A method for producing a nanocrystalline alloy wherein an amorphous alloy is heat-treated by keeping the temperature at a first heat treatment temperature higher than the crystallization temperature of the amorphous alloy for 0 to less than 5 minutes, and is cooled to room temperature at a cooling rate of 20.degree. C./min or more at least until the temperature falls to 400.degree. C. The amorphous alloy subjected to the first heat treatment may be further heat-treated at a second heat treatment temperature not higher than 500.degree. C. and lower than the first heat treatment temperature while applying a magnetic field. The nanocrystalline alloy produced by the method of the invention has a extremely high specific initial permeability as compared with the conventional nanocrystalline alloy, and is suitable for use in magnetic core of transformers, choke coils, etc.

The present invention relates to a method of producing a nanocrystalline alloy having an extremely high permeability, which is used in various magnetic parts of transformers, choke coils, etc.
As a material for a magnetic core of a common-mode choke coil used in a noise filter, a pulse transformer, etc., a high permeability material having excellent high-frequency properties such as ferrite, amorphous alloy, etc. has been used. The material for a magnetic core of common-mode choke coil used in a noise filter (line filter) is further required to have an excellent pulse attenuation characteristics for preventing disordered operation of an apparatus equipped therewith due to high-voltage pulse noise caused by thunder, a large inverter, etc. However, since the ferrite material, which has been conventionally used, is low in saturation magnetic flux density, it easily reaches a magnetically-saturated state. This means that a small-sized magnetic core made of the ferrite material cannot show a sufficient efficiency to fail to meet the above requirements. Therefore, a large-sized core is necessary for obtaining a high efficiency when ferrite is used as the core material.
An Fe-based amorphous alloy has a high saturation magnetic flux density and shows, with respect to a high-voltage pulse noise, excellent attenuation characteristics as compared with the ferrite material. However, since the permeability of the Fe-based amorphous alloy is lower than that of a Co-based amorphous alloy, it shows insufficient attenuation to a low-voltage noise. In addition, the Fe-based amorphous alloy shows a remarkably large magnetostriction. This invites further problems such as alteration in its properties caused by a resonance with vibration due to magnetostriction at a certain frequency, and beating of the magnetic core when a current having audio frequency component flows through a coil.
A Co-based amorphous alloy shows a large attenuation to low-voltage noise due to its high permeability. However, since the saturation magnetic flux density is lower than 1 T, the Co-based amorphous alloy shows poor attenuation to high-voltage pulse noise as compared with an Fe-based amorphous alloy. Further, the Co-based amorphous alloy of a high permeability is lacking in reliability due to its significant deterioration of properties with time, in particular under environment of a high ambient temperature.
A material for magnetic core of a pulse transformer which is used in an interface to the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is required to have a high permeability, in particular, at around 20 kHz and a high stability of properties against temperature. In some applied use, a material showing a flat B-H loop having a low remanence ratio is required, however, a material having a specific initial permeability of 100000 or more has been difficult to be obtained. Recently, the application of the pulse transformer to card-type interface has come to be considered. This requires a small-sized and thin pulse transformer which satisfies the restriction of an inductance of 20 mH or more at 20 kHz. To meet such requirement, the material is necessary to have a still more higher permeability. Further, a material showing a flat B-H loop having a low remanence ratio and having a stability in permeability is also required for a high fidelity transmission. However, ferrite and an Fe-based amorphous alloy cannot satisfy the above demand due to their low permeability. Ferrite has another demerit that the permeability thereof largely depends on temperature, in particular, it is drastically lowered at a temperature lower than room temperature. Although a high permeability can be obtained, the Co-based amorphous alloy shows a large change with time in its permeability at a high ambient temperature and is expensive, therefore, the application of such an alloy to a wide use is restricted.
A material having a high permeability is further required in an electric sensor used in electrical leak alarm, etc. and a magnetic sensor in view of a small size and a high sensitivity. Further, a highly permeable material showing a flat B-H loop having a low remanence ratio and having a stability in permeability is required for a linear output.
A nanocrystalline alloy (fine crystalline alloy) has been used to produce a magnetic core of common-mode choke coils, high-frequency transformers, electrical leak alarms, pulse transformers, etc. because of its excellent soft magnetic properties. Typical examples for such a nanocrystalline alloy are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,989 and JP-A-1-242755. The nanocrystalline alloy known in the art has been generally produced by subjecting an amorphous alloy obtained by quenching a molten or vaporized alloy to a heat treatment for forming fine crystals. A method for quenching a molten metal may include a single roll method, a twin roll method, a centrifugal quenching method, a rotation spinning method, an atomization method, a cavitation method, etc. A method for quenching a vaporized metal may include a sputtering method, a vapor deposition method, an ion plating method, etc. The nanocrystalline alloy is produced by finely crystallizing an amorphous alloy produced by the above method, and is known to have, contrary to amorphous alloys, a good heat stability as well as a high saturation magnetic flux density, a low magnetostriction, and a good soft magnetic property. The nanocrystalline alloy is also known to show a little change with time in its properties and have a good temperature stability. Specifically, the Fe-based nanocrystalline alloy disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,989 is described t o have a high permeability and a low magnetic core loss, and therefore, suitable for the use mentioned above.
As mentioned above, a magnetic core for a common-mode choke used in a noise filter, a pulse transformer for use in ISDN, etc. are required to have a high specific permeability. U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,989 disclose heat-treating an amorphous alloy at 450.degree.-700.degree. C. for 5 minutes to 24 hours. However, a nanocrystalline alloy produced by the conventional heat treatment method cannot attain a high specific initial permeability exceeding 100000.

Method of producing nanocrystalline alloy having high permeability


A refrigerant socket includes an accommodating body and a pipeline assembly. The pipeline assembly includes a refrigerant pipe connecting to the accommodating body and having an inner section inside the accommodating body and an outer section outside the accommodating body; a switch placed at the inner section and away from a free end thereof, the switch being used to selectively allow or block a flow inside the refrigerant pipe; a refrigerant pumping pipe communicating between the free end of the inner section and the switch; and at least one joint communicates between the free end of the inner section and the switch. Therefore, even if the diameter of the refrigerant pipe does not match an air conditioner indoor unit, connection can still be made without the need of removing the original piping, thereby avoiding wasting refrigerant.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a socket and, in particular, to a refrigerant socket and an air conditioner having the same. The refrigerant socket is connected between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of the air conditioner.
2. Related Art
An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and a plurality of refrigerant pipes connected between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The indoor unit is installed indoors to performing heat exchange on indoor air. The outdoor unit is installed outdoors to draw outdoor air and release heat.
When installing the conventional air conditioner, a diameter of the installed refrigerant pipe has to exactly match the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Therefore, if a room with the installed indoor unit is intended for a different use, a cooling capacity is changed, decoration is changed, brand-new decoration is required, a position of the indoor unit is changed, or etc., the original piping has to be removed to conduct a new installation, there occur problems like wasting piping materials, refrigerant, time, and efforts for the new installation, so the new installation not only is cost-prohibitive and cost-ineffective, but also damages the structure of the building by repeatedly removing and installing the piping. Further, if the refrigerant pipe is already installed in a wall, the wall has to be damaged for installing new piping, so the installation is more troublesome and inconvenient and greatly damaging the structure of the building, which are defects commonly known by people.

Refrigerant socket and air conditioner having the same


A positive temperature coefficient temperature sensor for use in exhaust-gas systems of internal-combustion engines includes a sensor element having a multilayer laminate composite structure with a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, formed by at least two resistor tracks arranged one above another and electrically insulated from one another. One of the layers of the multilayer structure is an insulating ceramic base film, and a first one of the at least two resistor tracks, with a supply lead, is printed onto the insulating ceramic base film. A second one of the at least two resistor tracks is disposed separately on the insulating ceramic base film by means of at least one insulating layer printed above the first one of the at least two resistor tracks. The at least two resistor tracks disposed one above another are connected by a land guided through the at least one insulating layer. A further film is subsequently laminated on the surface of the insulating ceramic base film printed with the at least two resistor tracks. The at least two resistor tracks are hermetically sealed by the laminate composite structure with respect to a gas being measured and environmental air.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a temperature sensor, particularly a PTC temperature sensor of the generic type and a method for producing a temperature sensor.
2. Background Information
It is generally known for temperature sensors having temperature sensor elements made of temperature-resistant resistance materials having a temperature-dependent resistance value to be used (cf. E. D. Macklen, "Thermistors" Verlag Electrochemical Publications [Electrochemical Publications Press], Ltd., 1979) for measuring relatively high temperatures such as those which prevail in the exhaust gases of internal-combustion engines.
PTC temperature sensors use the continuous resistance change of metals or semiconductors having a positive temperature coefficient when temperatures change. The metals which are preferably used in PTC temperature sensors are platinum and nickel, as well as their alloys, because of their high stability and reproducibility.
It is furthermore known, for example from EP-A 0,188,900 and 0,142,993, and DE-OS 3,017,947 and 3,543,759, for planar exhaust gas sensors to be used in order to determine the lambda value of gas mixtures, which exhaust-gas sensors can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner using ceramic-film and screen-printing technology.
It is known from DE-PS 3,733,192 for the aging resistance and the response times of PTC temperature sensors to be improved by hermetically encapsulating the PTC temperature sensor elements with respect to the gas being measured and the environmental air.
It is a disadvantage of the known PTC temperature sensor elements that they have a certain area extent and are thus not subjected to the same exhaust-gas temperature at all points.

