This invention relates to sauces and salad dressings containing a soluble calcium source comprising specific molar ratios of calcium, citrate and malate or calcium acetate. The calcium composition is more soluble in these products than calcium citrate or calcium carbonate. The calcium citrate malate consists of a metastable complex salt. A calcium fortified vinegar is also disclosed.

Calcium is a mineral that is important for building bones and teeth. One of the problems with supplementation of the diet with calcium is that all sources of calcium are not equally soluble or bioavailable. In addition, some calcium sources are not as pure as other sources. For example, calcium carbonate derived from bone meal, oyster shell, or other biological origins contains trace amounts of lead and other minerals. Some calcium carbonates also contain silica. Therefore, it is necessary to take additional amounts of these materials to achieve the same calcium level as those taken from synthetic sources which are essentially pure calcium carbonate.
Calcium citrate is poorly soluble in water; calcium malate is more soluble. Calcium hydroxide is somewhere in between these salts. The hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide from the air readily forming calcium carbonate. Calcium salts readily hydrate even when stored in dry cool places. Therefore, the amount of calcium being delivered by any pill or preparation may be even less than expected because of the large amount of water absorbed by the salts.
Calcium salts are more soluble in acid matrices than in neutral solutions. However, even under acid conditions, the solubility of many calcium salts is limited. It has been found that the preferred calcium citrate malate used herein is readily soluble and bioavailable, even under neutral conditions. Also, because of this solubility and because of the microcrystalline form of the calcium citrate malate used herein, it does not produce a gritty taste in sauces.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,010 to Chozianin et al, issued May 4, 1976. discloses emulsified oil dressing products such as mayonnaise, salad dressing, and french dressing where the fat component is based on a standard triglyceride fat or oil. Salad dressings are defined as emulsified foods prepared from an edible vegetable oil, and acidifying ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice or lime juice, and egg yolk containing ingredients in a cooked or partially cooked starch paste prepared from food starch, tapioca flour, wheat flour, rye flour, or combinations of these starchy materials and water.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,808 to Jonson, issued Feb. 20, 1979, discloses low calorie mayonnaise and dressing-type products which comprise oil, egg yolk vinegar, mustard and spices. This patent teaches that industrially manufactured products of this type also contain acetic acid, sugar, salt, thickener, preservatives, and dyes. Among the suitable thickeners listed are starch and chemically modified starches.
The present invention relates to emulsified oil dressing products, in particular salad dressing products, which are calcium fortified, yet have the desired consistency and texture of mayonnaise products. It also relates to the vinegar preparations used to make these products.
In addition to its use in bone building, calcium has also been known to form insoluble salts or soaps with long chain fatty acids. When fat is metabolized fatty acids are formed in the gut. Recently it has been discovered that if there are calcium ions available, then these saturated long chain fatty acids can form insoluble calcium soaps and thus not be absorbed. Therefore, a sauce or other emulsified oil dressing which contains high levels of available, soluble calcium which could be used in conjunction with beef and other saturated fat containing foods, would be useful because the amount of fat absorbed from the food would be decreased.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a readily available calcium source which can be used as a nutritional supplement for building bones, strong teeth, and in general supplementing the daily requirement of calcium in the form of a sauce or emulsified dressing or a vinegar.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a method of decreasing the fat absorbed from meats, and other fat containing foods by serving a calcium fortified sauce with the food product.
These and other objects will become apparent from the descriptions herein.

Calcium fortified dressing salad product


A bracket mount assembly includes a mounting plate and a base assembly. The mounting plate includes a mounting aperture. The mounting aperture has an aperture cross-sectional width. The base assembly includes a first fastener and a second fastener. A first width is defined as a width between the first and second fasteners proximal to a first end of the base assembly. A second width is defined as a width between the first and second fasteners proximal to a second, opposing end of the primary fastener. A third width is defined as a width between the first and second fasteners at a point between the first and second ends of the primary fastener. The third width is greater than each of the first width, the second width and the aperture cross-sectional width.

Lights, ceiling fans, and other fixtures are typically mounted to an electrical outlet box of a wall, ceiling or other support structures. The structure's electrical system may then be connected to the fixture by routing wires through the outlet box and connecting it to the fixture.
A common type of a bracket to mount the fixture to the electrical outlet box contains a mounting plate attached across the opening of the electrical outlet box by threaded connectors such as screws. The fixture is then coupled to the electrical outlet box by screws inserted through the fixture and into threaded holes on the mounting plate. This method of installation is difficult to perform, as the fixture often blocks the view of the threaded holes on the mounting plate, and workers need to scrape the screws around the mounting plate to locate the threaded holes. Furthermore, certain fixtures, such as recessed lights, must be installed in tight quarters where visibility or dexterity are limited. Because of this, there is a need to improve installation of light fixtures.

Bracket mount assembly for light fixtures


A mining vehicle monitoring and control system includes at least one sensor that is located in the vehicle. The sensor collects real-time data for at least one condition of the vehicle. A server is located remote from the vehicle and a first transmission means transmits the collected data to the server. At least one control parameter is loaded onto the server and a comparison means in the server compares the collected data to the control parameter and generates at least one vehicle condition recommendation based on the comparison. A display device is located in the vehicle and is visible to a driver of the vehicle. A second transmission means transmits the vehicle condition recommendation from the server to the display device. The driver of the vehicle is able to see the vehicle condition recommendation and adjust the operating conditions of the vehicle according to the recommendation.

Mining industry operations include quarries, ports and other facilities. In such operations, drivers operate large mining vehicles, such as specialized ultra-class dump trucks, which are capable of carrying raw material payloads that weigh hundreds of tons. For the purpose of convenience, general reference will be made herein to vehicle or mining vehicle with the understanding that such reference includes ultra-class dump-truck type mining vehicles. In a mining operation, the operating cost of such mining vehicles is a significant consideration. Two significant items that contribute to this operating cost are the fuel consumption of the vehicle and tire wear.
Because such large mining vehicles consume tremendous amounts of fuel, it is desirable to operate each vehicle in a manner that reduces fuel consumption. Likewise, because replacement tires for such mining vehicles are expensive, it is desirable to operate each vehicle in a manner that minimizes tire wear. However, in the prior art, it has been difficult at a typical mining operation to operate the mining vehicles in a manner that reduces fuel consumption and minimizes tire wear.
For example, at a typical mining operation, many vehicles are employed to transport mined raw material to a processing area. Due to the constraints of the mining equipment, only one vehicle at a time can be loaded with raw material, which results in vehicles waiting in line to be loaded, as opposed to being constantly moving. During the unloading or dumping operation, similar constraints again result in vehicles waiting in line. To make up for time spent waiting in line, the driver or operator of a vehicle may drive each vehicle rapidly once the vehicle is loaded. Such rapid driving includes increased vehicle acceleration and increased travel speed. Increased acceleration and travel speed in turn undesirably increase fuel cost and tire wear.
It is therefore desirable to provide a sensor-based monitoring and control system for mining vehicles that enables the drivers of such vehicles to optimize vehicle operating conditions based on real-time conditions to desirably reduce fuel cost and tire wear.

Mining vehicle monitoring and control system


An image recording method for an image recording medium is used in an image display apparatus that changes an image on a light valve and changes quantity of light which is incident on the light valve via a light control element according to an input image signal. The image recording method includes accommodating a range of brightness information which an object to be imaged indicates, in an entire range of brightness information which an image recording apparatus can record in the image recording medium; and recording a light-control control signal for controlling the light control element when an image signal is recorded on the image recording medium. The light control element is generated on the basis of the range of the brightness information uniformly expanded, in synchronization with the image signal.

The exemplary embodiments relate to an image recording method, an image recording apparatus, an image recording medium, an image display method, and an image display apparatus. Particularly, the exemplary embodiments relate to an image recording method, an image recording apparatus, an image recording medium, an image display method, and an image display apparatus, in which the actual brightness when imaging is faithfully recorded, and the actual brightness when imaging can be faithfully expressed from the recording medium in which the actual brightness has been recorded.
In the related art, development of information devices has been remarkably achieved, and needs for a display apparatus that is high in resolution, power-saving, and of a thin type is increasing, so that research and development of such a display apparatus have been conducted. As a display apparatus capable of meeting the above needs, a liquid crystal display apparatus is particularly expected, which can electrically control arrangement of liquid crystal molecule thereby to change optical characteristics. As a form of such a liquid crystal apparatus, a projection-type image display apparatus (liquid crystal projector) has been known, in which, using a light valve (liquid crystal light valve), and a light control element that changes quantity of light that is incident on the light valve, the liquid crystal apparatus enlarges and projects an image emerging from an optical system on a screen through a projection lens. In the related art, technology of adjusting luminance of a light source in the projection-type image display apparatus which enlarges and projects an image on the screen has been disclosed.
In this related art, when an image is recorded in an image recording apparatus, for example, shutter speed or diaphragm is controlled, whereby the focus is placed in a range of brightness that a user hopes, an image is recorded with its brightness, and the image is displayed in an image display apparatus in accordance with the recorded image. However, in such a method, all of brightness information, when actually imaging, is not recorded in the image recording apparatus. Therefore, the brightness faithful to the brightness when actually imaging cannot be expressed.

