A method for calibrating a printer to print data beginning at a specified distance from the reference edge of a document. Several test documents are moved through a print station and a test symbol is printed on each of them with a preselected set of heating elements from a dot matrix thermal printer. The test documents are then processed through the same print station whereupon a sensor detects the reference edge of the document and the test symbol. A master controller then determines a test symbol distance between the reference edge and the midpoint of the test symbol for each test document. A plurality of test documents is processed in this manner, and the master controller determines an average test symbol distance for the plurality of test documents. Using an average test symbol distance, the master controller determines the distance between the sensor and a given hewating element of the thermal printer. The master controller than calculates a calibration distance which is based on a comparison of actual distance between the reference edge and the preselected heating elements versus average test symbol distance. In order to calibrate the printer to account for the calibration distance so that the printer prints data beginning at substantially the specified distance from the reference edge of the document, the master controller utilizes a stepping motor to make coarse calibration adjustments by advancing the document in full and/or half steps. Fine calibration adjustments are made by selectively energizing heating elements of the thermal printer.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a document printer. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for calibrating a printer to print data at a specified distance from a reference edge of a document moving through a print station.
2. Description of Related Art
Printing apparatuses have been developed for many uses, including the printing of various information in various type fonts, such as E13B, OCRA and OCRB, on paper checks, for example. In most instances, it is desired or even required that the data be printed at a specific location or area on the check. For example, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established standards that require a specified distance be maintained between a reference edge of the check and the first data character printed thereon. A typical example is the printing of MICR data in E13B font for which the ANSI specification requires the leading edge of the first character to be located in a character field beginning at 5/16 inch .+-.1/16 inch from the reference edge of the check. In printers of the past, the print station would have to be manually calibrated to print data in the desired character field on the check. The check would be positioned at the print station and data or a test symbol would be printed thereon. A manufacturing or repair person (hereinafter field engineer) would usually observe where the data was actually being printed on the check and would then manually adjust or calibrate the print station so that the leading edge of the first character of data was printed beginning at the desired location. This process is time consuming, expensive, and leads to inaccurate results due to human error.

Apparatus and method for calibrating printing at a specified distance from a document edge


A user device receives a notification, via a first radio access technology (RAT), of an incoming user communication on a second RAT, and turns on a receiver associated with the second RAT. The user device then establishes a connection with a corresponding cell at its current location to receive the incoming user communication.

Most current mobile devices support multiple radio access technologies (RATs) including, for example, Wifi, Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS), 3GPP Long Term Evaluation (LTE), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). In particular, a user device may receive communications via more than one RAT. For example, a mobile device may be able to receive voice calls via WiFi, as well as GSM or CDMA. Typically, when such a mobile device has network connectivity via WiFi, it still has its CDMA receiver turned on to be able to receive incoming voice calls via CDMA. This requires additional processing power and results in extra current drain.

Notification to mobile device of incoming call


A portable signpost assembly having a portable base structure and a frangible support post coupled to the portable base structure. The frangible support post includes a plurality of corners, wherein at least one of the corners, when viewed in cross section, includes a notch formed therein that promotes localized fracturing of the frangible support post upon contact from a motor vehicle. This enables the frangible support post to be broken away from the portable base structure upon impact from an errant vehicle to permit the sign and support post to travel over the vehicle without entering the passenger compartment.

The present invention relates to portable sign assemblies and, more particularly, relates to a portable sign assembly having a frangible post to readily breakaway when impacted by an errant vehicle.
Federal, state, and local governments require that signposts and other structures associated with road construction be of a type designed to ensure the safety of motorists in the event of a collision with the signposts or other structures. Specifically, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sets standards and oversees the design and construction of traffic signposts on federal highways. Signposts must also conform to standards set by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
According to NCHRP Report 350 (hereinafter xe2x80x9cNCHRP-350xe2x80x9d), a goal of a highway safety feature, such as a sign, is to provide a forgiving roadway and roadside for an errant motorist. This safety goal is met when the highway feature readily breaks away, fractures, or yields without causing serious injuries to the occupant of the vehicle or to other motorists, pedestrians, or work zone personnel. Moreover, it is a goal that no portion of the sign assembly should enter the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
According to NCHRP-350, Tests 70 and 71 relate to the testing of Work Zone Traffic Control Devices. According to these tests, the work zone traffic control device is tested at various impact speedsxe2x80x94a low-speed test at approximately 35 km/h and a high-speed test at approximately 100 km/h. The low-speed test is generally intended to evaluate the breakaway, fracture, or yielding mechanism of the device whereas the high-speed test is intended to evaluate vehicular stability and test article trajectory. Occupant risk is of concern in both tests.
When applying these tests and standards to existing portable highway signs, it has been found that portable highway signs having generally rigid, metallic sign displays may not be thrown clear when impacted by an errant vehicle. That is, upon impact, conventional portable highway signs may be forced against the hood and/or roof of the vehicle rather than being thrown clear of the vehicle. This effect is particularly noticeable with portable highway signs having rigid, metallic sign displays. On the other hand, state departments of transportation and local highway construction companies own substantial numbers of rigid, metallic, and/or wood sign displays that are used in conjunction with fixed signs and portable signs. Many of these rigid, metallic, and wood signs are unique to various applications, such as merging, caution, and the like. As such, these rigid, metallic, and wood signs represent a significant investment made by these states and local highway construction companies over the course of many years. Current replacement of these rigid, metallic, and wood signs inventories with comparable flexible rollup sign displays is not financially feasible for many of these states and companies due to the cost of such flexible sign displays. Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a portable, breakaway highway sign and/or retrofit for use with existing rigid, metallic, and wood sign displays that complies with NCHRP-350.
As determined by these tests and usage experience, breakaway signposts have proven to be highly effective in reducing vehicle damage and occupant injury resulting from collision therewith. A variety of breakaway signpost constructions intended to meet safety requirements for highway installations have been used in the prior art for installation of permanent highway traffic signs.
Conventional breakaway connections are typically provided between a relatively short section of post (base post or ground post) that is permanently driven into the ground, and a longer section of post (support post) that extends upwardly above the ground from the base post and supports the sign. When the motor vehicle collides with the signpost or posts, the section of the signpost above the ground is typically sheared off (through the use of shearing bolts) or hinged over to allow the motor vehicle to continue on its path with minimum damage to the vehicle and without injury to its occupants.
One particular type of signpost that has been used extensively in the prior art comprises a pair of square shaped members that are coupled together through a collar member. The collar member includes a pair of holes which tend to weaken an area between the pair of square shaped members to provide a breakaway feature as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,040.
Another particular signpost that has been used extensively in the prior art comprises a generally circular post member having a flanged lower end that is bolted to a permanent support structure, such as a concrete base. The bolts used to fasten the circular upper support post to the base structure are typically sized to permit the shearing of these bolts upon contact from an errant vehicle as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,556.
However, both of the above prior art breakaway connections, which use various sections bolted together, suffer from similar disadvantages. For instance, these breakaway connections require multiple parts to be assembled. This leads to potential difficulties in assembly depending on the size and weight of the components. That is, in order to fasten an upper support post to the lower base structure using a plurality of fasteners, that person is required to extend multiple fasteners through the lower post section, hold the upper post section in proper orientation while positioning it over the fasteners without dislodging the fasteners and then secure the fasteners by placing and tightening washers and nuts on them, for example, all while holding the upper post section in proper upright alignment. Many times heavy equipment, such as a hoist, is used to support the upper section while the fasteners are installed and tightened to make the final connection.
It is important that signposts, irrespective of size, be capable of withstanding ambient wind loads normally encountered by highway sign installations. Experience has shown that signs supported by a single support post, especially, tend to flutter when subjected to wind loads and this fluttering action imposes torsion on the post and fasteners holding the post sections together. This torsional loading of conventional signposts and fastener systems leads to frequent failure of the fasteners and/or post. Similarly, conventional portable sign assemblies must withstand these ambient wind loads, yet must also withstand the rigors of being transported and handled.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a breakaway highway signpost that is capable of being manufactured and assembled in a simple and cost effective manner. Furthermore, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a highway signpost that provides a breakaway feature to minimize damage and/or intrusion into the passenger compartment of an errant vehicle. Still further, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a highway sign assembly that is portable between construction sites. Additionally, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a breakaway signpost that can enable the current inventory of conventional rigid signs to be used in applications that meet the federal safety standards. Lastly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a highway signpost and assembly that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.
In accordance with the broad teachings of this invention, a portable signpost assembly having an advantageous construction is provided. The portable signpost assembly includes a portable base structure and a frangible support post coupled to the portable base structure. The frangible support post includes a plurality of corners when viewed in cross section, wherein at least one of the corners includes a notch formed therein that promotes localized fracturing of the frangible support post upon contact from a motor vehicle. This enables the frangible support post to be broken away from the portable base structure upon impact from an errant vehicle to permit the sign and support post to travel over the vehicle without entering the passenger compartment.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only.

