A method for improving the recovery of methane from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of introducing a first fluid into the formation which sorbs to the formation, allowing at least a portion of the first fluid to sorb to the formation, introducing a chemically different second fluid into the formation at a pressure higher than the parting pressure of the formation, relieving pressure within the formation to produce shear failure within the formation, and repeating the introduction of second fluid and the relieving of pressure until a desired permeability of the formation is obtained.

Solid carbonaceous subterranean formations contain significant quantities of natural gas. This natural gas is composed primarily of methane. The majority of the methane is sorbed onto the carbonaceous matrix of the formation and must be desorbed from the matrix and transferred to a wellbore in order to be recovered. The rate of recovery at the wellbore typically depends on the gas flow rate through the solid carbonaceous subterranean formation. The gas flow rate through a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation is affected by many factors including the matrix porosity of the formation, the system of fractures within the formation, and the stress within the carbonaceous matrix which comprises the solid carbonaceous subterranean formation.
An unstimulated solid carbonaceous subterranean formation has a natural system of fractures, the smaller and most common ones being referred to as "cleats" or collectively as a "cleat system". To reach the wellbore, the methane must desorb from a sorption site within the matrix and diffuse through the matrix to the cleat system. The gas then passes through the cleat system to the wellbore.
The cleat system communicating with a production well often does not provide for an acceptable methane recovery rate. In general, solid carbonaceous subterranean formations require stimulation to enhance the recovery of methane from the formation. Various techniques have been developed to stimulate solid carbonaceous subterranean formations and thereby enhance the rate of recovery of methane from these formations. These techniques typically attempt to enhance the desorption of methane from the carbonaceous matrix of the formation and/or to enhance the permeability of the formation.
One example of a technique for stimulating the production of methane from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation is to complete the production wellbore with an open-hole cavity. First, a wellbore is drilled to a location above the solid carbonaceous subterranean formation. The wellbore is cased and the casing is cemented in place using a conventional drilling rig. A modified drilling rig is then used to drill an "open-hole" interval within the formation. An open-hole interval is an interval within the solid carbonaceous subterranean formation which has no casing set. A metal liner, which has holes, may be placed in the open-hole interval if desired. The open-hole interval can be completed by various methods. One method utilizes an injection/blowdown cycle to create a cavity within the open-hole interval. In this method, air is injected into the open-hole interval and then released rapidly through a surface valve. The procedure is repeated until a suitable cavity has been created. During the procedure, a small amount of water can be added to selected air injections to reduce-the potential for spontaneous combustion of the carbonaceous material of the formation.
A limitation of this technique is that its effectiveness in efficiently increasing methane recovery is mainly limited to formations where formation pressure and permeability are high, such as in the "fairway" zone of the San Juan Basin located in northern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado.
Gel and foam fracture treatments are examples of other types of stimulation techniques which have been used to increase the methane recovery rate from a formation. These stimulations typically are conducted in formations where the region of the wellbore penetrating the solid carbonaceous subterranean formation is completed with a cased hole technique, a so-called cased-hole interval. With a cased-hole interval, the region of the wellbore penetrating the solid carbonaceous subterranean formation is cased and the casing is cemented in place using conventional techniques. The stimulations use of a high viscosity fluid, such as gels or foams, will assist in transporting proppant, if utilized, into the formation. The proppant is injected into the formation through perforations formed in the casing adjacent the formation. The high viscosity fluids are injected at pressures above the parting pressure of the formation. The injection of fluid at pressures above parting pressure induces a new dominant fracture, or fracture system, which is intended to better connect the formation to a production well. The injection is continued for the desired length of time and then ceased. The fluid preferably carries a proppant to hold the fractures open once the injection pressure is released. In general, the injection of the fluid is not repeated.
Unfortunately, gel and foam fracture techniques often result in damage to the formation due to the interactions between the high viscosity fluid and the formation matrix. Additionally, conventional fracture techniques mainly create tensile fractures within the formation and do not cause substantial shear failure within the formation. It is believed by the inventors of the present invention that the creation of shear failure within the formation is important for enhancing the recovery of methane from a formation. Because conventional fracture techniques do not cause significant shear failure within the formation, they do not significantly reduce the stress within the formation. In fact, if proppants are utilized with conventional fracture techniques, the proppants often increase the stress within the carbonaceous matrix. This increase in stress can reduce the recovery of methane from the formation by compressing the cleats and reducing the permeability of the formation.
A third stimulation technique which has been utilized to enhance the methane recovery rate from a formation is water fracture treatments. Like gel fracture treatments, this technique is typically utilized in formations in which the wellbore interval penetrating the formation is completed with a cased-hole technique. The treatments typically are conducted through perforations in the casing adjacent the formation. The water is injected at a pressure above the formation parting pressure of the formation, inducing a new dominant fracture, or fracture system, which is intended to better connect the formation to a production well. The technique optionally utilizes proppants to hold the fractures open. Like gel fracture treatments, conventional water fracture treatments generally do not cause substantial shear failure within the formation.
Puri et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,788, discloses a method for increasing the permeability of a coal seam by introducing a fluid into the coal seam which causes the coal to swell. The pressurized fluid is maintained within the seam to enhance the contact between the fluid and the coal seam. The pressure within the seam is relieved by allowing the fluid to flow out the wellbore prior to the pressure within the coal seam decreasing to a stabilized pressure. The method of the patent is intended to increase the permeability of a coal seam located near the wellbore. The patent teaches that the procedure may be repeated but it does not disclose how many times to repeat the procedure or how to determine how many repetitions are to be performed.
What is needed is a method for stimulating a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation to increase the rate of methane recovery from the formation which enables various fluids to be used to stimulate the formation while minimizing the damage to the permeability of the formation.

Method for enhancing the recovery of methane from a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation


Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to modular imaging spectrometer assemblies and methods of operation thereof. In one example, a modular imaging spectrometer assembly includes foreoptics to receive electromagnetic radiation and produce a real exit pupil, the foreoptics having a first f-number, a first imaging spectrometer to receive and disperse the electromagnetic radiation into a first plurality of spectral bands at a first image plane, the first imaging spectrometer having a second f-number independent of the first f-number, a second imaging spectrometer separated from the first imaging spectrometer, the second imaging spectrometer to receive and disperse the electromagnetic radiation into a second plurality of spectral bands, the second imaging spectrometer having a third f-number independent of the first f-number, and at least one slit aperture positioned to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the real exit pupil and direct the electromagnetic radiation to the first and second imaging spectrometers.

Imaging spectroscopy is widely used in many remote sensing applications. For instance, collected spectral data is often used for automated remote material detection, identification, and quantification. A typical imaging spectrometer images an object or scene in a range of different adjacent wavelength intervals. For instance, these intervals may include the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) wavelength band, the short-wave infrared (SWIR) wavelength band, the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) wavelength band, and the long-wave infrared (LWIR) wavelength band. Based on the resulting spectral image, a user of the imaging spectrometer may detect the unique spectral characteristics or features of the imaged object or scene.

Modular imaging spectrometer assembly and method


Disclosed is a method of adding 1 to 4 chlorine or bromine atoms to an aromatic ring of compound that has at least one electron-withdrawing groups on that ring. The aromatic compound is reacted with a chlorinating agent or a brominating agent in the presence of about 0.1 to about 10 mole % of a Lewis acid catalyst at a temperature of ambient to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure of about 10 to about 100 psig.

This invention relates to a method of chlorinating and brominating aromatic compounds. In particular, it relates to a method of chlorinating and brominating aromatic compounds under pressure using only a catalytic amount of a Lewis acid catalyst.
Aromatic compounds, such as methyl4methylbenzoate (M4MB), are commonly chlorinated at atmospheric pressure using chlorine gas in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, such as aluminum chloride, AlCl.sub.3, or ferric chloride, FeCl.sub.3. The amount of Lewis acid catalyst used must be greater than stoichiometric to effect the chlorination. For example, 0.98 lbs. (1.1 equivalents) of aluminum chloride are required to chlorinate each pound of M4MB.
After the reaction is complete, separation of the catalyst from the product by filtration or distillation is impractical or not possible because the catalyst is chemically bound to the product. The usual procedure is to add water, causing the catalyst to react with the water to form a soluble product. For example, an aluminum chloride catalyst reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid and aluminum hydroxide, which dissolve in the water and can be separated from the solid product.

Pressurized chlorination and bromination of aromatic compounds


A mounting assembly including a casing having an outer surface attached to a TVRO antenna and having an inner surface and at least one first guide slot positioned on the inner surface of the casing. An inner tube is located inside the casing and has portions which extend out of the casing for attaching to the mounting pole. At least one second guide slot is formed through the inner tube. One of the first or second guide slots is non-linear. The casing is rotated by a spider-like mechanism having drive arm having a first end nested in the first guide slot, a body passing through the second guide slot. A leadscrew passes through the spider like mechanism and a motor coupled to one end of the leadscrew turns the leadscrew causing the spider like mechanism to move vertically along the leadscrew, which in turn causes the casing to rotate with respect to the inner tube.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to antenna mounts and, in particular, the present invention relates to an antenna mount for attaching a TVRO antenna to a pipe mast anchored to the ground, the mount capable of aligning the antenna with any of several satellites positioned within a horizon-to-horizon view of the antenna.


