movement of the ladder or stairs in any access system is controlled by an actuator mechanism. The actuator mechanism moves the ladder or stairs between the deployed and the retracted position. This actuator is usually operated either mechanically or hydraulically. The combination of both means is also in practice.
As mentioned earlier the walkways allow an operator to gain access to the driver cabin and the hatch located behind the cabin. The access device is attached to the walkway; therefore the walkway must carry the weight of the access device. Consequently, the walkway must be built stronger to take the weight of the access device. This results in the requirement for wider walkways which possess the major problem of space management. The wider walkways also mean that the weight of the walkway and access device exert a large lever on the side of the equipment. Most equipment has been designed to reduce weight and increase efficiency and is constructed as light as possible, the addition of a walkway and access ladder can damage the structure of the equipment.
In earth moving equipment, the ladder or stairs possess a problem of access management near the hatch area. The two major members of the ladder (the two lengthy vertical stiles and a number of horizontal rungs) when in a retracted position can block access to the hatch of the earth moving equipment vehicle. If any of the control units in the hatch area break down, trouble shooting is difficult until the access system is in a deployed position.
As mentioned, actuator systems of the access system are generally housed in the hatch of the vehicle and in situations wherein the actuator mechanism of the access systems fails, the operator has restricted or no access to the hatch. Hence the operator has to attend to the problem by removing the ladder mechanically, which adds to the down time of the vehicle.
The access device can be electrically powered or powered by a separate hydraulic system and hence requires an equipment cabinet in close proximity to the access device. The location of the equipment cabinet in close proximity to the access device adds to the space management problem.


A processor architecture suitable for embedded systems and compatible with different kinds of external memory, executes a bootstrap program to determine the characteristics of the external memory before connection with the external memory. For this purpose, system storage structures such as cache, buffers, and registers are enlisted as temporary memory for the execution of the bootstrap program up to configuration of the external memory. External memory setup data may be obtained from a variety of sources including external flash memory or a network.

The present invention relates to computer architectures adapted for embedded processing and, in particular, to an embedded processor that may work with a variety of different memory types.
Embedded processors are typically intended to provide control of a specific hardware device into which it is embedded, for example, a household appliance or industrial device. The program executed by the embedded processor is normally stored in a non-volatile memory, for example, flash memory or downloaded from an external source.
For reasons of cost efficiency, embedded processors normally include the processing unit on the same integrated circuit as other system circuits such as input and output circuits used to communicate the device being controlled and a network interface when the embedded application includes a network connection.
An exception to this single "chip" integration is the memory system, such as random access memory (RAM) which, for reasons of flexibility, cost, and size may be implemented in one or more separate integrated circuits. Separating the RAM from the embedded processor allows greater flexibility in varying the amount of memory necessary for different embedded applications, allows for more efficient fabrication of the memory, and allows the designer to take advantage of rapidly changing advances in memory technology and design.
The embedded processor may also incorporate into the integrated circuit a small "boot" memory, typically a read-only-memory holding a "bootstrap program". The term bootstrap refers to the phrase "pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps", that is, raising oneself through one's own, unaided effort. Analogously, the bootstrap program provides the embedded processor with a compact program sufficient so that the embedded processor may load a much more complex program (typically the control program) without external support. The bootstrap program is usually invoked after resetting or at powering-up of the device.
During the booting process, general memory is required for the temporary storage of register values and other variables. For this reason, the bootstrap program must normally be programmed with sufficient information about the external memory to be able to successfully communicate with this memory. This preprogramming of the boot ROM with the particular external memory setup data limits the use of the embedded processor to that particular memory type.
What is needed is an embedded processor that may be used flexibly with a wide variety of different external memory types.

Processor with versatile external memory interface


An embodiment of a blowout preventer system of the present invention includes a mast functionally connected a frame assembly and a carriage functionally connected to the mast. The carriage is adapted to carry and support a blowout preventer in a manner such that the blowout preventer may be moved along an angular path and along a plurality of linear paths. The system may further include a mechanism for rotating the blowout preventer along a first rotational path. The system may further include a mechanism for rotating the blowout preventer along a second rotational path.

In order to workover a well it is necessary and/or required to connect a blowout preventer to the wellhead. In the case of wellheads that are not plumb the process is more cumbersome and time consuming and often requires supporting the blowout preventer once installed. A current method of positioning the blowout preventer relative to the wellhead is through the use of multiple cranes. This method provides only modest positive support for the blowout preventer to reduce excessive loads placed on the wellhead. This method further does not facilitate articulation of the blowout preventer relative to the wellhead which can result in damage to the wellhead.
Therefore, it is a desire to provide a blowout preventer system that provides the ability to position a blowout preventer for connection to and disconnection from a wellhead. It is a still further desire to provide a blowout preventer system that provides positive support to the blowout preventer reducing the load on the wellhead.