Portable sign stand having frangible post


Presented is a closure assembly and a method for opening. The closure assembly includes a body, the body defining an opening and a body locking portion, and a lid, the lid moveably affixed to the body and comprising a lid locking portion, the lid locking portion configured to engage the body locking portion to releasably lock the lid in the closed position. The closure assembly also includes a hinge, the hinge being affixed to the lid and the body, the hinge configured to move the lid from a closed position occluding the opening of the body to an open position permitting passage through the opening, the hinge further configured to urge the lid into the open position, and at least one spring member.

Containers with closable lids are well known in the art and have been used for numerous purposes. Some containers are designed for maintaining disposable items while other containers are meant to be reused multiple times to hold many different types of items. The containers can come in various shapes and sizes, and are able to hold items including baby wipes, cleaning towels, and the like. For these types of items, dispensing versions of the containers are quite popular due to their ease of use. They allow a user to quickly obtain a single wipe or towel when needed. For instance, a user may require a single or multiple baby wipes while changing a baby's diaper.
In most instances, containers have a very simplistic design in order to allow users to quickly obtain the items dispensed. However there is a need for a container that allows for easier access to its contents.


A method for setting a voltage applied to a head in an ink jet printer including the head that discharges ink according to an applied voltage includes a step of forming a test pattern on a medium by the ink discharged from the head, a step of measuring a film thickness of the test pattern, and a step of setting a voltage to be applied to the head based on the measured film thickness.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an ink jet printer.
2. Related Art
A piezo type ink jet printer adjusts weight of ink discharged from a head by adjusting a level of voltage applied to the head when discharging ink.
For example, in nanoimprint lithography using an ink jet method, a technique is proposed which suppresses variation of residual film thickness of a pattern transferred to a resist for each substrate by changing a voltage applied to a head according to the lot of functional ink (for example, see JP-A-2013-65624).
In an ink jet printer including a plurality of heads, even when the same voltage is applied to each head that discharges ink of the same color, weight of discharged ink varies for each head. When the weight of discharged ink varies for each head, there is a problem that density unevenness and the like occur in a printed matter. Further, even when ink is discharged from a single head by the same applied voltage, there is a problem that the weight of discharged ink is uneven due to temporal change of piezo and the like. Therefore, a technique is desired which suppresses variation of the weight of discharged ink, which is caused by individual difference and temporal change of the heads.

Applied voltage setting method, program, and ink jet printer


The present disclosure relates to an incontinence device, more particularly a protective shield for male genitalia.

Incontinence is a difficult and embarrassing problem, and numerous devices for dealing with male incontinence are known. These range from conventional adult diapers to more specialized devices which wrap around a user's penis, such as those taught by German Patent Document No. 20 2004 002 526 U1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,853. Conventional adult diapers can be less comfortable than a person's ordinary underwear, and must account for the possibility of shifting positions of the penis therewithin, which can cause the urethral opening to be positioned at different locations. While devices that wrap around the penis allow a user to wear his own underwear and can ensure that the urethral opening remains covered by absorbent material regardless of penis position, they can be cumbersome to remove for ordinary urination.


A phase-change memory device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The phase-change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate in which a word line is arranged, a diode line disposed over the word line and extending parallel to the word line, a phase-change line pattern disposed over the diode line, and a projection disposed between the diode line and the phase-change line pattern and protruding from the diode line. The diode line and the projection are formed of a single layer to be in continuity with each other.

1. Technical Field
The inventive concept relates to a resistance memory device, and more particularly, to a phase-change memory device and a method of fabricating the same.
2. Related Art
A phase-change memory devices that is one of nonvolatile memory devices includes a phase-change material of which resistance is changed depending on temperature. As the phase-change material, there is typically a chalcogenide material including germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb), and/or tellurium (Te). The phase-change material is changed into an amorphous state or a crystalline state depending on temperature to define a reset state (or logic "1") or a set state (or logic "0").
A memory cell of the phase-change material layer may include a variable resistor configured of a phase-change material and a switching device configured to selectively drive the variable resistor that are connected between a word line and a bit line.
As the switching device of the phase-change memory device, a diode occupying a small area has been mainly used.
An early diode is formed by doping impurities into a polysilicon layer patterned using a general photolithography process.
However, it is a trend to require a diode and a heating electrode having a critical dimension (CD) equal to or less than resolution of exposure equipment. In order to meet these demands, the diode and the heating electrode having the CD equal to or less than the resolution of the equipment are formed by forming a hard mask layer for confining a diode and a heating electrode region using double spacer patterning technology (SPT) and patterning a lower layer using the hard mask layer.
However, when a heating electrode layer and a diode layer are etched using the hard mask, since a thickness of a film to be etched is very large, leaning occurs and thus the phase-change memory becomes in an unstable state.
In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a phase-change material layer 10 has a positive slope due to the leaning and thus a location in which phase-change is generated in the phase-change material layer 10 is biased downward. In FIG. 1, "A" indicates a location in which phase-change is normally generated when the leaning is not generated, and "B" indicates a location in which the phase-change is generated when the leaning is generated. When the phase-change generation location is changed, heat loss is generated to a side of a barrier layer 15 below the phase-change material layer 10.
When the phase-change memory device is fabricated, a double SPT process may be performed, and the heating electrode layer and the diode layer may be simultaneously etched using a mask material obtained the double SPT process. Thus, etching failure may occur and long fabrication processing time may be required.

Phase-change memory device and fabrication method thereof


An aqueous slurry containing coal and dextrin as a dispersant. The slurry, in addition to containing dextrin, may contain a conventional dispersant or, alternatively, a pH controlling reagent.

The present invention is directed to a coal slurry and, more particularly, to an aqueous coal slurry containing dextrin as a dispersant.
Many high-intensity combustion systems require that coal be cleaned to very low levels of ash to prevent excessive wear of high-temperature, high-speed components. For these applications, the cleaned coal must contain very low levels of alkali metals in order to prevent vaporization and subsequent deposition of corrosive inorganic constituents.
When prepared as coal-water slurry fuel, the cleaned coals are often ground to a very fine particle size distribution to insure adequate combustion. The high surface area of cleaned, micronized coals can result in large demands for dispersants to achieve solids loadings suitable for specialized high-intensity combustion systems operating with coal-water slurry fuels. Because the dosages of the dispersant are generally greater than those required for coarser coal slurries for use in large industrial or utility boilers, the chemical composition of the dispersant becomes more important.
A number of different dispersants for coal-water slurry production have been utilized in the industry. An example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,453 wherein ammonia is added to a coal-water slurry to improve pumpability. Many other dispersants incorporate the use of polyelectrolytes and sulfonates.
Upon combustion, alkali additions resulting from the use of an alkali-containing dispersant may have marked negative effects on ash characteristics when coal has been cleaned to low ash levels. Additionally, slurry sulfur values may also noticeably increase as a result of the use of a sulfur-containing dispersant.