A housing, a solenoid, a pin which can be moved by the solenoid, and a piston which is connected to the pin. The piston is pot-shaped and its base has an aperture. On the exterior of the base an arcuate yoke spans the aperture and the pin projects through the aperture in the base. The pin is connected to the arcuate yoke by a detent connection.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a valve having a housing, a solenoid arranged in the housing, a pin that can be moved by the solenoid, and a piston connected to the pin.
2. Detailed Description of Prior Art
Valves are used as recirculation air valves in turbochargers in motor vehicles to release a bypass to the intake side during thrust operation are known. To prevent an excessively powerful braking of the turbocharger and to ensure a rapid start up, rapid opening and closing of the valve is a significant requirement. In particular during closing, an important aspect is the immediate closure by the piston being placed against a valve seat. The valve seat is formed by the housing of the turbocharger on which the valve is flanged. This results in the valve seat not being located completely parallel with the piston, which would be necessary for a rapid and above all tight closure. To ensure secure closure nonetheless, the piston has to be adapted to the valve seat. To this end, it is known to construct the pin at the end thereof facing the piston with a ball head and to construct the corresponding receiving member on the piston as a ball socket. The disadvantage in this instance is the complex construction. The articulated connection of the piston to the pin enables relatively great pivoting, with large pivot angles being restrictive during rapid closure.


A rotary encoder for detecting a rotation status of a rotary scale having a diffraction grating formed along a rotational direction comprises a directing device for directing a radiation beam to a first position on the rotary scale and directing a plurality of diffracted beams generated at the first position to a second position different from the first position. The direction device is constructed such that the plurality of diffracted beams gave a common light path between the first position and the second position. The encoder also includes a forming device for forming an interference beam from a plurality of rediffracted beams generated at the second position, and a convertor for converting the interference beam to a signal to produce the signal representing the rotation status.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rotary encoder, and more particularly to a rotary encoder in which a light beam from a laser is irradiated to a rotary scale (rotational scale) having a radial diffraction grating (amplitude type diffraction grating) having a plurality of grating patterns of light transmission areas and light reflection areas periodically arranged along a circumference. The a rotating angle and a velocity of the rotary scale is photo-electrically detected by utilizing a diffracted light from the diffraction grating.
A rotary encoder which uses a rotary scale having a diffraction grating arranged on a periphery of a disk connected to a rotating member and in which a laser beam is irradiated to the diffraction grating to interfere diffracted lights generated by the diffraction grating, and a rotating angle and a rotating speed of the rotary scale (rotational body) are detected by detecting a change in intensity of the interfered light, has been known in the art.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show a structure of a conventional rotary encoder disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,678. Numeral 1 denotes a laser, numeral 2 denotes a disk (rotary scale) having a radial diffraction grating formed thereon, numeral 3 denotes a reflection prism, numeral 4 denotes a polarization prism, numerals 51 and 52 denote photo-sensors, and numeral 6 denotes a rotating shaft of the disk 2. In FIG. lA, a laser beam emitted from the laser 1 is directed to a point M.sub.1 on the diffraction grating of the disk 2 essentially normally. A plurality of .+-. 1-order diffraction lights generated at the point M.sub.1 are reflected orthogonally by a first orthogonal reflection plane 3a of the reflection prism 3, totally reflected twice by each of side planes 3c and 3d of the reflection prism 3, again orthogonally reflected by a second orthogonal reflection plane 3b of the reflection prism 3, and directed to a point M.sub.2 on the diffraction grating of the disk 2. FIG. 1B illustrates a light path of the .+-. 1-order diffraction lights in the reflection prism 3. It is a plan view of the reflection prism 3 shown in FIG. 1A, as viewed from the bottom. As shown in FIG. 1B, the .+-. 1-order lights generated at the point M.sub.1 are directed to different directions from each other at diffraction angles .alpha.+and .alpha.-, and totally reflected by the side planes 3c and 3d of the reflection prism 3. They cross near the center of the reflection prism 3, are again totally reflected by the side planes 3c and 3d, and are directed to the points M.sub.2 on the diffraction grating 2 from the different directions at the same angles as the diffraction angles .alpha.+ and .alpha.-. Thus, the .+-. 1-order rediffracted lights at the point M.sub.2 exit from the diffraction grating in superposition and parallel to the incident light from the laser 1 at the point M.sub.1. The superimposed .+-. 1order rediffracted lights are received by the photo-sensors 51 and 52 through the polarization prism 4. The phases of the .+-. 1order diffracted lights change by .+-. 2.pi. as the diffraction grating of the disk 2 rotates by one grating pitch. Similarly, the phases of the .+-. 1order rediffracted lights change by .+-. 4.pi. as the diffraction grating rotates by one grating pitch. Thus, when the .+-. 1-order rediffracted lights are superimposed and interfered with each other as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the photo-sensors 51 and 52 produce four periods of sine wave signals in one grating pitch rotation of the diffraction grating of the disk 2. Thus, the photosensors 51 and 52 produce 4N periods of the sine wave signals in one rotation of the disk 2 where N is the total number of gratings on the diffraction grating. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the points M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are substantially symmetric with respect to the rotation center of the rotating shaft 6 so that a measurement error is prevented even if an eccentricity is involved in the mounting of the disk 2 on the rotating shaft 6. The photo-sensors 51 and 52 produce first and second signals having a 90.degree. phase difference therebetween by the combination of the direction of the linear polarization light of the laser beam emitted from the laser 1, the conversion to the .+-. 1-order elliptic polarization lights by the total reflection in the reflection prism 3, and the polarization prism 4. Thus, the rotating direction of the disk 2 may be determined by comparing those signals. In the prior art rotary encoder described above, the following problems are encountered.
(1) The light path of the diffracted light is complex and the assembly and adjustment are difficult to attain. PA1 (2) The light path of the interfering .+-. 1order PA1 (3) Because the reflection prism 3 is on the extension of the rotating shaft 6, it is difficult to adopt a hollow structure which is useful in the rotary encoder.
diffracted lights crosses another light path in the reflection prism 3. As a result, a measurement error may be easily introduced by an environmental change such as surrounding temperature change and temperature distribution. The larger the diameter of the disk 2 is, the longer is the light path of the .+-. 1-order diffracted lights in the reflection prism 3, that is, non-common light path, and hence the error will more likely be introduced.

Rotary encoder using multiple diffracted beams having co-incident paths


A method of treatment for androgenic alopecia is disclosed wherein Liquor Carbonis Detergens is topically administered.