A casino-adapted wagering game that employs a Pinochle deck of eighty cards in conjunction with a gaming table, finalist board, and statistically derived payout schedules. The game as envisioned here is typically played by at least nine players in groups of three, who tally melt and card points to score at least as many points as the amount of the bid tabled by the highest bidder.

Casinos and other establishments licensed to conduct gaming activity feature a number of wagering games that attract both novice and sophisticated players. In general, the most popular games are those which players find to be understandable, intellectually stimulating and exciting, with reasonable odds of winning. Card games, in particular, have achieved a high level of public acceptance because of their familiarity, readily understood methods of play, well-understood odds of winning, and unique ability to maintain the interest of players from all walks of life. Casinos, therefore, endeavor to include new and modified versions of card games in their collection of wagering games. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need for card games suitable for attracting and retaining a large number of players, and generating fair profits for the casino during the course of play.
The game of Pinochle, derived from the European game Bezique, is one of the United States' favorite card games. Importantly, Pinochle is known to provide players with a combination of excitement and intellectual stimulation; accordingly, this unique pinochle game assigns all responsibility to individual players, [as opposed to a team] making the game ideal for use in a casino or gaming room.

Method and casino gaming table for playing three hand pinochle


Devices and methods for creating a series of percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) channels in the heart. One method includes forming a pattern of channels in the myocardium leading from healthy tissue to hibernating tissue. Suitable channel patterns include lines and arrays. One method includes anchoring a radiopaque marker to a position in the ventricle wall, then using fluoroscopy repeatedly to guide positioning of a cutting tip in the formation of multiple channels. Another method uses radiopaque material injected into each channel formed, as a marker. Yet another method utilizes an anchorable, rotatable cutting probe for channel formation about an anchor member, where the cutting probe can vary in radial distance from the anchor. Still another method utilizes a multiple wire radio frequency burning probe, for formation of multiple channels simultaneously. Still another method utilizes liquid nitrogen to cause localized tissue death.