The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy


An assembly includes panels forming a bin or cabinet, and a flipper door operably attached to the bin by a pair of opposing modules. Each module includes a body forming a groove forming a curvilinear track along its upper edge, and the door includes a follower operably engaging the track. Each module further includes a spring-biased lever pivoted to the body of the module at a mid-lever pivot. A first leg of the lever is pivoted to the door at a door pivot, and an oppositely extending second leg is connected to a spring-biased force-generating device. The arrangement is constructed to counterbalance a weight of the door in most intermediate positions.

The present invention relates to binder bins and storage cabinets having a closeble door.
Doors are often hinged or otherwise operably supported on bins and cabinets for movement between opened and closed positions. In such cabinets, hinge mechanisms are often provided that positions the door, when in the opened position, in or on the cabinets. A problem is that these doors can accidentally fall downwardly with gravity if the doors are prematurely released. Some bin and cabinet manufacturers have constructed mechanisms to reduce the potential or likelihood of such accidental downward movement, such as by use of dampeners, biasing devices, and other mechanisms to control the movement of the doors. However, most known alternatives are costly, include an unacceptable number of components, are mechanically complex, and/or are difficult to assemble. Further, many of these known alternatives take up a significant amount of space within the bins or are unattractive in appearance. Another disadvantage is that many known alternatives are not easily adapted to different cabinet shapes and constructions.
An apparatus is desired solving the aforementioned problems, and having the aforementioned advantages. In particular, an apparatus is desired that is mechanically simple, low in cost, easy to install, and yet that provides an attractive feel to users. Further, an apparatus is desired that is potentially retrofitable into existing bin and cabinet assemblies.
The present invention concerns in a bin assembly having a door that is operably supported on the bin assembly for optimal self-controlled movement, and also counterbalanced to move easily between opened and closed positions. The present invention further concerns a hinge assembly constructed to facilitate a modular assembly.
In one aspect of the present invention, an assembly includes a bin having sides, a bottom, and a top defining an access opening. A door is configured to close the access opening and a track is located along each side of the bin proximate the top. A lever is pivoted to each side at a lever pivot and spaced from the track. The door includes followers that slidably engage the tracks and bottom connectors pivotally attached to the levers. The tracks and the followers are configured to slidingly guide a top of the door, and the levers are configured to pivotally guide a bottom of the door as the door is moved between a closed position and an open position. A force-generating device is attached to the lever for balancing a weight of the door as the door is opened and closed.
In another aspect of the present invention, an assembly includes a bin having sides and curvilinear tracks defining an access opening. The curvilinear tracks on the sides extend along the top and are located near the top. A door includes followers engaging the tracks.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a furniture apparatus includes a shelf and side modules connected together to define a space on the shelf and an access opening to the space. The side modules each include a lever and a track spaced from the lever. A door is pivotally connected to the levers at a first location and slidably engages the tracks at a second location. The door is operably supported by the levers and the tracks for movement between a first position closing the access opening and a second position uncovering the access opening.
In still another aspect of the present invention, an assembly includes a bin having sides defining an access opening. A pair of opposing levers is each pivotally supported on a respective one of the sides by fixed lever pivots. Each lever includes first and second legs that extend in opposing directions from their respective lever pivots. A door is pivoted to the first legs for movement between opened and closed positions. A biasing device is connected to the second legs. The biasing device and levers are constructed to impart a lifting force to the door that approximates a weight of the door on the levers, so that the door remains stationary when released in a range of intermediate positions between the opened and closed positions.
In still another aspect of the present invention, an assembly includes a bin defining an access opening. A door is configured to close the opening when in a closed position to allow access through the access opening when in an opened position, and to move through intermediate positions between the opened and closed positions. A door-biasing-and-supporting module is attached to the bin and the door, and is configured to hold the door in a stationary position when released in one of the intermediate positions, but is configured to move the door to the closed position when the door is released within a predetermined distance from the closed position.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a method includes steps or providing a bin having an access opening for accessing the bin. A door selectively covers the opening and is operably supported on the bin for movement between a closed position, an opened position, and at least one intermediate position. The method further includes holding the door in a stationary position when the door is released by an operator in the at least one intermediate position.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a module for operably mounting a door to a bin for movement between opened, intermediate, and closed positions includes a body having a top section defining a track, a bottom section, and an intermediate section defining a lever pivot. A lever is pivoted to the lever pivot and includes a first leg extending from the lever pivot that is configured for operable attachment to the door. A biasing device is anchored to the body and operably attached to the lever. The biasing device is configured to bias the lever between the opened, intermediate, and closed positions in a manner that, when the biasing device is connected to the door, at least partially balances a weight of the door.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.


A new and distinct Torenia plant named ‘Dantopinkmn’ particularly characterized by having shiny green foliage, doted with plenty of delicate, funnel form, cup shaped flowers in shades of pale and dark purple; bush, cascading, rounded and compact growth habit and densely branched; vigorous growth; early flowering, flowers all year round in moderate climate; suitable for use as an annual for hanging pots outdoors under partial shade; and good weather tolerance with preferred temperature range of 15-25° C.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Torenia plant of the Scrophulariaceae family, hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Dantopinkmn'.
The new cultivar originated in a controlled breeding program in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. 'Dantopinkmn' was discovered and selected by the inventor, Gabriel Danziger, as an induced shoot mutation on a single flowering plant of the cultivar 'Dantopkmn', grown in a controlled, cultivated environment in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva Israel.
'Dantopinkmn' is an induced mutant of the cultivar Torenia 'Dantopkmn', commercially known as Torenia 'Pink Moon' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,512), Torenia hybrid. The mutation arose by radiation, as a side shoot, stabilized by removing the cutting from the mutated sector of the treated plant.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by soft tip cuttings was first performed in September, 2002 in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel and has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new cultivar reproduces true to type.


The invention relates to a device for extracting juice or pulp from food produce. It is particularly useful in the food conserves industry for separating the juice or pulp of fruit and vegetables from the skins and seeds. A tubular strain, provided with an inlet and a discharge outlet for refuse by-products, has at its centre a shaft bearing a plurality of spatulas, each of which has an extremity set very close to a surface of the strain; each of the spatulas bears at its peripheral end a plate made of a hard material, which projects radially from the main body and delimit a free zone between the front face and the peripheral extremity of the spatula. The tubular strain exhibits holes which are of progressively or step-by-step diminishing diameter, going from the inlet to the discharge outlet, and also exhibits an annular support which surrounds the strain.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
Specifically, though not exclusively, the device of the invention is usefully employed in the conserves industry for separating juice or pulp of fruit or vegetables from their skins, seeds and other waste.
The device comprises a tubular strain, provided with an inlet for the produce to be treated, and a discharge outlet for the refuse generated during treatment, at the centre of which, extending from the inlet to the discharge outlet, is situated a rotatable shaft which can be rotated on command. The shaft radially bears a plurality of spatulas, each of which terminates very close to the surface of the strain and moves the produce to be treated centrifugally, pressing it against the strain; the refuse is also nudged towards the discharge outlet. The device also comprises a cover, surrounding the discharge shaft, which is provided with an outlet mouth for the extracted juice or pulp.
2. Prior Art
The prior art teaches devices of this type; an example is described in Italian patent application no. 67132A/77.
One of the disadvantages of known devices is that between strain and spatulas there exists a danger of crushing seeds and skins of produce, resulting in a freeing of bitter tastes which can affect the quality of the finished product.
A further drawback is reduced productivity, that is, a reduced quantity of extracted product per unit of time in relation to power utilized and size of the device used.
A further drawback is that the spatulas wear out quickly and have therefore to be frequently substituted.
A still further drawback in known devices is that the strain, which is fine and slim, cannot be very long as it would deform, which leads to limited potential production of the device.
A still further drawback in known devices is represented by the fact that the strain is subjected to considerable mechanical stress due to the large mass of produce rotating at high speed.

