Truck apparatus for skate and skateboard devices including an elongated kingpin, means for affixing the upper end of the kingpin to the bottom of a load carrying platform at a selected angle and having a member disposed midway along the length of the kingpin and a friction surface and stop means, a wheel axle carriage assembly pivotally affixed to the lower end of the kingpin and adapted to rotate about the axis of the kingpin and having a second friction surface and stop lugs, a resilient drag sleeve and turn restoring element compressively disposed between the first and second friction surfaces, and a lock nut for selectively urging the carriage assembly toward the mid-portioned member so as to compress the drag sleeve between the first and second friction surfaces with a predetermined compression force such that the carriage assembly may be resistively and partially resiliently rotated about the axis of the kingpin within a range determined by the interaction of the stop lugs and the stop means and with a degree of freedom determined by the compression of the drag sleeve.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to truck apparatus for skate and skateboard devices, and more particularly to a truck assembly having readily adjustable kingpin angle and torque resistive features.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Although the prior art is replete with configurations of skate and skateboard truck mechanisms, all previous designs may generally be categorized into two general classes; i.e., the class in which the truck axle is constrained more or less rigidly to rotate about a fixed kingpin axis with rotation about the kingpin axis being resisted by some type of resilient member that is typically placed in both shear and compression simultaneously, and the class of configurations in which the primary loading to the truck is carried by a heavily bushed stud bolt and the truck turn radius is determined by an arm that extends from the truck axle to pivotally intersect either the bottom of the skate board or a truck-mounting plate. Examples of the former type of truck are illustrated in the following U.S. Pat. Nos: Balstad, 2,466,070 and 2,595,751; Crone, 2,763,490; Crone 2,920,899; Ware, 3,087,739; Butler, 3,442,523, Balstad, 3,870,324; Pinchock 4,047,725; and Kimmell, 4,071,256; while examples of the latter are disclosed in the U.S. patents to Machatsch, U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,924; Holladay et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,047,727; Oldendorf, U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,253; and Widolf, U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,917.
Basically, the turning of a skate or skateboard is accomplished by a shifting of the rider's weight to an off-center position on the supporting platform so as to cause a torquing movement about the various supports. As a result, the supporting bushings are compressed or torqued such that the resolution of forces about the axes of the various support members causes the truck axles to rotate about more or less determinable axes angularly intersecting the supporting platform and as a result causing each truck wheel set to turn relative to the longitudinal axis of the supporting surface. However, in most cases, the turning action is nonuniform and nonreproducible because different variations of side loading cause different angular orientations of the truck axles, and conversely, different reductions in side loading cause different restoring forces to be applied to the truck axles.
One disadvantage of such prior art structures is that since turns are effected by compressing or otherwise stressing a block of resilient material, the restoring force is more or less proportional to the angle of turn, and as a consequence where the rider attempts to maintain a sharp turn he must continuously exert a substantial force against what is usually a strong restoring force. As a result, any inadvertent shift in weight allows the restoring force to abruptly change the turning angle of the truck, in many cases to the extent that it causes the rider to at least momentarily lose his balance and control. It would be much more desirable if the restoring force was selectable and constant for all angles of turn.
Another disadvantage of the prior art is that with the exception of the angle pad accessory disclosed in the above-mentioned Oldendorf patent, none of the prior art truck assemblies provide means allowing a simple selective adjustment of the kingpin axis angle and thus do not allow a rider to select the turning characteristics most suited to his skill.
Still another disadvantage of the prior art truck configuration is that very high shear and compression loads are placed upon the resilient elements with the result that their useful life is quite limited.


A package case for packing therein an article to be flush mounted on a fixing structure, which has a pattern of an opening for receiving the article therein so as to flush mount the article on the fixing structure and of threaded holes for screwing the article and has instructions for mounting the article on the pattern.

In general, in order to fix a flush-type car speaker, an opening for receiving the speaker and threaded holes for fixing the speaker are formed at desired positions on a panel of a door or a rear tray of a car so that a projected back portion of the speaker may be received and fitted in the opening and the speaker may be fixed by screws. For cutting the opening and the holes, it is essential to prepare and use patterns of the opening and the holes because it is difficult to conform the opening and the holes on the panel to the contour of the projected back portion of the speaker and to the screw openings of the speaker, respectively, without using the patterns.
There has therefore been proposed a package case having, on one face thereof, a pattern for the speaker mounting so as to facilitate the installation of the speaker. However, such a known package case has instructions for mounting a speaker on another face of the package case than the face on which the pattern is formed. Therefore, in the actual speaker mounting operation, not only a fragment of the case on which the pattern is formed, but also, a fragment of the case on which the instructions are described must be brought into a limited space in the car. It is difficult to handle the bulky fragments in the narrow space and there is some difficulty even in reading the instructions.


An RF-excited radial-flow, cylindrical plasma reactor (10) includes a toroidal waveguide (17) of rectangular cross-section connected to a microwave source (21). One of the reactive species (37) is flowed through the waveguide and pre-ionized, thus, permitting independent control over the activation of both reactive species.

Radio frequency power, radial-flow, parallel plate plasma reactors are widely used in the semiconductor industry for both deposition and etching. For example, plasma reactors are widely used to deposit a thin layer of silicon nitride on a silicon wafer by exposing the wafer to a plasma in which the reactive species are silane and ammonia. The silicon nitride film which is deposited on the wafer is then used as a mask in subsequent processing of the wafer.
Unfortunately, in the example mentioned above, the ammonia is found to have a higher activation level than the silane; that is to say, it is more difficult to activate the ammonia than it is to activate the silane. As a result, a considerable degree of non-uniformity is observed in the radial distribution of the metastable, activated nitrogen which is obtained from the ammonia. This, in turn, leads to non-uniform physical properties and non-uniform stochiometry in the deposited silicon nitride. Of course, this phenonmenon is not limited to plasmas derived from ammonia and silane but is observed, in general, whenever two reactive species having differing activation levels are used in either plasma deposition or plasma etching processes.
A paper by Shibagaki, Horiike, Yamazaki and Kashiwagi, which was read before the Symposium of the Electro Chemical Society, held Oct. 9-14, 1977 in Atlanta, Ga., suggested the use of microwave energy to excite nitrogen gas which could then be combined with unexcited silane in a reaction chamber to deposit silicon nitride.
Independently, it occurred to me that microwave energy could also be used to pre-ionize one of the reactive species supplied to a radial-flow reaction chamber thus, in effect, allowing independent control over the activation of both species. Advantageously, the species that is pre-ionized is the species having the highest activation level; thus, eliminating the above-discussed problem of non-uniform distribution of the activated species in the plasma.

Methods and apparatus for generating plasmas


An object is to reduce manufacturing cost of a housing, and enable to disuse an adhesive in fixation portions between a housing and a bearing sleeve and the like.

Speedup, cost reduction, noise reduction, and the like are required of the foregoing various motors, in addition to high accuracy in rotation. One of components to determine required performance is a bearing for supporting a spindle of the motor. In recent years, a fluid bearing having superior characteristics in the foregoing required performance is contemplated using, or actually used.
This type of fluid bearing is broadly divided into a dynamic pressure bearing and a so-called cylindrical bearing (a bearing the bearing surface of which is in the shape of a perfect circle). The dynamic pressure bearing is provided with dynamic pressure generation means which makes a lubricating oil in a bearing gap generate dynamic pressure. The cylindrical bearing is not provided with such dynamic pressure generation means.
Taking the case of a fluid bearing device which is installed in the spindle motor of the disk device such as the HDD and the like, for example, the fluid bearing device is provided with a radial bearing portion for supporting an axial member in a non-contact manner rotatably in a radial direction, and a thrust bearing portion for supporting the axial member rotatably in a thrust direction. As the radial bearing portion, a dynamic bearing, which is provided with grooves (dynamic pressure generating grooves) in the inner peripheral surface of a bearing sleeve or in the outer peripheral surface of the axial member to generate dynamic pressure, is used. As the thrust bearing portion, for example, a dynamic bearing, which is provided with dynamic pressure generating grooves in both end faces of a flange part of the axial member, or in surfaces opposed thereto (an end face of a bearing sleeve, an end face of a thrust member fixed on a housing or the like), is used (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-291648). Otherwise, there are cases where a bearing (so-called pivot bearing), which supports one end face of the axial member in a contact manner by a thrust plate, is used as the thrust bearing portion (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 11-191943).
The bearing sleeve is generally fixed in a predetermined position of the inner periphery of the housing. A seal member is disposed on an opening of the housing in most cases, in order to prevent the lubricating oil in an internal space of the housing from leaking to the outside.
The fluid bearing device having a construction described above comprises parts such as a housing, a bearing sleeve, an axial member, a thrust member, and a seal member, and an effort is under way to increase the accuracy of finishing and assembling of each part, for the purpose of ensuring high bearing performance, which is required in accordance with increase in the performance of the information equipment more than ever. Demand for cost reduction on this type of fluid bearing device, on the other hand, has increasingly become stringent in accords with a tendency toward drop in price of the information equipment.
One of important points for reducing cost of this type of fluid bearing device is efficiency in an assembling process. Namely, the housing and the bearing sleeve, the housing and the thrust member, and the housing and the seal member are generally bonded to each other by use of an adhesive in most cases. However, it takes relatively long time from application of the adhesive to solidification thereof, so that bonding is part of the reason of reducing the efficiency in the assembling process. Also, there is concern about the occurrence of outgassing due to the adhesive, as well as the possibility of degradation of adhesion with a lapse of time.