Image recording method, image recording apparatus, image recording medium, image display method, and image display apparatus for reading and recording actual brightness


An anhydride-functional polymer obtained by reacting under graft copolymerization reaction conditions,. (A) an unsaturated polymer which was obtained by reacting under ene reaction conditions a mixture of reactants comprising: PA1 (B) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer which is copolymerizable with the unsaturated polymer.. (i) an unsaturated anhydride having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to about 6 carbons, or alkoxy of 1 to about 6 carbons, or a halogen; and PA2 (ii) at least one polyolefin having at least two carbon-carbon double bonds in the polyolefin backbone and having an average of at least three carbon atoms in the polyolefin backbone between the carbon-carbon double bonds; and

1. Field of the Invention.
This invention relates to anhydride-functional polymers obtained by reacting, under graft copolymerization reaction conditions,
(A) an unsaturated polymer obtained by reacting under ene reaction conditions: PA1 (B) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer which is copolymerizable with the unsaturated polymer. PA1 --[--(CR.sub.3 R.sub.4).sub.x --CHR.sub.5 --CH.dbd.CH--]-- PA1 Z--CH.dbd.CH--[--(CR.sub.3 R.sub.4).sub.x --CHR.sub.5 --CH.dbd.CH--].sub.n --Z PA1 (A) an unsaturated polymer obtained by reacting under ene reaction conditions: PA1 (B) a copolymerizable monomer. PA1 (a) a basecoat comprising a pigmented film-forming polymer; and PA1 (b) a transparent clearcoat comprising a film-forming polymer applied to the surface of the basecoat composition; PA1 (A) an unsaturated polymer which was obtained by the ene reaction of an unsaturated anhydride and a specified class of polyolefins; and PA1 (B) an unsaturated monomer copolymerizable therewith. PA1 Z--CH.dbd.CH--[--(CR.sub.3 R.sub.4).sub.x --CHR.sub.5 --CH.dbd.CH--].sub.n --Z. PA1 .brket open-st.(CH.sub.2).sub.5 --CH.dbd.CH.brket close-st. PA1 .brket open-st.(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --CH.dbd.CH.brket close-st. PA1 (a) esters of acrylic, methacrylic, crotonic, tiglic, or other unsaturated acids such as: methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, amyl acrylate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, ethyl tiglate, methyl crotonate, ethyl crotonate, etc.; PA1 (b) vinyl compounds such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl isobutyrate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl m-chlorobenzoate, vinyl p-methoxybenzoate, vinyl .alpha.-chloroacetate, vinyl toluene, vinyl chloride, etc.; PA1 (c) styrene-based materials such as styrene, .alpha.-methyl styrene, .alpha.-ethyl styrene, .alpha.-bromo styrene, 2,6-dichlorostyrene, etc.; PA1 (d) allyl compounds such as allyl chloride, allyl acetate, allyl benzoate, allyl methacrylate, etc.; PA1 (e) other copolymerizable unsaturated monomers such as ethylene, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, dimethyl maleate, isopropenyl acetate, isopropenyl isobutyrate, acrylamide, methacrylamide and dienes such as 1,3-butadiene, etc.; PA1 (f) unsaturated acids and anhydrides, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, tiglic acid, maleic anhydride, etc. PA1 2.A.1. Polyether polyols are well known in the art and are conveniently prepared by the reaction of a diol or polyol with the corresponding alkylene oxide. These materials are commercially available and may be prepared by a known process such as, for example, the processes described in Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Volume 7, pages 257-262, published by Interscience Publishers, Inc., 1951; and in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Volume 18, pages 638-641, published by Wiley-International, 1982. Representative examples include the polypropylene ether glycols and polyethylene ether glycols such as those marketed as Niax.RTM. Polyols from Union Carbide Corporation. PA1 2.A.2. Another useful class of hydroxy-functional polymers are those prepared by condensation polymerization reaction techniques as are well known in the art. Representative condensation polymerization reactions include polyesters prepared by the condensation of polyhydric alcohols and polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides, with or without the inclusion of drying oil, semi-drying oil, or non-drying oil fatty acids. By adjusting the stoichiometry of the alcohols and the acids while maintaining an excess of hydroxyl groups, hydroxy-functional polyesters can be readily produced to provide a wide range of desired molecular weights and performance characteristics. PA1 2.A.3. Additionally, hydroxy-functional polymers can be prepared by the ring opening reaction of epoxides and/or polyepoxides with primary or, preferably, secondary amines or polyamines to produce hydroxy-functional polymers. Representative amines and polyamines include ethanol amine, N-methylethanol amine, dimethyl amine, ethylene diamine, isophorone diamine, etc. Representative polyepoxides include those prepared by condensing a polyhydric alcohol or polyhydric phenol with an epihalohydrin, such as epichlorohydrin, usually under alkaline conditions. Some of these condensation products are available commercially under the designations EPON or DRH from Shell Chemical Company, and methods of preparation are representatively taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,592,560; 2,582,985 and 2,694,694. PA1 2.A.4. Other useful hydroxy-functional polymers can be prepared by the reaction of an excess of at least one polyol, such as those representatively described in Section 2.A.2 above, with polyisocyanates to produce hydroxy-functional urethanes. Representative polyisocyanates having two or more isocyanate groups per molecule include the aliphatic compounds such as ethylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene, 1,2-propylene, 1,2-butylene, 2,3-butylene, 1,3-butylene, ethylidene and butylidene diisocyanates; the cycloalkylene compounds such as 3-isocya- natomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylisocyanate, and the 1,3-cyclopentane, 1,3-cyclohexane, and 1,2-cyclohexane diisocyanates; the aromatic compounds such as m-phenylene, p-phenylene, 4,4'-diphenyl, 1,5-naphthalene and 1,4-naphthalene diisocyanates; the aliphatic-aromatic compounds such as 4,4'-diphenylene methane, 2,4or 2,6-toluene, or mixtures thereof, 4,4'-toluidine, and 1,4-xylylene diisocyanates; the nuclear substituted aromatic compounds such as dianisidine diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylether diisocyanate and chlorodiphenylene diisocyanate; the triisocyanates such as triphenylmethane-4,4',4"-triisocyanate, 1,3,5-triisocyanatebenzene and2,4,6-triisocyanate toluene; and the tetraisocyanates such as 4,4'-diphenyl-dimethyl methane-2,2'-5,5'-tetraisocyanate; the polymerized polyisocyanates such as tolylene diisocyanate dimers and trimers, and other various polyisocyanates containing biuret, urethane, and/or allophanate linkages. The polyisocyanates and the polyols are typically reacted at temperatures of 25.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. to form the hydroxy-functional polymers. PA1 2.A.5. Useful hydroxy-functional polymers can also be conveniently prepared by free radical polymerization techniques such as in the production of acrylic resins. The polymers are typically prepared by the addition polymerization of one or more monomers. At least one of the monomers will contain, or can be reacted to produce, a reactive hydroxyl group. Representative hydroxy-functional monomers include 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl acrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, 4-hydroxypentyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl ethacrylate, 3-hydroxybutyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl chloroacrylate, diethylene glycol methacrylate, tetra ethylene glycol acrylate, para-vinyl benzyl alcohol, etc. Typically the hydroxy-functional monomers would be copolymerized with one or more monomers having ethylenic unsaturation such as:
(i) an unsaturated anhydride having the structure: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to about 6 carbons, or alkoxy of 1 to about 6 carbons, or a halogen; and PA2 (ii) at least one polyolefin having at least two carbon-carbon double bonds in the polyolefin backbone and having an average of at least three carbon atoms in the polyolefin backbone between the carbon-carbon double bonds; and PA2 (i) an unsaturated anhydride and PA2 (ii) a defined polyolefin; and PA2 (i) esters of acrylic, methacrylic, crotonic, tiglic, or other unsaturated acids such as: methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, amyl acrylate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, ethyl tiglate, methyl crotonate, ethyl crotonate, etc.; PA2 (ii) vinyl compounds such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl isobutyrate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl m-chlorobenzoate, vinyl p-methoxybenzoate, vinyl .alpha.-chloroacetate, vinyl toluene, vinyl chloride, etc.; PA2 (iii) styrene-based materials such as styrene, .alpha.-methyl styrene, .alpha.-ethyl styrene, .alpha.-bromo styrene, 2,6-dichlorostyrene, etc.; PA2 (iv) allyl compounds such as allyl chloride, allyl acetate, allyl benzoate, allyl methacrylate, etc.; PA2 (v) other copolymerizable unsaturated monomers such as ethylene, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, dimethyl maleate, isopropenyl acetate, isopropenyl isobutyrate, acrylamide, methacrylamide, and dienes such as 1,3-butadiene, etc.
The polyolefin which is reacted under ene reaction conditions with the unsaturated anhydride will have an average of at least three carbon atoms in the backbone between the carbon-carbon double bonds. The backbone of such a polyolefin would be comprised primarily of repeating units having the structure:
wherein each x is individually a number from 2 to about 15; and R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are each individually hydrogen, or a linear, branched or cyclic aliphatic group of 1 to about 18 carbon atoms. By "primarily" is meant that at least 60% by weight, and preferably at least 90% by weight, of the repeating backbone units of the polyolefin would have that structure.
The preferred polyolefin has the structure:
wherein each x, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is as defined above; each Z is individually hydrogen, or a linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic group of 1 to about 36 carbons; and n is a number between 2 and 5,000.
The anhydride-functional graft copolymers should have an average of at least two anhydride groups per molecule, and are useful as corrosion or scale inhibitors, thickeners, dispersants, and as reactive agents and/or crosslinking agents for compounds having functional groups, such as epoxy, hydroxyl or amine groups, which are reactive with anhydride groups. The anhydride-functional graft copolymers can, therefore, be utilized in a variety of materials such as plastics, fibers, adhesives, paper sizing, inks and, particularly, coating compositions.
This invention also relates to novel reactive compositions which utilize the anhydride-functional graft copolymer in combination with one or more materials which can react with anhydride groups. These reactive compositions can be reacted at room temperature or force dried at temperatures ranging up to about 350.degree. F. or higher if desired. When utilized as reactive crosslinking agents for coatings, the anhydride-functional graft copolymers may be utilized in a variety of coating applications, including primers and topcoats as well as clearcoats and/or basecoats in clearcoat/basecoat compositions.
The reactive compositions typically involve the combination of the anhydride-functional graft copolymer with materials reactive with anhydrides such as polyepoxides, polyamines, polyols, etc. One preferred reactive composition comprises the anhydride-functional graft copolymer and a polyol, preferably a hydroxy-functional polymer, optionally in combination with an epoxide or polyepoxide. Another preferred reactive composition comprises the anhydride-functional graft copolymer, an acid-functional compound, an epoxide or polyepoxide, and, optionally, a polyol. All of these combinations can provide fast reacting, durable coatings which minimize the toxicity problems which may be associated with other low temperature curing systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art.
Some polymers obtained by the reaction of unsaturated anhydrides and olefins are known in the art. Japanese examined patent application number 48-43191 teaches the Ziegler-Natta copolymerization of alkenyl anhydrides with olefins such as ethylene, butene or styrene, in the presence of a mixed catalyst comprising an organic metal compound and a transition metal compound. U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,235 teaches polymers obtained by the free radical initiated addition polymerization of an alkenyl succinic anhydride with one or more vinyl monomers such as maleic anhydride, maleimides, vinyl acetate, and alkyl vinyl ethers. U.S. Patent 4,599,432 teaches the production of alkenyl succinic anhydride compositions by the reaction of an olefin and maleic anhydride followed by the addition of a free radical catalyst to polymerize any unreacted olefin and maleic anhydride. U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,868 teaches resinous binders obtained by the free-radical initiated copolymerization of an .alpha.-olefin or cycloolefin and an olefinically unsaturated monoanhydride. U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,555 teaches hydrocarbons substituted with at least two anhydride moieties produced by the free-radical initiated copolymerization of a specified hydrocarbon and a molar excess of an organic anhydride. U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,742 teaches the free-radical addition copolymer of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 olefin and maleic anhydride as an aqueous copolymer suspension.
The ene reaction involving unsaturated anhydrides with certain olefins is also known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,867 teaches resinous condensation products made from (i) the ene reaction adduct of an unsaturated anhydride or acid or ester thereof, with a specified unsaturated liquid phenol or oligomer thereof, and (ii) an aldehyde. U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,114 teaches the ene reaction of maleic anhydride and unsaturated polyolefins such as polypentadiene. The resultant anhydride-functional polymer can be subjected to a ring cleavage reaction to produce an acid-functional polymer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,774 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,044 teach the ene reaction product of an unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydride and an ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst or a specified boron compound, respectively.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,669 teaches the ene reaction of maleic anhydride with unsaturated fatty acids. U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,925 teaches the ene reaction product of .alpha.-olefins and unsaturated anhydrides in the production of deodorizing compounds. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,555,546 and 5,130,371 teach polyolefin graft copolymers having anhydride functionality.
Unsaturated anhydrides, such as maleic anhydride, and copolymers made from maleic anhydride are known in the art. Such anhydride copolymers are heterogeneous with respect to the distribution of anhydride groups along the backbone of the polymer due to the abnormal copolymerization behavior of maleic anhydride with other monomers, and the acid groups generated from opening these anhydrides by reaction with hydroxyl or amine groups are not highly reactive for further cure reactions, e.g. with epoxy groups, due to steric hindrance arising from the proximity of the anhydride ring to the polymer backbone. Such anhydride-functional polymers are also relatively viscous and may be difficult to utilize in combination with low levels of solvent. Additionally, such polymers may form dark colored materials when certain base catalysts, such as N-methyl imidazole, are used to accelerate a subsequent reaction of the polyanhydride with reactive materials such as hydroxy-functional compounds.
Curable compositions comprising polyanhydrides in combination with other reactive materials are also known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,744 teaches clearcoat/basecoat combinations involving (i) a polyanhydride, for example, such as that prepared by copolymerization of maleic anhydride with (meth)acrylic monomers, and (ii) a polyol. U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,806 teaches curable compositions comprising a polyanhydride, a polyacid, a polyol and an epoxy-functional compound. U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,758 teaches an acid-functional cellulose ester based polymer which could be used in combination with a polyanhydride and a polyepoxide.