The present application is related to devices and methods for promoting blood circulation to the heart muscle. Specifically, the present invention is related to percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) devices and methods for forming multiple channels in the myocardium.
A number of techniques are available for treating cardiovascular disease such as cardiovascular by-pass surgery, coronary angioplasty, laser angioplasty and atherectomy. These techniques are generally applied to by-pass or open lesions in coronary vessels to restore and increase blood flow to the heart muscle. In some patients, the number of lesions are so great, or the location so remote in the patient vasculature that restoring blood flow to the heart muscle is difficult. Percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) has been developed as an alternative to these techniques which are directed at by-passing or removing lesions.
Heart muscle may be classified as healthy, hibernating and xe2x80x9cdeadxe2x80x9d. Dead tissue is not dead but is scarred, not contracting, and no longer capable of contracting even if it were supplied adequately with blood. Hibernating tissue is not contracting muscle tissue but is capable of contracting, should it be adequately re-supplied with blood. PMR is performed by boring channels directly into the myocardium of the heart.
PMR was inspired in part by observations that reptilian hearts muscle is supplied primarily by blood perfusing directly from within heart chambers to the heart muscle. This contrasts with the human heart, which is supplied by coronary vessels receiving blood from the aorta. Positive results have been demonstrated in some human patients receiving PMR treatments. These results are believed to be caused in part by blood flowing from within a heart chamber through patent channels formed by PMR to the myocardial tissue. Suitable PMR channels have been burned by laser, cut by mechanical means, and burned by radio frequency current devices. Increased blood flow to the myocardium is also believed to be caused in part by the healing response to wound formation. Specifically, the formation of new blood vessels is believed to occur in response to the newly created wound.
What remains to be provided are improved methods and devices for increasing blood perfusion to the myocardial tissue. What remains to be provided are methods and devices for increasing blood flow to myocardial tissue through controlled formation of channel patterns in the myocardium.
The present invention includes devices and methods for creation of multiple holes in the myocardium of a human heart for percutaneous myocardial revascularization. A pattern of holes is optimally created extending from healthy tissue to hibernating tissue, thereby increasing the supply of blood to hibernating heart muscle tissue. Creating a controlled pattern of channels rather than simply a plurality of channels of unknown location can be accomplished using various methods and devices. Holes can be considered the space left after a volumetric removal of material from the heart wall. Channels have a depth greater than their width and craters have a width greater than their depth.
One method includes marking a first location in the heart muscle wall with a radiopaque marker, then positioning a radiopaque cutting tip relative to the radiopaque marker using fluoroscopy and cutting channels in the myocardium where appropriate. Suitable markers can be secured to the endocardium mechanically with barbs or pigtails or injected into the myocardium. Suitable channel patterns include lines, arrays, and circular clusters of channels.
Another method includes injecting radiopaque material into the newly formed channels, thereby marking the positions of the channels already formed. The radiopaque material should be held in place with polymeric adhesives for the duration of the treatment. The channels formed can be viewed under fluoroscopy using this method. The marker can remain throughout the procedure or only long enough to record the position for mapping.
Yet another method can be accomplished by providing a myocardial channel forming device having an anchoring member, a treatment member with a cutting tip, means for rotating the cutting member about the anchoring member, and means for controlling the radial displacement of the cutting tip from the anchoring member. The anchoring member can be implanted in a heart chamber wall using a pigtail, and the radial and rotational displacement of the cutting tip controlled to sequentially form a circular cluster of channels about the anchoring member. The circular cluster preferably includes both healthy and hibernating tissue areas, which can be mapped using conventional techniques. A variant of this technique utilizes a device having a spline and corresponding star shaft, which restricts the number of possible rotational angles and provide predictable arc rotations around the spline for the treatment member about the anchoring shaft.
Still another method utilizes a bundle of fibers within a sheath as the cutting device. Preferred fibers are formed of Nitinol wire and carry radio frequency current to effect burning channels in the myocardium. Optical fibers carrying laser light for burning are used in another embodiment. The splay of fibers out of the distal end of the sheath can be controlled by controlling the bias of the fibers. The bias of the fibers can be controlled by utilizing shape memory materials, such as Nitinol wire. The splay of fibers can also be controlled by controlling the length of fiber exposed at the distal end, by controlling the retraction of the sheath over the fibers.
A variant device utilizes a magnetically responsive anchoring member, which can be pulled against the heart wall by an external magnetic force. The heart wall can have movement lessened during this procedure and other procedures generally, by inserting a catheter having a magnetically responsive distal region into a coronary artery. Force can be brought to bear upon the heart wall region having the catheter disposed within by applying a magnetic force on the catheter. The applied force can exert a pulling force on the catheter, reducing movement of the beating heart wall in that region.
Another device includes an outer positioning tube having several side channels in the distal region and means for securing the distal region against movement within the heart chamber. One securing means includes a suction orifice near the distal end supplied with vacuum by a vacuum lumen extending the length of the outer tube. Another securing means includes a magnetically responsive portion of the outer tube. The suction orifice can be secured to the heart chamber wall by applying vacuum and the magnetically responsive portion can be forced into the chamber wall by applying an external magnet field. The inner tube can contain an intermediate guide tube and the guide tube can contain an inner PMR cutting wire with a arcuate biased distal region. As the arcuate distal region is moved through the outer tube distal region and over the side channels, the PMR wire distal region can extend through a side channel and to the heart chamber wall. The PMR wire can be moved past undesired side holes by rotating the wire such that the arcuate wire region is oriented away from the side holes.
Another device includes a tube-in-a-tube configuration, having an outer tube disposed about an intermediate tube disposed about an inner PMR cutting probe. The inner PMR probe can be preformed to have a distal region arcuate or angled bias, bent away from the longitudinal axis of the probe. The PMR probe distal region can extend through a side channel in the distal region of the intermediate tube and is slidable within the intermediate tube, thereby exposing a varying length of distal PMR probe outside of the intermediate tube. The intermediate tube is slidably disposed within the outer tube which has an elongate slot to allow passage of the PMR probe therethrough. Thus, the radial extent or length of extending PMR probe can be varied by sliding the PMR probe within the intermediate and outer tubes, the longitudinal position of the PMR probe can be varied by sliding the intermediate tube within the outer tube, and the rotational position can be varied by rotating the outer tube from the proximal end. Varying the amount of a preformed, bent PMR probe extending from the intermediate tube can also change the longitudinal position of the PMR probe distal end.
Another device includes an elongate rod having a distal region secured to an outer collar, such that the outer collar can be pushed and pulled. The outer collar is slidably disposed over an intermediate tube. An inner PMR cutting probe is slidably disposed within the intermediate tube. The inner PMR probe and intermediate tube together have a distal region arcuate or bent bias or preform, such that distally advancing the outer collar over the intermediate tube straightens out the intermediate tube and proximally retracting the outer collar allows the arcuate bias or bend to be exhibited in the distal region shape of PMR probe and intermediate tube. The preform can exist in the PMR probe, intermediate tube, or both. The device includes means for anchoring the device to the ventricle wall. Circles or arcs of myocardial channels can be formed by rotating the outer tube, extending the inner PMR probe, and varying the amount of arc to form distal of the outer collar.
Yet another device includes an anchoring member and a positionable cryanoblative treatment tube. The treatment tube can be formed of metal and be either closed or open ended. In use, the device is anchored within a heart chamber and a cryogenic substance such a liquid nitrogen delivered through the tube and to the tube distal end. The liquid nitrogen can cause localized tissue death, bringing about the desired healing response. Still another device includes a plurality of splayed, cryanoblative tubes within a sheath. The tubes can be supplied with liquid nitrogen, which can be delivered through the tube lumens to the tube distal ends so as to cause localized myocardial tissue death at multiple sites substantially simultaneously.
In yet another embodiment, a catheter assembly is provided including a guide wire having a proximal end and a distal end. An expandable member, which may be a wire loop, is disposed at the distal end of the guide wire. The expandable member is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the member is collapsed to move through a lumen of a guide catheter. In a second position, the expandable member has a transverse diameter, with respect to the length of the guide wire, greater than the transverse diameter of the guide catheter lumen. An elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end is disposed on the guide wire. A therapeutic device is connected to the distal end of the catheter. The therapeutic device can be a needle, hypotube, electrode or abrasive burr to form holes or craters in the myocardium of the patient""s heart.