Abstract: A housing 7 is made of resin material, which comprises a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) as crystalline resin blended with carbon nanotubes in a blending ratio of 2 to 35 vol % as a conductive filler, by injection molding. A bearing sleeve 8, which is inserted into the inner peripheral surface 7c of the housing 7, is secured to the housing 7 by ultrasonic welding.


A bandgap reference circuit including a clamp circuit is provided. The bandgap reference circuit performs the calibration only for one time in a normal mode to store a control code of a reference generator of the clamp circuit. In a suspend mode, the control code is used for controlling the reference generator to cause the clamp circuit to provide a desired source voltage, and a bandgap reference voltage source is shut down to reduce the power consumption.

1. Field of the Disclosure
This disclosure generally relates to a bandgap reference circuit and, more particularly, to a bandgap reference circuit that shuts down the bandgap reference voltage source thereof and provides a source voltage only by a clamp circuit in a suspend mode.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is a conventional power source circuit for providing a source voltage VDD required by a downstream circuit 15. The power source circuit includes a bandgap reference voltage source 11 and a regulator 13. The bandgap reference voltage source 11 provides a stable reference voltage Vref to the regulator 13. The regulator 13 has low static current Iddq to reduce the power consumption and is used to hold the source voltage VDD. However, in a lower power mode, the regulator 13 still requires the power continuously provided by the bandgap reference voltage source 11 to generate the source voltage VDD, such that significant power is still consumed in the low power mode. When this kind of power source circuit is applied to portable electronic devices, the standby time of the portable electronic devices is shortened.
FIG. 2 is another conventional power source circuit. Compared with the one shown in FIG. 1, the power source circuit in FIG. 2 further includes an operational amplifier 22 in addition to a bandgap reference voltage source 21 and a regulator 23. The operational amplifier 22 is used as a clamp circuit and to hold the source voltage VDD in a low power mode. In FIG. 2, although the operational amplifier 22 has low static current Iddq and the regulator 23 can be deactivated in the low power mode, the bandgap reference voltage source 21 still continuously operates in the low power mode.
In addition, in addition to having low static current Iddq (e.g., nano ampere range), the clamp circuit of a bandgap reference circuit has to fulfill the requirements of holding a stable source voltage, a small circuit area and working in an allowable voltage range.
Preferably, the clamp circuit of a bandgap reference circuit does not draw any power from a bandgap reference voltage source in the low power mode. However, it is not easy to achieve this purpose because when the bandgap reference voltage source for providing an accurate reference voltage Vref is shut down and if the reference voltage Vref has a 10% voltage variation, the source voltage VDD provided by the clamp circuit may change more than 10% to exceed the allowable working voltage range.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A catheter and method of making it are disclosed. The catheter includes a swellable inner element and a non-swellable outer sleeve covering an outer wall of the inner element. The inner element absorbs liquid from infusate administered through the catheter and swells in size. Outward swelling of the inner element is restrained by the non-swellable outer sleeve. The inventive catheter can be substituted for a conventional catheter that is used in an insulin infusion system.

A large number of people with diabetes use some form of daily insulin therapy to maintain close control of their glucose levels. Currently, there are two principal modes of daily insulin therapy. The first mode includes syringes and insulin pens. These devices are simple to use and are relatively low in cost, but they require a needle stick at each injection, typically three to four times per day. The second mode includes infusion pump therapy, via an infusion cannula (i.e., an infusion needle or a flexible catheter), which requires an infusion pump. Infusion pumps, although more complex and expensive than syringes and pens, offer the advantages of continuous infusion of insulin, precision dosing, and programmable delivery schedules. This allows closer blood glucose control which can result in improved health outcomes.
The use of an infusion pump requires the use of a disposable component, typically referred to as an infusion set, tubing set or pump set, which conveys the insulin from a reservoir within the pump into the skin of the user. An infusion set typically consists of a pump connector, a length of tubing, and a hub or base from which an infusion needle or catheter extends. The base has an adhesive that retains the base on the skin surface during use. The base may be applied to the skin manually or with the aid of a manual or automatic insertion device. Often, the insertion device is a separate, stand-alone unit that the user is required to carry and provide.
There are many available types of infusion sets incorporating various types of infusion cannulas, including steel needle infusion sets and soft catheter sets. Soft catheter sets can be inserted into a patient manually with the aid of a steel introducer needle, which is later removed from the patient, leaving the soft catheter in place. Alternatively, a mechanized inserter can be used to insert the introducer needle and catheter, after which the introducer needle is removed. In either case, the introducer needle is completely removed from the infusion set before the infusion set is connected to the insulin pump.
Another type of insulin infusion device is a patch pump. Unlike a conventional infusion pump and infusion set combination, a patch pump is an integrated device that combines most or all of the fluid components (including the fluid reservoir and pumping mechanism) in a single housing which is adhesively attached to an infusion site, and does not require the use of a separate infusion (tubing) set. A patch pump adheres to the skin, contains insulin (or other medication), and delivers the insulin over a period of time via an integrated subcutaneous catheter. Some patch pumps communicate with a separate controller device wirelessly (as in one device sold under the brand name OmniPod®), while others are completely self-contained. These devices need to be reapplied on a frequent basis, such as every three days, when the reservoir is exhausted or as complications may otherwise occur.
FIG. 1A illustrates an infusion set 1 for use with an infusion cannula such as a catheter 14. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the infusion set 1 comprises a fluid connector or hub 22 which is detachably attached to a base (10), a fluid tubing set 24 and a connector 26 which attaches to a pump (not shown). Line set 20 includes the hub 22 and the fluid tubing set 24 is attached to or detached from the base 10, as in FIGS. 1B and 1C.
FIG. 1B is a top view of the infusion set 1 with the hub 22 attached to the base 10. An adhesive pad 18 is attached to the base 10 and is configured to be attached to the skin of the user. FIG. 1C illustrates a view of the infusion set 1 when the line set 20 is detached from the base 10. The base 10 includes an infusion adapter 15 to which the catheter 14 is attached.
FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the infusion set 1 and more clearly illustrates how the infusate is pumped into the catheter 14, which is preferably made of a soft plastic material. The hub 22 of the line set 20 includes a hub port 29 that receives the fluid tubing set 24. The hub 22 includes a flow cannula 23 and a fluid channel 28 positioned between the fluid tubing set 24 and the open tip 231 of the flow cannula 23. The base 10 includes a main base portion 12 to which the catheter 14 is secured. A pre-slit septum 16 encloses the adapter 15, when the hub 22 is detached from the infusion base 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1E. When the hub 22 is attached to the base 10, the flow cannula 24 penetrates the pre-slit septum 16 so that the fluid channel 28 is in fluid communication with the catheter 14. This allows infusate from the pump (not shown) to flow from the fluid tubing set 24 into the fluid channel 28, and into the catheter 14, and the infusate exits the distal opening 141 of the catheter 14 into the patient.
Infusion cannulas for use in infusion sets and/or patch pumps are manufactured of either rigid material, such as stainless steel, or soft plastic materials, such as fluorinated polymers, including TEFLON® polymer. Infusion cannulas may be subject to kinking and occlusion.
A catheter can kink during or after insertion into a patient when the catheter tube becomes bent due to various causes, resulting in a restricted flow of infusate exiting the catheter. Kinking can be considered to be the cessation of flow through a catheter due to mechanical causes, such as bending of the catheter, sliding back or folding of the catheter on the introducer needle during insertion.
The restricted flow of the catheter can be caused by kinking and by other causes. In general, occlusion is the blockage or cessation of flow due to biological, pharmacological or mechanical causes, including kinking, and these failures typically occur during the use cycle.
Rigid catheters, such as stainless steel cannulas, may have a sharp tip, which is used to pierce the skin, similar to an introducer needle in a conventional inserter. Rigid catheters are recommended for individuals who experience a high incidence of kinking. However, such products are not recommended for use beyond two days, because they can reduce site patency, due to tissue irritation.
On the other hand, soft plastic catheters, such as the catheter 14 illustrated in FIG. 1D, may be prone to kink or occlude with normal wear, while rigid catheters (not shown) are often found to be uncomfortable to the user, since they tend to move around within the tissue.
In infusion devices, it is highly desirable to minimize the risks of catheter occlusion, kinking and other complications, while maintaining a degree of comfort to the user. Kinking and occlusion are described in detail below.
As noted above, kinking is considered to be the cessation of flow through a catheter due to mechanical causes. This failure mode can be the result of insufficient interference between the inner diameter of the catheter and the outer diameter of the introducer needle during insertion. In addition, kinking can occur if a blunt distal end of the catheter allows excess force to be transmitted to the catheter as the catheter initially penetrates the outer surface of the skin. Similarly, excessive bounce or vibration in the insertion mechanization may result in excessive force being transmitted to the catheter.
Kinking can also occur during the infusion or use cycle. A typical cause of this failure is the placement of the catheter into tissue which undergoes significant movement during physical activity, which weakens the structure of the catheter, making the catheter less likely to resist mechanical forces that may bend or twist the catheter. Damage that causes deformation of the catheter may also contribute to kinking.
There are many advantages to flexible catheters, including ease of insertion into a patient, user comfort, and reasonable cost. However, there can also be some disadvantages. Flexible catheters are generally more susceptible to kinking than non-flexible catheters. The material used in most flexible catheters is a polymer, such as TEFLON® polymer. Such material provides flexibility to the catheter. However, the flexible nature of such catheters contributes to kinking because the walls of such catheters are not rigid and are therefore susceptible to deformation due to movement of the catheter and/or the patient.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved catheter design and construction that will improve the functionality of the catheter while minimizing the disadvantages noted above. More specifically, a need exists to improve the design and construction of a flexible catheter that maintains its flexible characteristics without the negative aspects of the flexible design that contribute to kinking.