Graft copolymers having anhydride functionality


A flushing system for a recreational vehicle grey water holding tank including a water supply line having a upright air containing line with a closed outer end and with its inner end confluent with the supply line, an on-off valve downstream of the air containing line and a one way valve in the supply line. The inner end of the supply line extending into the tank confluently connected to an upright pipe with a spray nozzle on the top end thereof.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for flushing and thereby cleaning the grey water holding tanks of recreational vehicles.
2. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Prior art devices include systems such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,868,932 and 4,527,295 wherein water, at incoming line pressure, is sprayed into the drained tank to thereby dislodge foreign material which is then drained from the tank. However, frequently this foreign material is firmly lodged within the tank and the prior art sprays are not sufficient to properly clean the tank.

Flushing system for a holding tank of a recreational vehicle


A biodegradable thermoplastic film is disclosed comprising an alkanoyl polymer, a destructured starch and an ethylene copolymer. The film can be stretched providing breathability and enhancing its biodegradability.

For several decades, it has been a goal of industry to make plastic sheet or film materials either environmentally degradable by sunlight, moisture, temperature and the like or biodegradable by microorganisms. Usually after environmental degradation, plastic sheet or film materials are then more susceptible to assimilation by microorganisms. In spite of considerable efforts, our lands are becoming inundated with plastic sheet or film materials, and articles made therefrom, that will not degrade perhaps for centuries. It is therefore a continuing goal to make plastic sheet or film materials as fully degradable as possible. A biodegradable material is one that undergoes biological degradation which ultimately mineralizes (biodegrades to CO.sub.2, water and biomass) in the environment like other known biodegradable matter such as paper and yard waste. It would be highly desirable to provide a plastic sheet or film material that is biodegradable especially in a municipal solid waste facility where it may undergo biodegradation in the presence of heat, moisture and microorganisms.
There is a particular need for biodegradable plastic sheet or film material in disposable diapers, sanitary pads, hygienic pads and the like. These products for practical purposes must satisfy such properties as water impermeability in order to prevent seepage of urine and other human waste products therethrough. In addition, such sheet or film materials must have sufficient tear, tensile and impact strengths to function in such useful articles. The same properties that make them useful, however, lead to their lack of biodegradability. A few examples of patents directed to biodegradable and environmentally degradable compositions or products include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,901,838; 3,921,333; 4,016,117; 4,021,388; 4,120,576; 4,125,495; 4,218,350 and 4,420,576.
A number of problems exist in connection with certain biodegradable films. For instance, biodegradable thermoplastic starch-based polymeric films are known as disclosed in International Applns. Nos. EP90/01286 and WO91/02025. However, these films tend to be dry, brittle and moisture sensitive. Over time such films absorb water causing them to become soggy and they eventually disintegrate. Although biodegradable, their moisture sensitivity renders them unsuitable for use as moisture barriers in practical applications. Other thermoplastic water impermeable films have been proposed. But such films are usually tough and stiff thereby rendering them uncomfortable for use with diapers, sanitary pads, hygienic pads and the like. Therefore, against this background of prior art, it is evident that further improvements in biodegradable films are needed.