Temperature sensor and method for producing temperature sensor elements


A Fluorescence Particle Spectrometer (FPS) performs real-time measurement of the fluorescence spectra of aerosol particles in the size range 1-10 μm diameter. The FPS has a sufficiently high sample rate (estimated to be a few liters/min) to measure aerosol within buildings (from 1 up to 600 particle fluorescence spectra per minute) at practical rates. A virtual impactor first concentrates aerosol particles, which are then drawn under negative pressure through an aerodynamic focusing nozzle in the inlet of the instrument, through the sample region, providing further concentration. The rate of particle spectra measured by the FPS increases significantly when the particle inlet is within a few meters of some common sources of indoor biological particles.

Bioaerosols, (e.g., airborne microorganisms) have both natural and anthropogenic sources. They are found in the workplace and in homes. High concentrations may occur in or around buildings with defective air handling or air-conditioning systems, in houses with domestic animals, in manufacturing operations in which metalworking fluids are used, in dairy or other operations in which animals are confined, in sites of sludge application, in recycling or composting plants, and in sewage plants. Unlike most common atmospheric aerosols, airborne microorganisms can cause diseases, and, along with other biological (e.g., dust mite allergens) and non-biological (e.g., diesel exhaust particles) aerosols can cause allergies and respiratory problems. Bioaerosols are also feared as potential biowarfare and terrorists agents.
Improved methods for measuring aerosols, particularly bioaerosols, are needed. Presently, methods that measure aerosol size distributions in real time provide almost no information about particle types and are not able to identify specific microorganisms. For most allergens, toxins, or microorganisms, culturing the sample or the use of specific protein or nucleic acid recognition molecules is required.
There are presently several methods under development which, while not able to specifically identify bioaerosol particles, can run continuously and give an indication of the presence of biological aerosols. Several fluorescence particle counter devices that measure the elastic scattering and undispersed fluorescence of single aerosol particles as they are drawn through an optical cell have been developed. These devices have demonstrated promise for differentiating between biological and at least some nonbiological aerosols. However, they hold limited promise for classifying biological aerosols. Rather primitive techniques for measuring the fluorescence spectra of single aerosol particles have also been demonstrated. However, these techniques are not capable of measuring single particle spectra with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio to be useful for classifying micrometer-sized biological particles.
In monitoring harmful bioaerosols a rapid response may be necessary in situations where it would be impractical to continuously run a sampler/identifier (a real time monitor might also suggest when to sample for specific harmful bioaerosols). Furthermore, recognition molecules are not always available for all particle types of interest (new bioaerosols may appear). In addition, some studies of bioaerosol dynamics and reactions (evaporation, growth, agglomeration, mixing, etc.) require real-time monitoring capability. Finally, in searching for or studying intermittent sources of bioaerosols, a rapid response may be advantageous. Despite the significant advancement in capabilities of the techniques referred to above, none of these methods are capable of measuring the fluorescence spectra of single micrometer-sized biological particles with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio to classify them.
Building a point detector that exploits the intrinsic fluorescence of bioaerosol particles for their detection and classification is technically challenging for several reasons. Particles of interest may exist as a small concentration in a dominant background. Average fluorescence spectra accumulated for a population of aerosol particles may yield little or no information about the few particles of interest (i.e., single-particle spectra are required).
In addition, fluorescence signals are weak because single particles contain only a few picograms of material, and only a small fraction of the mass of biological particles is comprised of fluorophors.
Particles are generally dispersed nonuniformly in the air (their concentration fluctuations follow the Kolmogorov spectrum of atmospheric turbulence), and they must be detected at random times as they are carried rapidly by a stream of air through an optical cell.
Moreover, an optimal detector should excite particles in the ultraviolet where most biological particles (and biological molecules) fluoresce efficiently. Ultraviolet laser sources are costly and have relatively low energy output.
Bioaerosols of interest, including individual particles in bioaerosols, may be complex mixtures. Fluorescence from various components of the mixture may limit the usefulness of classification schemes. If fluorescence emission bands were narrow and the number of possible materials in a single particle were small, then it would likely be possible to solve the inverse problem and determine the materials that contributed to the spectrum.
However, the intrinsic fluorescence bands from biological materials tend to be spectrally wide; the primary fluorophors in the majority of bioaerosols fall into only a few broad categories (e.g., the aromatic amino acids, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide compounds (NADH); flavins; and chlorophylls); and the number of possible materials is very large. The differences between spectra of bacteria appear to depend on preparation methods (growth media, type and extent of washing of the samples, etc.) more than they depend on intrinsic variations between well-purified bacteria.
Therefore, it may not be possible, except with severely restricted classes of bioaerosols, to identify specific bioaerosols based solely on their fluorescence spectra and their size (as determined from elastic scattering). The extent to which it may be possible to characterize naturally occurring and anthropogenically produced bioaerosols (e.g., group them into a few or even a few tens of categories) is yet unknown, however, it is expected that devices according to the invention described herein will provide highly reliable and rapid bioaerosol fluorescence spectra and particle size.
Optical techniques are used extensively for aerosol measurement. They are non-intrusive, provide essentially real-time data, and are relatively easy to use. Techniques for measuring aerosol scattering using nephelometers, aerosol absorption using photo-acoustics, aerosol extinction using tranmissometry, and aerosol size and concentration using light scattering particle counters, have matured significantly over the last 25 years.
In addition to advances in hardware (for example, advances in light sources, detectors, and computers), instrument response models for some of these techniques have been developed that put the interpretation of measured data on a sound footing, thereby making the techniques more definitive for aerosol measurement.
Of the techniques mentioned above, particle counters are one of the most widely used. They have been employed for determining estimates of the tropospheric and stratospheric aerosol burden, for monitoring concentrations of particles in clean rooms, and for detecting atmospheric aerosol pollutants. However, these instruments suffer from a critical limitation they provide almost no information about particle composition.
Detecting chemical composition of particles is desirable for a variety of applications, such as in detecting fugitive aerosol pollutants, differentiating between biological and non-biological aerosols (and classifying biological particles), or investigating aerosol drug-delivery systems.
Light scattering particle counters are based on a single-particle detection approach, wherein particles entrained in air are rapidly drawn through an intense light beam, and light scattered by single particles is sensed and used to infer particle size. Recently, this approach has been expanded to measurement of the two-dimensional angular optical scattering of single aerosol particles and the intrinsic laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of particles, both of which may be used for additional characterization. LIF can be used in addition to (or instead of) elastic scattering. These efforts concentrate on measurement of the undispersed fluorescence of particles, and consequently only have limited potential for providing information on particle composition.
More capable techniques to measure the LIF spectra of single aerosol particles have been recently developed in order to obtain better aerosol classification. In these investigations the emphasis was on detecting biological aerosols using both cw and pulsed laser sources with wavelengths ranging from 263 nm to 488 nm. As disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/579,707 filed on May 25, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference, a diode-pumped, solid-state, 266 nm pulsed laser source, a Schwartzchild reflective objective with large numerical aperture for collection of fluorescence, and an intensified-CCD detector mounted on the exit port of a spectrograph, may be used to measure fluorescence spectra of single bio-aerosol particles as small as 2 micrometer diameter.
However, this significant achievement is hampered by some deficiencies. The sample cell was not airtight, so the aerosol had to be forced under positive air pressure into the sample region. Thus ambient air could not be easily sampled. Further, the requirement for high laser intensity to excite fluorescence (i.e., a tightly focused UV laser beam) and small depth-of-field of the reflective objective (to allow fluorescence light to be collected over a large solid angle and focused onto the spectrograph slit) resulted in a small sample region, which was only on the order of 20 μm in diameter. The resulting sample rate (for air containing particles to be detected) was less than 0.01 liters/min, which is impractically low for most applications.
For example, this sample rate is far too low for monitoring ambient air in buildings or in work environments.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and instrumentation for measuring fluorescence spectra of individual airborne particles sampled from ambient air

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


In an example, a method of updating Basic Service Set ID (BSSID) is provided. According to the method, a wireless bridge device determines whether a Service Set Identifier (SSID) carried in a received access packet transmitted by a first wireless access point is matched with a target SSID locally saved in the wireless bridge device. The wireless bridge device continues determining whether a BSSID carried in the access packet is identical to a locally saved target BSSID if the decision result is yes. Otherwise, the wireless bridge device determines whether the access packet carries configuration information of a second wireless access point currently associated with the wireless bridge device, and the wireless bridge device saves the BSSID carried in the access packet as the target BSSID if the access packet carries the configuration information.