A method for manufacturing an integrated electronic device. The method includes providing an SOI substrate having a semiconductor substrate, an insulating layer on the semiconductor substrate, and a semiconductor starting layer on the insulating layer; epitaxially growing the starting layer to obtain a semiconductor active layer on the insulating layer for integrating components of the device, and forming at least one contact trench extending from an exposed surface of the starting layer to the semiconductor substrate before the step of epitaxially growing the starting layer, wherein each contact trench clears a corresponding portion of the starting layer, of the insulating layer and of the semiconductor substrate, the epitaxial growing being further applied to the cleared portions thereby at least partially filling the at least one contact trench with semiconductor material.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the electronics field. More specifically, the present invention relates to integrated electronic devices of the Silicon On Insulator (SOI) type.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Electronic devices of the SOI type are integrated in a composite wafer, in which a buried insulating layer (such as of silicon oxide) separates two semiconductor layers (such as of mono-crystalline silicon). Particularly, the lower (thicker) silicon layer defines a common substrate; the upper (thinner) silicon layer acts as a starting layer, which is grown epitaxially to obtain an active layer housing the different electronic components (such as, MOSFET transistors) of the SOI device.
The oxide layer provides a robust voltage insulation of the components in the active layer from the substrate. Moreover, DTI (Deep Trench Isolation) processes may be efficiently employed to provide lateral insulation from adjacent components that are integrated in the same SOI device within different insulated regions of the active layer. In particular, such regions are fully insulated by means of the (buried) insulating layer and the DTI trenches. In addition, standard LOCOS (Local Oxidation of Silicon) or STI (Shallow Trench Isolation) processes may be used to provide a further lateral insulation of the components that are integrated in the same insulated region. Moreover, the SOI devices have other important advantages. For example, they do not suffer leakage effects between adjacent components. Moreover, the parasitic capacitances of the components integrated in the SOI device are significantly reduced.
Usually it is desired to maintain the substrate at a predetermined voltage (for example, to avoid undesired capacitive coupling effects). Particularly, when the substrate is not directly accessible from the backside of the SOI device it needs to be biased to the desired voltage through a corresponding contact formed on a front (upper) surface defined by the active layer. A typical example is an SOI device that is mounted on a chip carrier with a flip-chip technique, wherein the front surface of the SOI device faces the chip carrier (with its contacts that are directly connected to corresponding bumps of the chip carrier).
For this purpose, a via hole (or simply via) crossing the insulating layer of the SOI wafer is provided so as to connect the two silicon layers (i.e., the active layer and the substrate). Typically, the via is formed in a dedicated insulated region of the active layer and is connected to a corresponding contact arranged on the front surface.
In the state of the art such via is obtained by selectively etching the active layer so forming a trench extending from the front surface down to the substrate. The walls of the trench are then covered by a conformal conductive layer (i.e., such as to substantially follow the profile of the underlying structure), which conductive layer further extends on the front surface so as to define the desired contact.
A drawback of the solution described above is that each trench consumes a significant area of the SOI device. In fact, the trench must be wide enough to ensure that the conductive layer uniformly covers all its walls so resulting conformal (i.e., the trench has a significant so-called "step coverage"). This significantly increases the size of the whole SOI device.
A further problem of the SOI wafer is that the active layer can be affected by impurities, which impair the performance of the electronic components that are housed therein (and then of the whole SOI device).
In addition, the SOI wafer is typically used to integrate high-voltage electronic components (e.g., able to sustain voltages ranging from 50V to 250V); however, the same structure is not well suited to house low-voltage electronic components (e.g., able to sustain voltages ranging from 1.8V to 3.3V), for which a standard wafer with PN-junction insulation would be preferred. This problem is particularly acute for devices requiring both low-voltage and high-voltage electronic components.

SOI device with contact trenches formed during epitaxial growing


A branch cache (40) has a plurality of storage levels (120, 122, 140, and/or 142) wherein at least two write registers (114 and 116) are used to perform a parallel write operation to at least two of the storage levels in the plurality of storage levels (120, 122, 140, and/or 142). The two write registers (114 and 116) are provided due to the fact that the branch cache 40 is implemented as a multi-state (typically five state--see FIG. 5) branch prediction unit having instruction folding. Instruction folding, as taught herein, allows a branch instruction which is predicted as being taken to be executed along with an instruction that precedes the branch in execution flow. The instruction which directly precedes the branch in execution flow is usually the instruction which is used to "fold" the branch. Effectively, this instruction folding allows branches, which are predicted as being taken, to be executed in zero clock cycles.

In microprocessor design, the ability to execute code in an efficient and timely manner directly impacts processor performance. In order to process instructions in a timely manner, the branch cache was developed. The branch cache has a plurality of memory locations for storing data regarding branch instructions used in user code, where user code is executed in the microprocessor to perform some function. The stored data in the branch cache is typically a branch address and a prediction of the branch result for each encountered branch. A two state model is typically used wherein a particular branch is either predicted as being taken or predicted as being not-taken depending upon a past history of the execution of the particular branch instruction. A branch instruction sends the flow of instruction execution in a microprocessor in one of two possible directions (i.e., if condition A goto address B else goto address C). If these two "arbitrary" directions B and C are not predicated ahead of branch execution by the processor, then the processor must cease pipeline operation after the branch instruction is entered into the pipeline until the branch's direction is determined (usually in the last stage of the pipeline execution unit). This discontinuation of pipeline processing reduces processor performance.
By using a branch cache, which predicts the direction of a branch accurately and correctly before the branch is executed, the microprocessor's pipeline execution unit(s) can continue to operate at full pipelined/full speed mode without having to cease pipelining for the branch. If the prediction of branch direction is correct most of the time, then performance improvements are gained due to the uninterrupted continuance of the pipelined mode. If prediction is incorrect most of the time, then performance may be hindered. Hindrance is due to the fact that the branch was predicted incorrectly resulting in the pipeline containing incorrect instructions from an incorrect branch path. The pipeline therefore must be flushed or "backed up" to remove those incorrect instructions and start pipelining in the correct execution direction dictated by the branch instruction.
A improved branch cache, wherein performance is further improved and branch prediction is more accurate, is needed.

Zero-cycle multi-state branch cache prediction data processing system and method thereof