Biodegradable film and method of making same


A pneumatic seasoning system and method utilizing a rotating drum for seasoning, a funnel-fed pneumatic eductor, line splitters, and a plurality of specially-designed swirl-inducing nozzle spools for inducing a broad and even seasoning plume. In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic seasoning system transports seasoning from a seasoning hopper to food items within a rotating drum using a combination of an eductor and four in-line vacuum generators, which vacuum generators operate on compressed air. Each vacuum generator comprises a distributing nozzle roughly shaped like a collared spool, wherein compressed air is supplied to the annular region defined between the spool and its collar, and said compressed air exits through swirl ports distributed about the circumference of the spool exit. Each swirl port preferably has a pitch angle of 15° and a yaw angle of 15°.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a pneumatic seasoning system and method for evenly and consistently applying seasoning material to a food product, especially farinaceous-based food products. More specifically, the invention offers improved rotating drum-type seasoning by combining the use of a pneumatic eductor and one or more in-line vacuum-generating swirl-inducing nozzles.
2. Description of Related Art
Snack food products, particularly seasoned snacks chips, are eaten and enjoyed by consumers. For example, potato chips, tortilla chips, corn chips, and the like often include one or more seasonings added to the snack chips after cooking but prior to packaging. To season, snack chips are typically seasoned by sprinkling one or more seasonings onto the surface of the chip products. The surfaces of the chips after seasoning provide a desirable and interesting appearance and immediate flavor to the palate upon consumption. Some common seasonings that consumers prefer, for example, include salt, barbecue flavor, sour cream and onion flavor, vinegar flavor, cheese, and others. Some of these seasonings are hygroscopic and readily absorb oil.
Seasoning is typically coated onto the surface of chips after cooking. Typically, this is advantageous in that after cooking, particularly with frying, the surface of the chips retain a surface coating of oil and are hot. When the powdered seasoning is deposited onto the exterior surface of the chips, a portion of the seasoning powder is retained.
Present techniques for distributing seasoning onto snack chips include tumbling the chips in a rotating cylindrical drum containing seasoning and sprinkling seasoning onto chips as they pass under a seasoning applicator. For example, with a rotating cylindrical drum, unseasoned snack chips enter the drum at an elevated end through a funnel. Seasoning is fed through a dispenser into an interior portion of the drum so as to coat the rotating chips. Internal baffles lift and tumble the chips to promote even coverage of seasoning as the chips are drawn toward the bottom of the drum via gravity. Thereafter, seasoned chips exit the drum and are packaged.
Seasoning is typically delivered into a seasoning drum via a screw feeder or a vibratory feeding device and then applied to product by the force of gravity alone. Unless the product is particularly moist or has an oily surface, such seasoning delivery methods do not quite achieve a desirable level of coverage or consistency. Consequently, in most prior art drum-type seasoning applicators, successful coating of the end product requires pre-seasoning application of a bonding solution or other liquid—such as sugar solution, oil, or lecithin. While the combination of seasoning drop-on and product pre-coating can be used to achieve the desired coverage, such simultaneous application of powder and liquid in close proximity introduces a high degree of complexity in controlling the seasoning process. For example, spray slurries can clog nozzles or accumulate around spray ports, altering spray patterns and ultimately preventing product uniformity. Slurry concentration, slurry temperature, spray droplet size, and product holding time, can all affect seasoning distribution, seasoning adhesion, and thus also affect product flavor and color.
Consequently, a need exists for a seasoning apparatus and process capable of applying seasoning onto snack products consistently and efficiently while keeping the overall degree of complexity to a minimum. In particular, an improved drum-type seasoning applicator would be capable of applying seasoning uniformly to food products—such as snack chips, snack crisps, and other farinaceous products—without the need for pre-seasoning liquid spray application or post-seasoning drying.


A vibration control system for a structure having a first structural member and a second structural member. The vibration control system having a liquid spring operably interposed between the first structural member and the second structural member. The liquid spring uses a compressible liquid to generate spring forces in response to relative displacement between the first structural member and the second structural member. A second volume of compressible liquid in a second chamber is removably connected to the liquid spring by a fluid passage. A valve is coupled to the fluid passage. The valve is selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. A controller is electrically coupled to the valve. The controller emits a control signal to control the valve. The control signal is determined by a combination of at least a first component to alter the stiffness of the liquid spring and a second component to alter the damping of the liquid spring.

The present invention relates to vibration control systems and, more particularly, to a system and method for controlling the stiffness and damping of a liquid spring vibration control system using a single valve.
Vibration is a destructive force in a variety of environments. Vibration can be periodic, as created by a rotating compressor in an air conditioning unit or an engine in a car. Periodic vibration is characterized by a particular frequency and amplitude. Random vibration, on the other hand, has no dominant frequency and no dominant amplitude. Instead, the vibration must be analyzed quantitatively to determine average amplitudes and common frequencies. Damping is the process by which vibration steadily diminishes in amplitude. In damping, the energy of the vibrating system is dissipated as friction or heat, or transmitted as sound. The process of damping can take any of several forms, and often more than one form is present.
Liquid springs can utilize a compressible fluid to provide damping forces. A liquid spring can comprise a cylindrical housing having an internal chamber with a compressible liquid therein, a piston reciprocally disposed in the chamber, and a rod structure axially movable into and out of the chamber, secured to the piston, and having an outer longitudinal portion projecting outwardly of one of the housing ends. If a liquid spring is used between a vehicle frame and an associated wheel support structure, the compressible liquid within the liquid spring generates both stiffness and damping forces in the suspension system in response to relative axial translation between the rod structure and housing of the liquid spring caused by relative displacement between the wheel and the frame.
Although liquid springs provide stiffness or damping forces, a need exists for a way to change the amount of stiffness or damping of the liquid spring in response to changing conditions.
In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a vibration control system for a structure having a first structural member and a second structural member. The vibration control system has a liquid spring operably interposed between the first structural member and the second structural member using a compressible liquid to generate spring forces in response to relative displacement between the first structural member and the second structural member. A second volume of compressible liquid in a second chamber is removably connected to the liquid spring by a fluid passage.
A valve is coupled to the fluid passage. The valve is selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. A controller is electrically coupled to the valve. The controller emits a control signal to control the valve. The control signal is determined by a combination of at least a first component to alter the stiffness of the liquid spring and a second component to alter the damping of the liquid spring.
In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a vibration control system where the structure is a vehicle, the first structural member is a frame, and the second structural member is a wheel. The first component of the control signal has a first pulse width, the first pulse width being sufficient to change a state of the valve for a portion of a first period. The second component of the control signal comprises a second pulse width, the second pulse width being sufficient to change a state of the valve for a portion of a second period. The controller determines the control signal by combining the first component and the second component.
In an alternative embodiment, the first component of the control signal comprises a first control signal state, the first control signal state being sufficient to change the valve from a first state to a second state for a portion of a first period. The second component of the control signal comprises a second control signal state, the second control signal state being sufficient to change the valve from a second state to a third state for a portion of a second period. The controller combines the first component and the second component to calculate the control signal.
In an embodiment, the vibration control system of the present invention has at least one of the group consisting of a height sensor, a speed sensor and a steering position sensor. The controller alters the width of the first pulse width in response to the signal from the at least one of the group consisting of the height sensor, the speed sensor, and the steering wheel position sensor. The controller alters the second pulse width in response to the height sensor signal.
The present invention, according to embodiment is directed to a method for controlling a liquid spring coupled to a second volume of compressible liquid in a second chamber by a fluid passage having a valve selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. The method has the steps of receiving at least one signal from at least one sensor, and calculating at least one of a force, a displacement, a velocity, and an acceleration detected based upon the at least one signal received. The method also has the steps of selecting at least one the force, the displacement, the velocity, and the acceleration, and generating a stiffness signal based upon the selected at least one the force, the displacement, the velocity, and the acceleration. The method further contains the steps of generating a damping signal based upon the at least one signal received and combining the stiffness signal and the damping signal to obtain a control signal. The generated control signal is sent to the valve.
In an alternative embodiment, the method is for controlling a liquid spring located between a wheel of a vehicle and a frame of the vehicle. The liquid spring is coupled to a second volume of compressible liquid by a fluid passage having a valve selectively operable to place the second volume in communication with the liquid spring. The method has the steps of receiving at least one signal from at least one sensor and calculating at least one of a pitch, a roll, a warp, and a heave of the vehicle from the at least one signal received. The method generates a stiffness signal based upon the calculated at least one of the pitch, the roll, the warp, and the heave, and calculating at least one of a force, a displacement, a velocity, and an acceleration detected on the wheel. The method generates a damping signal based upon at least one of the calculated force, displacement, velocity, and acceleration detected on the wheel. The stiffness signal and the damping signal are combined to create a control signal and the control signal is sent to the valve.

Single valve control of damping and stiffness in a liquid spring system


A high friction, non-slip, flexible and heat resistant plastic net which can be used in various applications, for example, as a truck bed liner. The net is a blend of plastics having different densities and peak melting points. The first component of the blend is preferably a very-low-density to high-density polyethylene or a metallocene polyethylene. The second component of the blend is preferably an ultra-low-density polyethylene plastomer.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a high friction, non-slip, flexible and heat resistant plastic net which can be used in various applications, for example, as a truck bed liner.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of products are known for use as truck bed liners. These products are typically solid plastic shells that fit inside the cavity of a truck bed and solid rubber mats that lay in the bottom of a truck bed. These products suffer from the disadvantages that they are relatively expensive, relatively heavy weight and do not allow water to drain away and evaporate with no moisture collection under the solid plastic shell or solid rubber mat.
The solid plastic shells and solid plastic mats are typically formed from high density polyethylene or the like. High density polyethylene and similar plastics have a relatively low coefficient of friction. This may create problems if cargo slides too freely across the top surfaces of the liners during transportation.
Truck bed liners are typically rigid products having a relatively high flex modulus. Due to the nature of the terrain over which trucks frequently travel, these truck bed liners may crack if the plastic used for the liner is too rigid.
Although many plastics have been proposed for use in truck bed liners, many of these plastics do not have good heat resistance at relatively high temperatures. Heat resistance at relatively high temperatures is an important characteristic for a truck bed liner, especially in many hot, arid regions.
It is known to form nets for various applications from a variety of plastics. For example, high density polyethylene nets are known. However, these nets not only have a relatively low coefficient of friction, but also frequently will not lay down flat for use as a truck bed liner mat.