The Hair Growth Cycle
In most mammals, hair does not grow continuously, but undergoes a cycle of activity involving periods of growth, rest and shedding. On the human scalp, from 100,000 to 350,000 hair fibers or shafts undergo metamorphosis in three distinct stages, namely:
(i) the growth phase, known as anagen, during which the hair root bulb or dermal papilla (also called the "follicular papilla") penetrates deep into the dermis with the cells of the bulb dividing rapidly and differentiating in the process of synthesizing keratin, the substance of the hair shaft itself. In normal humans, this growth phase is thought to last from one to five years;
(ii) the transitional stage, catagen, is marked by the cessation of mitosis. This phase lasts from two to three weeks; and
(iii) the resting stage known as telogen, where the hair is retained within the scalp for up to 12 weeks before the emerging new hair developing below it dislodges the telogen-phase shaft from its follicle.
For reasons yet unknown, subjects evidencing androgenic alopecia experience gradual changes in the width and length of the hair shaft over time and with age, some prematurely. Men as early as their 20's and women in their 30's and 40's begin to notice their hair becoming finer and shorter. In addition, the ratio of growing hairs to hairs in the resting/shedding phase declines from as high as 9:1 to as low as 2:1.
It is generally accepted that genetic hair loss arises from the activation of an inherited predisposition to circulating androgenic hormones. Androgenic alopecia is the single largest type of recognizable alopecia to affect both men (50%) and women (30%), primarily of Caucasian origin. The condition is characterized by the gradual conversion of terminal hair to short, wispy, colorless vellus hair. FIGS. 1 and 2 compare a healthy terminal hair follicle to one transformed by androgenic alopecia into a vellus hair.
While many investigators have tried to isolate the causative androgen metabolite, no single molecule has emerged. Nor, in comparative studies between non-balding controls, has a significant difference between mean hormonal values or amounts been detected. See J. Puolakka, Serum ferritin in the evaluation of iron status in young healthy women, Acta. Obstet. Gynecol. Scand., suppl. 95, 35-41 (1980). This suggests that a sensitivity or receptivity to hormones at the cell binding sites within the dermal papilla is a possible factor. Several treatments are based on this theory using anti-androgens such as CPA (cyproterone acetate) in combination with ethinyl-estradiol and the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone, which, given in dosages from 75 to 100 mg per day has shown some benefit. See e.g., D. H. Rushton and D. D. Ramsay, The importance of adequate serum ferritin levels in cyproterone acetate and ethinyl-oestradiol therapy in women with diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia, Clin. Endocrinol. 36, 421-427 (1992); D H Rushton, W. Futterwiet, D H Kingsley, P. Kingsley and M J Norris, Quantitative assessment of spironolactone treatment in women with diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia, J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. 42, 317-325 (1991).
Prior art also includes mucopolysaccharide and chondroitin sulfate in hair compositions to prevent loss and encourage growth. However, according to The Berkeley Wellness Letter, published by the University of California (June 1992, vol. 8 no. 9 pg. 4), the treatment philosophy for genetic hair loss depends predominantly upon controlling the testosterone metabolite, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The major bio-synthetic pathway of DHT is catalyzed by the enzyme 5 [alpha]-reductase. It is hypothesized by these researchers that compounds which selectively block this enzyme (by inhibiting substrate uptake or altering the binding affinity for the androgen receptor protein complex) could have a high success rate at halting premature anagen termination. In this regard, Brawn et. al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,325) has developed a topical application containing a glycosaminoglycanase inhibitor chosen from aldonomonolactones, alduronomonolactones and acylated monosaccharides. They identify the breakdown of glycosaminoglycans (complex polysaccharides) by male hormones as the initiating condition of the onset of catagen. This approach attempts to sustain hair growth by preventing the splitting of the glycosaminoglycan molecule at specific sites by the topical application of certain molecules such as asacylated monosaccharides. Brawn foresaw a 10% to 50% increase in hair growth versus the control. Clinical human trial data was not supplied in the patent.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, experiments with mouse hair follicles showed that the anagen phase stem cells, stored within the bulge area of the follicle, proliferated during early anagen and migrated to the root bulb region prior to differentiation. See Miller, Stanley J., Sun, Tung-Tien, and Lavker, Robert M., Hair Follicles, Stem Cells, and Skin Cancer, The Society for Investigative Dermatology, 1993. Miller et al. believe that the bulge cells can be stimulated to proliferate in response to both physical and chemical stimuli causing telogen follicles to commence anagen. In addition, the physical proximity of the follicular papilla to the bulge area containing the stem cells plays a role in the onset of anagen cycles. Miller et al. have speculated that damage to the bulge region (such as is caused by lupus erythematosus or lichen planopilaris) frequently results in permanent alopecia, whereas damage to the hair root bulb alone results in alopecia areata and is temporary.
It is noted that several of the ingredients such as salicylic acid and castor oil have been employed as hair growth stimulants. Their therapeutic functions are identified as emollients (castor oil) and irritants and keratolytics for the stimulation of blood flow (salicylic acid and spirits of camphor).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,151, issued to Davis, et al. relates to a method for inducing, maintaining or increasing hair growth by topically applying a preserved composition comprising an effective amount of hexosaccharic acid, salts and esters thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,955 issued to Gibson, et al. relates to a preserved composition for topical application for inducing, maintaining or increasing hair growth which comprises a special ester of pyroglutamic acid and a cosmetically acceptable vehicle for the ester. Gibson lists salicylic acid and castor oil as hair growth stimulants. Isopropyl alcohol is also disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,325, issued to Brawn, et al. relates to a composition for inducing, maintaining or increasing hair growth including a glycosaminoglycanase inhibitor chosen from aldonomonolactones, alduronomonolactones and acylated monosaccharides. Brawn discloses the use of salicylic acid and castor oil as substances which stimulate or increase hair growth, and the use of penetration enhancers, such as isopropyl alcohol.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,214, issued to Ruiseco relates to an oil based composition for the treatment of dry scalp conditions, which includes grated avocado seed in a mineral oil solution and the addition of other ingredients, such as castor oil and spirit of camphor.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,130,142, issued to Wong, et al., relates to a composition for regulating hair growth which includes a supernatant derived from a culture of epithelial cells. When the composition is in lotion or cream form, it can include emollients (such as castor oil) and additionally alcohol.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,534, issued to Grolier, et al. relates to compositions for inducing and stimulating hair growth and/or retarding its loss containing, in combination, pyrimidine derivatives and at least some agents which screen out UV radiation.
It is also known that liquor carbonis detergens has been established as a treatment for certain skin disorders (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,102,995; 3,627,871; 3,472,931; 3,061,512; 3,071,510; 3,262,851; 2,622,057; and 2,602,039) and is especially effective as an antipruritic, antibacterial and keratoplastic (control of the production of epithelial keratin) in the treatment of psoriasis, often formulated as a shampoo. Nowhere, however, in the prior art of commercial or non-commercial compositions is there a reference to the use of liquor carbonis detergens as a therapy for hair loss alone or in combination with any of the ingredients identified.
A recent study conducted in Cologne, Germany [Merk, H. F., Mukhtar, H., Schutte, B. et al., Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne] identified a high correlation (95%) of enzyme activation within the cells of the follicular papilla when a solution of liquor carbonis detergens was topically applied to freshly plucked roots. The researcher suggested that the cytochrome P-450 isozymes, affecting the metabolism of oxygen within the cell, was altered by this solution. It was also theorized by Levkar et al., in his study of the origin of skin cancers that most non-melanoma cancers of the skin originate in the hair follicle, suggesting that the cells of this region are more highly prone to mitosis than epithelial cells between the follicles. In fact, during the entire anagen phase the cellular activity, both in terms of migration and mitosis, is highly active, resulting in the proliferation of keratinocytes (the cells of the shaft itself).

Method for treatment of androgenic alopecia


An interior rearview mirror 10 includes a stay 1 fastened on a ceiling in a vehicle, a mirror 2, a mirror housing 3, a bracket 4, and a lever that engages with the bracket 4 and tilts the mirror 2. At a lower end of the bracket 4 are alternately provided from side to side a first engageable projection having a projection at a front side, and a second engageable projection having a projection at a back side. At an upper end of the lever 5 are alternately provided from side to side a first engageable depression having a depression at a front side that engages with the first engageable projection, and a second engageable depression having a depression at a back side that engages with the second engageable projection.