A pipe coupling for joining abutting sections of pipe particularly adapted for connecting corrugated plastic drain pipe to provide a strong yet flexible coupling having a relatively smooth external surface thereby avoiding entanglement of the coupling in the guide of a trencher for the subterranean laying of the pipe. The pipe coupling consists of a substantially flexible rectangular shaped sleeve having at least two rows of teeth disposed along the length of the sleeve and means for fastening the ends of the sleeve around two sections of pipe to allow each row of teeth to engage at least one corrugated groove disposed at or near the end of each section of pipe to provide a coupling having a wide range of applicability for connecting a variety of corrugated pipe configurations.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pipe coupling which can be manufactured and shipped in a substantially flat configuration and which provides a flexible coupling joint achieved by employing a flexible sleeve member, flexible teeth or a combination thereof to provide a flexible yet strong connection for corrugated drain pipe that is twisted and bent during ground laying operations. More particularly, the invention pertains to a flexible pipe coupling having a substantially rectangular shaped flexible sleeve member having disposed thereon at least two rows of teeth along the length of the sleeve for engaging at least one corrugated groove of each section of abutting pipe to accommodate a wide variety of corrugated pipe configurations.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A variety of couplings exist for joining various types of corrugated pipe. One form of circularly and spirally corrugated pipe is the rigid metal conduit type pipes which employ a variety of virtually rigid couplings for joining sections of pipe. Representative of this type of coupling are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,239,254 (FIG. 5); 3,501,179 (FIG. 7); 3,708,187 and 4,061,368.
Corrugated metal pipes and pipe couplings for metal pipes and markedly different from corrugated plastic drain pipes and couplings therefor. In metal conduit pipes the trenching and pipe laying operations are not carried out in a single operation in that metal pipe couplings do not simultaneously require the inconsistent requirements of flexibility and strength required of couplings employed for corrugated plastic drain pipe. Couplings for plastic corrugated drain pipe must furthermore not have flanges which significantly protrude from the outside circumference of the coupling which can become lodged in the trencher, resulting in shearing of the plastic pipe, failure of the joint and considerable interruption in trenching operations.
Corrugated plastic drain pipe in contrast to corrugated metal conduit pipe is employed for draining swamps and fields and is installed by employing a trencher which simultaneously digs a trench, lays the drain pipe line and with some trenchers also covers the installed drain pipe. During the installation of the plastic corrugated drain pipe the pipe is required to make a number of bends and turns while being twisted and under tension as it moves from the position above ground on the trencher down through a guide down to the trencher shoe and into the trench. Furthermore, as there is no set standard the manufacturers of corrugated plastic drain pipe utilize their own distinctive lip and groove configuration.
The lack of uniformity between the size, shape, height and width of the groove in corrugated plastic drain pipe in conjunction with the procedure for installing such pipes has presented considerable problems in providing a coupling for joining sections of drain pipe. One such prior art coupling for joining sections of corrugated plastic drain pipe is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,899,198. Another prior art coupling of widespread use in the field consists of a split plastic sleeve having an appearance similar to the corrugated drain pipe. In use this coupling is spread open and the corresponding sections of pipe inserted therein to mate with corresponding grooves disposed on the drain pipe. These prior art couplings are generally the same diameter or of a slightly larger diameter so that they can be tied in place with either a bailing wire or twine.
Hand tied couplings not only required considerable time in opening the couplings but also required a high degree of care. When twine was employed, the hand tied knot had to be reasonably tight in the groove of the sleeve to secure the lip and groove of the underlying drain pipe to prevent slippage. On the other hand, use of wire to fasten the coupling assured a reasonably tightly secured coupling but resulted in coupling failures caused by the tie wire becoming caught in the guide or shoe of the trencher. In addition, hand tied wire stressed the tying wire so that the stretching involved with the installation and covering of the pipe caused the wire to break and the coupling to fail.
It is critically important in drain pipe joining operations that the sleeve or coupling utilized for joining the pipe sections does not allow the sections to become disconnected during trenching, pipe laying and covering operations. Coupling failure at the least interrupts valuable trenching time and requires stopping the trencher, digging up the pipe and then recoupling the sections. Alternatively, failure to immediately ascertain coupling failure results in improper field drainage requiring ascertaining the point of failure, removing crops or structure and then digging up the line to repair the coupling.
The prior art couplings for joining corrugated plastic drain pipe not only exhibit the disadvantage of requiring considerable hand labor and time to join sections of pipe but also result in increased expense due to the inefficiency in packing, shipment and application of prior art circular couplings. The problems resulting from the conditions required for plastic drain pipe couplings and the difficulties resulting when such couplings do not maintain their integrity in trenching operations reveal many of the problems involved with prior art couplings.


A method of increasing hair volume includes applying a hair clip to the roots of the hair. A chemical solution is applied to at least part of the hair that is in the clip. After the first step of the chemical processing is complete, the hair is rinsed, with the hair clip still in place. Then the second step is applied. A hair clip to increase hair volume includes two arms that are pivotally connected. The arms have interior faces that oppose each other. At least one of the interior faces has texture to apply tension to the hair root. At least one of the arms has openings to allow the hair to be rinsed while the clip is still in place. A second method of increasing hair volume comprises applying hair spray to hair roots and applying a clip to the roots. The clip is left in place until the hair spray is dry. The clip can be applied before the hair spray. The clip can also be used on wet hair with gels, mousses, hairspray, etc. The clip is clipped into place and the hair may be air dried or dried under a dryer. The clip may also be used to straighten curly, unruly hair.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hair treatment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of increasing hair volume and texture, and to a clip that can be used to increase hair volume and texture.
2. Problems in the Art
A wide variety of devices are known in the art for use in treating hair. Various types of hair clamps, curling irons, and hot rollers have been used to control how the hair looks. While some of these devices function adequately in keeping hair in place and helping the hair maintain a desired shape or curl, there is no known method or device which sufficiently increases hair volume and texture at the root only without also adding curl.
Many people desire to have hair that has a full volume and texture. Thick hair with a lot of volume helps give the appearance of youth and health. However, many people are not fortunate enough to have hair that is naturally full of volume and texture. There is a need for a method and device that adds volume and texture to hair.
Therefore, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a device and method which can be used to increase hair volume and texture.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hair clip which can be applied prior to applying perming solution or other types of chemical hair treatments.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a hair clip which places sufficient tension on the hair root to lift it up from the scalp.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a hair clip which can be left in place while the hair is being rinsed and while chemical treatments are being applied to the hair.
These, as well as other objects and features of the present invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


A pass-through catalytic substrate can comprise a plurality of porous ceramic substrate walls defining flow channels extending between an inlet end and an outlet end of the catalytic substrate. The pass-through catalytic substrate can include a plurality of porous ceramic beveled corner portions positioned at intersecting corners of the substrate walls within the flow channels. In one example, the porous ceramic beveled corner portions each include a heat capacity less than about 1.38 J/cm3/K. In another example, a catalytic washcoat layer can be provided for coating the porous ceramic substrate walls and the porous ceramic beveled corner portions. Methods for producing a pass-through catalytic substrate also provide porous ceramic beveled corner portions.

Apparatus and methods are known to produce pass-through catalytic substrates for treating exhaust from gasoline and diesel fueled internal combustion engines. It is known to provide a honeycomb substrate with catalyst coatings within the flow channels of the substrate. In operation, exhaust gas is forced to pass through the flow channels of the substrate. When passing through the flow channels, pollutants like unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitric and nitrous oxides react on catalysts in the washcoatings to form innocuous species like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water before the exhaust is released to the atmosphere.
During a typical engine start up, a significant amount of time may pass before the pass-through catalytic substrate is heated to a temperatures where the catalyst is active and capable of processing the pollutants. Consequently, a significant amount of pollution escapes immediately after the engine is started and before the substrate reaches the light-off temperature. As such, in order to reduce excess pollution during engine start-up, there is a desire to provide pass-through catalytic substrates to support the catalyst washcoatings that can be quickly heated to reduce the time necessary to reach the light-off temperature.

Pass-through catalytic substrate including porous ceramic beveled corner portions and methods


Novel compounds for the inhibition of sex steroid activity for the treatment of both androgen-related and estrogen-related diseases include for example 15- and 16-halo substituted compounds such as: ##STR1## The compounds are characterized by an estrogenic nucleus substituted with a substituent of the formula --R.sup.1 [B--R.sup.2 --].sub.x L--G wherein. at least one of L and G is a polar moiety distanced from a ring carbon of the estrogenic nucleus by a least three intervening atoms: PA0 x is an integer from 0-6; PA0 R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently either absent or selected from the group consisting of straight- or branched-chain alkylene, straight- or branched-chain alkynylene, straight- or branched-chain alkenylene, phenylene, and fluoro-substituted analogs of the foregoing; and PA0 B is either absent or selected from the group consisting of --O--, --Se--, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 --, --NR.sup.3 --, --SiR.sup.3.sub.2, --CR.sup.3 OR.sup.3 --, NR.sup.3 CO--, NR.sup.3 CS--, --CONR.sup.3 --, CSNR.sup.3 --, --COO--, --COS--, --SCO--, --CSS--, --SCS--, --OCO-- and phenylene (R.sup.3 being hydrogen or lower alkyl).