Device for extracting juice or pulp from food produce


This disclosure relates to detection of viruses. In one implementation, a virus detection method performed by a terminal device is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a full characteristic features of a first file, the first file being a sample file collected by a client application of the terminal device, and the full characteristic features of the first file being used to uniquely determine all components of the first file, obtaining a first binary hash sequence based on the full characteristic features of the first file and by using a preset hash algorithm, calculating similarity parameters between the first binary hash sequence and reference binary hash sequences in an antivirus database, each binary hash sequence in the antivirus database corresponding to one type of virus-infected file, and determining the first file as a virus-infected file when at least one of the similarity parameters is less than a preset similarity threshold.

In a mobile terminal installed with open-source Android operating system, a user may inadvertently download an application or a file that carries a virus. Existing techniques for detecting virus are usually based on detection of point features. A point feature, for example, may be a character string or a code sequence. When an antivirus engineer detects that an array of sample files that are infected by a virus with a same point feature, e.g., containing a character string or a code sequence, the character string or the code sequence may be recorded and stored into an antivirus database. If a file is subsequently detected to include such a feature stored in the antivirus database, the file may be determined as infected by the virus.
A disadvantage of this existing technology lies in that the virus detection method based on a point feature can be easily defeated by a virus developer. Currently, there has been no efficient solution to the problem yet.

Virus program detection method, terminal, and computer readable storage medium

Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited


A CPU 501 of a production management support apparatus 500 is configured to execute: a process of acquiring capability information of a plurality of workers; a process of acquiring work information of a plurality of kinds of work; a process of acquiring work performance information including a work status of a plurality of kinds of work actually executed by the plurality of workers; a process of accepting a designation of a target worker and target work; a process of acquiring the work performance information of the plurality of workers related to the plurality of kinds of work, and generating a predictive model which adopts a work status in the work performance information of each work as a target variable, and which adopts any plurality of feature amounts among feature amounts included in the work information and the capability information as an explanatory variable; a process of applying the predictive model to the capability information of the target worker and the work information of the target work, to estimate a work status when the target work is performed by the target worker; and a process of displaying the estimated work status.

The present invention relates to a production management support apparatus and the like for estimating a work status when a prescribed worker performs prescribed work.
The manufacturing industry previously having been centered on "low-mix, high-volume production" is required to shift to "high-mix, low-volume production" in order to address the diversification of consumer needs. Features of high-mix, low-volume production are that the number of product types is extremely large and that new products (some products are similar in many aspects to existing products rather than being completely new) are made available in quick succession, making it difficult to formulate a production plan. One reason for the difficulty of formulating a production plan is that it is difficult to estimate a standard work time. Generally, for each work (process), a standard work time is generally determined based on an actual measurement of work time using a stopwatch or the like or on a calculation and an estimation by statistical analysis from past work history. However, in the case of worker-centered work, since a standard work time varies in accordance with differences in skill levels or the like among workers, the standard work time must be estimated on a per-worker basis.
Actually measuring work time requires taking measurements of all workers as well as taking new measurements every time a new worker is added or new work occur and can be a major hassle.
On the other hand, when calculating a standard work time based on past work history, there is a problem that estimation of the standard work time is difficult if a worker has no experience of certain work and therefore does not have a work history.
In addition, in the case of worker-centered work, although a production plan is preferably created by taking a variance in quality (failure occurrence rate) among workers into consideration, in a similar manner to estimating a standard work time, there is a problem that estimation of the failure occurrence rate is difficult if a worker has no experience of target work and therefore does not have a work history.
As an example of a related technique, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-133664 discloses a method including: selecting a product similar to a new product from performance data of each product previously produced by a target production process; calculating, based on the performance data, prediction data of a standard work time, standard work man-hours, a work difficulty and a material procurement period, a level of fatigue of a worker, and a proficiency of the worker with respect to the new product; performing, based on the prediction data, a preliminary simulation of a production process of the new product using a production process simulator; and creating a production plan based on a result of the preliminary simulation.

Production management support apparatus, production management support method, and production management support program