Wireless hotspots coverage on different regions may be achieved by deploying wireless access points by Operators. Users may access network resources by accessing wireless bridge devices to the wireless access points of the regions. However, during the network accessing, the wireless access points being accessed to may malfunction so as to cause the network access failure. The malfunctioning wireless access point may be replaced, and then Basic Service Set IDs (BSSIDs) of all wireless bridge devices accessed to the malfunctioning wireless access point may be changed, wherein the BSSID may be interpreted in wireless meaning as a Medial Access Control (MAC) address. The wireless bridge devices may access to the wireless access point by associating with the BSSID of the wireless access point.
A manner for changing the BSSID of the wireless bridge device accessed to the malfunctioning wireless access point may be as below: first of all, all the wireless bridge devices accessed to the malfunctioning wireless access point may be determined, then the BSSID of the malfunctioning wireless access point associated with each of the wireless bridge devices may be manually changed into a BSSID of a new wireless access point replacing the malfunctioning wireless access point, namely, the BSSID of the new wireless access point may be reassociated so that the wireless bridge device may be accessed to the new wireless access point.


An in-line skate braking system for braking of an individual on in-line skates by transferring the center of gravity about the rear roller to frictionally engage a brake pad of one in-line skate or both in-line skates against the ground. The brake pad is of a suitable material, such as rubber, so as to frictionally engage with the ground surface. The degree of braking is determined by the degree of pressure axially transferred about the rear roller by the center of gravity to the brake pad. By the skater properly shifting his or her weight about the rear roller, maximum force can be applied between the brake pad to the ground surface, causing a safe stop over a finite distance. In a fourth embodiment, an after-market replacement brake assembly includes a cast member for engagement with a brake shoe of an in-line skate, and a rubber pad which screws onto the cast member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to an in-line skate, and more particularly, pertains to a brake system for affixing to the rear roller of an in-line skate. The brake system can be for new in-line skates, and can also be adapted as an after-market accessory for in-line skates. One embodiment of the brake includes a cast brake shoe and a replaceable brake pad.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In-line skating has become a popular exercise and popular sport worldwide. So far, in-line skates have not been provided with an effective braking system. In-line skaters sometime resort to the same type of action as ice skaters in stopping forward movement of the individual with the in-line skates. This is not always effective because individuals are not always able to stop their motion.
Prior art brakes for in-line skates have not included a easily replaceable rubber brake pad.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a braking system for an in-line skate.


The scooter of this invention is provided with a relatively large radius front wheel and a relatively small radius rear wheel attached to a compact frame assembly. Advantageously, the front wheel is a conventional bicycle-type wheel assembly comprised of a spoked wheel and a pneumatic tire, and has a radius which is at least four, and more preferably eight, times greater than the radius of the rear wheel. The frame assembly includes a planar footboard as a rear component and a front component which is connected to a forward end of the footboard and is curved upwardly therefrom so as to subtend a circumferential segment of the large-radius front wheel. A steerable yoke assembly is journalled to the forward end of the curved frame component to allow the large-radius front wheel to be steered by the operator (e.g., via a conventional handle bar assembly). The scooter may include a skid stop and/or a conventional hand-actuated caliper-type brake assembly. Furthermore, a variety of equipment and accessories typically used for conventional bicycles, for example, caliper brakes, running lights, fender, bell, parcel basket, and the like, may likewise be employed in the scooter of this invention.

Scooters are well known vehicles used as a means of personal transportation in a variety of situations. One conventional leisure scooter which is sized to accommodate adults and children is disclosed in German Utility Model 91 12 537 (hereinafter the German UM '537) as having oversized wheels for purposes of providing good rolling features so that it may be environmentally friendly for purposes of exercise and/or leisure, as well as providing a means of locomotion, e.g., for shopping, intra-company transportation, and the like.
One problem associated with the conventional leisure scooter disclosed in the German UM '537 is its relatively high weight and awkwardness due to its larger frame with two relatively large wheels. As a result, the leisure scooter is difficult to accommodate in the trunk of a passenger car, typically requiring the trunk of the car to remain at least partially open when being transported therein. Furthermore, because of its size and weight, the leisure scooter cannot be brought aboard public transportation vehicles, such as buses, trains, subway cars, and the like. As a result, the leisure scooter disclosed in the German UM '537 cannot be easily transported over long distances by the user and thus is not available for the user's local transportation needs.
It would therefore be especially desirable if a scooter were provided is as compact and lightweight as possible and thus could be used as personal transportation in metropolitan areas since it could then be taken onto public transportation vehicles. It would furthermore be desirable if such a scooter exhibited good rolling capabilities so that it could be safely and efficiently operated by both children and adults thereby making its manufacture more simple and economical. It is towards providing such an improved scooter that the present invention is directed.
Broadly, the present invention is embodied in a scooter having front and rear wheels of significantly different size. More particularly, according to the scooter of this invention, a relatively large-radius wheel is employed as the steerable front wheel, while a relatively small-radius wheel is employed as the unsteerable rear wheel. Advantageously, the radius of the front wheel is at least four and more preferably at least about eight, times greater than the radius of the rear wheel.
Several advantages ensue from the relatively larger front wheel and smaller rear wheel in the scooter according to this invention. For example, the overall length and weight of the scooter can be decreased significantly as compared to prior art scooters. Thus, a compact personal transportation vehicle is provided that can be used for many different purposes since it can be operated easily and safely and can itself be transported without problems in private and public transportation vehicles and in building elevators.
Because of the larger size of the front wheel, its axle is spaced physically above the substantially horizontal plane of the footboard on which the user stands during the scooter's operation. The axle of the smaller rear wheel, on the other hand, is disposed near the footboard plane, and most preferably is disposed physically below the footboard plane. It is possible, however, that the axle of the smaller rear wheel can be disposed in the plane of as well as above the footboard plane, if desired. As a result, both adult and child users can step on and off the footboard both laterally and from the rear with ease since the footboard is located fairly close to ground surface and since the rear wheel does not impede such movements.
It has surprisingly been discovered that the scooter according to this invention rolls extraordinarily easily and can be steered virtually effortlessly. It is presumed that the relatively large-radius front wheel and relatively small-radius rear wheel, with their respective varying axle planes, are responsible for such functions. In addition to the functional benefits mentioned above, the relatively large-radius front wheel rolls easily over ground irregularities without getting stuck. The small-radius rear wheel is responsible for decreasing the length of the scooter so that it can be made as compact as practical. That is, the footboard does not need to be any larger than what is needed for the user's feet to be placed side-by-side to one another during operation. The low plane of the footboard also creates a relatively low center of gravity for the scooter with the user standing on it thereby promoting increased stability. The increased stability, in turn, permits the scooter of this invention to be operated by people with unsteady balance (e.g., elderly persons, children and the like).
The frame of the scooter according to this invention includes the planar footboard as a rear component and a front component which is connected to a forward end of the footboard and is curved upwardly therefrom so as to subtend a circumferential segment of the large-radius front wheel. A steerable yoke assembly is journalled to the forward end of the curved frame component to allow the large-radius front wheel to be steered by the operator (e.g., via a conventional handle bar assembly).
The small-radius rear wheel can be formed of one or more rollers. When a pair of such rollers are employed laterally to one another, the stability of the scooter can be further increased (e.g., due to its "three-point" contact with the ground surface). The rolling efficiency of such a multi-rear wheel scooter can also be increased to an extent that relatively broad, low riser steps can be traversed (e.g., escalator steps).
The scooter of this invention can be equipped with a parking stand located under the footboard that is pivotal into an operative position by the operator when desired to allow the scooter to stand upright during inactive periods. The rear end of the footboard may also be provided with a depending skid brake by which the operator may cause to come into contact with the ground surface by tilting the scooter rearwardly. Contact between the ground surface and the skid brake thus serves to slow the forward speed of the scooter to assist in its stopping and/or steering.
The scooter of this invention can also be provided with a variety of equipment and accessories typically used for conventional bicycles, for example, caliper brakes, running lights, fender, bell, parcel basket, and the like.
Further aspects and advantages of this invention will become more clear after careful consideration is given to the following detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiment thereof.


An illumination system and an operating method thereof are provided. The illumination system includes a light source defining a illumination range, an image capturing device for obtaining an image within the illumination range, an optical channel switch assembly including optical channel switches forming an array, a computing unit, and a driving unit. When a physiological characteristic is detected in the image, the computing unit obtains a controlling region of the array corresponding to a position of the physiological characteristic located in the image, and commands the driving unit to control a light passing amount of at least a portion of the optical channel switches located in the controlling region.

Illumination equipment has become an indispensable and important device in our daily lives, and is also widely used in various occasions. However, it is easy to generate the glare under high intensity of radiation. When the light with high intensity directly shines onto human eyes, it is likely to make eyes uncomfortable.
Generally, to improve the glare problem, a lampshade is added to the outer of the lamp to diffuse and homogenize the light. Thus, the light may become soft and does not irritate human eyes. However, using this method to suppress the glare may change the overall illumination characteristics of the lamp, such as the light shape, and may also excessively lower the illumination brightness.

Illumination system and operating method thereof


A developer is disclosed for lithographic printing elements. The developer is single phase and contains an aliphatic cyclic carbonate, water, and optional ingredients.