This invention relates to an interior rearview mirror attached to a ceiling near a driver""s seat or an inside of a windshield in a vehicle, and particularly to an interior rearview mirror capable of reducing glare of light from headlamps of succeeding vehicles during night driving.
Light emitted from the headlamps of succeeding vehicles and directly reflected off the interior rearview mirror during night driving would dazzle a driver and thus threaten the safety of driving. Therefore, a reflection angle of the interior rearview mirror provided in the vehicle may be changed to an angle suitable for an antiglare purpose with a lever below the mirror operated by a driver.
FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway view, in perspective, of a conventional interior rearview mirror 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the conventional interior rearview mirror 20 is attached with a stay 21 to a ceiling near a driver""s seat in a vehicle or an inside of a windshield. A mirror 22 made up of a prism is held in a groove provided in a mirror housing 23. At a distal end of the stay 21 is formed a ball joint 26, which has a spherical shape. The ball joint 26 is fitted into a socket formed in a midsection of a bracket 24 of the interior rearview mirror 20 so that the bracket 24 is joined to the stay 21.
Accordingly, when the mirror housing 23 is handled to adjust a field of view of the mirror 22, an adjustment in positioning of the mirror 22 is made by turning the bracket 24 about the ball joint 26 provided at the distal end of the stay 21. An antiglare operation to be performed to immediately change the reflection angle of the mirror 22 includes operating (pivoting) a lever 25 engaged with the bracket 24 so as to tilt the mirror housing 23, thereby changing the reflection angle of the prismatic mirror 22. The pivoting operation of the lever 25 is to switch the mirror 22 from a xe2x80x9cDayxe2x80x9d position to a xe2x80x9cNightxe2x80x9d position, or from the xe2x80x9cNightxe2x80x9d position to the xe2x80x9cDayxe2x80x9d position; the tilting operation is to change a reflection angle of the mirror 22 by pivoting the lever 25.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view for explaining an engagement between the bracket 24 and the lever 25 that are depicted in the center of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7A, on right and left sides of an upper portion of the bracket 24 are formed pins 24a, 24a, the bracket 24 is fitted in a concave portion provided in the mirror housing 23, so as to get tilted by pivoting about the pins 24a, 24a.
On the other hand, while the lever 25 is shaped like a letter T, on right and left ends of the lever 25 are formed pins 25a, 25a as well, and the lever 25 is fitted in a concave portion provided in the mirror housing 23, so as to pivot about the pins 25a, 25a.
As shown in FIGS. 7A through 7C, an engagement portion 24b of the bracket 24 is formed into an angular ridge, and an engagement portion 25b of the lever 25 is formed into a V-shaped groove. To be more specific, an edge of the engagement portion 24b that forms a ridgeline is brought into contact with a bottom of the V-shaped groove of the engagement portion 25b of the lever 25, and the lever 25 is operated to pivot till one of the sides that form the ridge of the bracket 24 is brought into contact with one of the sides that form the groove of the lever 25.
FIGS. 7B and 7C are right side views of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B illustrates a xe2x80x9cDayxe2x80x9d condition where the lever 25 is pivoted to a back side; FIG. 7C illustrates a xe2x80x9cNightxe2x80x9d condition where the lever 25 is pivoted to a front side. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the lever 25 is pushed down to the back side, one side of the ridge of the bracket 24 is brought into contact with one side of the V-shaped groove of the lever 25, and this position is maintained. To be more specific, L1+L2 greater than L3 is satisfied where L1 is a length from a center of the pin 24a to a distal end of the engagement portion 24b of the bracket 24; L2 is a length from a center of the pin 25a to the bottom of the V-shaped groove of the lever 25; and L3 is a distance from the center of the pin 24a of the bracket 24 to the center of the pin 25a of the lever 25, and thus the above position is maintained.
At this stage, the lever 25 tilts backward at an angle xcex8 while the bracket 24 tilts frontward at an angle xcex1. In contrast, when the lever 25 is operated to pivot frontward, the lever 25 tilts frontward at an angle xcex8, while the bracket 24 tilts backward at an angle xcex8, as shown in FIG. 7C. Thus, pivoting operation of the lever 25 (at an angle 20) may bring a quick shift in a tilt angle of the mirror 22 at an angle 2xcex1.
As shown in FIG. 7B, for example, where L1 is 40.0 mm, L2 is 2.0 mm, and xcex8 is 25 degrees, xcex1 becomes 1.21 degree, L3 becomes 41.80 mm, and a difference between L1+L2 and L3 becomes 0.2 mm; it thus turns out that L3 is shorter.
However, the conventional interior rearview mirror 20 has an intrinsic disadvantage that the lever 25 is allowed to voluntarily pivot notwithstanding the lever 25 is not operated, when the mirror housing 23 is held and an adjustment is made in a field of view of the mirror 20. This is presumably because the difference between L1+L2 and L3 is small, i.e., the small pivoting angle 2xcex8 of the lever 25 is responsible therefor, and thus a small moment applied to the bracket 24 via the ball joint 26 of the stay 21 causes the lever 25 to switch its position when the mirror housing 23 is moved manually. It is therefore conceivable that providing the lever 25 with a larger pivoting angle 2xcex8 by making an angle of the V-shaped groove of the lever 25 larger could serve to eliminate the above disadvantage. Disadvantageously, however, the larger the angle of the V-shaped groove, the more likely it could become that the ridge of the bracket 24 is easily disengaged from the V-shaped groove of the lever 25.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5C that illustrates a conventional combination of mold parts for use with an injection molding machine for making a V-grooved lever 25, a conventional shape of the V-grooved lever 25 requires a slide 28 to form an under side of the lever 25 other than mold parts 26, 27 located at right and left sides of the lever 25, which thus causes an increase in number of mold parts, in structural complexity, and thus in manufacturing cost.
Under these circumstances, the present invention has been created to eliminate the above-discussed disadvantages in prior art.
Therefore, it is an exemplified object of the present invention to provide an interior rearview mirror that includes a lever having a larger pivoting angle so as not to voluntarily pivot when a mirror housing is held and an adjustment is made in a field of view of the mirror, and a bracket having a ridge provided so as not to get disengaged from a V-shaped groove of the lever. Moreover, it is another exemplified object of the present invention to provide an interior rearview mirror that may dispense with a slide or a mold part that forms an under section of the final casting for manufacturing the lever, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
In order to achieve the above objects, there is provided an interior rearview mirror according to one aspect of the present invention as set forth in claim 1. The interior rearview mirror comprises a stay that is fixed in a vehicle, a bracket that is coupled to the stay with a ball joint formed at a distal end of the stay, a mirror housing that is tiltably pivoted on the bracket, a prismatic mirror that is held in the mirror housing, and a lever that is engaged with the bracket, pivoted in the mirror housing, and operated to pivot so that the bracket may tilt. At a lower end of the bracket are formed a first engageable projection having a projection at a front side and a second engageable projection having a projection at a back side which first and second engageable projections are alternately provided from side to side along the bracket. At an upper end of the lever are formed a straight engaging ridgeline parallel to a pivot axis of the lever, a first engageable depression that is formed from the engaging ridgeline toward a front side of the engaging ridgeline to engage with the first engageable projection, and a second engageable depression that is formed from the engaging ridgeline toward a back side of the engaging ridgeline to engage with the second engageable projection which first and second engageable depressions are alternately provided from side to side along the lever.
In this aspect of the present invention as set forth in claim 1, an engagement portion at which the bracket having a projection and the lever having a depression engage with each other includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. The second engageable projection and the second engageable depression securely engage with each other when the lever is pivoted backward, while the first engageable projection and the first engageable depression securely engage with each other when the lever is pivoted frontward; therefore, a pivoting angle of the lever may be made greater. Moreover, the closer to the pivoting angle, the more securely the depression and projection of the engagement portion engage with each other, and thereby become more difficult to disengage from each other. In addition, an alternate arrangement of the depressions and projections contributes to enhanced stiffness of the engagement portion. Consequently, such an interior rearview mirror as may include a lever allowing a larger pivoting angle and a bracket whose engagement portion never disengages from an engagement portion of the lever may be brought into practical use.
The engaging ridgeline formed at an upper end of the lever is a straight line parallel to the pivot axis of the lever. More specifically, edges of the depressions that are arranged alternately from side to side along the lever are aligned so that each segment is combined to form one straight line.
Accordingly, the depressions (V-shaped grooves) that are provided alternately from side to side along the lever are formed from the engaging ridgeline toward a front or back side of the engaging ridgeline, and thus a slide for forming an under section of the mold as required in a conventional mold having parting lines for manufacturing a V-grooved lever is no more required, with the result that the manufacturing cost of the mold may be reduced.
It is understood that the engaging ridgeline is a ridge line of the lever that forms an axis of engagement between the bracket and the lever, and indicates a vertex from which depressions are formed toward right and left sides when the lever is viewed from a side thereof.
Other objects and further features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to accompanying drawings.


A sampling unit having a first receiving part (16) and a second receiving part (18), which receive a sample solution and are disposed separately from each other, wherein the first receiving part (16) comprises an identification substance (22) that binds to a substance to be detected, and separates the substance to be detected from substances not to be detected in the sample solution, and the second receiving part (18) is connected with a reference electrode (21) via a salt bridge part (25).

In recent years, as a biosensor, a technique capable of noninvasively utilizing living cells in analyses has been disclosed (for example, Patent Literature 1). Patent Literature 1 discloses a biosensor having a structure in which a detection surface for detecting a change in the physical properties of a negative charge is covered with a phenylboronic acid group binding to a sialic acid sample (cells themselves or a sugar chain derived from the cells).


Disclosed is a touch screen device for accurately detecting a touch by using a touch pen without having a separate sensor provided in a touch panel. The touch screen device includes a touch screen including a plurality of touch electrodes, a touch driving circuit applying a touch electrode driving signal to the plurality of touch electrodes, and a touch pen receiving the touch electrode driving signal applied to the plurality of touch electrodes and transmitting a pen output signal, synchronized with the received touch electrode driving signal, to the touch screen.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a touch screen device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a touch screen device for accurately detecting a touch by using a touch pen even without a separate sensor being provided in a touch panel.
Discussion of the Related Art
Examples of flat panel display devices, which display an image by using digital data, include liquid crystal display (LCD) devices using liquid crystal, plasma display panels (PDPs) using discharging of an inert gas, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices using OLEDs, etc.
Recently, touch screen devices which are each implemented with a touch panel added into a flat panel display device are being produced, and examples of the touch screen devices include smartphones, smart books, etc. In the touch screen devices, writing or drawing may be performed by using a touch pen as well as a human touch performed by a finger. A touch input using the touch pen is more precise than an input corresponding to the human touch and thus enables precise writing and drawing to be more easily performed.
In a related art touch screen device, a plurality of electrodes or sensors are separately provided in a touch panel so as to recognize a touch performed by a touch pen. Particularly, when a touch panel is implemented as one body with a display panel, a plurality of electrodes and sensors are further provided, and for this reason, a manufacturing process becomes complicated, and the manufacturing cost increases.