This invention relates to novel inhibitors of sex steroid activity such as antiestrogen compounds having effective antagonistic capability while substantially lacking agonistic effects. More particularly, certain preferred embodiments of the invention relate to certain estradiol and non-steroidal diphenylethylene analogs which have high affinity for estrogen receptors but do not activate such receptors and/or which inhibit the production of sex steroids or their precursors.
During the treatment of certain sex steroid-dependent diseases, it is important to greatly reduce or, if possible, eliminate certain sex steroid-induced effects. For this purpose, it is desirable both to block receptor sites stimulated by; sex steroids and also to reduce the amount of sex steroid available to act at these sites. For example, alternative or concurrent therapy to administration of antiestrogens could involve attempts to block the production of estrogens (e.g. by ovariectomy) such that less is available to activate receptor sites. However, prior art methods for blocking estrogen production insufficiently inhibit estrogen-induced functions. Moreover, it is possible that even in the total absence of sex steroids, unoccupied sex steroid receptors may be biologically active. Hence, antagonists of sex steroids may produce greater therapeutic results than therapy which only inhibits sex steroid production. Prior art antagonists, however, often have insufficient affinity for receptors, and some, although capable of binding the receptors, may themselves act as agonists and undesirably activate some receptors and induce the same effects as a sex steroid.
There is, therefore, a need in the art for antiestrogens which effectively block estrogen receptors with minimal or no agonistic effect. Numerous compounds have been tried in the art with mixed results. Known antiestrogens continue to exhibit undesirable agonistic activity. See, for instance, Wakeling and Bowler, "Steroidal Pure Antioestrogens", J. Endocrinol. (1987) 112, R7-R10. The net effectiveness of prior art compounds is determined by the balance between their agonistic and antagonistic activities. Certain steroidal derivatives similar to those disclosed in the foregoing article, and which are stated to have antioestrogenic effect, are set forth in Bowler et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,659,516.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,994, it is disclosed that the use of certain antiestrogens may inhibit certain human breast tumor cells.
H. Mooridsen et al., Cancer Treatment Review 5, 131-141, (1978), discloses that Tamoxiphen, an antiestrogen, is effective in remission of advanced breast cancer in about 30 percent of the women patients treated.
The combined used of the antiestrogen Tamoxiphen and a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, Buserelin, is also known for treatment of breast cancer. See, for instance, Klijn et al., J. Steroid Biochem, 420, No. 6b, 1381 (1984). The objective remission of such cancers, however, remains unacceptable low.
It has been found that certain 7.alpha.-substituted derivatives of estradiol possess antiestrogenic activity (Bowler et al., 1985; Eur. Patent Application 0138504; Wakeling and Bowler, J. Steroid Biochem. 30: 141-147, 1988).
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,659,516, Bowler et al. report antiestrogenic activity for certain 7.alpha. substituted derivatives of estradiol.
For a number of years, there has been research for compounds which can efficiently inhibit androgen and/or estrogen formation (e.g. enzyme inhibitors) or for compounds which may suppress androgen or estrogen action (steroid antagonists), without causing adverse effects to healthy tissues.
Recently, estradiol derivatives bearing a carboxyalkyl substituent at the 7.alpha.-position maintained their affinity for the estrogen receptor when linked via their carboxy group to agarose or polyacrylamide resin for affinity chromatography purification of the estrogen receptor (Bucourt et al., J. Biol. Chem. 253: 8221, 1978).
Non steroidal compounds bearing a similar aliphatic side chain have also been found to possess antiestrogenic activity (U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,912).
Some steroid derivatives, such as especially 16-methylene estradiol and 16-methylene estrone, have been described as inhibitors of 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (Thomas et al., J. Biol. Chem. 258: 11500, 1983).
Prior art methods have not been completely effective in inhibiting sex steroid synthesis while avoiding undesirable side effects.
Certain nonsteroidal compounds which are stated to have antiandrogenic effect are described by Furr et al., J. Endocr. 113, R7-R9, 1987.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,659,695 relates to a method of treatment of prostate cancer for susceptible male animals including humans whose testicular hormonal secretions are blocked by surgical or chemical means, e.g., by use of an LHRH agonist, e.g., [D-Trp.sup.6, des-Gly-NH.sub.2.sup.10 ]LHRH ethylamide. The treatment includes administering an antiandrogen, e.g., flutamide in association with at least one inhibitor of sex steroid biosynthesis, e.g., aminoglutethimide and/or ketoconazole.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,382 relates to a method of treating prostate cancer using the combination of an antiandrogen and an LHRH agonist.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,386,080 relates to new amide derivatives, and more particularly novel acylanilides, possess antiandrogenic properties.
In French, Patent 2528434 and in Jordan and Koch, "Regulation of Prolactin Synthesis in vitro by estrogenic and antiestrogenic derivatives of estradiol and Estrone", Endocrinology 124(4): 1717-1725 (1989), antiestrogenic effects are described for certain 11.beta.-long chain substituted estradiol derivatives.
In U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,995,060, 4,161,540 and 4,139,638, it is disclosed that certain 4'-substituted and 3'-, 4'-disubstituted anilides have antiandrogenic properties.
EP Pat. No. 138 504, EP Pat. No. 166 509, EP Pat. No. 124 369, EP Pat. No. 160 508, EP Pat. No. 163 416, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,732,912, 4,760,061, 4,751,240, 4,659,516 and Wakeling A. E. and Bowler J., J. Endocr. 112, R7-R10, 1987, and J. Steroid Biochem. 30, 141-147, 1988 disclose that certain long chain substitutions onto an estrogenic nucleus may result in compositions exhibiting antiestrogenic activity.
For a number of years, there has been search for compounds which can efficiently inhibit androgen and/or estrogen formation without causing adverse effects to healthy tissues. More particularly, the inhibition of 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which is involved in the biosynthesis of testosterone, androst-5-ene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol and estradiol, has been studied by some workers. Some affinity-label inhibitors for human placental estradiol 17.beta.-dyhydrogenase have been described (c. C. Chin and J. C. Warren, J. Biol. Chem. 250, 7682-7686, 1975; Y. M. Bhatnager et al. J. Biol. Chem. 253, 811-815, 1978; C. C. Chin et al., J. Biol. Chem. 255, 3660-2664, 1980; J. L. Thomas and R. C. Strickler, J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1587-1590, 1983).
B. Tobias et al., J. Biol Chem. 257, 2783-2786, 1982 and R. J. Auchus and D. F. Covey, Biochemistry 25, 7295-7300, 1986 disclose, respectively, the use of 17.beta.-propynyl-substituted progestins and propynyl-substituted 3-hydroxy-14,15-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one as inhibitors of the 17.beta.-estradiol dehydrogenase.
Thomas J. L. et al., J. Biol. Chem. 258, 11500, 1983 have described that 16-methylene estradiol and 16-methylene estrone are inhibitors of 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity.

Estrogen nucleus derivatives for use in inhibition of sex steroid activity


An impedance calibration device includes: a variable impedance, an operational unit, an analog-digital converter, and a controller. The operational unit receives a first analog signal and a second analog signal, and performs a difference operation to generate an output voltage. The analog-digital converter generates an adjustment code according to the output voltage. The controller is coupled to the analog-digital converter and the variable impedance, and adjusts a resistance value of the variable impedance according to the adjustment code.

1. Technical Field
The disclosure relates to a calibration device, and in particular, to an impedance calibration device and method.
2. Related Art
When a process variation happens during a semiconductor manufacturing process, the characteristic of a component in an integrated circuit (IC) changes accompany with the process variation, for example, a resistance value of impedance varies. The variation of a resistor may have different influences on different electronic components. For example, a change of a resistor causes a bandwidth variation in a filter. For another example, the variation of the resistor causes a frequency variation in an oscillator. For another example, in a communication system, impedance matching between a transmitting end and a receiving end is strictly regulated. Impedance mismatching causes risks of signal distortion and even signal interruption, and a change of a resistor may cause the problem of impedance mismatching. Therefore, how to overcome a variation of the resistance value caused by the process variation is always a challenge to the design of an IC.
Traditionally, a trimming manner is adopted to calibrate the resistance value, or the process control is used to reduce a variation amount of the process. However, the former increases the testing time and cost, while the latter increases the manufacturing cost of an IC, both of which are uneconomical.
In view of this, a new architecture is put forward to accurately calibrate an internal impedance of an IC and to further reduce the cost.


The technical field of the invention generally concerns electroerosively drilling small diameter holes, e.g. holes 6.0 mm in diameter and smaller. Such a small hole drilling apparatus includes a worktable for receiving a workpiece, together with a chuck and an electrode guide which receives and retains an elongated and thin tubular electrode. The drilling apparatus also includes a fluid supply and pump which delivers a first flow of machining fluid to an inner bore of the tubular electrode at a pressure of at least 20 kg/cm.sup.2. The drilling apparatus also includes a power supply for applying a series of electrical machining pulses between the tubular electrode and the workpiece. As material is removed from the workpiece, an electrode feed mechanism included in the drilling apparatus advances the tubular electrode into the workpiece to maintain the spacing between the tubular electrode and the workpiece. The improved drilling apparatus includes a secondary machining fluid control and a flushing nozzle which directs a second flow of the machining fluid along the outer surface of the tubular electrode toward the machining gap. As the tubular electrode pierces through the workpiece, the second flow of machining fluid keeps the space between the electrode's outer surface and the workpiece including the machining gap filled with machining fluid.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electroerosion machining, and more particularly, to quickly forming small diameter holes completely through a conductive workpiece using electroerosion.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,292, entitled "Method Of And Apparatus For Electrical Discharge Machining A Small And Deep Hole Into Or Through A Workpiece" that issued Jul. 12, 1983, on a patent application filed in the name of Kiyoshi Inoue ("the Inoue '292 Patent"), discloses that electroerosion (a/k/a electrical discharge machining or EDM) is capable of drilling holes having a diameter of 1.0 mm or less, i.e. 0.040 inches or less, and a depth-to-diameter ratio of at least 5 into or through an electrically conductive workpiece using a tubularly shaped electrode at speeds of 20 to 30 mm/min, i.e. a speed of approximately 1 inch per minute. To achieve such rapid machining, the Inoue '292 Patent discloses supplying a deionized water machining fluid into an electroerosion machining gap between the tubular electrode and the workpiece. The Inoue Patent further discloses that this water machining fluid preferably has a specific resistivity in excess of 10.sup.4 ohm-cm, and must be supplied to the electrode at a pressure of at least 20 kg/cm.sup.2 ; preferably at 25 kg/cm.sup.2 ; and more desirably at 40 kg/cm.sup.2. The applicant hereby incorporates by reference the Inoue '292 Patent.
Since the filing of the application which issued as the Inoue '292 Patent, further refinements have been developed in the electroerosion technique which it discloses. For example, in an effort to increase machining speed for larger diameter tubular electrodes at a high power setting, 10% to 50% of various different water soluble glycol-based materials have been added to deionized water to increase the machining fluid's boiling point and dielectric effect. Alternatively, in an effort to reduce wear of the tubular electrode during machining, 5% to 10% of graphite has been added to the deionized water machining fluid. Moreover, recent advances in small hole drilling electroerosion equipment now permit forming holes into or through a conductive workpiece with a depth-to-diameter ratio of up to 500:1. For example, using a 1.0 mm diameter tubular electrode is now possible to drill a hole through a one-half meter thick workpiece, i.e. drilling a 0.040 inch diameter hole through a 20.00 inch thick workpiece. Furthermore, it has also been found possible to form holes using tubular electrodes with a diameter down to 0.1 mm and up to 6.5 mm while maintaining a high machining speed.
Despite the remarkable machining performance achieved by the electroerosion technique disclosed in the Inoue '292 Patent, drilling such holes becomes unstable as the tubular electrode pierces through the workpiece. Thus, as a tubular electrode begins to pierce through the workpiece, machining speed slows drastically, and in some instances the electrode may even weld to the workpiece. Frequently, the time required to finally form an exit hole completely through the workpiece may equal or even exceed the time required to drill through the workpiece prior to forming the exit hole. For example, drilling a hole through a 1.0 inch thick D2 steel workpiece using a 3.0 mm diameter electrode requires approximately 60 seconds until the tubular electrode initially begins forming an opening through the workpiece. However, completing the exit hole through the workpiece may also require as long as 60 seconds. Consequently, drilling holes through workpieces using the electroerosion technique disclosed in the Inoue '292 Patent could be facilitated and the overall productivity achieved in electroerosively drilling small and deep holes could effectively be doubled if it were possible to stabilize machining and maintain the technique's high machining speed while finally piercing through a workpiece.