High friction, non-slip, flexible and heat resistant plastic net


A non-invasive method to predict post-surgery vascular graft failure is provided. Computer Tomography Angiography (CTA) images are obtained of a patient post-surgery. A personalized three-dimensional computer model of the patient is derived from the obtained CTA images. The personalized three-dimensional computer model distinguishes a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model coupled with a closed-loop Lumped Parameter Network (LPN). Post-surgery vascular graft predictors are calculated from the personalized three-dimensional computer model indicative, i.e. predictors, of the post-surgery vascular graft failure or vascular stenosis.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common treatment for patients with multi-vessel obstructive coronary artery diseases. Saphenous vein graft (SVGs), harvested from patients' inner thigh, are typically used, but have high failure rates. Nearly 50% of the SVGs fail within 10 years, leading to further interventions with potentially higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Abnormal wall shear stresses (WSS) and wall biomechanics play a key role in mechanobiological stimuli that contribute to SVG failure. However, these stimuli are difficult to obtain non-invasively through current imaging modalities. This invention advances the art by developing a model and predictors of SVG failure.

Hemodynamic and morphological predictors of vascular graft failure

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University

The Regents of the University of California


A disclosure is disclosed a multimedia device and a method thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a multimedia device of providing a menu bar providing at least one of an available channel, an available application or an available content which is accessible thereof, the multimedia device comprises a display for displaying video data, and a controller for controlling the menu bar to display on the displayed video data in response to a first signal from a remote controller, wherein the menu bar includes a first icon and a second icon, wherein the first icon is related to at least one of a preferred channel, a channel viewed over a predetermined time, a channel viewed over a predetermined number, a recommended content, a recommended application or a recommended channel, wherein the second icon corresponds to a specific user, and wherein, when the second icon is selected, the controller further controls the display to display a Graphic User Interface (GUI) related to a function among a plurality of functions of the multimedia device based on history data of the specific user using the multimedia device.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multimedia device and a method for controlling the same.
Discussion of the Related Art
Not only various standing devices (e.g., a Personal Computer (PC), a television (TV), etc.) but also various mobile devices (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet PC, etc.) have been remarkably developed and come into widespread use. Although the standing devices and the mobile devices have been developed in different ways in their unique regions, their unique regions become ambiguous according to the boom of digital convergence.
Meanwhile, not only a broadcast reception function but also various additional functions (e.g., a computer support function, an Internet function, etc.) have been added to TVs, such that the latest TVs have been implemented as multimedia devices including complex or hybrid functions. However, a method for providing a user environment to each user of the above-mentioned multimedia device in such a manner that each user can more easily access various functions using the user environment needs to be discussed in future.

Multimedia device and method for controlling the same


A device for the removal and replacement of a needle shield having a distal end, an open proximal end and a side wall therebetween having an outside surface includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The housing includes a bore therein beginning at the proximal end. A threaded portion is provided in the housing along the bore and accessible through the bore. The threaded structure is spaced from the proximal end of the housing and is capable of engaging and holding the outside surface of a needle shield which is placed into the bore through the proximal end of the housing and rotated in a direction to advance the needle shield distally along the threaded structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to needle reshielding devices and more particularly relates to a device and a method for the removal and the replacement of a needle shield.
2. Description of Related Information
Hypodermic needles are used throughout the world for numerous purposes. Most commonly, they are used in conjunction with syringes to deliver medication to a patient or to an intravenous delivery system having a pierceable entry port. Hypodermic needles are also used with syringes for taking blood samples and in conjunction with evacuated tubes for taking blood samples.
A commercially available hypodermic needle generally consists of a needle shield and a needle assembly. The needle shield has an elongate body and an open proximal end. The needle assembly includes a hub having a passageway therethrough and a needle cannula projecting outwardly from the hub and having a lumen therethrough in fluid communication with the passageway. The hub may be a separate component or an integral part of the syringe barrel. In either case the needle shield usually frictionally engages the hub which many times has a frusto-conically shaped exterior surface to frictionally engage the inside diameter of the needle shield to hold the needle shield in place over the needle thus protecting the needle from damage from outside forces and protecting the user from accidental skin puncture by the needle.
At time of use the needle shield is removed exposing the sharp distal point of the needle cannula. Even before use, the sharp point of the needle can inflict minor injury if the user inadvertently sticks himself or herself. After use the sharpened needle tip poses an additional problem because it may be contaminated and be an instrument for the inadvertent transfer of infection or disease. Many hospitals require reporting of all accidental needle sticks so that even an incident with a clean sterile needle is a reportable incident requiring expenditure of time and money.
Great effort has been expended to minimize the possibility of inadvertent needle sticks. Inadvertent needle sticks can happen during the act of reshielding as the user attempts to guide the sharp needle into the small diameter proximal opening of the needle shield so that the needle shield re-engages the hub. The user may miss the needle shield and stick his or her own hand. It is the belief of some that needle re-shielding should not be attempted and the used hypodermic needle should be disposed of immediately. In many applications this type of disposal may not be practical if the disposal apparatus or means is not in the area where the hypodermic needle is being used. Others recommend cautious re-shielding by one-handed techniques or one-handed devices or two-handed techniques using devices having projections for shielding the user's hand and/or for guiding the needle toward the needle shield interior.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,386 to Simmons teaches a device for uncapping and capping the protective sheath of a hypodermic needle. In one embodiment, Simmons provides a hand-held shield to isolate the fingers from the sheath and to provide a barrier to protect the user in case the needle misses the opening in the sheath upon reassembly. Reshielding devices such as these must be carefully designed and carefully used. The shield material must be strong enough to prevent the needle from penetrating all the way through to the user's hands yet not hard enough that the needle would slide off the shield into the user's hand. Although this embodiment of Simmons' device greatly reduces the chance of needle stick it does not eliminate it. Simmons teaches another embodiment which is attached to a work surface providing one-handed uncapping and re-capping. Both embodiments of Simmons appear to work by frictionally engaging the exterior of the sheath to hold the sheath with greater force than the resisting force of the sheaths frictional engagement to the tapered needle mount of the syringe.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,910 to Staebler also enables a needle sheath holder which can be hand-held or set in a stand or a test tube rack. The needle sheath holder frictionally engages the needle sheath through the deflection of a plurality of gripper members in a gripping assembly. It is unclear if the needle sheath can be removed from the holder by applying forces to the syringe without disengaging the needle sheath from the syringe or if Staebler intends that the needle sheath remain permanently in the holder.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 302,295 to Hanifl et al. illustrates a needle resheather. This needle resheather appears to rely on frictional engagement with the sheath and because of its right angle structure appears to be mountable on either of its two sides or in a corner.
The needle sheath holding device of Simmons, Staebler and Hanifl et al. undesirably rely on frictional engagement of the needle sheath. Frictional engagement is not desirable because increasing the axial force on the hypodermic syringe to engage the sheath in the holder not only tightens the grip of the holder on the sheath also increases the frictional engagement force of the sheath to the needle hub. Increasing forces to engage require increasing forces to withdraw the syringe from the needle sheath which may require such an amount of force as to cause the assembly to abruptly come apart and injuring the user. It would be desirable if the forces used to engage the needle sheath into the holder did not also make it more difficult for the needle to be removed from the sheath. Also, the use for friction for engagement can result in a system which acts differently with every use. Higher engagement forces for the sheath into the holder result in higher removal forces necessary to expose the needle for use. Also final removal of the needle sheath from the holder may be difficult.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,149 to Gillilan also teaches a device for the removal or attachment of a needle sheath to a needle assembly using resilient material to frictionally engage the needle shield. Gillilan has an apparent advantage over other friction devices that rely on friction to hold the needle shield in that structure to assist in ejecting the needle shield from the device is taught.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,945 to Wade et al. teaches a syringe needle cap resheathing and removal apparatus capable of single-handed operation for three different standard needle cap shapes. The device of Wade et al. provides a lateral recess of varying shape to accept several types of needle caps and hold them in position through the shape of the side walls along the lateral recess and the cantilever flexing of one of the members to apply a frictional grip on the needle shield. In the Wade et al. device the force used to engage and remove the needle cap from the apparatus is directed perpendicularly to the axis of the needle cap.
A syringe scabbard sold by Syringe Scabbard Systems of Lyndhurst, Ohio is a device for one-handed unshielding and re-shielding which is provided with an adhesive base to adhere it to a work surface. A syringe scabbard device apparently relies on a claw-shaped lip to engage the proximal surface of the needle shield so that the syringe may be withdrawn while the needle shield is retained in the device. This device does not appear to rely on axially applied frictional forces to engage the needle shield in he device. Apparently there is enough space in the Syringe Scabbard device to allow for re-shielding and removal without engaging the lip. A device such as this may present problems in that it appears that the claw-shaped lip may also be capable of removing the hypodermic needle from syringes which do not have the locking luer feature. Also the Syringe Scabbard device does not appear to hold the needle shield after removal but just to provide a restrained storage area wherein the needle shield may move around making re-shielding a more difficult time-consuming procedure since the shield is not restrained from lateral motion.
Although the art has provided improved devices to facilitate the removal and re-engagement of needle shields while lowering the possibility of accidental needle sticks there is still a need for a simple, straight-forward, reliable, easily fabricated device for the removal and replacement of a needle shield which holds the needle shield in a releasably secure position without relying on axially applied frictional forces to engage the needle shield in the device. There is also a need for a device for the removal and replacement of a needle shield which will accommodate commercially available needle shields without alteration of the needle shields.