An optical disk master having a protrusion/depression pattern on its surface is prepared by applying a photoresist layer on a substrate, exposing the photoresist layer to radiation to form a latent image of the protrusion/depression pattern, and developing the latent image. The step of treating the photoresist layer with a surfactant is included prior to the exposing step or between the exposing and developing steps. An optical disk master having a finer pattern can be prepared at a low cost while minimizing any additional burden on the manufacturing system.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method for preparing an optical disk master for use in the manufacture of optical disk substrates.
2. Prior Art
Optical disks include write-once read many or rewritable optical recording disks and read-only disks. The optical recording disks have recording layers formed on disk substrates which are provided on the surface with (guide) grooves for tracking and other purposes. In the read-only disks, information-bearing pits are integrally formed on the surface of disk substrates.
Disk substrates are usually prepared by injection molding resins using a stamper having a negative pit and groove pattern. The stamper is often formed of nickel. In order to manufacture the stamper, an optical disk master is first prepared. The following process is generally employed for preparing the optical disk master. First, a photoresist layer is applied on the surface of a glass substrate. The photoresist layer is exposed to laser beams to form a latent image of the desired pattern, followed by development.
Using the optical disk master, a stamper is manufactured usually by the following process. First, to impart electric conductivity to the surface of the photoresist layer on the optical disk master, a metal thin film of nickel or the like is formed as by sputtering or electroless plating. Electroforming is then effected to deposit a film of nickel or the like on the metal thin film. Then the laminate of the metal thin film and the electroformed film is stripped from the photoresist layer. The laminate is ready for use as the stamper master. This stamper master may be used as the stamper directly, although a stamper mother may be prepared from the stamper master and used as the stamper. The stamper mother is prepared by electroforming a film on the surface of the stamper master and striping the electroformed film. It is recommended to previously oxidize the surface of the stamper master so that the electroformed film may be readily stripped therefrom. Alternatively, a stamper child may be similarly prepared using the stamper mother and used as the stamper.
In the process of preparing an optical disk master, the minimum width of the latent image pattern formed in the photoresist layer is limited by the diameter of a laser beam spot. The beam spot diameter w is represented by w=kxc2x7xcex/NA wherein xcex is the wavelength of the laser beam, NA is the numerical aperture of an objective lens in an optical system, and k is a constant which is determined by the aperture shape of the objective lens and the intensity distribution of an incident light flux. Therefore, to reduce the pit or groove width, the wavelength of the laser beam must be decreased or the numerical aperture of the objective lens be increased.
However, since an objective lens having a numerical aperture in excess of 0.9 has been already developed and used in practice, there is left little room for further improvement. As to the laser wavelength, a blue laser of short wavelength has been used in practice. Then, to further reduce the minimum width of a latent image pattern, a laser beam of a shorter wavelength, for example, in the ultraviolet region must be used. On use of a laser beam in the ultraviolet region, however, optical components including the objective lens should be changed to those capable of complying with the ultraviolet region. This gives rise to a serious problem that a substantial modification of the system is needed.
JP-A 1-317241 proposes a process of preparing an optical disk master wherein the steps of immersing an unexposed photoresist film in a developer or showering the developer to the unexposed photoresist film, followed by water washing and drying are added prior to the step of exposing the photoresist film to radiation. By adding the developing, washing and drying steps prior to the exposure step, the photoresist film surface is substantially insolubilized, allowing grooves or pits to be formed to a narrower width or smaller diameter. In this patent, the development prior to exposure is effected at a concentration of 50% for a time duration of 10 seconds.
JP-A 6-260407 discloses a process for forming a resist pattern by applying a photoresist layer onto a semiconductor substrate, treating the photoresist layer with an alkali to form an insolubilized stratum in the surface of the photoresist layer, followed by exposure and development. The mechanism of this process is as follows. As a result of the alkali treatment, low molecular weight components in the photoresist are dissolved out under the action of alkali, whereby the surface of the photoresist layer is hardened, and at the same time, the alkali causes azo-coupling reaction to take place between the novolac resin and photosensitive groups in the photoresist to form an insolubilized stratum in the photoresist layer surface. This insolubilized stratum holds down the dissolution rate in the unexposed areas of the photoresist layer, resulting in an improvement in the resolution of the positive acting photoresist. In the patent, the alkali treatment is effected by building up a quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution on the photoresist layer.
In the above-referred JP-A 1-317241 and 6-260407, the photoresist layer is substantially insolubilized by treating with a developer or quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution, thereby achieving an improved resolution. Such alkaline solutions as the developer and quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution need safe disposal as by neutralization, inviting a cost increase.
The photoresist becomes alkali soluble upon exposure. Therefore, the alkali treatment must be done prior to exposure as described in the above-referred patents. The alkali treatment is carried out by immersion in alkaline solution or by showering of alkaline solution, which must inevitably be followed by washing with pure water and drying. Since the photolithographic system of carrying out a series of steps in an in-line mode does not usually have washing and drying units incorporated between the photoresist applying step and the exposure step, the alkali treatment must be carried out off-line.
An object of the invention is to provide a method for preparing an optical disk master having a finer pattern at a reduced cost and with a minimal burden on the manufacturing system.
The invention is directed to a method for preparing an optical disk master having a protrusion/depression pattern on its surface, comprising the steps of applying a photoresist layer on a substrate, exposing the photoresist layer to radiation to form a latent image of the protrusion/depression pattern, and developing the latent image. According to the invention, the step of treating the photoresist layer with a surfactant is provided prior to the exposing step or between the exposing step and the developing step. The treating step is preferably effected between the exposing step and the developing step. The treating step preferably includes bringing a solution of the surfactant in contact with the photoresist layer by spin rinsing or dipping. Typically the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant. Preferably the treating step uses a surfactant solution having a concentration of 0.1 to 10% by weight of the surfactant.
The exposing step is preferably to expose the photoresist layer to a dose of radiation D1 which satisfies the relationship: 1.1xe2x89xa6D1/D0xe2x89xa62 wherein D0 is the optimum exposure dose for the photoresist layer when the treating step is excluded.


Fracturing a reservoir includes providing a pad fluid to the reservoir via a wellbore in a well to create fractures in the reservoir, providing a fracturing fluid to the fractures via the wellbore, providing a geopolymer precursor fluid to the fractures via the wellbore, shutting in the wellbore at a wellbore pressure, thereby allowing the geopolymer precursor fluid to harden and form geopolymer proppant pillars in the fractures. Providing the geopolymer precursor fluid to the fractures includes pulsing quantities of the geopolymer precursor fluid into a continuous flow of the fracturing fluid or alternately pulsing quantities of the geopolymer precursor fluid and the fracturing fluid. An elapsed time between pulsing the quantities of the geopolymer precursor fluid is between 2 seconds and 20 minutes.

The success of a fracturing stimulation treatment depends at least in part on the strength and distribution of the proppant used to prevent the created fracture from closing after treatment. Even for simple and wide features with high proppant placement efficiency throughout the entire fracture geometry, current mathematical and engineering concepts still overestimate the flow capacity of fractures by orders of magnitude. Permeability of the proppant pack may be reduced by a combination of factors such as residual damage from poor gel recovery, fines migration, multiphase flow, fluid momentum losses, drag forces, capillary forces, and proppant crushing and embedment. In some cases, conventional proppant packs lose up to 99% of initial conductivity due to gel damage, fines migration, multiphase flow, and non-Darcy flow.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Pulsed hydraulic fracturing with geopolymer precursor fluids


Porous particles of MgCl.sub.2 which have essentially the shape of two truncated right cones connected by their larger bases, which truncated cones are incurved towards the axis of symmetry perpendicular to the bases, at the intersection of the envelope of the truncated cones with two orthogonal planes passing through the said axis of symmetry. These particles are impregnated with a transition metal compound and employed as a catalytic component in the polymerization of olefins. The resultant polyolefins, especially polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers, are comprised of particles with a distinctive structure.

The present invention pertains to particles of magnesium chloride (MgCl.sub.2) with a novel shape as well as to the procedure for manufacturing these particles. These MgCl.sub.2 particles can be employed as a catalytic support, especially in the catalytic components of the Ziegler-Natta type. The polyolefins obtained by means of polymerization of olefins in the presence of the catalytic component containing this MgCl.sub.2 also have a distinctive structure. These catalytic components and the polyolefins obtained in the presence of these components are also part of the invention.

Magnesium chloride particles with a truncated structure, catalytic component supported on these particles, polyolefins obtained by employing this catalytic component, procedures for manufacturing these products


A vehicle visor includes a visor body having an inner cavity with first and second channels disposed therein. A blade is slideably mounted to the first and second channels between extended and retracted positions by first and second rails of the blade that are slideably received in the first and second channels of the visor body. An adjustment knob is mounted on the visor body and includes a toothed outer perimeter that gearingly engages a toothed track disposed on the blade within the inner cavity. The adjustment knob further includes an exposed portion that is disposed outside of the inner cavity and accessible to a user for incremental rotation resulting in deployment or retraction of the blade.

Sun visors are often provided within vehicle interiors and are often mounted to an interior roof near the A-pillar of the vehicle on a pivoting hinge to block exterior sunlight from entering the vehicle interior. Often, sun visors do not cover enough area to sufficiently block incoming sunlight, such that incoming light can still reach a driver and impair the driver's ability to see. Some visor assemblies do not come with blade extensions or the current extension designs are very difficult to manage. Current blade extension designs can become stuck or damaged due to inconsistent deployment mechanisms that require a driver to use their entire hand to properly deploy a blade extension. Aftermarket extensions must be added to a current sun visor assembly, and can be clumsy designs that are clipped or attached to a sun visor assembly using cords or tape. An easily deployable blade extension is desired having a deployment mechanism that allows for controlled deployment of the blade extension with minimal user input.


A method for providing automatic brightness control in a closed loop x-ray imaging system which utilizes an automatic brightness system (ABS) sampling window. The location, size and shape of the ABS sampling window is adjusted in accordance with statistical information including spatial gray scale distribution data derived from the data related to the x-ray system and image being processed, thereby enabling the automatic brightness control to make brightness and power adjustments in accordance with statistical data from the modified ABS sampling window.