Percutaneous myocardial revascularization device and method


A system for compensating for changes in pressure and temperature in an ion mobility sensor has first and second electrodes positioned a selected distance apart, with a unidirectional electric drift field provided between the electrodes. An ionization source generates ions in the sensor and a trigger controller allows ions to enter the region between the first and second electrodes at a time t.sub.1. A time t.sub.2 at which a selected ion species travels to one of the first and second electrodes is measured and a time to amplitude converter generates a voltage signal proportional to the difference between t.sub.1 and t.sub.2, representing the actual travel time of the ion species. A feedback control circuit adjusts the drift field and either the voltage pulse (in pulsed ionization) or the shutter voltage (in continuous ionization) by an amount proportional to the difference between the actual travel time voltage and a voltage proportional to a reference travel time of the selected ion species at a known pressure and temperature.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to devices for quantitatively measuring the concentrations of constituents of multicomponent gaseous samples, and more particularly to devices that conduct such measurements based upon the mobility of ions in drift region.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Ion mobility spectroscopy is a powerful and well known method for providing quantitative measurements of the composition of a gaseous environment. In this context, the ion mobility sensor is usually designed for operation at atmospheric pressure although in principle it can operate at higher or lower pressures. The ion mobility sensor typically is comprised of two identifiable regions: (i) an ionization region where ions are formed representative of the gas sample to be analyzed, and (ii) a drift region into which the ions are injected and allowed to drift in an electric field before collection.
During the ions, drift in the drift region, the ions make many collisions with the sample gas and their motion in the electric field is characterized by the ion mobility. Since the ion mobility is a function of ion mass, ions of different mass segregate during their drift. Thus, by measuring the ion arrival time spectrum at the collector, a signature of the gas sample composition is obtained. Although positive ion spectra provide a selective signature for all gaseous species, the additional monitoring of negative ion spectra (for electronegative species) can provide supplementary information for either diagnostic or calibration purposes.
In currently available commercial instruments, the dimensions of the ionization region are comparable in magnitude to those of the drift region. The ions are produced primarily through ion-molecule reactions, where the impurity molecules of interest are ionized as a result of collisions with primary ions not necessarily derived from the background sample gas but rather from carrier gases deliberately introduced into the reaction region. These primary ions are produced as a result of collisions of beta particles emitted from a Ni-63 radioactive source (located within the ionization region) interacting with the sample and/or carrier gas. Since the beta particles are produced continuously, the ion production process is continuous and the species present in the ionization region represent an equilibrium composition developed over a relatively long time and which includes (deliberately in the case of the use of a carrier gas) ions produced as a result of ion molecule chemistry. Thus, in order to analyze the ions present in this equilibrium ion "sea", provision must be made to extract a pulse of ions into the drift region. This is usually accomplished using an electronic shutter whereby ions are only allowed into the drift region during the application of suitable electric potentials to the shutter electrodes. The detection limit of commercially available sensors depends on the particular species, and levels below one part per billion have been detected for certain organic molecules in air samples at atmospheric pressure without any preconcentration.
Although the ion mobility spectrometer is a well proven instrument, presently available models are relatively large, expensive and require ancillary gas supplies for calibration and for enhancing the ionization efficiency. In addition, present ion mobility spectrometers utilize a continuous nonadjustable ionization energy source. The ionization energy source is typically radioactive which is frequently undesirable. Because a continuous source has been presently used, a shutter is needed to inject a pulse of the total ions into the drift region. The shutter is typically a grid electrode that has a shutter voltage applied to it that injects the ions into the drift region.
The continuous source of the ionization energy is fixed and cannot be changed. Thus, when a complex molecule is being ionized, more than one species of ion may be generated if it interacts with sufficiently energetic electrons. This will disassociate the molecule into smaller fragments and some of those smaller fragments will also be ionized and so on. Therefore, there is very little control over which species of ion can be generated in current ionization methods.
In ion mobility spectrometers, the selectivity of the sensor is derived from the dependence of the ion mobility on ion mass. Thus, the transit time t.sub.k of ions of a particular species k is given by t.sub.k =d.sub.d /w.sub.k, where d.sub.d is the ion drift distance and w.sub.k is the ion drift velocity. The drift velocity is a function of E.sub.d /N, the ratio of the drift electric field to total gas density. Since the density of a noncompressible gas is related to the pressure p and absolute temperature T through the relation N=P/(KT), where K is Boltzmann's constant, it follows that changes in sample pressure, temperature, or both result in changes in the gas density N. If the field E.sub.d is fixed, then changes in N also lead to changes in E.sub.d /N and thereby w.sub.k. Thus, the expected arrival time t.sub.k of ions of species k changes with pressure or temperature. In order to provide calibrated time signatures at the collector, the sample pressure and temperature are usually monitored using separate sensors so that appropriate compensation can be applied to the collected raw data. The necessity for two additional sensors increases the hardware complexity and introduces further potential reliability concerns.
It would also be advantageous to provide ion mobility sensors with a means for triggering an alarm when the concentration of a monitored species rises above some preset value. Alternatively, it would be advantageous to provide a means for the measuring of one or more different species.