Method of and apparatus for increasing the productivity of an electroerosion drill


A method of treating fulminant hepatic failure in a subject, includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition to the subject, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a DLL4 cytokine. A method of treating liver failure, sub-acute liver failure, chronic liver failure or acute-on-chronic liver failure in a subject, includes administering an therapeutically effective amount of a DLL4 cytokine to the subject.

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a severe disease caused by varies etiologies and characterized by large area of liver necrosis. FHF patients mostly die over a short period of time. FHF patients treated by standard comprehensive medical therapy have more than 80% mortality. Currently, orthotropic liver transplantation is the only effective treatment and no other specific treatments are effective. Owing to the shortage of donor liver, many patients on the waiting list die before receiving the liver transplantation. It would be of great significance in the treatment of FHF caused by varies etiologies to find one or more cytokines which could suppress liver necrosis, rapidly induce host's liver tissue regeneration, function for a long period of time, and avoid potential side-effect. DLL4 cytokine is a type 1 transmembrane protein positioned on the cell membrane, which can act as a ligand to specifically activate Notch 1 and Notch 4 receptors.
Currently, DLL4 cytokine is often reported in the research areas of neoplastic disease, angiogenesis related disease, and cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Method of treating fulminant hepatic failure using DLL4 cytokine


The present disclosure provides a device for collecting semi-volatile or non-volatile substance, including an air nozzle, a front cavity and a collecting body. The air nozzle is configured to eject air to a sample attachment surface. The front cavity has an upper port. The collecting body is sealingly connected to a lower end of the front cavity, inside of which is provided with a cylindrical cavity and a conical cavity arranged vertically coaxially, and bottom of which is provided with a sample outlet. The collecting body is provided with an air intake passage which is non-coplanar with respect to an axis of the cylindrical cavity and is disposed obliquely downward and inward. The collecting body is further provided with an air exhaust passage one end of which is a discharge port connected to the interior of the cylindrical cavity, the other end is connected to an air pump.

Recently, ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) technology has been rapidly developed, embodying unique advantages such as detection speed, sensitivity, miniaturization and portable. Instruments based on IMS technology will be an important development direction of future security detection technology. IMS technology is used for on-line detection, and a sample firstly passes through a sampling device. The quality of the sampling device and method not only affects the application scope of the IMS, but affects the sensitivity of the response to the substance to be tested. Therefore, a high-efficient sampling device is one of key technologies that determine the IMS performance.
Chinese Patent CN 105590827B discloses a sample introduction device for particulate matters, wherein an enrichment film is sleeved on a metal conduit, by means of heating and cooling the metal conduit, the enrichment sampling is carried according to the principle of low temperature enrichment and high temperature thermal analysis, and the analysis and detection in the quasi-online mode is realized. Since the cooling process after heating is time-consuming, it is difficult to complete a rapid temperature rise/fall process within 3 minutes, and it is not suitable for on-site rapid detection in the field of safety detection.
The above information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and thus may include information that does not constitute the related art known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Device for collecting semi-volatile or non-volatile substrate


A stackable paperboard container is provided and includes a bottom panel, a pair of side panels, a pair of end panels, a pair of side flaps, and a pair of top walls. The pair of side panels extend from the bottom panel and are foldable about a side panel fold line. The pair of end panels extend from the bottom panel and are foldable about an outer end fold line. Each side flap extends from one of a pair of side panels and is foldable about a side flap fold line. Each top wall extends from one of pair of end panels and is foldable about a top wall fold line. Each top wall includes a wall section, a pair of top wall flaps, each top wall flap extending from one side of the wall section and foldable about by a top flap fold line, and a pair of bottom locking tabs, wherein each bottom locking tab extends from each of the pair of top wall flaps along a locking tab fold line and is insertable into a bottom tab slot of the bottom panel.

Produce, such as corn, tomatoes and apples, is transported from the site in which it is grown to locations for sale, display, or processing. Portable containers are known that are designed to suit the demands of a particular crop. Known containers may be heavy to transport if made of wood. Wooden or paperboard containers are susceptible to weakening if exposed to moisture and may become contaminated with microbes.


There are described an anode, a process for producing the same, an apparatus for electrolytic chromium plating, and a method for electrolytic chromium plating, using such anode, wherein the anode comprises an electrically conductive substrate comprising a valve metal or an alloy thereof, a first intermediate layer formed on the sustrate and comprising an oxide of tin, a second intermediate layer formed on the first intermediate layer and comprising either (1) platinum metal and an oxide of tin, or (2) platinum metal, an oxide of tin, and iridium oxide, and a surface layer formed on the second intermediate layer and comprising either (1) platinum metal and an oxide of tin, or (2) platinum metal, an oxide of tin, and iridium oxide, the composition of said surface layer being different form that of said second intermediate layer.

Conventionally, lead or lead-alloy electrodes have mainly been used as the anode for chromium plating. Although the lead or lead-alloy electrodes satisfactorily function to oxidize trivalent chromium ions formed on the cathode to hexavalent chromic acid, its chemical and electrochemical corrosion resistance is so poor that lead dissolves into the chromium-plating bath to form insoluble lead chromate or lead sulfate, which accumulates as sludge in the plating tank. In order to remove the sludge, the plating operation is suspended.
As a substitute for the lead or lead-alloy electrode, an anode comprising a substrate made of a valve metal such as titanium, and, formed on the substrate, a covering layer containing a platinum group metal or an oxide thereof, is coming to be used.
However, such an electrode obtained by covering a substrate made of titanium or other valve metal with a layer containing a platinum group metal or an oxide thereof has disadvantages as described below, although use of this electrode as an anode for chromium plating is free from the sludge formation accompanying the use of lead or lead-alloy electrodes. Disadvantages include that the above electrode is costly, and, further more, there is a problem that since the electrode is insufficient in ability to anodize trivalent chromium ions resulting from reduction of chromic acid on the cathode during plating into hexavalent chromic acid on the anode, the concentration of trivalent chromium ions in the plating bath increases, and, as a result, the plating bath weakens chromium deposit-covering power. Also, there are cases where sufficiently glossy deposits cannot be obtained. In addition, the electrical conductivity of the plating bath decreases, making it difficult to conduct the chromium plating normally.
Recently, chromium-plating baths containing various kinds of additives of organic materials, such as sulfonic acid-based baths, have been developed as substitutes for the conventional Sargent bath and hydrosilicofluoric acid baths having considerable corrosive properties, and have come into common use. Compared to the conventional Sargent bath, the chromium-plating bath containing an additive of an organic material has attained a higher cathode current efficiency and improved plating efficiency, and also has an advantage that chromium-plated products produced using this plating bath have improved quality.
Such a chromium-plating bath containing an additive of an organic material, however, has a problem in that if a lead or lead-alloy electrode is used as an anode in this plating bath, the electrode is consumed more rapidly than the same electrode in the conventional Sargent bath; hence, such use involves a problem.
A platinum-plated electrode obtained by covering a substrate made of a valve metal such as titanium with platinum by electroplating is also being used as an anode in plating baths, as an alternative to the lead or lead-alloy electrode. Although this platinum-plated electrode has a high electrode potential and is excellent in the ability to anodize trivalent chromium ions formed by cathodic reduction into hexavalent chromic acid on the anode, it is defective in that since the chromium-plating bath contains an organic material, the platinum is consumed at a high rate, and, hence, the thickness of the platinum deposit covering the substrate should be increased in order to maintain long-term and stable chromium plating. This raises the cost of the electrode. Therefore, the cost advantage brought about by the replacement of the conventional Sargent bath with the chromium-plating baths containing organic ingredients is diminished.
On the other hand, as an expedient for improving the corrosion resistance of an electrode obtained by covering a substrate made of a valve metal or an alloy thereof with an electrode catalyst coating containing a platinum group metal or an oxide thereof, provision of an intermediate layer made of a composite oxide of stannic oxide and antimony oxide between the electrode catalyst coating and the electrode substrate is disclosed, for example, in JP-B-59-2753 and JP-B-61-36075 (the term "JP-B" as used herein means an "examined Japanese patent publication"). However, any of such intermediate layers is unable to be stably present in chromium-plating baths and dissolves away within a short time period. For this reason, the above intermediate layer is ineffective in preventing the deterioration of the substrate and cannot retain its adhesion to the electrode catalyst coating layer containing a platinum group metal or an oxide thereof and, as a result, the voltage increases in a short period of time.
In addition, the electrodes having a catalyst coating comprising a platinum group metal or an oxide thereof, for example, the electrode as described in JP-B-59-2753 which has a ruthenium oxide coating, have been unable to stand practical use because they show poor corrosion resistance when used as an anode for plating, and, furthermore, their ability to oxidize trivalent chromium ions into hexavalent chromic acid is poor.
JP-B-62-2038 discloses an electrode which comprises a substrate made of a valve metal or an alloy thereof, having formed thereon an electrode catalyst coating containing a mixture of a platinum group metal and tin dioxide, and the consumption of which is reduced due to such a coating. This electrode, however, is unsuitable for chromium plating because when chromium plating is conducted using this electrode as the anode, oxygen evolved during the electrolysis increases the voltage in a short time period, making the electrode unusable any more.