1. The Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to x-ray imaging apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to automatic brightness control in a closed loop imaging system which uses an automatic brightness control sampling window.
2. The State of the Art
X-ray imaging systems are well known medical diagnostic and interventional tools. X-rays are generated when a high voltage generator supplies electric power to an x-ray tube. One circuit prepares the tube for x-ray exposure by heating the tube filament. A second circuit generates a high voltage potential that accelerates x-rays from the filament (or cathode) to the anode within the x-ray tube.
The filament in the x-ray tube is a coiled tungsten wire that, when heated by current flow, emits electrons. This is a low voltage circuit. Relatively little power is needed to heat the filament, and small variations in filament current result in large variations in x-ray tube current.
Electrons emitted from the filament are focused onto a spot in the tungsten target (anode). X-ray photons are produced when the electrons interact, by sudden deceleration, within the tungsten anode. The target surface is angled to reflect the x-rays in the direction of the x-ray tube output window.
In order to understand the relationship between the high voltage generator control and its effects on x-ray beam penetration, and subsequently, diagnostic image quality, it is important to remember that the intensity of an x-ray beam varies with the electrical potential in kilovolts (kVp) and the tube current (mA) applied to the tube. The quality and intensity of the x-ray photons generated depends almost entirely on the kVp.
Because exposure to radiation is harmful, all practical methods are employed to reduce x-ray exposure to patients. One method is to collimate the x-ray beam with materials that will partially or completely absorb x-rays. Proper beam collimation also assists the video imaging system by prohibiting non-attenuated (unimpeded) x-ray photons from reaching an image intensifier.
Varying clinical procedures have unique beam collimation requirements. The most common systems employ a combination of fixed, adjustable leaf, and adjustable iris collimation. Systems can also use a combination iris and leaf collimator with independent motorized controls and position feedback.
During the examination of a patient, an image is produced when x-ray photons pass through the patient and are then converted to light photons through the use of an image intensifier tube or some other x-ray conversion device. The x-ray photons pass through tissue and materials of varying mass and composition before striking the input surface of the image intensifier. X-rays will either penetrate or be absorbed by whatever lies in the path of the X-ray beam. As x-rays strike the input screen in the image intensifier, x-ray photons are converted into light photons. Within the photocathode the light photons are converted to electrons and focused by an electrostatic lens onto an output phosphor. The output phosphor once again converts the electrons to light photons where the image is visible at the output window of the image intensifier tube.
At this stage, calculating the actual sizes or dimensions of objects in the image requires knowing: 1) the image intensifier size, 2) the image intensifier electrostatic lens magnification, and 3) the magnification of the object due to its distance from the surface of the image intensifying tube.
A video camera captures the image as it is displayed at the output of the image intensifier. The automatic brightness system (ABS) control application dynamically determines the camera gain, kVp and mA, based on the image brightness statistics. Peak brightness and average brightness of the area within the ABS sampling window are used as the conventional factors in setting the ABS control parameters (kVp, mA and camera gain). It should also be mentioned that the image intensifier might also be some other type of image receptor such as a flat panel x-ray image receptor or some other scanned image x-ray receptor.
As a patient is re-positioned beneath the x-ray beam during an examination, the brightness of the video image changes because of variations in the attenuation of the x-ray beam as it passes through different thicknesses and densities of body tissue and bone. In order to compensate for these variations in image brightness, various automatic brightness compensation systems have been devised.
For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,183, the automatic brightness control derives the average brightness of the image from the video signal. That average brightness information is used to produce a video gain signal for controlling the camera and to generate a brightness feedback signal that controls an x-ray tube power supply. In response to the brightness feedback signal, the x-ray tube power supply generates a bias voltage and filament current for the x-ray tube to thereby regulate brightness of the x-ray image formed by the image intensifier tube. By varying the gain or the aperture of the video camera, the resulting image brightness on the monitor also is controlled. Accordingly, the feedback provided to the automatic brightness control modifies the x-ray emission and camera gain which affects the image brightness. The feedback control can be calibrated to generate consistent image display brightness regardless of changes in patient x-ray absorption. The standard automatic brightness control derives the video gain and brightness feedback signals from a common average brightness value, a peak brightness, or a combination of the values for the image. However, a common brightness feedback signal results in less than ideal control of these system parameters which affect the image generated on the monitor.
Another example of the state of the art is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,496. This patent apparently teaches that luminances of picture elements in each video image field were averaged to generate a signal having a voltage proportional to the average image brightness.
The average brightness value is used as a feedback signal to control the excitation of the x-ray tube and the video gain to thereby maintain the video image brightness substantially constant at an optimum level. However, the system is relatively complex in that it utilizes three separate loops for regulating tube current, bias voltage and video gain.
The systems described are complex and are difficult to maintain. Accordingly, it would be an advantage over the state of the art to provide an automatic brightness control system which is simpler to operate, and is able to compensate for the effects of improper patient positioning, variations in patient size, and rapid changes from torso to extremity imaging.

Method and apparatus for automatic sizing and positioning of ABS sampling window in an x-ray imaging system


An apparatus, system and method for active scheduling of event-driven long running processes are provided. The apparatus, system and method receive update information indicating a change in status of a subject of the active scheduling. Based on this changed status and stored scheduling rules, an adapted schedule is generated to accommodate the change in status. The adapted schedule is further modified based on historical information to compensate for historically predicted events that may conflict with events in the adapted schedule.

1. Technical Field
The present invention is directed to an improved data processing system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, system and method for active scheduling of time based event-driven long running processes.
2. Description of Related Art
Scheduling mechanisms for scheduling events that will occur in the future are generally known. Such scheduling mechanisms typically provide a fixed scheduling of events. That is, a user may input events into a scheduling mechanism which may then, at the designated scheduled time, or within a predetermined time period prior to the scheduled time, provide a reminder to the user of the scheduled event. Such scheduling is typically referred to as time based scheduling.
In addition to time based scheduling, other scheduling mechanisms include event driven scheduling. Event driven scheduling is characterized by a series of events that are set to occur one after the other. Thus, before a subsequent event is scheduled, a prior event must be scheduled and must be successfully performed. Thus, the scheduling is driven by each occurring event. Examples of such scheduling include computer job/task scheduling in which a series of tasks in a job are scheduled to occur in a sequence. As a result, subsequent events cannot occur until prior events are successfully performed. This is also known as workflow.
Such mechanisms provide only a fixed scheduling mechanism which does not take into consideration changes in situations that may give rise to a need to modify the schedule of the already entered events. Furthermore, such scheduling mechanisms do not take into consideration historical information that may affect the scheduling of events in the future. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an active scheduling mechanism which takes into consideration historical information and changes in current situations to actively adapt a series of scheduled events.

Apparatus, system and method for active scheduling of time based event-driven long running processes

International Business Machines Corporation


A device designed to wash and rinse pets, of a simple design, which dispenses shampoo and automatically mixes shampoo when washing the animal while replicating the familiar and enjoyable size and feel to the animal of a human hand in a scratching activity.

The invention relates to the extremely difficult and challenging task of trying to wash one's pet or any animal where typically a garden hose or otherwise indoor/outdoor pressure nozzle, sprayer or shower type technology exists. Animals typically detest this sensation of being blasted with high pressure water from a distance and will typically try desperately to escape to end this sensation, possibly necessitating the use of a severe and dangerous restraint mechanism, or a very poor wash or even worse, poor rinse. In addition to above, a problem exists where a hand is needed to hold the pet, another hand is needed to apply the water and another hand needed to scrub the object. This represents either a 3 handed person or a more than one-person effort.
Typically, animals in question, such as canines, horses, pigs, etc. continuously incorporate fat and oil compounds into their fur, in some cases 2 layers of fur, offering them inherent effective water repellency which furthers the complications of achieving one's goal of a fast, effective and complete wash and rinse.
Additionally, in current common situations, where the shampoo is simply applied directly to the wet or dry oily, water repellant, surface hair of the animal, then water applied to the said water resistant hair, the majority of the shampoo simply washes off the surface and does not penetrate or clean the inner hair and skin.


This disclosure relates generally to biomedical signal processing, and more particularly to method and system for physiological parameter derivation from pulsating signals with reduced error. In this method, pulsating signals are extracted, spurious perturbations in the extracted pulsating signals are removed for smoothening, local minima points in the smoothened pulsating signal are derived, systolic maxima point between two derived local minima are derived, most probable pulse duration and most probable peak-to-peak distance are derived, dicrotic minima is removed while ensuring that every dicrotic minima is preceded by a systolic maxima point and followed by a beat start point of said systolic maxima, diastolic peak is derived while ensuring that every dicrotic maxima is preceded by a diastolic notch followed by next beat start point of that maxima, and physiological parameters are derived from the derived local minima points, systolic maxima points, dicrotic notch and diastolic peak.