Lithographic printing plates can be made from photosensitive printing elements by imagewise exposing the element, thereby effecting a change in solubility between the exposed and unexposed areas, and then removing the more soluble areas in a development step. The development step can be either an additive or a subtractive process. In an additive process, the developer removes the more soluble areas, but at the same time it deposits an oleophilic reinforcing resin on the less soluble areas which remain on the plate. In a subtractive process, the non-image areas are removed by the developer, but there is no additional reinforcing resin. Printing elements which are developed by a subtractive process (i.e., subtractive elements) are generally based on light-induced polymerization, either free-radical or cationic.
Developers for subtractive printing elements can be emulsions or single-phase systems, either all-organic or aqueous-based. Emulsion developers have a tendency to redeposit polymer removed from non-image areas onto image areas, resulting in undesired specks on the developed plate. The emulsion also has a tendency to separate on storage, limiting its useful lifetime. Some emulsion developers exhibit high viscosity levels unsuitable for many lithographic plate processing machines.
All-organic developers are generally less desirable because of unpleasant odors, toxicity, flammability and serious disposal problems.
Therefore, there is a need for a single-phase aqueous-based developer for subtractive photosensitive printing elements.

Single-phase developers for lithograpic printing elements


The present invention is drawn toward compositions and methods of using same, the compositions comprising (in diluted form):. a) an effective amount of a phenyl substituted alkyl alcohol having a water solubility of at least 0.1 weight percent (preferably benzyl alcohol); PA1 b) a coupler; and PA1 c) water,. wherein the amount of the coupler is at least 3.0 times the amount necessary to completely solubilize the phenyl substituted alkyl alcohol in the water. Preferred couplers are the salt of a monofunctional water-soluble amine and an organic acid comprising at least one water-insoluble organic acid having from 6-10 carbon atoms. Methods of removing coatings such as standard urethane/acrylic sealer finishes from floors using the inventive compositions are also described.

1. Brief Description of the Invention PA1 a) an effective amount of a phenyl substituted alkyl alcohol having a water solubility of at least 0.1 weight percent (preferably benzyl alcohol); and PA1 b) a coupler, wherein the amount of the coupler is present in an amount which is at least 3.0 times the amount necessary to completely solubilize the phenyl substituted alkyl alcohol. PA1 a) applying to the coating a composition within the invention; and PA1 b) allowing the composition to contact the coating PA1 Phenyl substituted alkyl alcohol to coupler, from 1:2 to 1:1, preferably 4:6; PA1 Phenyl substituted alkyl alcohol to surfactant, about 0.005:1; PA1 Phenyl substituted alkyl alcohol to chelating agent, from about 0,005:1 to about 0.02:1. PA1 a) applying to the coating a composition comprising: PA1 b) allowing the composition to contact the coating for a time sufficient to at least partially remove the coating. PA1 a) applying to the coating a composition comprising: PA1 b) allowing the composition to contact the coating for a time sufficient to at least partially remove the coating.
The present invention is drawn toward compositions and methods of using compositions to strip (i.e. remove) coatings such as standard floor finishes and/or greasy residues from hard surfaces such as floors. 2. Related Art
Various concentrated and ready-to-use compositions are available for stripping floor finishes and/or greasy residues from surfaces such as floors, counter tops, and other surfaces. U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,831 describes aqueous cleaner/degreaser compositions comprising an organic solvent, a solubilizing additive consisting of a surfactant and a coupler and balance water. Organic solvents claimed as being useful in the '831 patent are described as being sparingly water-soluble, having a water solubility ranging from approximately 0.2 to approximately 6 weight percent in water, such as benzyl alcohol. Compositions within the '831 patent claims include a solubilizing additive present in an amount not exceeding approximately twofold that required to completely solubilize the organic solvent. Among other criteria, the organic solvent cannot be a hydrocarbon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,710 of the same assignee as the '831 patent describes similar compositions, some of the compositions useful as floor strippers.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,128 describes liquid detergent compositions which comprise a terpene (a hydrocarbon), a surfactant, a polar solvent such as benzyl alcohol, and water. Terpenes described as being useful in these compositions include hydrocarbon terpenes and terpene alcohols.
In light of the above-described compositions, one would expect that compositions comprising sparingly water-soluble organic solvents and a coupler, with the coupler concentration substantially above twofold times that necessary to completely solubilize the organic solvent would not be effective in removing floor finishes and the like from surfaces, especially in the presence of a hydrocarbon.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A metal gasket assembly for a cylinder head includes a pair of elastic metal substrates each having an outer shape which conforms with the outer shape of the gasket assembly, cylinder openings corresponding to cylinders in the cylinder head, a peripheral region surrounding the cylinder opening, which may be greater in thickness than remaining region of the relevant substrate, and a bead in the peripheral region. The substrates are superimposed with each other with top portions of the beads of the substrates in abutment with each other. A by-plate may be arranged between the substrates and has an increased thickness in its peripheral region which surrounds the cylinder opening and which is in direct abutment with the top portions of the beads in the substrates.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a metal gasket assembly for a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Metal gasket assembly comprising primarily of metal material is known and disclosed, e.g., in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 4-165,167. Typically, a metal gasket assembly comprises a pair of substrates and a by-plate, each of which is formed of an elastic metal sheet, e.g., a stainless steel sheet. The gasket assembly is formed with various openings, such as openings for engine cylinders, cooling water jackets, lubricating oil passages in the cylinder head, and bolt holes. The substrates are provided with beads in the peripheral regions surrounding the cylinder openings. The substrates are superimposed with the by-plate on its both sides, such that the top portions of the beads on the substrates are oriented in opposite directions to protrude outwards. The by-plate is comprised of a relatively thick first metal sheet which surrounds the cylinder openings with a predetermined width, and a relatively thin second metal sheet which forms the remaining region of the by-plate and which is simply fitted into the first metal sheet, without being welded to each other.
With a recent trend towards internal combustion engines with higher output, there arose a demand for a higher sealing performance of the gasket assembly. Therefore, it has been proposed to increase the thickness of the metal sheet of the by-plate in the peripheral regions which surround the cylinder openings, thereby to realize a higher fastening pressure in the regions adjacent to the engine cylinders.
However, since the top portions of the beads on the substrates protrude outwards in mutually opposite directions, the skirts of the beads may undergo expansion during fastening of the gasket assembly to disperse the fastening pressure and cause dislocation of the skirt of the bead out of the peripheral region of the by-plate which surrounds the cylinder opening. Moreover, since the two metal sheets forming the by-plate are simply fitted to each other, they may undergo a relative displacement upon thermal expansion, so as to form a gap and thereby deteriorate the sealing performance of the gasket assembly.


A reactor for catalytically processing gaseous fluids including fluid-path forming elements spaced from each other and forming a plurality of adjacent first and second channels through which fluid flows in opposite directions, with each of the first and second channels having an inlet region and an outlet region where at least the inlet region of the first channel and the outlet region of the second channel are without a catalyst and where each of the first and second channels have one region other than its inlet and outlet regions provided with a catalyst, with the inlet region of the first channel and the outlet region of the second channel providing for heat exchange between the first and second channels.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a reactor for catalytically processing gaseous fluids in which, along with a catalytic reaction, a heat exchange takes place.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of catalysts for purification of outgoing air, e.g., of a solvent-containing industrial air and air used in technical synthesis, is known. The outgoing air is conducted through a reactor in which a catalyst is provided. It is typical for a catalytic oxidation that, on one side, the processed fluid is heated to a predetermined temperature so that a catalytic reaction can take place and that, on the other hand, during a catalytic reaction, heat is released by an exothermal reaction. As a result, it is necessary to evacuate the released heat to avoid overheating and destruction of the catalyst and to supply heat, especially at the beginning of the reaction. To this end, it has already become known to provide outgoing air reactors in which the flow direction is periodically changed.
With a high technical output, a particular drawback of conventional reactors consists in that, during the change of the flow direction, the air which remains in the former inlet is discharged without being purified. It was also suggested to conduct catalytic purification of the outgoing air in a rotatable catalyzer. At that, the stream of outgoing air due to the rotational movement of the catalyzer, flows through the catalyzer interchangeably radially or axially. However, the use of rotatable parts presents problems from the sealing point of view and, in addition, the change of the flow direction results in the creation of so-called dead volume of non-purified air.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is a reactor of the above-mentioned type that would enable a continuous operation without a forced change of the flow direction.

Reactor for catalytically processing gaseous fluids


The present invention provides a method for performing a pre-amorphization implant which reduces damage to the resist protect oxide layer and reduces leakage current between the gate and substrate. Two novel approaches are provided, both of which use a photoresist mask to protect the RPO from implant damage during PAI. In the first approach, the PAI is performed immediately after RPO etching to form contact openings. Thus the original photoresist mask is still on the RPO. In the second approach, the photoresist mask is re-formed prior to PAI to protect the RPO from implant damage.

1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to fabrication of semiconductor devices and more particularly to performing a pre-amorphization implant (PAI) during a salicide process.
2) Description of the Prior Art
Self-aligned silicide (salicide) formation is widely used in semiconductor manufacting. It is well known that salicide formation is enhanced by doping the silicon region on which salicide formation will occur. This doping process is known as pre-amorphization implant (PAI). PAI is widely, used in 0.25 .mu.m devices. However, if the salicide process parameters are not precisely controlled, voids can form in the resist protect oxide (RPO) resulting in juction leakage. As PAI energy increases and/or pre-metal dip time increases RPO voids increase.
The importance of overcoming the various deficiencies noted above is evidenced by the extensive technological development directed to the subject, as documented by the relevant patent and technical literature. The closest and apparently more relevant technical developments in the patent literature can be gleaned by considering the following patents.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,347 (Lein et al.) shows a self-aligned TiSi.sub.x gate and contact forming process.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,854 (Yoo) shows a TiSi.sub.x process.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,546 (Chen et al.) shows a self-aligned TiN/TiSi.sub.x process.