Anode for chromium plating and processes for producing and using the same


A rolling bearing includes races and rolling elements, at least the race including: 0.60 wt % to 0.95 wt % of C; 10.0 wt % to 13.0 wt % of Cr; and at least one kind of 0.5 wt % to 2.0 wt % of Mo and 0.5 wt % to 2.0 wt % of V with the balance of Fe. The surface hardness of a raceway surface of the race is not less than HRC 58, and the raceway surface of the race has a passive film with the thickness of 5 to 100 nm.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rolling bearing, and particularly relates to a rolling bearing for use, for example, in an engine accessory (alternator, compressor, water pump, etc.) for a transmission or a continuously variable transmission (toroidal CVT or belt CVT) in a car, an agricultural machine, a construction machine, a steel machine, or the like under the environment where foreign matters such as metal burrs or mud are mixed so that the lubricating condition is apt to deteriorate.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, high-carbon chromium bearing steel prescribed in JIS, particularly SUJ2 is generally used as material for the rolling bearings. Such material to be used is subjected to hardening and tempering treatment so that the material is used in the condition that the surface hardness HRC (Rockwell hardness) is about 62 and the residual austenite quantity is about 10 wt %.
In such a related art rolling bearing, however, if foreign matters are mixed into the lubricating oil of the bearing, the rolling life thereof is conspicuously shortened in comparison with the case where clean lubricating oil is used. In the lubricating oil, metal cuttings, shavings, burrs, scourings, muddy water, and so on, are mixed. In such an environment of use of a rolling bearing in which such foreign matters are mixed, the foreign matters cause a dent (damage) or rust on the orbital surfaces of races and rolling elements of the rolling bearing, and flaking due to the dent or rust so that the life of the rolling bearing is reduced extremely.
It is noted that the life of the rolling bearing is reduced to about xe2x85x9 as long as that in the case where clean lubricating oil is used in accordance with the quantity, hardness and size of the foreign matters, as described in xe2x80x9cForeign-Matter Mixing Conditions and Rolling Fatigue Lifexe2x80x9d (NSK Technical Journal No. 655, pp. 17-24, 1993) as experimental researches about such circumstances. This means there is reproduced such a phenomenon that the orbital surface of a bearing is affected by the invasion of foreign matters and the rolling fatigue so that very small dents I a range from the order of xcexcm to the order of one hundred xcexcm or more are produced in the orbital surface, and flaking is developed, due to the dents, to lower the rolling life, like pitching which is seen in transmission gears in a car.
As a measure to prolong the life when such foreign matters are mixed, conventional research has sought to enhance the surface hardness of the bearing.
There is a related art example as such a measure (xe2x80x9cMetal Handbookxe2x80x9d, edited by The Japan Institute of Metals, revised third edition, pp. 780-797) in which a bearing is manufactured by use of precipitation-hardened tool steel (SKH or SKD) in which an oxide forming element is added so that plenty of carbide is precipitated. (Hereinafter, this related art example is referred to as xe2x80x9crelated art 1xe2x80x9d)
There are other measures to prolong the life, that is, the technique of Japanese Patent Examined Publication No. Hei.6-11899 (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9crelated art 2xe2x80x9d), the technique of Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. Hei.3-173747 (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9crelated art 3xe2x80x9d), and the technique of Japanese Patent Examined Publication No. Hei.7-110988 (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9crelated art 4xe2x80x9d).
According to the related art 2, material consisting of 0.4 to 0.8 wt % of C, 4.0 to 8.0 wt % of Cr, 0.3 to 1.2 wt % of Si, 1.0 wt % or less of Mn, and the residue of Fe and unavoidable impurities, is subjected to carburizing or carbonitriding treatment so as to form high-chromium bearing steel which has a long life and an excellent rolling fatigue life characteristic even under the environment where foreign matters are mixed into the lubricant oil for the rolling bearing.
The related art 3 discloses a grease-charged bearing composed of high-carbon stainless steel containing Cr in a range of from 13 wt % to 18 wt % while at least a fixed race is of martensitic stainless steel.
Further, according to the related art 4, at least one of races and rolling elements is made from alloy steel containing at least C and Cr in a range of from 0.3 wt % to 0.6 wt % and in a range of from 3.0 wt % to 14 wt % respectively, and has a surface layer portion formed by carburizing or carbonitriding and further thermal hardening. In addition, the quantity of fine carbide in a surface layer portion of at least one of the races and the rolling elements is in a range of from 20 vol % to 50 vol %, and the quantity of retained austenite in the surface layer portion is in a range of from 10 vol % to 25 vol %.
In the related art 1, there is indeed an advantage that the hardness of the rolling surface becomes high enough so that the rolling surface is hardly dented by foreign matters in the lubricating oil. On the other hand, precipitated carbide becomes bulky in accordance with the content of alloy elements to form the carbide. Accordingly, there is a fear that stress is concentrated around the carbide, and flaking breaks out from the stress-concentrated portion, so that the life is shortened.
In addition, in the related art 2, expensive heat treatment such as carburizing or carbonitriding treating is required so that the cost increases. In addition, since Cr is contained only in a range of from 4.0 wt % to 8.0 wt %, a passive film only about several xcexcm thick is formed on the race surface when muddy water is mixed. As a result, it may be considered that the passive film is broken by the dent due to pressure of foreign matters, or rust is generated to cause pitting. Thus, a satisfactory effect cannot be expected.
In addition, in the related art 3, 13Cr-0.7% C steel SUS440A, 18Cr-1% C steel SUS440C, or 13Cr-0.3% C steel SUS420J2, each having a tempered martensitic structure, is used as the martensitic stainless steel so that the resistance to hydrogen embrittlement is enhanced by a passive film. However, SUS420J2 having the surface hardness HRC of 52 is not sufficient for rolling fatigue. In addition, SUS440A and SUS420J2 do not have additive V or Mo for forming fine carbide, and it is inevitable that bulky eutectic carbide the size of which is larger than 10 xcexcm is apt to be precipitated on the rolling surface. In addition, there are not only a problem that flaking is produced in the rolling surface, but also a problem that the passive film becomes easy to be broken so that the resistance to corrosion is lowered and further the workability in manufacturing bearings is also deteriorated.
Further, in the related art 4, since expensive heat treatment such as carburizing or carbionitriding is required, further improvement is desired.
The present invention was developed in consideration of foregoing circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rolling bearing in which a firm passive film is formed on a race so as to well prevent flaking in early stages and prolong the bearing life on a large scale even under a poor lubricating environment where foreign matters or muddy water is mixed.
In order to achieve the above object, there is provided a rolling bearing including races and rolling elements, at least the race including: 0.60 wt % to 0.95 wt % of C; 10.0 wt % to 13.0 wt % of Cr; and at least one kind of 0.5 wt % to 2.0 wt % of Mo and 0.5 wt % to 2.0 wt % of V with the balance or Fe. The surface hardness of a raceway surface of the race is not less than HRC 58, and the raceway surface of the race has a passive firm with the thickness of 5 to 100 nm.
In addition, fine Mo or V carbide the size of which is in a range of from 30 nm to 300 nm s dispersed and precipitated at least on the raceway surface of the races.
Moreover, eutectic carbide the size of which is larger than 10 xcexcm is restrained from being produced at least on the raceway surface of the races in heat treatment.
The inventors of this application made various investigations about rolling bearings which were resistant to foreign matters, resistant to water and long in life in the state where stress was applied to the rolling bearings. As a result, the inventors obtained various knowledge about the relationship among the contents of respective elements and each of surface hardness, corrosion resistance, temper-softening resistance and passive film of a race, and attained the invention on the basis of this knowledge.
Description will be made about the effects of contained elements used in the present invention, the critical significance of their contents, and so on.
C (carbon) is an element for giving surface hardness required in a rolling bearing. 0.6 wt % or more of C is indispensable to obtain the surface hardness HRC of 58 or more. On the other hand, if the content of C is larger than 0.95 wt %, the matrix is made into martensite so that the hardness after hardening and tempering is improved. From the point of view of corrosion resistance, however, the smaller the content of C is, the better. This is because Cr forms bulky eutectic carbide in manufacturing steel if a large quantity of C is added. As a result, the Cr density is insufficient in the matrix so that enough corrosion resistance cannot be obtained, and the rolling life or the toughness is reduced. Particularly, it is preferable that the content of C is in a range of from 0.60 wt % to 0.95 wt %.
Cr (chromium) is the most effective element to give corrosion resistance to steel. If 10.0 wt % or more of Cr is contained, good corrosion resistance is obtained and a passive film is formed to be 5 nm or more thick. On the other hand, if the content of Cr is larger than 13 wt %, the corrosion resistance is further enhanced. However, if Cr is added beyond its necessity, xcex4-ferrite is produced so as to embrittle the steel easily. As a result, the toughness is reduced, and the workability is lowered conspicuously. In order to form a firm passive film the thickness of which is in a range of from 5 nm to 100 nm, it is sufficient to set the upper limit of the content of Cr to be 13 wt %. It is therefore preferable that the content of Cr is in a range of from 10.0 wt % to 13.0 wt %.
Mo (molybdenum) is an element having an effect to increase hardenability and temper-softening resistance conspicuously, having an effect to delay structural deformation caused by rolling fatigue, and further enhancing corrosion resistance. If the content of Mo is smaller than 0.5 wt %, the effects are not sufficient. In order to disperse fine Mo carbide the size of which is in a range of from 50 nm to 300 nm, 0.5 wt % or more of Mo is required. However, if excessive amount of Mo is added, the toughness and the workability are lowered. It is therefore preferable that the upper limit of the content of Mo is set to be 2.0 wt %, and the content of Mo is in a range of from 0.5 wt % to 2.0 wt %.
V (vanadium) is an element for forming fine carbide and nitride. V has not only an effect to restrain the formation of Cr carbide and nitride but also an effect to enhance hardness due to secondary precipitation in a tempering process at 400 to 550xc2x0 C. so as to have an effect to enhance strength conspicuously. In addition, 0.5 wt % or more of V is required for dispersing and precipitating fine V carbide the size of which is in a range of 50 nm to 300 nm so that bulky carbide having the size of 10 xcexcm or more is restrained from being produced. In consideration of the cost and the workability, it is preferable that the upper limit, of the content of V is set to be 2.0 wt %, and the content of V is in a range of from 0.5 wt % to 2.0 wt %.
On the other hand, Si (silicon) is an element to improve the delay in structural deformation, the hardenability and the temper-softening resistance. If the content of Si is smaller than 0.2 wt %, the effect is not sufficient. If the content of Si is larger than 1.5 wt %, the workability deteriorates conspicuously. Particularly, it is therefore preferable that the content of Si is in a range of from 0.2 wt % to 1.5 wt %.
Mn (manganese) is an element required as deoxidizer in steel making. 0.2 wt % or more of Mn is necessary. But if a large quantity of Mn is added, forgeability and machinability deteriorate conspicuously, and Mn coexists with impurities such as S, P, and so on, so as to lower corrosion resistance. It is therefore preferable that the upper limit of the content of Mn is set to be 1.0 wt %, and the content of Mn is in a range of from 0.2 wt % to 1.0 wt %.
Further, it is preferable that the content of O (oxygen) is not larger than 10 ppm because oxide enclosures which reduce the rolling life are restrained from beige produced. The con en of each of S (sulfur) and P (phosphorus) is preferably in a range of not larger than 0.02 wt %.
Here, for example, when a race, is heated and hardened at 1,000 to 1,200xc2x0 C. and then tempered at a high temperature (400 to 550xc2x0 C.), fine Mo/V carbide is precipitated on the race and bulky eutectic carbide is restrained from being produced so that a firm passive film is formed. However, even if the race is tempered at a low temperature (180 to 220xc2x0 C.), bulky eutectic carbide is not produced, and a firm passive film is formed.
On the other hand, if bulky eutectic carbide the size of which is 10 xcexcm or more is produced on the race, portions having a passive film formed therein and portions having no passive film are produced. As a result, flaking due to corrosive pitting or due to the eutectic carbide is apt to arise. However, if eutectic carbide the size of which is larger than 10 xcexcm is restrained from being produced on the race in heat treatment as in the present invention, a passive film is formed uniformly over the race so that the life is prolonged.