Automatic compensation for ion mobility sensor


An instrument panel structure includes: a base material that has both end portions in the longitudinal direction bent toward the lower face side to form a side face portion; a foamed material that covers a surface of the base material; and a skin that covers a surface of the foamed material. The instrument panel structure also includes a sealing rib that protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction from the side face portion in an arrangement position spaced apart by a predetermined gap toward the lower face side from a bent position of the base material, and to which an end portion of the skin is joined. The instrument panel structure also includes a widening rib that protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction from the side face portion on an upper face side of the arrangement position of the sealing rib on the side face portion, and is covered with the foamed material.

In a vehicle, an instrument panel in which various instruments are arranged is provided below a front windshield and in front of a front seat. Since the instrument panel is a part viewed by a user such as a driver in the vehicle interior, excellent design is required.
As described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. Hei 6-33726, an instrument panel is formed of a resin material having a three-layered structure. The lowest of the three layers is a hard base material, the uppermost layer is a skin using a material that adds a high-class appearance to the car, and a layer between the base material and the skin is a soft foamed material that provides premium texture. The skin is formed by powder slush molding in which a thermoplastic resin powder is distributed on the inner side of a mold and melted. An end portion of the skin is joined to a general surface of the base material having less irregularities, to form a sealing surface for enclosing the foamed material between the skin and the base material.
JP 2001-233087 A describes that in an opening part provided in an instrument panel, a base material protrudes to a skin side while the skin protrudes to the base material side, and the parts are superimposed on one another to seal a foamed material. The skin has a part that is superimposed on an opening protrusion portion of the base material, and a projecting portion that passes the tip end of the opening protrusion portion of the base material and projects to the center side of the opening. Then, to prevent contraction of the skin in the projecting portion, a rib protruding to the skin side from the base material is provided so as to surround the entire perimeter of the opening.


A collection container on a vehicle for lawn, garden, or property care may be connected to the vehicle so as to be movable about an axis that is at least essentially horizontal, whereby the collection container has at least a first position, in which it is arranged essentially above a hood of the vehicle, and can assume a second position, in which the hood may be opened.

Vehicles, especially vehicles for lawn, garden, and property care, are often provided with working devices such as mowing machines or sweeping and suction devices that cut and/or collect vegetation. To accept and/or transport the cut matter or the collected material, these vehicles are often provided with collection containers, usually attached to the rear part of the vehicle and attached to the working devices through an ejection channel.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,006 shows a collection container of a mowing vehicle with a mowing machine placed on the front side. The collection container is arranged behind the driver's seat and can be emptied backwards, with respect to the mowing vehicle, without blocking access to the motor, which would otherwise be covered by the collection container.
There is a need for a collection container of this kind that can be attached permanently to the vehicle or that cannot be easily detached from it.