Huge number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices are available to promote health care management and wellness. It is undoubted that IoT Healthcare solutions can provide remote monitoring to support patients suffering from various diseases and disorders. But, a gamut of expensive sensor devices, sophisticated, periodic setup, maintenance and calibration as well as up-to-date training are required for such purpose to come to fruition. In order to promote widespread usage and affordability, such costly and extensive intricacies do not work positively towards the ubiquity and success of mobile and preventable health care, specifically in developing countries. As a result, deriving various physiological parameters of a person in a noninvasive and affordable manner is a significant task and challenge. Pulsating signals have gained high importance for the purpose of derivation of various physiological parameters of a person. As a result, extracting the various time series features of pulsating signals like photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal and then co-relating them with physiological parameters is a necessity to create noninvasive and affordable healthcare analytics applications.
The inventors here have recognized certain technical problems with such conventional systems, as explained below. In the majority of conventional systems, a pulsating signal like photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal has lot of noise and the analytics to be performed are mostly run on low power battery operated devices like mobile phones. This causes errors and increased resource usage in conventional systems that are being used for deriving various physiological parameters of a person in a noninvasive and affordable manner. Thereby, deriving physiological parameters from pulsating signals with reduced error while requiring low computational power is still considered to be one of the biggest challenges of the technical domain.

Method and system for physiological parameter derivation from pulsating signals with reduced error


A method of setting up a call group for participation in a group call by a number of mobile devices in a mobile telecommunications network. The mobile telecommunications network includes a serving node in communication with the mobile devices. The method includes the serving node receiving data indicative of a group identifier from a given mobile device registered with the mobile telecommunications network. The method also includes defining a group call area using the received group identifier, and the serving node discriminating one call group registered with the telecommunications network from another call group registered with the telecommunications network based upon the defined group call area.

Conventional mobile telecommunications networks, for example, digital cellular telecommunication networks according to the GSM Standard (Global System for Mobile Communications) provide voice broadcast services that permit a subscriber to initiate a group broadcast call directed to a group of other subscribers. Such voice broadcast service for GSM systems is specified in GSM Standard 03.68 and a related GSM Standard, namely GSM 03.69.
Typically, a particular group is identified by a group ID. A common control channel (for example the notification channel NCH in GSM) broadcasts a notification message including the group ID and a description of the channel being used for the group call in the network. Thus, users having the correct group ID stored in their mobile terminals, for example stored in the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card of a GSM mobile unit, can recognize the notification message, and can then connect to the group call by tuning to the channel described in the notification message. Furthermore in conventional Voice Group Call Service (VGCS) systems a given user can request and obtain an uplink channel, thereby permitting the user to speak to the group. A given mobile user must have a subscription with the group call service provider in order to be permitted to initiate a group call or participate in a group call.
Group call attributes including, for example, a listing of the cells in which the group call is broadcasted (the Group Call Area) are conventionally compiled in a separate network node database, for example the Group Call Register (GCR) in GSM networks. The group call register is typically associated with a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) in GSM systems.
A particular problem is encountered with group calls when multiple group calls, each having the same group ID, are conducted within overlapping cells. In one conventional arrangement, a mobile station wanting to join a group call will select whichever of the notification broadcast messages that are broadcast on the notification channel in the cell is first received by the mobile device, so that selection of a group to join can be viewed as random. In relation to mobile devices that are already engaged in a group call at the time of moving into an overlapping cell, International patent application having publication number WO0131964 describes a mechanism by which these groups will be merged so as to form a single group call (with a larger number of participants), whilst other known mechanisms constrain mobile devices to remain with the group to which they were associated prior to moving into the cell. In all of these configurations, there is no means of intelligently selecting between group calls: selection is either performed randomly, or hard wired based on initial group designations, or not possible. In addition there is no means of restricting members of a group call: provided a mobile user has a subscription with the group call service provider, its terminal can join a group call.
Another problem is encountered when mobile devices move between cells: subscribers of conventional group call services are typically allowed to move from cell to cell while remaining in the group call, assuming that the group call is broadcast in each new cell into which the subscriber roams. However, if the group call is not being broadcasted in the new cell, then the group call will no longer be available to the subscriber. Further, changing cells often requires a short interruption of the subscriber's reception of the group call until the subscriber's mobile terminal has listened to the notification channel in the new cell and tuned to the proper group call channel in the new cell.


A coherent beam is converted into a light flux having an expanded width at a predetermined position closer to a photosensitive element. Part of the expanded light flux is irradiated directly on the photosensitive element as a reference beam. The remainder of the expanded light flux is diffused, and its optical direction is changed. Thus, the remainder of the expanded light flux not irradiated directly to the photosensitive element is converted into a scattered beam advancing as an object beam toward the photosensitive element. Interference fringes are formed on the photosensitive element by using the reference beam and the object beam.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hologram manufacturing method for forming sharp interference fringes and a related exposure apparatus.
2. Related Art
Overhead projectors and slide projectors are commonly used for displaying images for numerous viewers gathering at the same place. These projectors mandatorily require screens. The screens preferably used for these projectors are generally the ones having the capability of displaying images brightly as well as reflecting particular light efficiently. To satisfy these requirements, some holographic screens have been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 5-85910, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 5-333435, and Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 5-5953. According to these prior arts, a light diffusing member is recorded on a hologram by utilizing the selectivity of wavelength of the hologram.
FIG. 50 discloses a conventional exposure apparatus for Fresnel's hologram screens. A coherent (laser) beam 30 is emitted from a light source 91 and then separated into two beams by a half mirror 911. One of the two beams, i.e., a beam reflected by the half mirror 911, is converted into a reference beam 31 with an expanded width by a divergent lens 913. The other of the two beams, i.e., a beam penetrating the half mirror 911, is reflected by a reflection mirror 912 and then diverged by a divergent lens 914. Then, the diverged beam passes through a diffusion member 92 and is converted into a scattered beam serving as an object beam 32. Thus, interference fringes are formed on a photosensitive element 81.
However, according to the arrangement of this conventional exposure apparatus, each beam advances a relatively long optical path after being separated by the half mirror 911. This is disadvantageous in that there is a possibility of causing a significant phase difference between two beams 31 and 32 due to fluctuations of the intervening medium (i.e., air) residing along the optical paths. Such fluctuations of intervening medium possibly disturb the interference fringes formed on the photosensitive element 81. As a result, the sharpness of interference fringes will be deteriorated, and the diffraction efficiency of the hologram is lowered.
FIG. 51 discloses another conventional exposure apparatus for Fresnel's hologram screens. This conventional exposure apparatus is characterized by the photosensitive element 81 and the diffusion member 92 connected hermetically with refractive-index-adjusting liquid, such as silicon oil, kept between them. The coherent beam 30 is not separated by using a separating means such as a half mirror. The reference beam 31 is first irradiated to the diffusion member 92. Diffused beams are then introduced into the photosensitive element 81. According to this arrangement, reference beam 31 and object beam 32 cannot be discriminated clearly. This is disadvantageous in that a resultant holographic screen cannot have an intended directionality, and the transparency of the hologram is not satisfactory. Furthermore, the interference fringes formed on the photosensitive element may be disturbed due to leak of the refractive-index-adjusting liquid.
Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 5-232854 discloses an exposure apparatus similar to FIG. 51 but different in that the diffusion member 92 is replaced by a master hologram recording a diffusion member. In this case, there is a problem that, if noises are involved in the master hologram, the same noises are recorded in the holographic screen.

Manufacturing method for a hologram and a related exposure apparatus


A coffee grinding apparatus which includes a coffee bean grinding mechanism and a weighing device associated with the grinding mechanism to weigh ground coffee. A receptacle is associated with the weighing device and positioned below the grinding mechanism for receiving ground coffee from the grinding mechanism. The weighing device generates an actual weight signal corresponding to the weight of the ground coffee dispensed into the receptacle. A selecting device is provided to allow a user to select a weight of ground coffee to be produced by the apparatus. A dispensing assembly may be associated with a whole bean hopper, the selecting device and weighing device are coupled to a control circuit which controls the grinding apparatus. The control circuit operates the dispensing assembly and/or the grinding mechanism as a function of a comparison of the actual weight signal and the selected weight signal. As the relationship between the selected weight signal and actual weight signal approaches parity, the control circuit controls to dispensing assembly and/or grinding mechanism to controllably approach the selected weight of ground coffee.