Device for the removal and replacement of a needle shield


Methods and apparatus for improving modularity in a micro-fluid ejection device and for providing instruction data to a plurality of data handling devices within a micro-fluid ejection device. The method includes generating device data and appending an address to the device data to generate instruction data. The address typically indicates at least one data handling device within the micro-fluid ejection device for which the device data is intended. The instruction data is provided to a plurality of data handling devices including at least one data controller. The data controller is operated to decode the address from the instruction data and select at least one data handling device to receive the device data based upon the decoded address. The device data is thereby input into each selected data handling device and subsequently used to operate the micro-fluid ejection device.

Traditionally in a micro-fluid ejection device, the transmission of instruction data through the device is understood. Instruction data is provided to various registers, and is latched to the registers with a "load" signal from an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"). The instruction data, previously supplied by the load signal, is activated when the ASIC initiates a "fire" signal. Such data transmission and coordination with the ASIC operates a micro-fluid ejection device to print an object on a medium.
Additional functionality, such as memory reads/writes, test operations and output data control selection are being added to micro-fluid ejection devices to improve functionality. However, to be compatible with the existing design and architecture of current micro-fluid ejection devices, data transmission methods and devices must he altered. As a result, implementation of such additional functionality has resulted in increased complexity, higher cost and lengthy data transmissions. For instance, previously simple control signals from the ASIC such as "fire" and "load" require special sequences and timings to properly execute additional functionality. Additionally, extra logic is required to support the various functions thereby occupying large portions of valuable silicon area. For example, internal registers and control signals "fire" and "load" must be expanded to support a memory function or other function that is added to a device. These drawbacks hinder the possibility of increasing the functionality of a micro-fluid ejection device.
Accordingly, there is a need to improve the modularity of a micro-fluid ejection device without increasing device and transmission complexity.

Enhanced communications protocol for improved modularity in a micro-fluid ejection device


A fire-resistant identification device comprising an asbestos card embossed with identification indicia. The card is enclosed in a fire-resistant ceramic holder. The identification device is for use on passenger and other aircraft, ships, railroads and industrial plants.

The inventor relates to identification devices in general and to a fire-resistant identification device in particular.
In many disasters, such as passenger aircraft crashes, industrial, maritime explosions on ships, train wrecks, etc., persons are burned or destroyed beyond recognition. Although many persons carry identification cards of plastic or paper in wallets, these identification devices are burned or destroyed, making it difficult, if not impossible, to identify the corpses.


A display device includes a first display panel including a common electrode disposed thereon, and a second display panel including; thin film transistors (“TFTs”) each including a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, a first passivation layer disposed on the source and drain electrodes, a second passivation layer disposed on the first passivation layer and including at least one sensing protrusion, pixel electrodes disposed on the second passivation layer and connected with the drain electrode, and at least one conductive member disposed on the sensing protrusion.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thin film transistor array panel and a display device.
(b) Description of the Related Art
Liquid crystal displays ("LCDs"), which are one type of flat panel display devices, include two panels, one with pixel electrodes formed thereon and one with a common electrode formed thereon, and a liquid crystal layer with dielectric anisotropy interposed between the two panels. The pixel electrodes are arranged substantially in a matrix and are connected with switching elements such as thin film transistors ("TFTs") to receive an image data voltage sequentially row by row. The area formed by each pixel electrode is referred to as a pixel, and an LCD may include a plurality of pixels. The common electrode is formed on the entire surface of one of two panels and receives a common voltage. A pixel electrode, the corresponding portion of the common electrode, and corresponding portion of the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween form a liquid crystal capacitor in terms of circuitry, and the liquid crystal capacitor is a basic element of a pixel together with the switching element connected thereto.
In the LCD, a voltage is applied to the two electrodes to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal layer, and transmittance of light which passes through the liquid crystal layer is controlled by varying the strength of the electric field to thus obtain a desired degree of light transmittance. The degree of light transmittance may be nearly simultaneously controlled in the plurality of pixels to generate an image.
Touch screen panels are input devices for enabling a user to interact with a machine such as a computer by writing or drawing characters or figures using a finger or a pen on a screen in a contact manner. The interaction may also be by using a finger or pen to press an on-screen button or icon to instruct the computer to perform an action. LCDs including the touch screen panels can recognize whether the finger of the user or the touch pen contacts on the screen and can also obtain contact position information of the contact.
However, the LCD including the touch screen panel has problems in that the installation of the touch screen panel increases a unit cost, an additional process of attaching the touch screen panel on a liquid crystal panel assembly reduces production yield, luminance of the LCD deteriorates, and a thickness of the product increases.

Thin film transistor array panel and display device


A light bulb is disclosed, and includes a screw shell defining a cavity, a screw shell insulator, and a driver board. The screw shell insulator defines a passageway that terminates in an aperture. The driver board includes a positive leg that projects from a proximal edge of the driver board, with a proximal end portion that protrudes outside of the aperture, and a negative leg that projects from the proximal edge of the driver board, with a proximal end portion that is electrically connected to the screw shell. The positive leg is configured to extend through the passageway to make electrical contact with a positive terminal of a light socket. Variants in which a base shell and the legs are configured for bayonet type, multifaceted reflector, and T8-like bases are also disclosed.

Light emitting diode (LED) based lighting systems may offer several energy and reliability advantages over other types of lighting systems such as, for example, incandescent or fluorescent lighting. Thus, LED based lighting systems are increasingly being used to replace other existing lighting technologies. An LED based light bulb mechanism may require contact engagement in order to transfer electrical current from a supply voltage to a driver board which provides current to the LEDs. Conventional LED based light bulbs typically utilize wires or precision formed mechanical contacts to transfer the supply or line voltage to the driver board.
The wires used to transfer current from the supply to the driver board are flexible. Since the wires are flexible, it may be challenging to align the wires during production using an automated assembly process. This is because flexible wires are difficult, if not impossible, to position the wires at a point of assembly in repetitive alignment. Accordingly, such wires are usually positioned and affixed manually by an operator during assembly. Using an operator to assemble the wiring with the light bulb is usually time consuming.
Alternatively, line voltage may be transferred to the driver board using mechanical contacts which are capable of being assembled to the screw shell by an automated process. However, such mechanical contacts contain several precision formed components, which are typically expensive and therefore add cost to the light bulb.


A port for injecting medicaments through an implanted catheter. A capsule is formed by a bottom, a circumferential wall defining a cavity and a pierceable upper wall for closing the cavity. The circumferential wall of the capsule has an outlet opening that is shielded by a filter member and to which one end of the catheter is connected. A highly porous filter member of sintered material abuts the cross section of the outlet opening in the circumferential wall. Since the canula tip piercing the upper wall stays clear of the filter member, its position relative to the outlet opening is not influenced by the canula tip and--independent from the material of the sintered filter member--it is not damaged by the canula tip.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a port for injecting medicaments through an implanted catheter. More particularly, the present invention relates to a port for injecting medicaments through an implanted catheter consisting of a capsule formed by a bottom, a circumferential wall enclosing a cavity, and a pierceable upper wall closing the cavity, the circumferential wall of the capsule having an outlet opening that is shielded by a filter member and to which one end of the catheter is connected.
2. Description of Related Art.
Such ports, also called "injection members", are known (German Patent 33 09 788) and generally implanted together with the catheter. The capsule has the form of a round flat shell, the cavity of which is tightly sealed by the upper wall consisting of an elastic membrane. The upper edge of the shell is configured such that one may dispose of a maximum elastic membrane surface as the injection surface. In the plane of the bottom, the capsule has a radially projecting annular flange provided with holes for suturing the capsule to the fascia. In the above known port, the outlet opening in the circumferential wall of the capsule is in communication with a radial connecting piece on which the catheter end may be plugged. An improved connection between the port and the catheter is obtained by inserting the catheter into a connecting piece of the capsule and by clamping the same by means of a sleeve-like elastomeric clamping member that may be radially deformed by a pressure member connectable with the connecting piece and which fixedly clamps the catheter (German Patent 36 28 337).
In practical use, it often happens that the pierceable upper wall (port membrane) is not perforated with port canulas specially designed for that range of application, but that users apply conventional cannulas having a disadvantageous thickness and grinding geometry. This results in fine material chips being punched out of the elastomeric upper wall that can clog the outlet opening in the circumferential wall of the capsule or the catheter itself or which may be transferred into the blood vessels. In a subcutaneous injection device according to German Patent 36 41 107, this is to be prevented by means of a porous plug of foamed material that is covered by a metal sieve and arranged above the outlet opening, bridging the cross section of the cavity and extending in parallel to the bottom thereof. This arrangement is not permanently reliable since the plate-shaped plug of foamed material that is held in the cavity of the capsule only at its rim, may loosen due to a repeated pressing of the canula tip on the superimposed metal sieve in the capsule and may thus become leaky at the rim.
It is an object of the present invention to improve a port of the initially mentioned type such that a highly effective filter is entirely functional over long periods of time.