The invention provides a low-cost high-precision molding optical glass, with density below 4.54 g/cm3, refractive index ranging from 1.85 to 1.95, Abbe number ranging from 25 to 35 and transition temperature lower than 610° C. Expensive Ta2O5 is not added in the invention, so the production cost is saved, and resource saving is realized; the combination of B2O3 and La2O3 effectively improves the devitrification resistance and the chemical stability of glass; the combination of WO3 and TiO2 allows the staining degree of the optical glass to be excellent; and the combination of Gd2O3 and La2O3 effectively improves the devitrification resistance of the glass.

In recent years, with the popularization of digital cameras and camcorders, people demand more and more glass lens for major components. In addition, due to pixel increase of imaging device in the digital camera, optical elements like glass lens require higher performance. Since aspheric element could better eliminate the spherical aberration and reduce the number of optical elements, aspheric element hits the mainstream in optical design.
High-precision molding, a commonly used method for aspheric molding, refers to press molding of glass perform under high temperature by mould for female die with predetermined shape, in order to obtain the final shape or glass molded article with shape similar to the final shape. Molded products with desired shape may be efficiently produced by high-precision molding. Besides, the aspheric lenses manufactured with high-precision molding technology usually no longer require grinding and polishing, thereby reducing costs and improving productivity. In order to replicate the high-precision modular surface on the glass moldings during high-precision molding, the glass preform is required to be pressurized under high temperature. At this point, shaping mould is exposed under high temperature with higher pressure. The surface layer of compression mold remains vulnerable to oxidative attack even under protection. If expensive high-precision mould is frequently changed during high-precision molding, low cost and high productivity will not be achieved. To prolong the service life of mould and reduce damage to the shaping mould by high-temperature environment, molding temperature shall be reduced as much as possible. Therefore, optical material developer aims to develop optical glass with transition temperature (Tg) as low as possible.
Cost saving not only can realized by prolonging the service life of shaping mould, but also by reducing raw material costs. CN1182058C discloses a high-refractivity optical glass, in which a large amount of high-cost Ta2O5 is applied, so it is not suitable for large-volume industrial production.

Optical glass for precision molding, prefabricated glass, optical element and optical instrument


When using a common configuration data structure (e.g., “registry”), the access redirector and entry reflector promotes compatibility and interoperability between differing versions of program modules.