The present invention relates to a coffee grinding apparatus which produces a selected weight of ground coffee.
A variety of coffee grinding apparatus are available which weigh a quantity of whole coffee beans to be ground or which measure a desired quantity of whole coffee beans as a function of time. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,106 to Weber, issued Dec. 6, 1988, provides a grinding apparatus having a pair of hoppers in a gravity feed relationship with a grinding mechanism. Whole coffee beans are dispensed from the hoppers onto a bean bucket which mechanically weighs the whole beans prior to grinding. When a quantity of whole beans has accumulated on the bean bucket, the bean bucket tips and drops the whole beans into the grinding mechanism.
A problem with the device as shown in Weber, and other devices of this type, is that the beans are weighed in the whole coffee bean form prior to grinding and therefore cannot compensate for the size, density, oiliness and other characteristics of the beans. It is important to consider these characteristics in measuring ground coffee since these characteristics affect the weight of the ground coffee.
In producing brewed beverages it is important to maintain the consistency of the flavor of beverages produced by the brewing machine. Customers appreciate a predictably good tasting cup of coffee. A key factor in maintaining consistency in brewing beverages is maintaining the proper amount of ground coffee used in the infusion process. Maintaining the proper amount of coffee is also important to coffee vendors to economically manage and efficiently utilize ground coffee. The flavor of a brewed beverage such as coffee may require maintaining a tolerance for the measurement of the ground coffee within +/-0.1 ounce. Such precise measurement tolerances require highly accurate measuring controls.
With regard to the device in Weber, the device measures whole beans and therefore may not be able to maintain the +/-0.1 ounce weighing tolerance. The device in Weber allows beans to flow from a hopper until a predetermined weight is sensed by the bean bucket. When the predetermined weight of whole beans is sensed, a hopper gate between the hopper and bean bucket is closed. In view of the beans being in a whole bean state, the measurement may be inaccurate since numerous whole beans may be dispensed from the hopper after the desired weight is sensed. The problem of measuring beans using a device as shown in Weber is exacerbated when the whole beans have an oily characteristic such as is found in dark roast beans, especially, french or espresso roast beans. The oiler beans tend to cling to each other thereby almost assuring an inaccurate measurement.
Another problem with accurately weighing ground coffee is that many coffee grinding apparatus which combine a storage hopper and a dispensing mechanism rely on volume based measurement to dispense a weight of coffee beans. For instance, in a device combining a storage hopper with an auger to dispense beans from the hopper, the grinding device will dispense a predetermined volume of coffee to be ground, in contrast to traditional coffee measuring methods in which coffee is measured by weight. When beans are of a consistent density, a timed or volume measuring mechanism will generally yield a fairly accurate weight measurement. In reality, coffee beans often vary in density due to variations in the type of bean, the roast of the bean, and/or blending. These variations may occur even within a single brand or type of coffee. Such measuring and grinding apparatus may not achieve the desired tolerance where precision weight control is required.
In view of the foregoing problems and requirements, there is a need for a grinding apparatus which precisely dispenses a desired weight of ground coffee regardless of the characteristics of the whole coffee beans being ground.

Weight controlled grinder and method of grinding coffee beans


Disclosed is a method of enhancing the rate of consumption of a propellant s a result of having shrink tubes or spheres embedded in the propellant. The shrink tubes suitable for use in this method are derived from various polyurethane or polyolefin resins which undergo shrinkage when exposed to moderate heat. The mechanism of enhancement derives from the fact that when the flame front reaches the shrink tube or sphere, the tube or sphere undergoes shrinkage, and thus, exposes additional propellant surface to the burning process. High burning rate are achieved because of the apparent reduced overall propellant web created by the presence of and resultant action to these shrink tubes or spheres.. A modification of the method of this invention is to embed these plastic tubings in the propellant, raise the temperature of the propellant mass to a temperature at which the tubing will undergo shrinkage. The porosity, thus introduced into the propellant as a result of tubing shrinkage, will result in ultrahigh burning rates well beyond that achievable without prior shrinkage of tubing prior to burning the propellant mass.. A further modification of the method of this invention involves filling the thermally-shrinkable tubing with rapidly combustible propellant which would burn out more rapidly than the matrix propellant, and thus, produce even higher burning rates.

Various methods have been employed to obtain high burning rate propellants. One method of obtaining very high burning rates from propellants has been through the use of aluminum staples. Other metals have been used with comparable results; however, aluminum staple of various dimensions has been preferred because of being readily available in both quality and quantity at a lesser cost than other metals.
In addition to staple, catalysts have been used to promote burning rates. At first, liquid burning rate catalysts (particularly of the organoiron or carborane types) were employed and these catalysts also, in certain cases, contributed plasticizer functions in addition to the catalysis function. Some problems associated with the use of such catalysts have been related to their relatively high volatility, their high freezing points, and their tendencies to migrate within the propellant and into the liner and insulation of the rocket motor. In order to overcome these migratory tendencies, it has been necessary to incorporate high percentages of burning rate promotor into the insulation to produce a near-equilibrium situation insofar as catalyst migration is concerned, thus further complicating the manufacture of these types of solid rocket motors.
More recently, my U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,675 disclosed another method of controlling burning rate while at the same time employing a means to eliminate combustion instability. Burning rate promotor (e.g. n-butylferrocene, n-hexylcarborane) is incorporated into resonance rods that are used to eliminate combustion instability of solid propellant. As the solid propellant burning progresses the resonance rods undergo ablation, and as ablation takes place, subsurface quantities of the burning rate promotor are exposed and continuously released into the combustion zone to catalyze the combustion process. An alternate embodiment employed porous resonance rods which contain the burning rate promotor and a selected material for suppressing combustion instability as infiltrants.
Burning rates of propellants are also influenced by surface area and particle sizes of the oxidizer ingredients. Porosity is another factor which increases burning rate of solid propellant grains. However, if porosity is not controlled the burning rate increase due to porosity as a result of processing abnormalities can lead to failure of the solid propellant grain.
Desirable would be a method to enhance the burning rate of a propellant formulation which has proven properties, both mechanical and chemical, without changing the stoichiometric balance of the formulation.
Therefore an object of this invention is to provide a mechanical enhancement of the burning rate of solid propellants by means of shrink tubes.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method of increasing the burning rate as a result of increased porosity generated, either before the propellant is ignited, or at the early burning stage of the propellant, as a result of thermally-shrinkable tubing which are incorporated into the propellant formulation.
Still another object of this invention is to provide thermally shrinkable plastic tubing which has been prior filled with a rapidly-combustible propellant prior to being incorporated into the matrix propellant which would burn more rapidly than the matrix propellant, and thus, produce even higher burning rates as a result of rapidly generated annular passageways in the propellant grain as a result of tubing shrinkage.

Mechanical enhancement of the burning rate of solid propellants by means of shrink tubes or spheres

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


A liquid dishwashing detergent having improved sudsing and cleaning properties includes the combination of selected secondary alkyl sulfates with alkyl ether sulfates. The secondary alkyl sulfates selected from the group consisting of C.sub.14 or C.sub.16 secondary alkyl sulfates and their salts with the secondary alkyl sulfates being substantially free from other carbon length secondary alkyl sulfates.

The present invention relates to detergent compositions useful for dishwashing.
The invention also relates to a method of washing dishes using such detergent compositions and to specific secondary alkyl sulfates in combination with ether sulfates suitable for use in such detergent compositions.
The term "dishes" as used in the following description indicates utensils that maybe required to be washed free from food particles and other food residues, greases, proteins, starches, gums, dyes, oil, and burnt organic residues.
Liquid dishwashing compositions for use in manual dishwashing are well-known and have met with a high degree of acceptance by consumers primarily because of their good washing and foaming properties and convenient form for use.
Most of the formulations in commercial use at the present time are based on synthetic organic detergents that, together with supplementary materials often used, give them satisfactory detergency and foaming properties. Historically, the main synthetic organic detergent used in such compositions has been formed from alkyl benzene sulfonates. Research, however, continues in an effort to provide alternatives to alkyl benzene sulfonates that are more environmentally acceptable. One such solution has been the development of secondary alkyl sulfates. Secondary alkyl sulfates are generally prepared from straight chain C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 alpha olefins or internal olefins and, depending on the reaction conditions during sulfonation, it is possible to produce C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 secondary alkyl sulfates having the sulfate group predominantly in the 2- or 3-position of the alkyl chain, or C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 secondary alkyl sulfates having the sulfate group more randomly distributed on the alkyl chain. During such preparation, the secondary alkyl sulfates produced have a mixture of carbon chain lengths.
As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,752, however, the performance of such secondary alkyl sulfates is poor compared to the wellknown alkyl benzene sulfonates. U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,752 therefore teaches that a small group of secondary alkyl sulfate "isomers" are particularly useful in detergent compositions. In particular, the C.sub.14.sup.-2, C.sub.15.sup.-2/3/4/5/6, C.sub.16.sup.-3/4/5/6/7, and C.sub.17.sup.-7/8/9 secondary alkyl sulfates are described as being useful where the suffix number indicates the carbon atom number on the alkyl chain on which the sulfate group is attached.
A particular problem with generally available detergents exists when the water used for washing is soft (i.e., has a hardness level less than 25 ppm as CaCO.sub.3). As used in the following specification and claims, the hardness level is expressed in ppm as CaCO.sub.3. At these low water hardness levels, the stability of the foam can be inadequate. Another problem with generally available detergents exists when the water used for washing has a hardness level greater than about 300 ppm (as CaCO.sub.3). At a high hardness level the amount of foam produced and the performance of the detergent is reduced. Consequently, a need exists for a dishwashing detergent that provides good foam stability over a wide range of water hardness levels.
Unexpectedly, it has been found that an improved dishwashing composition can be formulated by using a combination of specific secondary alkyl sulfates with an ether sulfate, where the secondary alkyl sulfate is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.14 or C.sub.16 secondary alkyl sulfates and their salts and where the secondary alkyl sulfate is substantially free from other carbon lengths. The combination, in a range of ratios of the specific secondary alkyl sulfate to the ether sulfate, provides improved washing performance over a range of water hardness levels as compared to what would be expected based on the performance of either the alkyl sulfate or the ether sulfate alone.