A pressure-tight cap assembly providing a leak-proof seal against positive nternal tank pressure. Tank pressure may be vented prior to unlocking and removing the cap. The cap assembly incorporates an external adaptor with ears and slots in its outside circumference to be permanently threaded onto the tank outlet pipe and a quick-disconnect cap containing a spring. The spring fits inside the adaptor and the cap slides over the adaptor and locks onto the adaptor by means of cylindrical pins on its inside diameter received by the slots of the adaptor. A rubber O-ring fits between the outer diameter of the adaptor and the inner diameter of the cap and cooperates with the spring to provide both a leak-proof seal and a means for venting tank pressure.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to quick-disconnect, leak-proof cap assemblies for containers. In a primary application, the invention relates to a quick-disconnect, leak-proof cap assembly for containers having positive internal pressure where the internal pressure may be safely vented through the cap prior to disconnecting the cap from the container.
2. Description of Prior art
Containers for gases and liquids frequently have positive internal pressure relative to pressure outside the container and require pressure-light, leak-proof cap assemblies on container outlets. Common examples of such containers are gas containers, fuel tanks, radiators and the like. Typically, such caps are specially designed for the particular container outlet or work cooperatively with an adaptor fitting for the outlet where either the cap or adaptor or both contain a sealing means for protection against loss of contents or pressure from the container.
Frequently, such caps are not made to disconnect quickly and easily and are either threaded on or are held in place by threaded nuts requiring wrenches for removal. Threads tend to wear out with use or corrode by interaction with the contained material or the external environment limiting the lifetime and usefulness of the cap. Some quick-disconnect cap assemblies are found in the prior art which avoid this limitation. A more serious limitation, however, exists with all such cap assemblies, quick-disconnect and otherwise that poses a distinct safety hazard. That limitation is the inability to vent the internal pressure of the container prior to release and removal of the cap. The instant invention provides a leak-proof, quick-disconnect cap assembly that also permits such venting of internal pressure of a container and subsequent safe removal of the cap.

Quick disconnect cap having pressure venting means

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


A press machine includes at least one mobile bolster movable with respect to the press machine, a plurality of die assemblies mounted on the mobile bolster and arranged in a row at equal intervals, a plurality of handling bars for transferring a plurality of workpieces successively through the die assemblies, one or more workpiece holders detachably mounted on each of the handling bars for holding the workpieces, feed bars for moving the handling bars, lifting/lower units for vertically moving the feed bars, and handling bar gripping devices for gripping the handling bars. A method of changing the workpiece holders comprises the steps of gripping the handling bars with the handling bar gripping devices, releasing the feed bars from the handling bars, elevating the feed bars beyond the die assemblies with the lifting/lowering units, moving the mobile bolster out of the press machine, and detaching the workpiece holders from the handling bars and replacing the workpiece holders with new workpiece holders.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a method of carrying, from a press machine, handling bars which hold and transfer a workpiece from die to die, and more particularly to a method of replacing workpiece holders detachably mounted on such handling bars with new workpiece holders when dies are changed.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 57-134224 discloses a press machine having a portal press, and first and second adjacent pressing dies which are mounted on the portal press and disposed along the direction in which a workpiece is transferred. The press machine includes a workpiece supply station located upstream of the first pressing die, with respect to the workpiece transferring direction, for supplying a workpiece to be pressed, and a workpiece stock station located downstream of the second pressing die for temporarily storing a pressed workpiece. Two feed bars are disposed one on each side of the dies and extend in the workpiece transferring direction, the feed bars being movable vertically and in the workpiece transferring direction by suitable means. Between the feed bars, there extend and are connected a plurality of handling bars each having workpiece holders or vacuum cups for holding a workpiece. When the feed bars are moved, these handling bars successively transfers a plurality of workpieces from the workpiece supply station to the first pressing die to the second pressing die finally to the workpiece stock station.
If workpieces are to be pressed to a different shape, the existing dies must be replaced with new dies to effect the new pressing process. The new pressing process also requires replacement of the old workpiece holders or vacuum cups with new ones. Heretofore, there are known two methods of replacing the workpiece holders. According to one method, the handling bars are detached from the feed bars, and then moved out of the press machine for replacing the existing vacuum cups with new vacuum cups. According to the other known method, the handling bars are not carried out of the press machine, and the old vacuum cups are replaced with new vacuum cups within the press machine. However, the former method is of poor efficiency since the handling bars are manually dismounted from the feed bars. The latter method fails to effect a smooth and quick replacement procedure because of a limited space available for replacement in the press machine.

Method of changing workpiece holders for press machine


A method and apparatus to reconfigure parameters for establishing a link with a new host after a computer is moved to a new location or a new network.

There are growing demands for mobile Internet access. Conventional computer systems are commonly configured in local area networks. A mobile computer may use a standard PCMCIA network card to connect to the local area network. The PCMCIA network card typically includes a telephony modem that can be physically connected by network cable to a telephone line. Once connected, nodes within the network communicate with one another through air and space using radio, microwave, and infrared frequencies in the megacycle/second or kilomegacycle/second ranges, or through other well-known techniques in the field such as point-to-point laser systems. However, the network cable connection restricts the computers' mobility because these computers need to be physically connected to a "hub" or "port."
One promising solution for providing network access to mobile computers is the Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC). The WNIC eliminates the need for network cables, and thus allows for more user mobility. Armed with a WNIC, a node in the wireless network, such as a notebook computer, can be as far as 150 feet away from the rest of the network, depending on the composition and thickness of the walls in the building where the wireless local area network (WLAN) is deployed. The WNIC cards communicate with one another through radio waves, and the transmission rate can be as high as 11 Mbps.
The WNIC works in two modes: infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode. In the infrastructure mode, a WNIC communicates with the network through an Access Point (AP) devices. In the ad hoc mode, the WNIC's communicate with one another directly without using AP devices.
Despite the mobility, nodes equipped with a WNIC still face problems regarding hardware and network configurations. When a mobile computer moves between multiple AP devices, or switches from infrastructure mode to ad hoc mode, the mobile computer is typically disconnected and then reconnected. The mobile computer subsequently needs to be manually reconfigured by the user for proper connection to a new system. Therefore, there exists a need for a method and apparatus to automatically reconfigure the WNIC contained within a computer when the computer moves between AP devices within a network, and/or when the computer moves outside the network to connect to a different network.

Automatic switching network points based on configuration profiles


STA-20, a molecular sieve having a new framework type, is described. STA-20AP (as prepared) can have an alkyl amine, such as trimethylamine, and 1,6-(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) hexyl cations (from diDABCO-C6) as SDAs. A lower alkyl ammonium hydroxide, such as tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, can be used as a pH modifier for making SAPO STA-20. A calcined product, STA-20C, formed from as made STA-20 is also described. Methods of preparing STA-20, activating STA-20 by calcination, and metal containing calcined counterparts of STA-20 are described along with methods of using STA-20 and metal containing calcined counterparts of STA-20 in a variety of processes, such as treating exhaust gases and converting methanol to olefins are described.