For each version of an operating system (OS), there are corresponding versions of applications. For example, a 16-bit application is designed to run on a 16-bit OS (such as Microsoft® Windows 3.1®). An example of another version is a 32-bit application, which is designed to run on a 32-bit OS (such as Microsoft® Windows® 98).
Specific versions of applications are designed to operate under a specific version of a specific OS. Furthermore, that specific version of a specific OS is designed to operate with specific computing hardware (such as a specific microprocessor).
For example, Microsoft® Office 2000 is an application designed to operate on 32-bit versions of operating systems from the Microsoft Corporation. Examples of such 32-bit operating systems include Windows® 2000, Windows NT® 4.0 (and earlier), Windows® 98, and Windows® 95. The 32-bit OSs are designed to operate on 32-bit compatible processors using an 32-bit instruction set (such as the Intel™ Pentium™, Pentium II™, and Pentium III™).
"Version"
Herein, a reference to a "version" of a program module (such as an application) refers to a class of module that is designed to run under a level of operating system that is different than a previous version of the same program module. A new release of a program model is considered a new "version" when it is more than an incremental improvement and change.
For example, Microsoft® Word 95 is a version of the application that is different from Microsoft® Word 6.0. This is because Microsoft® Word 95 is designed to run on 32-bit OSs (such as Microsoft® Windows® 95 or later version), but it cannot run on 16-bit OSs (such as Microsoft® Windows® 3.1). Conversely, Microsoft® Word 97 is not a different version from Microsoft® Word 95 because both are designed to work on 32-bit OSs like Microsoft® Windows® 95.
A program module may be considered a different version if it uses a different fundamental basis than its previous incarnation. For example, program modules use submodules such as a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) or Application Program Interfaces (APIs). A new program module is a new version if it utilizes a different family of DLLs and APIs than what the previous implementation of such module used.
This same versioning terminology applies to any program module, such as an application, operating system, etc.
Interoperability and Compatibility
Each version of an OS has its corresponding body of applications that are designed to run under it. When a new version of an OS is released, software developers generally upgrade their products to a new version designed to run under the new OS. Software developers do this for many reasons, including marketing, technology, and economics.
For similar reasons, OS developers wish to make their products backwards compatible. In this way, older versions of applications will run on the latest version of the OS. This encourages users to purchase the new OS because they are not forced to discard their current applications and purchase new versions. This also gives software developers time to provide upgrades to their applications.
Configuration
Configuration is the way a system is set up, or the assortment of components that make up the system. Configuration can refer to either hardware or software, or the combination of both. For instance, a typical configuration for a PC consists of 32 MB (megabytes) main memory, a floppy drive, a hard disk, a modem, a CD-ROM drive, a VGA monitor, and an operating system.
Many software products require that the computer have a certain minimum configuration. For example, the software might require a graphics display monitor and a video adapter, a particular microprocessor, and a minimum amount of main memory.
When a person installs a new device or program, she sometimes needs to configure it, which means to set various switches and jumpers (for hardware) and to define values of parameters (for software). For example, the device or program may need to know what type of video adapter you have and what type of printer is connected to the computer. Thanks to new technologies, such as Plug-and-Play, much of this configuration is performed automatically.
Configuration Databases
Software applications typically employ one or more configuration databases to store configuration settings. Under some OSs (such as Windows® 3.1 and MS-DOS®), multiple configuration databases were used by the OS and the applications. There were files for starting the system (e.g., CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT). There were files for connecting to a network (e.g., NETWORK.INI). There were files for running applications (e.g., WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI).
Each configuration file had its own rules and structure. Maintaining these files was a difficult chore for the OS. Providing a limited degree of synchronization between these files was also a difficult chore for the OS.
Common Configuration Data Structure
With the advent of more advanced OSs (such as Windows NT® and Windows® 95), a common configuration data structure was introduced. It is called the "Registry." All configuration settings are stored therein (except for other legacy configuration files that remained for backward compatibility reasons).
Herein, a common configuration data structure refers to a set of multiple configuration databases used by more than one version of a program module (such as an application). In addition, a common configuration data structure refers to a single configuration database (such as the Registry) used by more than one version of a program module (such as an application). A configuration database is often stored as one or more configuration files on the storage system of a computer.
The Registry. Certain OSs store and check the configuration information (herein, "config-info") at a single location—called the registry. Most applications write data to the registry, at least during installation. The registry is an example of a common configuration data structure.
The registry is a hierarchically structured database containing subtrees of keys that contain per-computer and per-user databases. Each key may contain data items called value entries and may contain subkeys. In the registry structure, keys (and subkeys) are analogous to directories and value entries are analogous to files.
The registry may include the following major sections (i.e., subtrees):                HKEY_Classes_Root—file associations and OLE information        HKEY_Current_User—all preferences set for current user        HKEY_User—all the current user information for each user of the system        HKEY_Local_Machine—settings for hardware, operating system, and installed applications        HKEY_Current_Configuration—settings for the display and printers        HKEY_Dyn Data—performance dataCompatibility Problem
Herein, compatibility refers to different versions of the same program module peacefully co-existing on the same system. A new version of a program module is said to be backward compatible if it can use files and data created with an older version of the same program.
Often different versions of an application store their config-info in a common configuration data structure. In fact, different versions of an application typically store their config-info at the exact same location within a common configuration data structure.
A later installed version may overwrite existing config-info for an earlier installed version. As a result, the earlier version is unlikely to run correctly (or at all) because its config-info has been changed. Sometimes residual config-info exists in the common configuration data structure and it may interfere with the smooth performance of the later installed version.
By way of example, APIs and DLLs are an area where changes in config-info can greatly affect the performance and/or the operation of different versions of an application using a common configuration data structure. If the later version refers to a family of APIs and/or DLLs that are incompatible with the earlier version, then the earlier version is likely to cause operation failure and/or performance problems. This happens because the earlier version is incapable of using APIs and DLLs designed for use by a later version.
Interoperability Problem
As used herein, interoperability is the ability of program modules to share data. In particular, interoperability is the ability of differing "types" of program modules to share data. Program modules are different types when they are not just different versions of each other.
An example of interoperability is a Microsoft® Paintbrush application sharing data (such as a bitmap image) with a Microsoft® Office application. Regardless of version, Microsoft® Paintbrush and Microsoft® Office are different types of program modules.
It is desirable for an OS to provide this type of interoperability between different types of program modules. However, such interoperability is difficult when the program modules are different versions.
An example of such a situation is when a 16-bit version of a Microsoft® Paintbrush application wishes to share data (such as a bitmap image) with a 32-bit version of Microsoft® Office application. Not only are these program different types, but also they are different versions.
Conventional Solution
The compatibly and interoperability problems like those described above occurred when Microsoft Corporation introduced its 32-bit OS in Windows® 95. To avoid these types of compatibility problems, the new 32-bit applications were instructed to store their config-info in a different location than the older 16-bit applications. In addition, they were directed to use different names for their APIs and DLLs.
Although this did help with compatibility and interoperability, it forced software developers to redirect large resources to software conversion rather than to development of new or improved software. Because of these directions, existing 16-bit versions of software needed to be significantly modified to port it to a 32-bit version. The code needed to be altered so that it referred to different APIs and DLLs. The code needed to be altered to store config-info to a different location and access it from that new location.