A radiation image recording apparatus comprises a source of radiation and a radiation image recording medium located facing the radiation source. A first slit plate is composed of a radiation absorber and at least two parallel slits, through which the radiation passes. The first slit plate is located between the radiation source and an object, which object is placed between the radiation source and the radiation image recording medium. A second slit plate is composed of a radiation absorber and at least two parallel slits, through which the radiation passes. The second slit plate is located between the object and the radiation image recording medium such that the slits of the second slit plate may be parallel to the slits of the first slit plate. A drive device synchronously moves the first slit plate and the second slit plate in the direction, along which the slits stand side by side with each other, such that a plane, which passes through one of the slits of the first slit plate and one of the slits of the second slit plate, may pass through the radiation source. At least either one of the first slit plate and the second slit plate has a cross-sectional shape such that the thicknesses of walls, which extend on both sides of each slit and define each slit, may become progressively smaller towards each slit.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a radiation image recording apparatus wherein a radiation image recording medium is exposed to radiation, which has passed through an object, and a radiation image of the object is thereby recorded on the radiation image recording medium. This invention particularly relates to a radiation image recording apparatus, which is of the slit exposure type and in which adverse effects of radiation scattered by an object are eliminated.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Radiation image recording apparatuses have heretofore been used wherein a sheet of X-ray photographic film intervening between two fluorescent intensifying screens is exposed to radiation, which has passed through an object, and a radiation image of the object is thereby recorded on the X-ray photographic film. Radiation image recording apparatuses have heretofore been used wherein a fluorescent plate is exposed to radiation, which has passed through an object, the fluorescence being thereby produced by the fluorescent plate, and the fluorescence is photoelectrically detected by an image intensifier, or the like, whereby an electric signal representing a radiation image of the object is obtained.
When certain kinds of phosphors are exposed to radiation such as X-rays, .alpha.-rays, .beta.-rays, .gamma.-rays, cathode rays or ultraviolet rays, they store part of the energy of the radiation. Then, when the phosphor which has been exposed to the radiation is exposed to stimulating rays such as visible light, light is emitted by the phosphor in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to the radiation. A phosphor exhibiting such properties is referred to as a stimulable phosphor.
As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,264 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56(1981)-11395, it has been proposed to use stimulable phosphors in obtaining electric signals representing radiation images of objects. Specifically, a sheet provided with a layer of the stimulable phosphor (hereinafter referred to as a stimulable phosphor sheet) is first exposed to radiation which has passed through an object, such as the human body. A radiation image of the object is thereby stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet. The stimulable phosphor sheet is then scanned two-dimensionally with stimulating rays, such as a laser beam, which cause it to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to the radiation. The light emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet, upon stimulation thereof, is photoelectrically detected by a photodetector and converted into an electric image signal.
In cases where a sheet of X-ray photographic film, a stimulable phosphor sheet, or the like, is exposed to radiation, which has passed through an object, a radiation image of the object being thereby recorded, or in cases where a radiation image of an object is formed and detected with an image intensifier, or the like, radiation which has been scattered by the object adversely affects the quality of the radiation image. Therefore, various attempts have heretofore been made to eliminate the scattered radiation during the operation for recording a radiation image.
For example, a slit exposure type of radiation image recording apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60(1985)-149043. With the disclosed radiation image recording apparatus, an object is scanned with linear radiation, which has passed through a slit. The linear radiation, which has passed through the object, is passed through a different slit and is then caused to impinge upon a radiation image storage means.
Also, multi-slit types of radiation image recording apparatuses are proposed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59(1984)-85650 and Med. Phy. 6(3), May/June 1979, pp. 197-204. With the proposed multi-slit types of radiation image recording apparatuses, a plurality of slits are utilized, and a radiation image is recorded with a plurality of streaks of linear radiation. Basically, the multi-slit type of radiation image recording apparatus comprises:
i) a radiation source for producing radiation, PA0 ii) a radiation image recording medium, which is located facing said radiation source, PA0 iii) a first slit plate composed of a radiation absorber and at least two slits, which are formed parallel to each other through said radiation absorber and through which said radiation passes, said first slit plate being located between said radiation source and an object, which object is placed between said radiation source and said radiation image recording medium, PA0 iv) a second slit plate composed of a radiation absorber and at least two slits, which are formed parallel to each other through said radiation absorber and through which said radiation passes, said second slit plate being located between said object and said radiation image recording medium such that at least two said slits of said second slit plate may be parallel to at least two said slits of said first slit plate, and PA0 v) a drive means for synchronously moving said first slit plate and said second slit plate in the direction, along which said slits stand side by side with each other, such that a plane, which passes through one of at least two said slits of said first slit plate and one of at least two said slits of said second slit plate, may pass through said radiation source. PA0 i) a radiation source for producing radiation, PA0 ii) a radiation image recording medium, which is located facing said radiation source, PA0 iii) a first slit plate composed of a radiation absorber and at least two slits, which are formed parallel to each other and through which said radiation passes, said first slit plate being located between said radiation source and an object, which object is placed between said radiation source and said radiation image recording medium, PA0 iv) a second slit plate composed of a radiation absorber and at least two slits, which are formed parallel to each other and through which said radiation passes, said second slit plate being located between said object and said radiation image recording medium such that at least two said slits of said second slit plate may be parallel to at least two said slits of said first slit plate, and PA0 v) a drive means for synchronously moving said first slit plate and said second slit plate in the direction, along which said slits stand side by side with each other, such that a plane, which passes through one of at least two said slits of said first slit plate and one of at least two said slits of said second slit plate, may pass through said radiation source, PA0 i) a radiation source for producing radiation, PA0 ii) a radiation image recording medium, which is located facing said radiation source, PA0 iii) a first group of a plurality of cylindrical radiation absorbers, which are located between said radiation source and an object, which object is placed between said radiation source and said radiation image recording medium, such that the first group of the plurality of said cylindrical radiation absorbers may stand side by side with each other with small gaps intervening therebetween, each of the first group of the plurality of said cylindrical radiation absorbers being supported such that each said cylindrical radiation absorber can rotate around an eccentric shaft, which is shifted from a center axis of each said cylindrical radiation absorber, PA0 iv) a second group of a plurality of cylindrical radiation absorbers, which are located between said object and said radiation image recording medium such that the second group of the plurality of said cylindrical radiation absorbers may stand side by side with each other with small gaps intervening therebetween, each of the second group of the plurality of said cylindrical radiation absorbers being supported such that each said cylindrical radiation absorber can rotate around an eccentric shaft, which is shifted from a center axis of each said cylindrical radiation absorber, and PA0 v) a drive means for synchronously rotating the first group of the plurality of said cylindrical radiation absorbers and the second group of the plurality of said cylindrical radiation absorbers such that a plane, which passes through one of the small gaps intervening between the first group of the plurality of said cylindrical radiation absorbers and through one of the small gaps intervening between the second group of the plurality of said cylindrical radiation absorbers, may pass through said radiation source. PA0 i) a radiation source for producing radiation, PA0 ii) a radiation image recording medium, which is located facing said radiation source, PA0 iii) a first slit belt composed of a flexible, long strip-shaped, radiation-permeable substrate and a plurality of radiation absorbers, which are supported on said radiation-permeable substrate such that slit-like gaps may intervene between the plurality of said radiation absorbers, said first slit belt being located between said radiation source and an object, which object is placed between said radiation source and said radiation image recording medium, PA0 iv) a second slit belt composed of a flexible, long strip-shaped, radiation-permeable substrate and a plurality of radiation absorbers, which are supported on said radiation-permeable substrate such that slit-like gaps may intervene between the plurality of said radiation absorbers, said second slit belt being located between said object and said radiation image recording medium such that said slit-like gaps on said second slit belt may be parallel to said slit-like gaps on said first slit belt, PA0 v) a first belt moving means provided with rotatable members, which are engaged with said first slit belt and move said first slit belt in the direction, which is normal to the direction along which each said slit-like gap on said first slit belt extends, PA0 vi) a second belt moving means provided with rotatable members, which are engaged with said second slit belt and move said second slit belt in the direction, which is normal to the direction along which each said slit-like gap on said second slit belt extends, and PA0 vii) a control means for controlling said first belt moving means and said second belt moving means and synchronously moving said first slit belt and said second slit belt such that a plane, which passes through one of said slit-like gaps on said first slit belt and through one of said slit-like gaps on said second slit belt, may pass through said radiation source.
However, with the radiation image recording apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60(1985)-149043, the two slit plate located parallel to each other are linearly moved over the whole recording area of the radiation image recording medium. Therefore, the slits cannot be moved quickly. Accordingly, with this conventional radiation image recording apparatus, a long time is required for a single radiation image to be recorded, and the recording capacity cannot be kept high. Also, there is the risk that the object moves during the operation for recording a radiation image of the object and an artifact occurs easily. Additionally, the problem occurs in that the load of the radiation source cannot be kept low.
With the multi-slit type of radiation image recording apparatus, radiation images can be recorded quickly. However, if the distance, by which each slit moves within the time during which the radiation is irradiated, is not exactly equal to the intervals between the slits, some regions of the radiation image recording medium are scanned n times with the linear radiation, and the other regions of the radiation image recording medium are scanned n+1 times with the linear radiation. Therefore, the problem occurs in that artifacts occur at the boundaries between the regions scanned n times with the linear radiation and the regions scanned n+1 times with the linear radiation.
Also, for the radiation image recording apparatus wherein a plurality of slits are utilized, it is desired for a radiation image to be recorded quickly such that an artifact due to movement of an object during the operation for recording the radiation image of the object may be prevented from occurring. Additionally, the conventional radiation image recording apparatus, wherein a plurality of slits are utilized, has the drawbacks in that the apparatus cannot be kept small in size.


A composite powder prepared by coating a ramentaceous substrate with at least two color layers. A difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the ab hue angle hab (hmaxxe2x88x92hmin) as defined in the recommendation on uniform color space by CIE is in the range from 10xc2x0 to 180xc2x0. A ratio of the maximum value vs the minimum value of the brightness L* as defined in the recommendation is in the range from 1.0 to 2.0. According to the viewing angle, the color tone of the composite powder changes.