Molecular sieves are a commercially important class of materials that have distinct crystal structures with defined pore structures that are shown by distinct X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The crystal structure defines cavities and channels/pores that are characteristic of the specific type of molecular sieve: this is usually described as the framework type or topological type. A full listing of framework types is maintained by the IZA (International Zeolite Association) http://www.iza-structure.org/databases/. Such framework types or topological types are not defined by composition only by the arrangement of the T-atoms (tetrahedral atoms) that bound the channels/pores and cavities and make up a structure. Thus a framework type or topological type is unique and is provided with a unique three letter code by the IZA.
An example of a topological type (framework type) is CHA. The CHA topological type (framework type) is designated after the natural mineral chabazite. Various synthetic versions of the CHA topological type have been described most notably SSZ-13 (Zones, S. I. U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,538, (1985)) that has a composition in terms of silica:alumina ratio distinct from the natural mineral and SAPO-34 Lok, B. M., Messina, C. A., Patton, R. L., Gajek, R. T., Cannan, T. R. and Flanigen, E. M. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 106, 6092-6093 (1984)) that has a framework composition consisting of SiO2, AlO2 and PO2 tetrahedra (i.e. it is not an aluminsosilicate but a silicoaluminophosphate). Chabazite (the natural mineral), SSZ-13 and SAPO-34 all have the same framework structure (topological type) but have different compositions. Such differences in composition have a profound influence on the properties, hence usefulness in terms of industrial applications, of a material.
Molecular sieves have numerous industrial applications, and zeolites of certain frameworks, such as CHA, are known to be effective catalyst for treating combustion exhaust gas in industrial applications including internal combustion engines, gas turbines, coal-fired power plants, and the like. In one example, nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas may be controlled through a so-called selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process whereby NOx compounds in the exhaust gas are contacted with a reducing agent in the presence of a zeolite catalyst. In another example, molecular sieve zeolites having the CHA framework type have found application in the conversion of methanol to olefins (MTO) catalysis. In the case of MTO catalysis it is the silicoaluminophosphate composition of the CHA topological type that has found utility in MTO catalysis.
As has been noted, two types of molecular sieves are zeolites and SAPOs. Zeolites were traditionally considered to be crystalline or quasi-crystalline aluminosilicates constructed of repeating TO4 tetrahedral units with T bring most commonly Si and Al (although other T-atoms such B, Fe and Ga have been described). These units are linked together to form frameworks having regular intra-crystalline cavities and/or channels of molecular dimensions. Numerous types of synthetic zeolites have been synthesized and each has a unique framework based on the specific arrangement its tetrahedral units. By convention, each topological type is assigned a unique three-letter code (e.g., "GME") by the International Zeolite Association (IZA). SAPO's have a three-dimensional microporous crystalline framework of PO2+, AlO2−, and SiO2 tetrahedral units. Because an aluminophosphate (AlPO4) framework is inherently neutral, the incorporation of silicon into the AlPO4 framework by substitution generates a net negative charge that, similar to aluminosilicate zeolites, can be used to generate acid sites. Controlling the quantity and location of silicon atoms incorporated into an AlPO4 framework is important in determining the catalytic properties of a particular SAPO molecular sieve.
The catalytic properties of a SAPO catalyst also can be modified after the SAPO molecular sieve has been synthesized. This type of "post-synthesis" modification is accomplished by treating the molecular sieve with metallic, semi-metallic or non-metallic materials comprising nickel, cobalt, manganese, magnesium, barium, strontium, lanthanides, actinides, fluorine, chlorine, chelating agents, and others. The modifiers may or may not become part of the final composition of the modified catalyst.
The majority of the framework types described by the IZA require an organic template or structure directing agent (SDA) to facilitate their synthesis. With very few exceptions the SDA is incorporated into the molecular sieve framework during the synthesis process and has to be removed, usually by a heat treatment stage, before the channels/pores and cavities can be "freed up" and made accessible to other molecules.
As an example, synthetic zeolites of the SFW topological type when prepared as aluminosilicate compositions are produced using structure directing agents (SDAs), also referred to as a "templates" or "templating agents". The SDAs that are used in the preparation of aluminosilicate SFW topological type materials are typically complex organic molecules which guide or direct the molecular shape and pattern of the zeolite's framework. Generally, the SDA can be considered as a mold around which the zeolite crystals form: hence the early descriptor of "template". After the crystals are formed, the SDA is removed from the interior structure of the crystals, leaving a molecularly porous aluminosilicate cage.
In typical synthesis techniques, solid zeolite crystals precipitate from a reaction mixture which contains the framework reactants (e.g., a source of silica and a source of alumina), a source of hydroxide ions (e.g., NaOH), and an SDA. Such synthesis techniques can take several hours to days (depending on factors such as crystallization temperature and the specific zeolite) to achieve the desired crystallization. When crystallization is complete, the solid precipitate containing the zeolite crystals is separated from the mother liquor which is discarded. This discarded mother liquor frequently contains unused SDA, and this may be wholly or partially degraded due to harsh reaction conditions, and unreacted silica.
The SFW framework has been recently discovered and synthesised as an aluminosilicate (SSZ-52) by Zou and coworkers (D. Xie, L. B. McCusker, C. Baerlocher, S. I. Zones, W. Wan, X. Zou, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2013, 135, 10519-10524) The use of a polycyclic quaternary ammonium cation (N,N-diethyl-5,8-dimethyl-2-azonium bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane) as SDA leads to the formation of a stacking-faulted structure.
There is a need to develop new zeolites having the basic structure of known zeolites, where minor changes in the structure can affect one or more of the catalytic properties of the zeolite. In some cases, while minor changes in the structure may not be discernable using normally used analytical techniques, the catalytic activity of the structurally modified zeolite may be improved relative to very closely related analogous zeolites. Unexpected improvements in the catalytic activity of such structurally modified zeolites can allow for the compositions of exhaust gases from engines to meet various regulatory requirements.

STA-20, a novel molecular sieve framework type, methods of preparation and use


Degradation-resistant polyolefin articles, such as fibers, films, sheets and the like, are prepared from polymeric compositions containing a stabilizing system comprising a hindered amine and a nickel phosphonate which have been overcoated with a finish comprising an ethoxylated lubricant and a phosphate ester. In a preferred embodiment, polypropylene textile materials having improved thermal stability are provided compositions containing a stabilizing system comprising a hindered amine and a nickel phosphonate which have been overcoated with a finish composition comprising an ethoxylated lubricant and a phosphate ester in an amount sufficient to impart antistatic properties to said composition and increase the thermal stability of said polypropylene textile materials.

This invention relates to degradation resistant polyolefin articles including filaments, fibers, films, sheets, and the like. In accordance with another aspect, this invention relates to degradation resistant polyolefin articles which contain a stabilizing system comprising a hindered amine and a metal phosphonate which are overcoated with a finish composition comprising an ethoxylated compound and a phosphate ester. In accordance with another aspect, textile materials formed from polymers of propylene containing a stabilizing system are overcoated with a finishing composition comprising an ethoxylated textile lubricant and a phosphate ester antistatic agent to impart antistatic properties and increase the thermal stability of the textile materials.
In the formation of textile materials from melt spun polypropylene it is normally necessary to apply a finishing composition to the filaments, yarns and other textile embodiments thereof to make such materials more amenable to the various operations to which they are subjected during processing, for example, spinning, winding, yarn-forming, weaving, knitting, etc., and to improve the properties of the finished products. In the processing of the textile materials, the finishing composition is intended to reduce friction between the yarn and various pieces of equipment with which it comes into contact, such as guides, rollers and the like, and in both the processing and use of the textile materials to reduce friction between the fibers themselves, to prevent fiber and yarn breakage and to minimize excessive attraction or repulsion of the filaments caused by electrostatic charges. Accordingly, such finishing compositions usually contain a lubricant and an antistatic agent. Various other additives such as bactericides, corrosion inhibitors, etc., may also be added to the finishing composition.
However, it has been found that not all thermoplastic materials respond to finishing compositions in the same manner, not all combinations of finishing agents are compatible with one another and not all finishing agents are compatible with stabilizers and the like added to the thermoplastic melt. Specifically, it has been found, in accordance with the present invention, that polypropylenes do not respond to certain lubricants in the same manner as other thermoplastic fiber-forming materials, particularly when the polypropylenes contain less than the normal amounts of stabilizing agents, such as antioxidants, or when they contain specific types of stabilizing agents. By less than normal amounts of stabilizers is meant polypropylene containing from about 0.1 to about 0.6 weight percent total stabilizers. It has also been found that certain textile lubricants have an antagonistic effect on certain stabilizers included in polypropylene melts.
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide degradation resistance to polyolefin articles.
Another object of this invention is to provide polyolefin articles overcoated with a finishing composition providing antistatic and thermal stability properties to the articles.
Another object of this invention is to provide a stabilizing system and a finishing composition for polyolefin articles that are compatible.
Other objects, aspects as well as the several advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification and the appended claims.

Stabilized polyolefin substrate overcoated with an ethoxylated lubricant and a phosphate ester


A power generation system including a partially enclosed container assembly housing a plurality of spherical balls at a container height disposed above a ground surface, each of the plurality of spherical balls having a ball weight. The power generation system also includes a conveyor assembly with a conveyor-drive system having a plurality of ball-catch members. The conveyor assembly includes a proximal end coupled to the container assembly, a distal end, and a conveyer length separating the proximal and distal ends. The conveyor assembly spans downwardly from the container assembly at a location below the container height and is operably configured, via the ball-catch members of the conveyor-drive system, to transport the spherical balls. A generator is operably coupled to the conveyor-drive system and is operably configured to produce electricity. The power generation system also includes a lift assembly having a lift-drive system spanning from a ball-receiving position to a ball-dispersing position with a height disposed above the ground surface that is greater than the container height. The lift-drive system includes a ball-platform sized to hold the plurality of spherical balls and a platform operably coupled to the lift-drive system that is sized to hold a plurality of users. The platform includes a raised position and a lowered position along a lift translation path. The raised position includes a height disposed above the ground surface that is greater than the container height. Movement of the platform of the lift-drive system along the lift translation path is operably configured to move the ball-platform of the lift-drive system along ball-platform translation path to transport the spherical balls to the ball-dispersing position.

It is well known that energy is a vital component of all development programs and modern day activities. For example, energy is needed for physical comfort, the manufacture of useful materials, transportation, communication, and the like. Energy is made available through a number of methods, such as, the harnessing of natural energy flows such as moving water, solar radiation and wind, and fuels such as wood, coal, oil, and natural gas. Unfortunately, the harnessing and utilization of energy is associated with depletion and environmental damage, and other negative consequences.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.