A filter for industrial coating filtration systems. The filter has a housing made up of a peripheral wall extending around the periphery. The housing is preferably made of a suitably rigid material. A preferably rigid support backing is mounted within the housing. The support backing has a planar configuration with openings formed through it so that gas can flow through without substantial resistance. The preferably planar sheet of which the support backing is made is pleated. The pleated support backing defines a series of panels, each of which is angled to a next adjacent panel. Filtration media is mounted to the support backing, end caps are attached to the ends of the support backing to maintain the pleated configuration, and the assembly is inserted into the housing, which can have end flaps to seal using tape or adhesive.

The invention relates generally to filters, and more particularly to filters made for applications where industrial coatings are applied.
Industrial coatings, such as automotive paint, are commonly applied to products in manufacturing facilities by spraying the products after placing the products in booths or stations that are separated from the rest of the manufacturing facility. Paint (which is a term used herein to include all industrial coatings) spraying creates "overspray" of atomized particles that do not adhere to the product's surface. Such particles are of various sizes, and can remain wet for some time. Therefore, in order to remove wet and dry overspray particles, paint arrestors are used to filter the air inside the paint booth prior to exhausting the air to the environment outside the paint booth.
Air filtration devices used in booths where painting by spraying is carried out are well known, such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,075,337; 4,008,060; 4,894,073; 5,051,118; and 6,790,397. In these patents, which are incorporated herein by reference, methods and apparatuses are disclosed describing how to take the dry and/or wet particles in suspension out of a gaseous flow, generally air.
To purify such gaseous flows an "inertia" filter can be used. An inertia filter causes turbulence in the flow of gas that contains the paint particles, thereby projecting the suspended particles against the walls of the filters due to the particles' inability to flow around the walls of the filters (because of the inertia of the paint particles and the air). These filters are known in the industry to be sold by Andreae Team, Inc. of Ardmore, Okla. In inertia filters, the filters are of the pleated or accordion type and have walls made of air-impervious material, generally paperboard. These walls are connected along one or more folds and have different dimensions so that chambers are created between the walls. These walls have openings that are not aligned with each other along the direction of air flow. Thus, a turbulent flow of the gas is created within the chambers of the filter. This turbulent flow causes projection of the paint particles, due to the inertia of the particles, against the walls of the chambers where they are deposited. Inertia filters ensure a constant pressure drop over their lifetime but have the drawback that they do not retain small, light particles, the mass of which is insufficient for inertia to project them against the walls for deposition. For certain types of paint, particularly lacquers, these filters have an efficiency that cannot satisfy the more strict environmental standards.
Alternatively, filtration can be accomplished by screening/sieving, i.e. by passage of the gas and entrained particles through a porous media with tortuous paths causing impact of the particles with the media, and causing particles to be held when the particles encounter a tortuous path smaller than the particle. These filters typically do not retain dry particles having a size smaller than their pores. Thus, screening filters commonly have a low efficiency for paint particles. It is possible to make such filters with smaller pores to increase efficiency, but this introduces a substantial pressure drop across the media. Loading with particulate causes such screening filters to clog rapidly, thereby causing an increasing pressure drop, necessitating frequent replacement.
The filters now in use in this field have to be changed often, because government environmental standards generally require arrestance efficiencies greater than or equal to 98%. Filters that are able to meet these efficiency standards tend to require more frequent replacement due to filling with overspray more quickly. These filters are made by removable elements intended to be mounted in adapted frames, such as channels into which planar filter cartridges are inserted. The air flow is driven perpendicularly through the filter cartridges as in a residential heating, cooling and ventilation filtration system.
There is a need for an improved filter that has low pressure drop and high paint retention efficiencies, and that does not have to be replaced at a rate that either slows work substantially or causes the cost of use to be too high.

Industrial coating application filter with pleated support