The present invention relates to composite powder prepared by coating a ramentaceous substrate such as mica with two or more types of coloring layers. Moreover the present invention relates to cosmetic and paint with the composite powder blended therein.
Conventionally ramentaceous substrates such as mica, talc, a and sericite have been blended in cosmetics such as powder foundation or as pearl pigment in various types of paint such as paint for cars. The effect obtained when the ramentaceous powder is blended in cosmetic includes , but not limited to, improvement in the adaptability of the cosmetic to be spread on human skin, improvement of the color pigment of the dispersibility on human skin, and further improvement in the adhesiveness to human skin, and these characteristics are indispensable for make-up cosmetics.
For instance, mica covered with a titanium oxide layer having the certain thickness is called pearl pigment and is used in cosmetic and paint. This pearl pigment varies its color tone at a certain reflection angle against an incidence angle of light according to the thickness of the layer because of optical interference, and has intense luster. The more intense the luster, the more the brightness changes according to a viewing angle, and the characteristic is called flip-flop characteristic.
Colors generated because of the optical interference have the higher brightness as compared to those of general color pigments such as iron oxide red and ultramarine blue, but the tinting strength is very weak. As a method of improving the tinting strength, there has been proposed to cover the titanium oxide layer described above with a metal oxide which absorbs visible light having a wavelength in a certain range such as iron oxide (Refer to Japanese Patent Publication No. 7674/1983). With this method, however, although some particular colors are emphasized and the change in brightness caused by the luster can be made larger, but the effect that the color hue largely changes according to a viewing angle is rather weak.
In some cases, at first mica is covered with ferric oxide and then titanium oxide layer having the certain thickness is formed thereon, but also in this case the effect that the color tone largely changes according to a viewing angle is rather small (Refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 11161/1995).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 101377/1989 proposes an invention relating to golden color luster pigment which is color and luster pigment containing mica or mica with metal oxide deposited thereon as a substrate and a metal oxide layer containing both titanium and iron coating the substrate, and also in which the metal oxide layer contains pseudo-blockite as an essential component. In this invention, it is described that the metal oxide layer containing, in addition to titanium and iron, pseudo-blockite as an essential component is used for coating the substrate to improve the stability against heat and chemical compounds, and the metal layer is not used for changing the color tone according to a viewing angle.
Japanese Patent laid-Open Publication No. 209024/1996 proposes luster pigment in which a flake-like substrate is sequentially coated with an achoromatic layer having the refractive index of 1.8 or below, a coating layer having the refractive index of 2.0 or more with selective absorbance, and an achromatic or selectively absorptive layer, if necessary, in this order, and there are enlisted aluminum and alloy thereof as the metal substrate; silica, aluminum oxide, and others as the material with the refractive index of 1.8 or below used to form the first layer; and iron oxide, chromium oxide, and titanium oxide (TiO2 reduced with ammonia) as the material having the refractive index of 2.0 or more with selective absorbance. In this invention, the effect that the tone changes according to a viewing angle is pointed out, but in this luster pigment the metal substrate is used to intensify the tone change, and it is described in the publication that the pigment has intense metallic luster. Therefore, with the pigment, it is difficult to obtain cosmetics or paints having modest luster and natural appearance, and its concealing capability is disadvantageously too high.
An object of the present invention is to provide composite powder with the color tone changing according to a viewing angle and insuring natural appearance without excessive luster.
Another object of the present invention is to provide cosmetics and paints capable of emphasizing a face or other solid structures not with change in the brightness, but with change in the hue.
The present invention provides composite powder prepared by coating a ramentaceous substrate with at least two color layers characterized in that a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the ab hue angle hab (hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) as defined in the recommendation on uniform color spaces by CIE (Commission Internationale De L""eclairage) is in the range from 10xc2x0 to 180xc2x0 when this value exceeds 180xc2x0, the value of 360xc2x0xe2x88x92(hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) is in the range from 10xc2x0 to 180xc2x0), and also that a ratio of the maximum value and the minimum value of the brightness L as defined in the recommendation is in the range from 1.0 to 2.0.
It is preferable to provide a transmission light dispersion layer with the refractive index of 1.3 to 1.8 between the color layers.
Also it is preferable to coat a surface of the composite powder with a reflection and dispersion layer with the refractive index of 1.3 to 1.8 and also having some irregularity on the surface.
Cosmetics and paints according to the present invention have any of the composite powders described above blended therein.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.
A ramentaceous substrate is used for the composite powder according to the present invention. The ramentaceous substrate includes, but not limited to, natural minerals such as mica, talc, and sericite; and inorganic oxides such as syntheticmica, synthetic sericite, plate-like silica, plate-like aluminum oxide, and plate-like titanium oxide.
An average particle diameter of the ramentaceous substrate is preferably in the range from about 1 to about 100 xcexcm, and more preferably in the range from 5 to 30 xcexcm. When an average particle diameter of the ramentaceous substrate is less than 1 xcexcm, and an average particle diameter of the obtained composite powder is less than 1 xcexcm, change of hue hardly occurs, and on the contrary, when the average particle diameter of the ramentaceous substrate is more than 100 xcexcm, and also the average diameter of obtained composite powder exceeds 100 xcexcm, the luster is so intense that the appearance is unpleasant. The average particle diameter of the ramentaceous substrate as defined herein indicates an average value of the ramentaceous flat surfaces, which is obtained by 100 pieces of ramentaceous substrates with a scan type of electronic microscope for their maximum lengths and calculating the average value. Thickness of the ramentaceous substrate is preferably in the range from 0.05 to 1 xcexcm.
As the color layer used for coating the substrate, known inorganic pigments, organic pigments, inorganic and organic composite pigments may be used, and in addition, coloring matters or a color layer colored with any coloring matter may be used.
More specifically inorganic pigments such as ferric oxide (xcex1-Fe2O3, xcex3-Fe2 O3), oxi-iron hydroxide (FeO(OH)), ferric hydroxide (Fe2 (OH)6), ferrous oxide (FeO), triiron tetraoxide (Fe3O4) titanium oxide containing iron oxide, carbon black, ultramarine blue, iron blue, titanium black, chromium hydroxide, lithium cobalt titanate, manganese violet; organic coloring materials including various types of tar coloring matters, natural coloring matters, and other synthetic coloring matters; and inorganic or organic material layers colored or stained with these inorganic or organic pigments can be enlisted.
There are no limitations as the sequence of lamination, color tone and so on of the color layers on the condition of different color tone each other, and at least two color layers selected likely may be laminated according to the use of composite powder.
In this process, thickness of each color layer is preferably in the range from 5 to 200 nm. When the thickness is less than 5 nm, the tinting power is not sufficient, and on the other hand, when the thickness is more than 200 nm, the feeling in touching is apt to become lower.
Of the sequentially laminated color layers, the first color layer is preferably in the range from 1 to 100 weight portions against 100 weight portions of the ramentaceous substrate, and more preferably in the range from 5 to 40 weight portions. When the quantity is less than 1 weight portion, the tinting power is insufficient, and if the quantity is over 100 weight portions, the adhesion to human skin and the feeling are apt to become lower when used as a component for cosmetics.
The second and subsequent layers are preferably in the range from 1 to 40 weight portions against the 100 weight portions of a ramentaceous substrate with the first color layer or with the first color layer and the transmission light dispersion layer formed thereon described below in the state where other color layer(s) and the transmission light dispersion layer are formed just before formation of the second and subsequent color layer. When the quantity of the second and subsequent layers is less than 1 weight portion, the tinting power is insufficient, and on the other hand, when the quantity is over 40 weight portions, the hiding capability is so strong that colors of underlying layers becomes invisible.
In the composite powder according to the present invention, it is required that a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the ab hue angle hab (hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) as defined in the recommendation on uniform color spaces by CIE (Commission Internationale De L""eclairage) is in the range from 10xc2x0 to 180xc2x0. When the value (hMAXxe2x88x92IMIN) is over 180xc2x0, it is required that the value of 360xc2x0xe2x88x92(hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) is in the range from 10xc2x0 to 180xc2x0. The value of hat is calculated through the following equation and by using color coordinates a*, b*:
hab=tanxe2x88x921(b*/a*)
The reason the value of (hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) or 360xc2x0xe2x88x92(hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) is limited to the above-described range is, when the value is outside the range, the cubic structure can not be emphasized by change in the hue, and a preferable range is decided according to an application of the composite powder. For instance, when used as a component for foundation which is cosmetic, the range from red to blue is preferable, so that the value of (hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) or 360xc2x0xe2x88x92(hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) is in the range from 10xc2x0 to 100xc2x0, and when used as a component of paint, the value is set in the range from 10xc2x0 to 180xc2x0.
The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of hab is described more specifically below. For instance, when mica is used as a substrate, the first color layer is formed with red ferric oxide, and the second color layer is formed thereon with yellow titanium oxide containing iron oxide, yellow becomes stronger around the regular reflection angle, and red brown becomes stronger at farther points from the regular reflection angle. By blending the composite powder having the characteristics described above in cosmetics or paints, solid structure of a face or other physical portions can be emphasized not by change in the brightness, but with change in the hue.
In the composite powder according to the present invention, a ratio of the maximum value vs the minimum value of the brightness L* defined in the Recommendation on Uniform Color Spaces by CIE is required to be in the range from 1.0 to 2.0. The brightness L* is a scale for luster of the composite powder, and when the ratio of the maximum value vs the minimum value of the brightness L* is over 2.0, the luster is so intense that the natural appearance is lost.
The ab hue angle hab and brightness L* are measured using the composite powder spread on adhesive surfaces of a highly smooth transparent double-faced tape adhered onto a white paper piece as a sample and the three-dimensional declination spectrometer (produced by Murakami Shikisai-Gijutsu Kenkyusho, GCMS-4 (based on the double beam system; light source: D65; and view angle: 10xc2x0)), and also by setting the incidence angle at 45xc2x0 and changing the receiving angle from xe2x88x9280xc2x0 to 80xc2x0 at the measurement interval of 5xc2x0. In this present invention, assessment was made by calculating the difference (hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN) between the maximum value hMAX and the minimum value hMIN to hab. Also the assessment was made by calculating the ratio L*MAX/L*MIN between the maximum value L*MAX and the minimum value L*MIN of the brightness L*. As the difference (hMAXxe2x88x92hMIN, between the maximum value hMAX and the minimum value hMIN of hab) is larger, the color changes substantially according to the viewing angle, and as the ratio L*MAX/L*MIN is smaller, the luster is lower.