Method for performing a pre-amorphization implant (PAI) which provides reduced resist protect oxide damage and reduced junction leakage

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company


A two-cycle internal combustion engine has a plurality of parallel cylinders supporting a central drive shaft, a piston in each cylinder having an outer extension connected to a swash plate rotatably mounted on an inclined portion of the drive shaft. The swash plate adjacent portions of the drive shaft and the connection of the piston rods to the swash plate are in sealed oil-filled chambers at opposite ends of the cylinders. Ball and socket joints by which the pistons are connected to the swash plates are slidable radially of the swash plate to function as pumps forcing oil from the swash plate chamber through central tubes in hollow extensions into the pistons for lubricating and cooling the pistons and cylinders, after which the oil returns through the hollow piston rods to the oil chamber. Preferably the invention is embodied in an opposed piston engine having swash plates adjacent both ends of the cylinder.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to internal combustion engines and more particularly to an improved lubricating system for an engine of the swash plate type.
2. Prior Art
Most engines of the swash plate type utilize piston rods universally pivoted to the pistons at one end and at their other end universally pivoted to the swash plate to transmit reciprocating movements of the pistons, to the swash plate, as exemplified in Clessie L. Cummins U.S. Pat. No. 3,528,394 in which lubricating oil is supplied from a reservoir 123 under pressure by a pump 125 to a central passage in the crankshaft and therefrom through radial passages in the swash plates into the ball joints connecting the piston rods to the swash plates from which it passes via the hollow piston rods into the pistons themselves. The lubricating system of Cummins requires external pressure furnished by lubricant pump 125 to force the lubricant through the swash plate and piston rod passages into the pistons. R. Y. Bovee U.S. Pat. No. 2,427,868 and Meijer U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,404 both show swash plate engines in which the piston rods are rigid with the pistons, tipping of the swash plate with respect to the rigid piston rod being accommodated by ball and socket connections between the piston rods and the swash plate which are slidable parallel to the planes of the swash plates. Neither of these patents utilizes the relative movements between the piston rods and swash plates as a means for pumping lubricant into the pistons.


A multi-component immunogenic composition confers protection on an immunized host against infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae. Such composition comprises at least two different antigens of Haemophilus influenzae, one of which is an adhesin. High molecular weight (HMW) proteins of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae enhance the immune response in a host to a non-proteolytic analog of Hin47 protein in such immunogenic compositions with one component not impairing the immunogenicity of the other. The Haemophilus vaccine may be combined with DTP component vaccines to provide a multi-valent component vaccine without impairment of the immunogenic properties of the other antigens.

Haemophilus influenzae is the cause of several serious human diseases, such as meningitis, epiglottitis, septicemia and otitis media. There are six serotypes of H. influenzae, designated a to f, that are identified by their capsular polysaccharide. H. influenzae type b (Hib) was a major cause of bacterial meningitis until the introduction of several Hib conjugate vaccines in the 1980's (ref. 1. Throughout this application, various references are referred to in parenthesis to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. Full bibliographic information for each citation is found at the end of the specification, immediately preceding the claims. The disclosures of these references are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure). Vaccines based upon H. influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide conjugated to diphtheria toxoid (ref. 2), tetanus toxoid (ref. 3 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,538), or Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane protein (ref. 4) have been effective in reducing H. influenzae type b-induced meningitis. The other serotypes of H. influenzae are associated with invasive disease at low frequencies, although there appears to be an increase in the incidence of disease caused by these strains as the incidence of Hib disease declines (refs. 5, 6). Non-encapsulated or non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) are also responsible for a wide range of human diseases including otitis media, epiglottitis, pneumonia and tracheobronchitis. The incidence of NTHi-induced disease has not been affected by the introduction of the Hib vaccines (ref. 7).
Otitis media is the most common illness of early childhood, with 60 to 70% of all children, of less than 2 years of age, experiencing between one and three ear infections (ref. 8). Chronic otitis media is responsible for hearing, speech and cognitive impairments in children. H. influenzae infections account for about 30% of the cases of acute otitis media and about 60% of chronic otitis media. In the United States alone, treatment of otitis media costs between 1 and 2 billion dollars per year for antibiotics and surgical procedures, such as tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies and insertion of tympanostomy tubes. It is estimated that an additional $30 billion is spent per annum on adjunct therapies, such as speech therapy and special education classes. Furthermore, many of the causative organisms of otitis media are becoming resistant to antibiotic treatment. An effective prophylactic vaccine against otitis media is thus desirable.
During natural infection by NTHi, surface-exposed outer membrane proteins that stimulate an antibody response are potentially important targets for bactericidal and/or protective antibodies and therefore potential vaccine candidates. Barenkamp and Bodor (ref. 9) demonstrated that convalescent sera from children suffering from otitis media due to NTHi, contained antibodies to high molecular weight (HMW) proteins. About 70 to 75% of NTHi strains express the HMW proteins and most of these strains contain two gene clusters termed hmw1ABC and hmw2ABC (refs. 10, 11). The HMWA proteins have been demonstrated to be adhesins mediating attachment to human epithelial cells (ref. 12). Immunization with a mixture of native HMW1A and HMW2A proteins resulted in partial protection in the chinchilla intrabulla challenge model of otitis media (ref. 13).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,938 (Barenkamp), assigned to St. Louis University and Washington University and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes the cloning, expression and sequencing of the genes encoding the HMW1 and HMW2 proteins from strain 12 of non-typeable Haemophilus. The HMW proteins are a family of proteins from non-typeable Haemophilus of molecular weight of about 120 to 125 kDa which are found in non-typeable Haemophilus strains. The HMW proteins are absent from encapsulated strains of Haemophilus.
The production of native HMW proteins from H. influenzae strains is very low and a method for producing protective recombinant HMW (rHMW) proteins has been described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/167,568 filed Oct. 7, 1998, assigned to the assignee hereof and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A chinchilla nasopharyngeal colonization model has been developed specifically to demonstrate vaccine efficacy of adhesins (ref. 14) and the rHMW proteins are protective in this model as described in the aforementioned copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/167,568. The rHMW1A and rHMW2A proteins were shown to afford equivalent protection to each other and the rHMW1A protein was chosen for further vaccine studies. In this application, rHMW refers to the recombinant HMW1A proteins from NTHi strain 12, although the corresponding recombinant HMW1A protein from other NTHi strains and the corresponding rHMW2A protein from NTHi strains may be employed for the rHMW. The corresponding naturally-occurring proteins may be employed.
When under environmental stress, such as high temperature, organisms overproduce stress response or heat shock proteins (hsps). Bacterial hsps have been shown to be important immunogens, stimulating both B cells and T cells (ref. 16). The bacterial HtrA or DegP heat shock proteins are expressed under conditions of stress and the H. influenzae HtrA protein has been shown to be a partially protective antigen in the intrabulla challenge model of otitis media (ref. 17). The HtrA proteins are serine proteases and their proteolytic activity makes them unstable. In addition, as components of a multicomponent vaccine, the wild-type HtrA protein will degrade admixed antigens. The site-directed mutagenesis of the H. influenzae htrA gene (termed hin47) and the properties of the mutants have been fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,139 (Loosmore et al), assigned to the Assignee hereof and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The non-proteolytic HtrA analogue, H91A Hin47, has been shown to be a protective antigen against bacteremia caused by H. influenzae type b and against otitis media caused by non-typeable H. influenzae (ref. 17). Such analog is used herein, although any other non-proteolytic analog of Hin47 may be employed. HtrA was found in all strains examined, including all encapsulated strains of H. influenzae.
Although the main goal of a prophylactic vaccine against H. influenzae disease, including otitis media, is to prevent the establishment of nasopharyngeal colonization by including an adhesin as immunogen, the HMW proteins are not present in encapsulated H. influenzae or in about 25% of NTHi strains. Therefore, a combination vaccine comprised of at least one adhesin molecule and an additional protective antigen found in all H. influenzae strains, will provide better coverage against disease and a broad spectrum of disease protection.
It would be desirable to provide efficacious combination vaccines comprising H. influenzae components containing selected relative amounts of selected antigens.

Multi-component vaccine comprising at least two antigens from


An arrangement for an implant system. A fixture includes an internal thread, a contact plane, a spanner attachment part, and a recess arranged in the spanner attachment part. A spacer screw includes an external thread and a cylindrical portion arranged above the external thread. The external thread of the spacer screw can be screwed securely to the internal thread of the fixture. The cylindrical portion engages the recess of the fixture when the spacer screw is tightened in the fixture. A spacer element contacts the contact plane of the fixture. A unit can be screwed securely to the spacer screw.

In implant systems of the type specified above, it is necessary to be able to combine a low structural height with the required mechanical strength of the various components of the system. Thus, it is necessary, in some cases, to provide the lowest possible structural height between the contact plane of the fixture and the top surface of the prosthesis unit (cylinder) without neglecting the mechanical strength of, for example, the prosthetic securing screw. The aim of the invention is to solve this problem, among others.
It is also important to be able to achieve the greatest possible strength in the upper parts of the fixture wall. This is also afforded by means of the invention.
Implant systems of the type in question have small dimensions and it is necessary to be able to provide good guidance functions which ensure thread engagement of each respective screw in the initial stage. It also has to be possible to facilitate the tightening function itself. This is achieved as an added effect in the present invention.
It is also possible, as regards the subject of the invention, to make additional improvements which increase still further the initial thread engagement function.


Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a fall-off detection method for a wearable device and a wearable device. The method includes collecting physiological parameter information and activity information of a wearer of the wearable device; when an abnormality is detected in the physiological parameter information of the wearer of the wearable device and a time of the abnormality exceeds a preset time, determining that the wearable device falls off from the wearer; when it is determined that the wearable device falls off from the wearer, determining, according to the collected physiological parameter information and activity information of the wearer of the wearable device, a scenario mode that the wearer is in; and sending, according to the scenario mode that the wearer is in, an indication corresponding to the scenario mode.

A wearable device is light and clings to the body of a wearer, and is therefore a suitable medium for communication between the body of the wearer and the world. According to different product forms, wearable devices may be classified into different types such as watches, wristbands, glasses, armbands, and pendants. Nowadays, wearable devices become increasingly popular in people's lives. For example, a child wears a wearable device and a parent can know the whereabouts of the child in time. In some cases, when a wearable device falls off from a wearer, it indicates that the wearer may be in danger. For example, a criminal forcibly removes a wearable device from a child. In such a case, the wearable device cannot recognize whether the wearer is in danger.

Fall-off detection method for wearable device and wearable device


A conventional form of mouse trap having a U-shaped sprung jaw pivotally mounted on a baseboard is provided with a novel form of pivotal bait pedal forming part of the trigger mechanism of the trap. The bait pedal molded in plastic, has a snap-on mounting arrangement for pivotally attaching same on the baseboard and has a system whereby the sensitivity of the trigger mechanism can be adjusted. Preferably the pedal has a size and shape to cover substantially the entire area enclosed by the trap jaw.

This invention relates to animal traps of the type generally used for individually trapping small rodents such as rats and mice and which comprise a generally U-shaped sprung jaw pivotally mounted at its free ends on a baseboard for swinging movement about a horizontal axis between set and sprung positions on opposite sides of the pivot axis respectively. A trigger arrangement for this type of trap generally takes the form of an elongated trigger arm or rod pivoted to one end of the baseboard and which extends when the trap is set over the cross bar of the depressed jaw and across the jaw pivot axis, with the free end of the arm releasably engaging a pivotal bait pedal on the opposite side of the jaw pivot axis. The bait pedal is generally centrally located with respect to the sprung position of the jaw and the arrangement is such that with the trap in a set condition, depression of the bait pedal by an animal releases the trigger arm allowing the jaw to swing over the under spring force and trap the animal against the baseboard.
Numerous forms of bail pedals have been used in prior art traps of the above type. One consideration in designing a bait pedal is that its bait retaining capacity should be correlated to its sensitivity to minimize the risk of an animal being able to remove the bait without springing the trap. Further, it is desirable for the pedal to have adequate coverage with respect to the overall area of the trap to maximize the catchment area of the trap. In the past, bait pedals have tended to be rather small compared with the enclosed area of the trap jaw. It is further desirable for the pedal to be designed to offer optimum sensitivity of release consistent with the size and weight of the animals to be trapped and with its bait retention characteristics.
With the above considerations in view, it is an object of the present invention to provide, for animals traps of the type described, a novel form of bait pedal which optimizes the use of a trap's catchment area.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a bait pedal which enables the sensitivity of a trap's trigger arrangement to be adjusted.
Another object of the invention is to provide a bait pedal having a novel form of bait retention means including a means for retaining a liquid or semiliquid bait.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a simple and convenient means for attaching a bait pedal to a trap baseboard.


A building structure comprises three sections; a first section having a living area on each floor; a second section having an elevator; a third section having a path connecting the living area and the elevator entrance. The third section has a closable ventilation opening for exhausting smoke when the fire breaks out and closing device for closing the opening means at a normal time.

The invention relates to a building structure with at least an elevator.
FIG. 10 shows a conventional structure of building. On each floor in building 71, there is provided living area 72 which is divided into rooms, halls, corridors etc. if necessary. Elevator 73 passes through elevator shaft 74 and stops at designated floor. Door 76 which is fixed to a side wall of building 71 as an elevator entrance and exit is opened and closed in accordance with door 75 fixed to the elevator 73. Generally, in front of the elevator entrance, there is provided an elevator hall which is connected to each room through a corridor.
As described above, the conventional building has such a structure that elevator door 76 is connected directly to living area 72, accordingly, when a fire breaks out in living area 72 on a floor, the smoke gets into tunnel 74 through door 76 and tunnel 74 acts as if a chimney. In the conventional building, therefore, when a fire breaks out, it is not recommended to use and escape by elevator 73 which passes through tunnel 74 but by the emergency stairs. In a multistory building, however, considerable strength is needed to escape to the 1st floor through the escape stairs and it is almost impossible for the aged and the sick to do so.
FIG. 11 shows another building structure which is adopted in a building in a housing development. On each floor, as shown in the figure, living area 72 is divided into a plurality of independent rooms 72A, 72B etc. which are separated independently from the outdoors respectively. Rooms 72A, 72B have doors 82A, 82B respectively which face on a common corridor 81 leading to the elevator entrance door 76. 83 is a guardrail fixed to the upper end of side wall of corridor 81 for preventing the walkers from falling outdoors from corridor 81 which is connected directly to the outdoors, in other words, which has no upper side walls separating from the outdoors.
In this structure, even if the fire breaks out in one of living areas 72A and 72B, smoke gets away outdoors through the opening of corridor 81 and does not get into tunnel 74.
In this structure, however, since tunnel 74 faces on room 72A through a wall, when the fire breaks out in room 72A and the wall is broken down by the flame and heat, the smoke, burning gas, heat, flame etc. get into tunnel 74. Also, because corridor 81 is open to the weather and has almost the same environment as the outdoors, it is substantially impossible to use corridor 81 as a living area. Accordingly, the conventional structure can not be employed in buildings for the department stores, business offices, companies etc.


A rotary internal combustion engine, has an engine block defining a drum-shaped combustion chamber. A rotatable propeller shaft extends axially through the chamber. First and second paddle and hub devices are freely rotating on the propeller shaft at least substantially sealingly in the chamber, each of the paddle and hub devices having first and second paddles that are fixed diametrically opposite each other with a hub therebetween. The hubs cooperate with each other so that the first paddle and hub device can also rotate relative to the second paddle and hub device, the hubs of the first and second paddle and hub means having end portions respectively extending from axially opposite ends of the chamber. Each of first and second gear trains has (A) a first ratchet for rotationally connecting a respective one of the hubs to the propeller shaft in a first rotational direction and disconnecting the one of the hubs from the propeller shaft in a second, opposite rotational direction and (B) a second ratchet with a gear reduction for reducing rotational speed relative to the rotational connection of the first ratchet and rotationally connecting the propeller shaft to the one of the hubs in the first rotational direction with the reduced rotational speed and disconnecting the propeller shaft from the one of the hubs in the second rotational direction. An inlet in a first quadrant of the chamber admits air into the chamber. A nozzle admits fuel into a third quadrant of the chamber An outlet in a fourth quadrant of the chamber exhausts.

The invention relates to a rotary internal combustion engine.
Currently, the most widely used internal combustion engines have cylinders with reciprocating pistons operating in Otto or Diesel cycles. The pistons reciprocate linearly within cylinders, alternately changing directions of movement at the end of each stroke.
This type of engine generally requires four strokes of the piston to complete one full combustion cycle. In each of those strokes, the piston changes its linear course and actually stops and starts again, every time, losing its momentum in each of the four times this happens in just one combustion cycle. Further, the linear movement of the piston has to be changed to rotational movement via a crankshaft and the power transmission of this is sinusoidal and passes through zero (no power transmission) when the crank and piston connecting rod are aligned at two opposite dead points in each rotation of the crankshaft. Furthermore, the crank lever arm is necessarily short in order to keep the stroke length short, whereby the torque produced is low. As a consequence, the efficiency or performance of these engines is very poor and the operational costs and pollution are excessive.
These technical limitations were the main reasons that led to the development of rotary engines. Currently, however, only the Wankel engine has achieved some commercial success.
The reason for this is because the piston, or rotor in this case, although it does not stop, does not produce sufficient power, either, because of its very short lever arm and low admission capacity. This deficiency is partially overcome by using two rotors with turbo-charged admission and high-speed revolutions that, however, cause excessive wear to the engine and increase fuel consumption to the extent that it becomes uneconomic and over-polluting for any use other than in sports cars, and is not used for family cars.

Rotary internal combustion engine with paddle and ratchet assembly

Av. Bartolome de las Casas 482, Urb. Los Jazmines - Surco


In some embodiments, techniques for trip routing include determining a set of refueling stations, each of which is less than a threshold distance of deviation from a route; determining a fuel price and a deviation cost for each of the set of refueling stations, wherein the deviation cost is based on a unit distance of deviation from the route for each respective refueling station; calculating an imputed cost for each of the set of refueling stations, wherein the imputed cost is based on a combination of the fuel price and the corresponding deviation cost at each respective refueling station; selecting a first refueling station from among the set of refueling stations, wherein the first refueling station has a minimum imputed cost; updating the route to include the first refueling station; and presenting information relating to the updated route.

Fuel costs are rising and are an increasingly onerous expense in the operation of a vehicle such as a car. Route planners, such as route planning navigational systems (e.g. hand-held or vehicular), commonly optimize for distance or time, and further can in some cases provide information relating to where fuel (e.g. gasoline) may be available. Furthermore, gasoline prices are in some instances available online. However, route planners do not factor in fuel prices, or make recommendations to travelers based on such information. As a result, more is paid than is necessary.
Accordingly, it would be useful to have routes planned for reducing fuel costs as well as other factors.

Dynamic route updating for refueling based on route deviation metrics


The apparatus and its process utilization enables a higher throughput of ore bodies being comminuted, provides a closer or more accurate selection of size of particles or particulates produced, has a low noise level in its operation, and uses its rotor impeller to facilitate the charging-in of ore bodies to be processed, the breaking-up of such bodies, and the delivery of such bodies in the form of sized particles or particulates is introduced by suction peripherally into one of the compartments of a motor-drive impeller and axially into all of the compartments, ore bodies are introduced into all of the compartments and are thrown under centrifugal force from one of the compartments against an anvil. Broken-up bodies of a desired size are fluidized and moved upwardly out of the apparatus while those of a rejected size are returned to the impeller for reprocessing with additional ore bodies being newly introduced therein. The impeller operates in a circular housing that is cushioned and sound-proofed by a suitable resin or plastic backing. The speed of rotation of the motor drive controls the size and size range of the particles or particulates produced. Input of fluidizing air into the apparatus is provided by rotation of the impeller with the entry quantity being valvecontrolled.

Hereto, for the most part, it has been more or less conventional to feed ore bodies and the like vertically or more or less by gravity directly into an upper open mouth of a comminuting apparatus or machine. I have devised an apparatus wherein an improved through-put may be attained by a dual axial input of the bodies. Also, better size range control or selection may be attained. The construction enables a maximized fluidization in a gaseous stream of the bodies and their fractured or broken-up sized counterparts, a minimization of wear and tear on the apparatus, a highly effective size selection of the resultant particles or particulates, and a suitable control of noise produced during the operation.

Method and apparatus for impaction processing of ore bodies


A peel-off developable pattern sheet comprising a transparent flexible substrate having thereon a pattern comprising a photopolymerizable color image-forming material layer and a process for producing a monochromatic or multi-color patterned display element by making use of the pattern sheet(s) are disclosed. A patterned display element can be produced in a continuous manner in an organic solvent-free working environment. The formed pattern has excellent sharpness and well-controlled surface properties.

Screen printing has been used for producing a patterned display element comprising a color pattern formed on a metallic or plastic plate. A multi-colored pattern can be formed by repeating the printing operation by using a plurality of screens.
However, since screen printing employs a printing ink containing an organic solvent, it requires not only equipment for solvent recovery, drying, and the like but also requires much time for drying the ink, thus being poorly suited for continuous production efficiency. In particular, formation of a multi-colored pattern involves a drying treatment for each printing operation and, therefore, a long production line would be necessary for continuous operation to establish an automatic production system. Hence, adoption of such a continuous system has been substantially difficult.
Moreover, the working environment is easily contaminated with gases from the organic solvent. From hygienic standpoint, it is desirable that processes using an organic solvent be condensed into the smallest step, so as to exclude use of an organic solvent from the site of production of display elements. The requisite number of facilities for solvent recovery, drying, etc. would be reduced accordingly.
Accordingly, the present inventors have made an attempt to substitute the organic solvent-containing ink a solvent-free photocurable ink. However, such a photocurable ink turned out to exhibit radical polymerization inhibition due to atmospheric oxygen, failing to exhibit sufficient physical and chemical characteristics as demanded for production of a formed pattern.
On the other hand, a printing medium comprising a flexible substrate having provided thereon an ultraviolet-curable resin layer and a process for forming a pattern using such a printing medium have been proposed as described in JP-A-59-84240 (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application"). In the above-described pattern forming process, the printing medium is exposed to light through a photomask resulting in a sheet having a latent image. The sheet is adhered by pressing to an adherend to transfer the uncured area to the adherend, and the transferred uncured area is then cured by exposure to light.
However, this printing system involves poor control of the surface smoothness and the evenness of the visual color of patterns. That is, when the sheet having a latent image is stripped or peeled off from the adherend, the surface layer of the uncured resin accompanies the sheet due to cohesive failure, and the surface of the ultraviolet-curable resin layer having undergone cohesive failure becomes a surface of a formed pattern. As a result, the formed pattern has a rough surface and a scattered thickness, which both cause color unevenness when seen by the eye.

Process for producing display element, pattern sheet therefor, and process for producing pattern sheet


A linear surgical stapling instrument includes a magazine for holding a plurality of undeformed surgical staples, and an upper jaw carrying the magazine and having opposed distal and proximal ends. An anvil is formed with staple-deforming pockets, and a lower jaw carries the anvil. In particular the lower jaw is formed as a channel defined by an inverted U-shaped cross section. The anvil is formed on the outer surface of the back of the U-shaped cross section with the staple deforming pockets stamped or punched therein. Accordingly, the lower jaw can be easily made of metal with known metal-forming techniques, and stamping or punching techniques. In addition, the configuration of the low jaw causes it to resist bending and twisting during the staple deforming operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a linear anatomic surgical stapling instrument and a surgical staple magazine used therein. More particularly, the invention relates to a gastrointestinal anatomic stapling instrument, which is also known as a gastrointestinal anastomosis instrument or device, for suturing body organs and tissue and to such an instrument that includes components that may be made more easily yet exhibit improved rigidity.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Historically, suturing of a surgical or other wound in organs and tissue has been done by hand. Conventional hand suturing techniques require a high degree of surgical skill. However, expertise in such techniques can vary widely from surgeon to surgeon, thereby resulting in widely varying quality in performance of the concluding steps of an operative procedure. In addition, even very skillful surgeons require a considerable amount of time to suture even relatively small wounds. Therefore, it is possible that an undesirable amount of blood may be lost during the suturing operation.
Accordingly, there has been an increasing tendency in recent years to use surgical staples to suture body organs and tissue after a medical procedure. Surgical staples have been particularly effective in suturing body organs and tissue such as the lung, as well as the esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, and other body organs in the intestinal tract.
The advent of surgical stapling has provided several marked advantages over known hand suturing techniques. First, since one or more rows of surgical staples are inserted into tissue using a specially adapted instrument that is relatively simple to operate, near uniformity of the closure from one surgeon to the next results. In addition, all staples in the closure are usually inserted simultaneously or in rapid sequence across the entire wound. Therefore, the closure is made very quickly to minimize loss of blood.
The specially adapted instruments for inserting surgical staples are mechanically operated and may be known as anastomosis devices, such as the gastrointestinal anastomosis devices of the type to which this invention relates In such devices, the staples are loaded in one or more elongated rows into a magazine or cartridge. The magazine is then mounted in the device, which includes a mechanism for pushing, or driving, the staples from the magazine through two or more sections of tissue toward a deforming anvil. At the conclusion of the driving operation, the legs of each staple are clamped or bent, by engagement with the anvil, to a closed configuration to complete the suture and join the tissue sections together.
Known gastrointestinal anastomosis stapling instruments usually include a pair of elongated jaws that are maneuvered to position the tissue to be sutured therebetween. The jaws are then clamped tightly together. One of the jaws supports the staple magazine with at least two laterally spaced rows of staples and cooperating staple drivers, and the other jaw supports an anvil with similar complementary rows of staple-forming pockets, each pair of which is aligned with one staple in the cartridge. A reciprocal slide is mounted with one jaw and when advanced therealong longitudinally actuates staple-driving cam surfaces to sequentially depress the staple drivers and drive the staples through the body tissue toward the anvil. Additionally, a knife blade may be advanced with the cam surfaces to slice the tissue between the two rows of deformed staples immediately following the staple deformation so that the adjacent sutured tissue sections can be separated.
As may thus be expected, linear stapling instruments provide many benefits, such as those described above. However, they also have certain drawbacks. For one, many known instruments include a lower jaw made of heavy gauge metal formed into a channel having a C-shaped cross-section with the back of that cross-section at the bottom of the device and the legs bent upwardly and then inwardly toward each other to define a narrow, upwardly facing slot. Staple deforming pockets are then formed in the upwardly facing surfaces of the legs on either side of the slot, thereby to define the anvil. Immediately after staples are driven toward the pockets, the cutting blade may be advanced through the slot to slice tissue that has been sutured with the staples on either side. However, this known lower jaw configuration is difficult to manufacture. Moreover, under high tissue clamping forces between the jaws, the lower jaw is subject to twisting and bending so that the staple-deforming pockets in the anvil may become misaligned with staples in the magazine. Therefore, sutures may not be reliably formed.
Accordingly, further advances and improvements in linear surgical stapling instruments are needed.