A bus bar unit includes a plurality of bus bars that electrically connects coils of each phase of a rotary electric machine and an external power supply, a plurality of caps that separately covers portions of the plurality of bus bars and separately hold the plurality of bus bars, and an outer holding section that is formed of an insulating material, that collectively covers the plurality of caps, and that is formed in a state in which the plurality of bus bars are electrically insulated.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bus bar unit.
Description of Related Art
In a rotary electric machine, as coils of each phase are electrically connected to an external power supply by separate power lines, power is supplied to the coils of each phase from the external power supply. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2015-133873 discloses a configuration in which power lines corresponding to coils of respective phases are molded integrally by a fixing member.
Incidentally, in the configuration of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2015-133873, wire rods are used as the power lines. In this configuration, it is difficult to position the power lines with respect to the fixing member during formation of the fixing member. This leads to complication of a manufacturing process, manufacturing cost is increased, and stabilization of quality is difficult. In addition, when the wire rod is used as the power line, after assembly to the rotary electric machine, the power line is likely to be flexibly deformed due to vibrations or the like, and durability cannot be easily secured.

Multi-cover bus bar unit for rotary machines


The present invention relates to compositions for enhancing innate immunity, comprising ginsenoside F1 as an active ingredient. Specifically, the composition according to the present invention promotes degranulation activity and cell-killing activity of natural killer cells, and increases expressions of cell-killing factors, thereby being effectively used as an innate immunity enhancer.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for enhancing immunity, including ginsenoside F1 as an active ingredient.
Further, the present invention relates to a food composition for enhancing immunity, including ginsenoside F1 as an active ingredient.
Further, the present invention relates to a method of enhancing immunity, including administering ginsenoside F1 to a subject.
Further, the present invention relates to a composition for producing perforin or granzyme, including ginsenoside F1 and natural killer cells.
Description of the Related Art
Immunity is largely divided into innate immunity that is present at birth and acquired immunity that is acquired by adaptation during life. Here, innate immunity, also called 'natural immunity', provides a non-specific response against pathogens, and has no specific memory function. Actually, such innate immunity defends most infections. In contrast, acquired immunity has a memory function against the re-exposed invading pathogens, and when invasion of the same pathogens occurs again, a specific immune response begins to effectively eliminate the pathogens.
In recent years, there has been a problem that internal factors such as the lack of physical activity, stress, etc. and external factors such as air pollution, etc. act in combination to remarkably lower immunity. Therefore, it is necessary to study substances showing immune enhancing effects, and in particular, the importance of innate immunity broadly involved in defense against most infections is increasing.
Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0011576 discloses a pharmaceutical composition for enhancing immunity, including the root of Eleutherococcus senticosus as an active ingredient. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0148087 discloses an anti-viral composition and enhancing innate immunity, including an extract of Phellodendron Amurense bark. Many studies have been actively conducted on immune enhancing compositions including natural substances among a variety of substances.
Meanwhile, ginsenoside is a saponin present in ginseng. There are more than 30 different kinds of ginsenosides, which are divided into PPD (protopanaxadiol)-type and PPT (protopanaxatriol)-type according to their structures. Ginsenosides are known to exhibit different pharmacological activities depending on their chemical structures (Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2009 July; 7(3):293-302). Among the ginsenosides, minor ginsenosides are present in very small amounts in ginseng, and it is difficult to separate minor ginsenosides. Therefore, studies on minor ginsenosides have not been actively conducted vet.
Accordingly, the present inventors have made many efforts to find a compound. having excellent immune enhancing effects. As a result, they found that ginsenoside F1 has excellent immune enhancing effects, in particular, innate immune enhancing effects, compared to other ginsenosides, thereby completing the present invention.

Method for enhancing immunity using ginsenoside F1 as an active ingredient