The composite powder according to the present invention should preferably have at least one transmission light dispersion layer with the refractive index in the range from 1.3 to 1.8 between the color layers. This transmission light dispersion layer disperses the light which has passed through the second color layer (upper layer) and comes into the transmission light dispersion layer, and also disperses the light which is reflected on the first color layer and comes again into the transmission light dispersion layer, so that it provides the effect intensifying the contrast between the color of the second color layer at angular positions near the regular reflection angle and the color of the first color layer at angular positions farther from the regular reflection angle. When the transmission light dispersion layer is not provided, the color of the second color layer at angular positions near the regular reflection angle and the color of the first color layer at angular positions farther from the regular reflection angle are mixed with each other, so that it is hard to obtain sharp contrast.
When the refractive index of the transmission light dispersion layer is not in the above-described range, change of the hue is apt to become smaller. The thickness of the transmission light dispersion layer is preferably in the range from 10 to 50 nm. When the thickness of the transmission light dispersion layer is less than 10 nm, dispersion of light, when passing through the layer, is insufficient, and change of the hue becomes smaller, and on the contrary when the thickness is over 50 nm, feeling in touch of the cosmetics with this composite powder blended therein may become lower. It is to be noted that the quantity of the transmission light dispersion layer is preferably in the range from 1 to 40 weight portions against 100 weight portions of the ramentaceous substrate.
The transmission light dispersion layer is made from an inorganic oxide such as silica, or aluminum oxide, inorganic compounds such as magnesium fluoride, and organic resins such as polyamide, acryl, and polyurethane.
The composite powder according to the present invention should preferably have a reflective dispersion layer formed on the color layer which is the outermost layer and having the refractive index of 1.3 to 1.8 with fine irregularities on the surface. This reflective dispersion layer promotes dispersion of light with the irregularities on the surface thereof, and at the same time suppresses reflection of light on a surface of the particle, thus the effect of lowering the luster being provided. When the refractive index of the reflective dispersion layer exceeds 1.8, change of the hue is apt to become smaller. On the contrary, when the refractive index is less than 1.3, dispersion is insufficient, and the effect of lowering the luster may be insufficient.
Thickness of the reflective dispersion layer is preferably in the range from 10 to 100 nm. When the thickness is less than 10, dispersion of light is insufficient, and the effect of lowering the luster is apt to be insufficient, and on the contrary when the thickness is over 100 nm, the feeling in touch of the cosmetics with the composite powder blended therein becomes poorer, and also change of the hue is apt to become smaller.
A quantity of the light dispersion layer is preferably in the range from 3 to 20 weight portions against 100 weight portions of the composite powder before the light dispersion layer is formed thereon (namely, the ramentaceous substrate with the color layer, or the color layer and a reflective dispersion layer formed thereon).
When the quantity of the light reflection layer is less than 3 weight portions, dispersion of light is insufficient, and suppression of the luster may be insufficient, and on the contrary, when the quantity of the light dispersion layer is more than 20 weight portions, the feeling in touch of the cosmetics with the composite powder blended therein becomes poorer, and also change of the hue is apt to become smaller.
The light dispersion layer is made from an inorganic oxide such as silica or aluminum oxide, an inorganic compound such as magnesium fluoride, or organic resin such as polyamide, acryl, or polyurethane. Silica is especially preferable because it has a lower refractive index, and is adapted to coating.
An average particle diameter of the composite powder according to the present invention is in the range from 1 to 100 xcexcm, and preferably in the range from 5 to 30 xcexcm. The composite powder has a ramentaceous form like the substrate, and the average particle diameter is defined herein as the maximum length of the ramentaceous plane, and is calculated by measuring 100 composite powder pieces with a scanning electron microscope and calculating an average of the maximum lengths of the ramentaceous planes of the particles.
When the average particle diameter of the composite powder particles is less than 1 xcexcm, the feeling in touch may be poor, and on the other hand, when the average particle diameter is over 100 xcexcm, the luster is so intense that the natural appearance is lost. When the composite powder according to the present invention is blended in cosmetics, if the average particle diameter is in the range from 5 to 30 xcexcm, cosmetics with excellent extendability on human skin and good feeling in touch can be obtained.
Further the thickness of the composite powder should preferably be in the range from 0.05 to 1 xcexcm.
The method of producing the composite powder according to the present invention is described below.
Formation of the First Color Layer
To form the first color layer, any known coating method may be employed.
For instance, a metallic salt, an inorganic metal compound, and a partially hydrolyzed material thereof as a precursor of a color layer is added by a specified quantity to a dispersion of a ramentaceous substrate (the solvent is water and/or an organic solvent), hydrolysis or condensation/polymerization is performed under the existence of a catalyst for hydrolysis, if necessary, and the hydrolyte or condensed/polymerized material is deposited on the substrate.
Alternatively, a ramentaceous substrate is dispersed in a dispersion of a metallic salt, a solution of an organic metallic compound, or a partially hydrolyzed material thereof each as a precursor of a color layer, the resultant dispersion is hydrolyzed or further condensed/polymerized under the existence of a catalyst for hydrolysis, if necessary, and the hydrolyte or condensed/polymerized material is deposited on the substrate.
In addition, there can be enumerated the method of having color pigment powder deposited on a substrate by making use of static electricity and heating the deposited matter or the method of forming the first color layer by making use of the mechano-chemical method.
Also a method in which organic resin (monomer or oligomer such as polyamide or acryl is polymerized under the existence of a ramentaceous substrate to form an organic resin layer, and then the organic resin layer is colored with various types of pigments or dyes (coloring matters), or a method in which organic resin (monomer or oligomer) is polymerized with a ramentaceous substrate under the existence of pigments or paints is employable.
Still further a method in which fine particles of organic resin is deposited onto a substrate under the existence of various types of inorganic pigments or organic coloring matters by means of an electrostatic or a mechano-chemical method, or a method fine particles of organic resin is deposited as described above and then melted may be used.
Further a method in which a porous inorganic layer is formed on a ramentaceous substrate and then various types of paints or pigments are impregnated into the pores to form a color layer can be enumerated.
Formation of the Second and Subsequent Color Layers
The second and subsequent layers can be formed with the same method of forming the first color layer excluding the point that the ramentaceous substrate with the first color layer or the first color layer and the reflective dispersion layer formed thereon are used.
Formation of the Transmission Light Dispersion Layer
A known film forming method maybe used to form the transmission light dispersion layer.
For instance, in the case where the transmission light dispersion layer is an inorganic oxide, after the color layer is formed, a metal salt or an organic metallic compound or a partially hydrolyzed material thereof each as a precursor material of an inorganic oxide is added by a specified quantity, and then the added material is hydrolyzed or condensed/polymerized under the existence of a catalyst for hydrolysis, if necessary, and deposited on the substrate to form the transmission light dispersion layer.
When the transmission light dispersion layer is an inorganic compound salt (such as magnesium fluoride), a method in which powder of the inorganic compound salt is deposited on a substrate by making use of the static electricity and then the deposited matter is heated, or a mechano-chemical method may be employed.
Further, when the transmission light dispersion layer is organic resin, a method in which organic resin (monomer, oligomer) such as polyamide, or acryl is polymerized under the existence of a ramentaceous substrate with a color layer formed thereon, or a method in which fine particles of organic resin are deposited by means of the static electricity or a mechano-chemical method.
Formation of the Reflective Dispersion Layer
Also the reflective dispersion layer can be formed in the same way as that for forming the transmission light dispersion layer.
Cosmetics according to the present invention is described below.
In the cosmetics according to the present invention, the composite powder according to the present invention is blended together with various types of cosmetic components.
A blending rate of the composite power is preferably in the range from 1 to 90 weight percent. When the rate is less than 1 weight percent, the effect of providing natural appearance to a target body to be colored is hardly obtained. Namely, with the cosmetics according to the present invention, the hue changes according to a viewing angle, so that a three-dimensional effect can be given to a face or other solid portions of a human body irrespective of change in the brightness. When the blending rate is over 90 weight percent, the tinting power or oily feeling originally required to cosmetics may be lost.
The cosmetic components include, but not limited to, alcohols such as higher fatty alcohols, higher fatty acids, various types including ester oil, paraffin oil, and wax, ethylalcohol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and glycerin; moisturizing agents such as muco-polysaccharides, collagens, PCA salt, lactates; various types of nonionic, cationic, anionic, or amphoteric surface surfactants; thickeners such as gum arabic, xanthane gum, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, etthylcellulose, carboxyl methylcellulose, carboxyvinyl polymer, denatured or not-denatured clay minerals; solvents such as ethyl acetate, acetone, and toluene; inorganic pigments/dyes; organic pigments/paints; antioxidants such as BHT, tocopherol; water; chemical agents; ultraviolet ray absorber; pH buffer; chelating agents; antiseptics; and perfumes. Further, at least one of inorganic fillers such as silica, talc, kaolin, and mica and physical pigments, and various types of organic resin may be contained therein.
When the composite powder according to the present invention is blended in cosmetics, the surface of the powder may be processed with, for instance, silicone or a fluorine compound.
The cosmetics according to the present invention can be manufactured by a known method, and is used in various forms including powder, cake-like, stick-like, pencil-like, liquid-phase, or cream-like forms, and more specifically the cosmetics include foundation, cream, emulsion, eye-shadow, make-up base, nail enamel, eye liner, mascara, lip stick, pack, and cosmetics for hair.
Paints according to the present invention are described below.
The composite power according to the present invention is blended in the paints according to the present invention together with various types of paint components and various types of solvent components.
The blending rate of the composite powder is preferably in the range from 0.5 to 50 weight percent against the component for formation of paint film. When the blending rate is less than 0.5 weight percent, the natural appearance of the paint film is hardly obtained like in the case of the cosmetics, and on the other hand, when the blending rate is more than 50 weight percent, strength of the paint film may become lower and also flatness of the surface may easily be lost.
The components for formation of the paint film include, but not limited to, organic resin components such as acryl, vinyl chloride, polyurethane, nitrocellulose, and polyester, and inorganic components of metallic alkoxides such as organic titanate, and organic silicate. Further additives such as thickeners, ultraviolet absorbers, and stabilizers, and various types of coloring matters may be used. As solvent components of the paints, such materials as dimethylformamide, methylethylketone, and toluene may be used on the condition that the materials dissolve the components for formation of paint film.