A compression device for a radiological apparatus, the compression device including a compression pad and fastening structure to connect the compression pad to driving elements that are fitted onto the radiological apparatus, wherein both the compression pad and the fastening means are a single unitary piece of injection molded plastic that is substantially transparent to X-rays.

The present invention relates to a compression device for a radiological apparatus including, a compression pad and means to fasten the compression pad to driving elements fitted on to the radiological apparatus.
The invention can be applied with special advantage in the field of radiological instruments requiring the compression of any organ, notably in the case of mammographies.
At present, the compression devices used in mammography for example, include, a compression means proper, called a compression pad, that comes into contact with the breast to place it in a position where it rests against a plate-holder containing the X-ray sensitive photographic plate. These compression devices also comprise means for fixing the pad to driving elements fitted on to the radiological apparatus, such as a jack or a belt. These driving elements can be used to bring the compression pad to the breast with sufficient pressure of up to 2.times.10.sup.6 Pa to ensure that the breast is held satisfactorily against the plate-holder, and also to reduce the thickness crossed by the X-rays so as to limit the dose of radiation received by the patient being examined.
Generally, the compression pad is made of a thermoformed plastic material that is transparent to X-rays. The fastening means are most usually metal elements attached to the plastic pad by screws or equivalent means. Owing to the stresses undergone by these different elements, the links deteriorate in the course of time. These elements therefore have to be replaced regularly. This is an operation that entails constraints and is costly.

Compression device for radiological apparatus


Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, for receiving from responders conversation selection criteria and mode of communication information. A request for a conversation is received, from an initiator using a first communication mode that identifies a topic, but does not identify any responders. A conversation identifier is created. Possible responders are determined based on the topic and the conversation selection criteria. The topic of the conversation is sent to the possible responders, without identifying the initiator. A first response from a first responder is received using a second communication mode that is different than the first communication mode. The first response is mapped to the conversation based in part on the conversation identifier. The response is sent to the initiator using the first communication mode.

The following description is provided to assist the understanding of the reader. None of the information provided or references cited is admitted to be prior art.
Real-time communication (RTC) is the generalized term for multiple systems which allow real time, or near real-time exchange of information over various protocols. The most common categories of RTC include instant messaging and text messaging. Electronic mail can be used for RTC as well, though it is slightly slower than the other media of RTC. The critical element of RTC comes in the nearly instant exchange of information using internet or telecommunications protocols.
The instant messaging category of RTC allows real-time text-based chat communication between two or more people using computing devices. Typically, instant messaging operates in a push mode where chats are sent directly to the receiver without the receiver having to poll for data. Instant messaging can enable people to chat over a network, such as the internet. In addition, some instant messaging clients allow for other features such as live voice, file sharing, video calls, etc.
The text messaging category of RTC is commonly called SMS ("Short Message Service") and is a text messaging service component of phone, web, or mobile communication systems that uses standardized communication protocols that allow the exchange of short text messages between the devices. RTC and SMS also include additional instant messaging technologies such as multimedia messaging services (MMS) which extends the RTC capabilities onto the mobile telephone network of devices. Using MMS, photos, videos, ringtones, etc., can be sent to mobile devices. The electronic mail category of RTC is commonly called email, and allows an author to exchange of digital messages with one or more recipients. The digital messages can include attachments such as image files, video files, and/or other documents.
Known systems have been used to provide RTC communications. The traditional methods for the RTC communications include but are not necessarily limited to: (1) both parties sharing a common communications protocol (email, text messaging/SMS, instant messaging, etc.); (2) the initiating party being required to know the recipients addresses or other identifying information prior to being able to initiate a communication; (3) both parties being identified to the other during the course of the communication by the RTC systems.
While RTC can be utilized in a number of different ways on various computing devices, the various modes of RTC are not interconnected. For example, two people chatting must use the same communication protocols and in some instances the same software to be able to chat.

Two-way real time communication system that allows asymmetric participation in conversations across multiple electronic platforms


Cutting inserts are assembled around the periphery of a holder of a tool by respective fastening screws. Each insert is seated against a support surface, and its respective fastening screw passes through a center hole in the insert and is threaded into a mounting hole formed in the support surface. The mounting hole is oriented non-perpendicularly to the support surface, whereby the fastening screw forms an angle with the axis of the insert""s through-hole and is more accessible to a screwdriver. The through-hole has a conical or spherical portion which supports a spherical head of the fastening screw.

The present invention relates to cutting inserts, a method of assembling the cutting inserts on a cutter body, and the assembled cutter body.
Depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a conventional milling cutter comprising a rotatable holder body 1 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced insert seats 2. Mounted in the insert seats are indexible cutting inserts 3 with optional shims 4. The inserts 3 and shims (if provided) are held in place by fastening screws 5 that extend through holes formed in the inserts and the shims. The fastening screws are threadedly attached in threaded holes 6 that are formed in support surfaces 7, the holes 6 extending perpendicularly to the respective surfaces 7. Such a milling cutter is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,309.
In order to tighten the screws, it is necessary to insert a turning tool into a cavity formed in the screw head. From FIG. 2 it will be appreciated that the center axis A of the screw nearly intersects a radially outer edge 10 of a surface 12 of a pocket 14 that is formed in front of each insert seat 2. That hampers the insertion of a turning tool and requires that special turning tools with long shanks be used to avoid interference of the edge 10 with the tool""s handle.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a cutting insert mounting arrangement having a fastening screw that is not only readily accessible, but which makes 360 degree contact with the wall of the insert""s through-hole while urging the insert simultaneously rearwardly against a supporting surface and laterally against an abutment surface.
Furthermore, it is desirable to secure a cutting insert as snugly as possible in its respective seat so that the insert will not vibrate or chatter. A typical seat possesses not only a rear support surface in which the treaded screw-receiving hole, but also an upstanding abutment surface. By pressing the insert against both the rear support surface, and the abutment surface, the insert is more stabilized and less prone to vibrate or chatter. Various ways have been proposed to enable a fastener screw to press the insert in that manner. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,671, a fastener screw can be inserted into a threaded hole extending perpendicularly into the support surface, but positioned relative to the abutment surface whereby one portion of a head of the screw will push the insert not only rearwardly against the supporting surface, but also laterally against the abutment surface.
Another technique, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,662,444 involves orienting the threaded hole non-perpendicularly relative to the supporting surface. Then, when the fastener screw is inserted through the center through-hole of the insert and into the threaded hole, a conical surface on the screw head will bias the insert rearwardly against the supporting surface, and laterally against the abutment surface.
A shortcoming associated with the arrangements described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,053,671 and 3,662,444 is that the screw head makes contact with the wall of the insert""s through-hole for less than 360 degrees, thereby limiting the amount of stabilization of the insert that can be achieved.
Disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,828 is a mounting arrangement for a turning insert which enables the insert to be exchanged without removing the fastening screw. To accomplish that, the center hole formed in the insert has a larger maximum cross section than the head of the screw. In order to enable the screw head to secure the insert in place, the axis of the screw is tilted relative to the axis of the center hole, whereby the screw enters the rear support surface at an oblique angle. That inherently results in the insert being pushed against the abutment surface by the screw head. The screw head contacts the wall of center hole at two diametrically opposed locations, i.e. the contact between the screw head and the insert is non-continuous, so insert stability is not maximized.
The present invention relates to a cutting assembly, a method of mounting a cutting insert to a tool holder of the assembly, and to the insert per se.
The cutting assembly comprises a tool holder which has an insert seat. The insert seat includes a seat surface into which a screw-threaded mounting hole extends in a direction obliquely to a plane of the seat surface. A cutting insert is mounted in the seat. The insert has a front surface and a rear supporting surface oriented parallel to the seat surface. The insert has a through-hole defining a center axis and including a front cavity disposed at the front surface of the insert. The front cavity is defined by a wall, at least a screw-supporting portion of which has a circular cross-section and tapers toward the rear supporting surface. A fastening screw extends through the through-hole and includes a threaded shank, and an enlarged head which is disposed in the cavity. The head includes an outer face configured as part of a sphere which makes 360 degree contact with the screw-supporting surface of the cavity wall. The threaded shank is threadedly mounted in the mounting hole. The head and shank are shaped symmetrically about the center axis of the screw. The center axis of the screw forms an acute angle with the center axis of the through-hole.
Preferably, the insert seat includes an abutment surface extending outwardly from the seat surface, the screw-mounting hole oriented so that the screw applied to the insert a force having a component directed toward the abutment surface.
Preferably, the center axis of the screw extends forwardly from the screw in the direction of rotation and diverges from the center axis of the through-hole in a direction away from the axis of rotation.
The invention also pertains to the method of mounting the cutting insert to the insert seat.
The invention also pertains to the cutting insert per se.

Cutter body with cutting inserts and methods for assembling same