Composite powder, cosmetic and paint with the composite powder blended therein

Catalysts and Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd.


A system and method for bio-electricity production are provided. The system includes a microorganism fuel cell in which the anode compartment comprises a microorganism cell having displayed thereon an enzyme to oxidize the substrate and generate electrons. Microorganism cells, such as bacteria or yeast, may be transformed to display enzymes such as oxidases, alcohol dehydrigenases and glucoamylases.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are devices capable of directly transforming chemical energy to electrical energy via electrochemical reactions involving biochemical pathways. A typical microbial fuel cell consists of anode and cathode compartments separated by a cation specific membrane. In the anode compartment, fuel is oxidized by microorganisms or by purified isolated enzymes, generating electrons and protons. Electrons are transferred to the cathode compartment through an external electric circuit, and the protons are transferred to the cathode compartment through the membrane.
Microbial based fuel cells exploit whole organism metabolism for catalyzing oxidation/reduction of metabolites (fuel) at the anode or cathode whereas enzyme based fuel cells utilize purified enzymes as catalysts.
Microbially catalyzed systems are generally robust, capable of completely oxidizing the fuel and have a long lifetime. However, these systems are limited by low current and power densities.
Enzymatically catalyzed systems are generally well defined systems showing higher current and power densities. However, enzyme based bio-fuel cells suffer from poor stability and short-term operational capacity, since enzyme stability and activity decline outside of the cellular milieu and since enzyme coupling with inorganic surfaces is poor. Further, enzymatic fuel cells still lack sufficient power density to render them applicable in "real world" applications, the main reason being their slow metabolic rates and lack of efficient means for transferring the electrons generated by substrate oxidation to the extracellular environment (namely, the anode).
Because living cells have metabolic pathways for oxidizing a wide variety of substrates, many biodegradable organic matter may be used in an MFC to generate power, including simple molecules such as carbohydrates and proteins and complex mixtures of organic matter including alcohols, fatty acids and carbohydrates present, for example, in waste waters. Thus, MFCs are ideal for renewable bioelectricity generation from biomass.
In the design of whole-cell-based microbial fuel cells, a significant step is the transfer of electrons back and forth between the microbe cell and the electrode. Optimized electron flow is currently hampered by the inefficient coupling between the electron acceptor (usually a gold electrode) and the electron donor (microorganism). Bare gold is a poor electron acceptor from electrogenic microorganisms. Also, the active site of most enzymes is embedded deeply within the protein matrix, thus negating the possibility of direct communication with electrodes. In most cases, in order to overcome these problems, an artificial mediator for electron transfer is used. These electron shuttles (such as thionine, methyl viologen, methyl blue, humic acid and neutral red) enable microorganisms to generate electrochemically active reduced products. Unfortunately, systems including mediators are not easily optimized and most of the available mediators are expensive and toxic.
Direct electron transfer was discovered in several microorganisms (termed exoelectrogens or electricigens). Thus it became possible to construct an MFC without requiring external mediators, by using exoelectrogens. However, the use of mediators is still appealing since it affords anodes with lower potentials, which increases the overall electromotive force (EMF) of a given MFC.
The limitations of the existing MFCs prevent this important technology from being used in "real world" applications.
There is a need for a self-sustaining and renewable system for efficient extraction of electrons from organic compounds.

Systems and method for bio-electricity production

Bengurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority